Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Africa's third-largest city and acclimate to the vibrant energy of the Congolese capital. Spend the day recovering from your journey and getting oriented.
Morning
Airport arrival and hotel check-in
Navigate N'djili International Airport, complete visa formalities if not arranged in advance, and transfer to your accommodation. Take time to rest and adjust to the tropical climate. Brief your driver about your plans for the coming days and confirm arrangements. Exchange currency at official bureaux de change for better rates than airport options.
3-4 hours
$50-80
Arrange airport pickup through your hotel in advance for safety and convenience
Lunch
A hotel restaurant serving Congolese and international cuisine
Mixed menu with local specialties
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore the central business district of
Gombe with a local guide for safety and context. Walk past colonial-era architecture, observe daily life in the capital, and visit local art galleries showcasing Congolese contemporary art. Stop at craft markets to see traditional masks, textiles, and handicrafts. Your guide will help you understand the city's layout and cultural nuances.
2-3 hours
$40-60
Hire a reputable local guide through your hotel for security and cultural insights
Evening
Welcome dinner with live music
Dine at a restaurant featuring live Congolese rumba or soukous music, experiencing the legendary musical culture that has influenced all of Africa
Where to Stay Tonight
Gombe district, Kinshasa (Secure mid-range hotel in the business district)
Central location provides safety, amenities, and easy access to restaurants and services needed for your first night
Keep small denomination US dollars (post-2013 series) for daily transactions, as they're widely accepted alongside Congolese francs
Day 1 Budget: $250-350
Dive deeper into Kinshasa's cultural offerings and witness the mighty
Congo River, the world's deepest river and the city's lifeblood.
Morning
Congo River exploration and markets
Visit the bustling river port area to witness the commercial heart of the city. Observe wooden boats, pirogues, and ferries crossing to
Brazzaville. The river market offers incredible photographic opportunities with fishermen bringing in catches and vendors selling everything imaginable. Experience the sensory overload of colors, sounds, and activity that defines Kinshasa's riverside economy.
3 hours
$30-50
Go with a guide who knows the area well for both safety and to navigate the complex market layout
Lunch
A riverside eatery specializing in fresh river fish
Congolese grilled fish with plantains and cassava
Budget
Afternoon
Visit to the Zoological Garden
Explore the Zoological Garden, one of Kinshasa's green spaces where you can see various species and learn about Congolese wildlife conservation efforts. While facilities are basic, the garden provides important context for the wildlife you'll encounter later in your journey. Observe local families enjoying the space and gain insight into urban conservation challenges in the DRC.
2-3 hours
$10-20
Evening
Sunset at Ma Vallée and dinner
Head to the Ma Vallée area to watch sunset over the
Congo River, followed by dinner at a restaurant serving traditional Congolese cuisine like moambe chicken
Where to Stay Tonight
Gombe district, Kinshasa (Same hotel as Day 1)
Maintain your base in Kinshasa's safest and most convenient district
Photography in public spaces can be sensitive; always ask permission and avoid photographing government buildings or military installations
Day 2 Budget: $200-280
Immerse yourself in Kinshasa's vibrant art scene and musical heritage before preparing for your journey into the wilderness.
Morning
National Museum and cultural sites
Visit cultural institutions to understand
Congo's complex history, from pre-colonial kingdoms through Belgian rule to independence. View traditional masks, sculptures, and artifacts representing the country's diverse ethnic groups. Learn about the Kongo Kingdom,
Luba Empire, and other historical civilizations that shaped this region. The collections provide essential context for understanding contemporary Congolese culture.
2-3 hours
$15-25
Lunch
A café in the diplomatic quarter serving international and local fusion dishes
Contemporary Congolese-European fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
Artist studios and music shops
Visit working artist studios in the Kinshasa art scene, meeting painters and sculptors who continue
Congo's rich artistic traditions. Browse music shops selling recordings of legendary Congolese musicians. Learn about the evolution of rumba, soukous, and ndombolo. Purchase authentic music as souvenirs and support local artists. This afternoon provides deep insight into
Congo's outsized cultural influence across Africa.
