Congo : Go Congo Tour Operator

Go Congo Tour Operator

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The Démocratic Républic of Congo

Discover an unspoiled part of Africa and experience the adventure of a lifetime.During the past 10 years, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, former Zaïre, hasn’t been accessible for tourists. Two subsequent wars made travel practically impossible. Now that the political situation has stabilized, tourists are able to visit this magnificent country again. Go Congo's adventurous trips are built to reflect the spirit of eco-tourism. You will enjoy close encounters with the abundant nature and local culture. Explore this website to find out more about our company and our products and services.

With a total length of 4371 kilometres, the Congo river is the second largest river in Africa, after the Nile. And with a debit of 40000 cubic metres per second, it is the second largest river in the world, after the Amazon. From its source in South Katanga, in the village of Musfi, at an elevation of 1435 metres, the river contours the entire country, passing through Kisangani, Mbandaka, Kinshasa and Matadi before reaching the Atlantic Ocean near Banana. The waters from the Congo river collide with the ocean waters some 45 kilometres out into the Atlantic. The Congo river basin offers a total of 14166 kilometres of navigable waters in the interior of the D.R.Congo. Our cruise covers the 1750 kilometres between Kinshasa and Kisangani, which is the largest navigable portion of the Congo river. Upstream, just beyond Kisangani, navigability is limited by a series of rapids, home of the world famous Wagenia Fisheries, extending over a total length of nearly 100 kilometres. Downstream, just beyond Kinshasa, navigability is limited by another series of rapids. Over a distance of 300 kilometres, the river drops 265 metres to reach the sea port of Matadi. Both unnavigable sections are contoured by a railway in order to overcome natures barriers. The cruises are being operated both upstream, from Kinshasa to Kisangani, and downstream, from Kisangani to Kinshasa. Kisangani and a tented campement in the interior. The large comfortable tents are divided into two large compartments with a central hallway and comfortably sleep up to four adults. As beds, we offer self-inflating mattresses with cotton mattress covers and pillows. Travellers are expected to bring their own bedlinnen. Furthermore, the campement will comprise a minimum of one shower tent and one basic toilet tent. The number of sanitary tents will depend on the number of clients. Travellers are expected to bring their own towels and shampoo/soap.The trip is based on Bed&Breakfast in Kinshasa and Full Board in the interior. The Full Board Meal plan consists of a Breakfast, a light Lunch and a two-course Dinner. Our breakfast is inspired on the so-called continental breakfast, including Sliced Bread and Rolls - Butter, Cheese, Ham/Salami and Jam - Cereals with Milk and Sugar - Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate. Our Lunch and Dinner consist mainly of local specialties. Fresh fruit and local snack-food are served as lunch on board. The Main Course of our Dinner consists of Meat, Poultry, Fish or Pasta - Vegetables - Rice, Potatoes or 'Foufou', a local side dish made of the manioc plant. The Dessert traditionally consists of fresh fruit. Highlights The trip can be characterised by natural and cultural highlights, with some historical aspects.

Some highlights of the cities or villages travellers will pass on the way: Kinshasa: Kinshasa, the capital of the D.R.Congo, used to be referred to as "Kin La Belle" - meaning "Beautiful Kinshasa". The many years of turmoil have broken down on this image. But slowly and surely, Kinshasa is regaining its splendour. Some of the major sites include the "Grand Marché", the tomb of former President Laurent Kabila, the "Academy des Beaux Arts" for those who like African art, the rapids of Kinsuka just downstream from the city and the Bonobo Reserve, a sanctuary for orphaned bonobo-monkeys, one of the five Great Apes, and the closest to mankind. Kinkole: Kinkole is a small fishing port, some 40 kilometres from downtown Kinshasa. With its lively fish-market, it attracts a lot of "Kinois" during the weekend for a bit of fresh air. But there is more to this little fishermen's village than meets the eye. It has also been the scene of major political demonstrations. It was here that the birth of the national currency unit, the Zaire, was announced, in 1967, and that the MPR (Popular Revolutionary Movement) was launched (The political party of the former President Mobutu Sese Seko). Mbandaka: Mbandaka, the capital of the Equator province, lies on the equator. A marker on the Av. Bolenge symbolizes the line of the equator that passes through the city. The former President Mobutu Sese Seko attended school here. Mbandaka is one of the main river ports. The region of Mbandaka is the home of the Batswa Pygmies. Lisala: Lisala is the home town of the former President Mobutu Sese Seko. He was born here in a small municipal maternity clinic. A broad trunked tree - a "Libanga" - commemorates this event with a plaque: "This tree commemorates the birth of the Father of the Zairian Revolution, Mobutu Sese Seko, born on 14 October 1930." Bumba: In Bumba, the Congo river broadens out to its widest part, some 20 kilometres across. The river is covered with water hyacinths and practically paved with innumerable islands, through and around which the fishermen's pirogues ply. The water hyacinth is thought to have been introduced into Congo in 1960 by a South-American Missionary who brought seedlings of this flower in his luggage. It proliferated so wildly that the missionary tossed a few excess plants into the river. This innocent gesture has produced incalculable results, since the river hyacinths have become a real hazard to navigation. The region of Bumba is also the home of the Bafoto Pygmies. Kisangani: Kisangani was founded by Sir Henry Morton Stanley in January 1877. Memorable sites include the Tshopo River Falls and the Wagenia fisheries, set up in the midst of river rapids. Fishing is carried on by means of a complex structure set among the rocks. Lianas attached to cross poles act as stretchers for the nets submerged in the foaming water. The fishermen go about their business in pirogues, plying among rapids and rocks. Their agility and daredevil boldness are an unfailing source of amazement.