King of Diamonds | Journey Across DRC Congo Kinshasa + ROC Congo Brazzaville

Along the banks of the River Congo on the western side of Central Africa are two capital cities, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kinshasa, and the Republic of Congo’s Brazzaville, both home to dapper Sapeurs, gateways to vibrant tribes of mystical dancers, gorillas, geologic wonders in heart of darkness rainforest jungles, and kingly incarnations among ancient tribal kingdoms.

If you haven’t heard the term before, Sapeurs are followers of a fashion culture in Brazzaville and Kinshasa, members of the Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People, made up of day labourers, taxi drivers, or even gardeners, but dressed to impress in dapper designer suits and treated like rock-stars in their communities for the joy and colour. We’ll find these Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congo in both capital cities and they’re looking forward to meeting you!

Beyond Brazzaville and into the heart of the Republic of Congo we’ll find the Téké Kingdom and it’s own capital village Mbé where we’ll meet the modern incarnation of their King Makoko. The village has preserved the vestiges of this once heroic kingdom which once spread across 85,000 square kilometres extended into Congo and the former Zaire. Expect to hear stories from village elders, chieftains painting their faces in bright yellows and reds, and tribal ceremonies to keep you up at night.

Our trip would not be completed without meeting eye to eye with lowland gorillas, for which one of best spot is on our way in Lesio Louna.

Further on into the rainforests is the Nkila Ntari Caves, a descent of more than a kilometers deep underground will take us past cave paintings.

Let’s go!!

Day 1 // Kinshasa Arrival
After arrival and immigration formalities, we’ll have a first look around Kinshasa and take in the high fashion of the Sapeurs before dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 2 // Kingdom of Kuba
Congo coffee and fufu breakfast before we hit the bumpy road to Kuba Kingdom.

The Kuba village we will head to, is one of the remnants of what was once powerful 17th century empire. They are renowned for rich artistic traditions, particularly intricate geometric raffia textiles, and had a complex, centralized political system with a royal army and administration.

Day 3 // Voodoo ceremony
We start the day with traditional voodoo ceremony and continue taking in the best of Kinshasa, including National Museum and artisan galleries.

DAY 4 // Crossing to Brazzaville

In the morning we head to port for boat crossing to Brazzaville! Take in the Sapeurs performance on the other side and wander around town before we check-in to hotel. Enjoy a dinner and toast to our border crossing into the Republic!

Day 5 // Lowland Gorillas and Teke Kingdom

Departure to Lesio Louna Reserve for encounters with the Lowland Gorillas. Then we’re off to Mbé village to meet King Makoko in the capital of the old kingdom of the Tékés! Village elders will tell tales of the old kingdom, chiefs will paint their faces in red and yellow, and we’ll have a chance to talk to the King himself. After our encounters with kings, head to our lodge in Ngabé for dinner and rest.

Day 6 // Queen Ngalifuru and Kebe-Kebe in Ngabe

This morning we meet Queen Ngalifuru and deliver a few gifts as tribute. Be mindful, she has a few magical powers! We have much to explore and people to meet in Ngabé before the mystical dance of the Kébé-Kébé in the evening, a performance not to miss! We’ll spend the night in Ngabé lodge.

Day 7 // Nkila Ntari Caves and Punu Tribe
Very early breakfast before drive to the Nkila Ntari Caves where we’ll have a speleologist-led look around the rock arts and formations of this kilometre-long tunnel. Afterwards continue on to Nkayi to meet and see the Punu tribes’ performances. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 8 // Pointe Noire
Quick look at this coastal city before souvenir shopping and return flight home.

Activities:
Experience raw and authentic Africa, gorilla trekking, participating in local ceremonies, boating, cultural immersion.

Room & Meals: Lodges and hotels - double sharing. Restaurant meals excluded.

Cost: 11,400 AED excl. flights until JAN 20.

Specifically Excluded: international flights, restaurant meals, visas.

Visas:
- DRC - Evisa (455 USD) or LOI for Consulate visa (150 USD LOI + 100 visa stamping)
- ROC - Visa on arrival based on LOI (120 USD LOI + 100 visa stamping)

YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificate is mandatory to cross inter-african borders.

This is a travel to malaria endemic region, prophylactics is compulsory for all participants.

See yah in Congos x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
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