3 hours
$20-40
Your guide can arrange studio visits with advance notice
Evening
Final night in Kinshasa celebration
Experience a live music venue where local bands perform, dancing with Kinshasa residents who are among Africa's most enthusiastic music lovers
Where to Stay Tonight
Gombe district, Kinshasa (Same hotel as previous nights)
Rest well before tomorrow's early departure for the interior
Confirm all internal flight arrangements and wilderness lodge bookings today; communication becomes difficult once you leave the capital
Day 3 Budget: $220-300
Fly westward to the Equateur province, entering the
Congo Basin rainforest zone where you'll begin your wildlife encounters.
Morning
Domestic flight to Mbandaka
Take an early morning domestic flight over the vast
Congo Basin rainforest, one of Earth's most important ecosystems. The aerial view reveals endless green canopy, winding rivers, and isolated villages. Upon arrival in Mbandaka, meet your local contacts and transfer toward bonobo conservation areas. The journey itself illustrates the remoteness and scale of
Congo's wilderness.
3-4 hours including transfers
$300-400
Book domestic flights well in advance as schedules change frequently; reconfirm 48 hours before departure
Lunch
Packed lunch from Kinshasa or simple meal in Mbandaka
Simple local fare or provisions
Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to bonobo sanctuary area
Journey by 4x4 vehicle to reach bonobo conservation areas. The drive takes you through equatorial rainforest, past small villages where life continues much as it has for generations. Learn about bonobo conservation challenges from your guides. These endangered great apes exist only in the DRC and share 98.7% of human DNA. Settle into eco-lodge accommodation and attend an orientation briefing.
3-4 hours
$80-120
Evening
Evening at the eco-lodge
Dinner at your lodge followed by night sounds of the rainforest; listen to your guides' stories about bonobo behavior and conservation work
Where to Stay Tonight
Near bonobo sanctuary, Equateur province (Basic eco-lodge or conservation facility guesthouse)
Proximity to bonobo viewing areas and immersion in rainforest environment
Bring a good headlamp and extra batteries; electricity is limited or non-existent in remote areas
Day 4 Budget: $450-600
Spend a full day observing bonobos in their natural habitat and learning about conservation efforts protecting these remarkable primates.
Morning
Bonobo tracking and observation
Rise early for bonobo tracking with expert guides and researchers. Walk through primary rainforest following bonobo groups, observing their complex social behaviors, peaceful nature, and matriarchal society. Unlike chimpanzees, bonobos resolve conflicts through cooperation rather than aggression. Watch them feed, play, and interact in a truly wild setting. Your visit directly supports conservation efforts protecting both bonobos and their habitat.
4-5 hours
$150-200
Bonobo tracking must be arranged through conservation organizations; book months in advance
Lunch
Return to lodge for lunch and midday rest during the hottest hours
Simple prepared meals at the eco-lodge
Budget
Afternoon
Rainforest walk and community visit
Take a guided rainforest walk learning about the incredible biodiversity of the
Congo Basin. Your guide identifies medicinal plants, giant trees, and signs of forest elephants and other wildlife. Visit a nearby village to understand how local communities coexist with the forest. Learn about sustainable harvesting practices and challenges facing forest-dependent peoples. This cultural exchange enriches your understanding of conservation's human dimension.
3 hours
$40-60
Evening
Conservation presentation and dinner
Attend a talk by conservation staff about bonobo research, followed by dinner and evening relaxation at the lodge
Where to Stay Tonight
Near bonobo sanctuary, Equateur province (Same eco-lodge as previous night)
Continue your immersion in the rainforest environment
Wear neutral-colored, long-sleeved clothing for bonobo tracking to protect against insects and blend into the forest environment
Day 5 Budget: $280-380
Continue exploring the rainforest ecosystem with additional wildlife viewing opportunities and cultural experiences.
Morning
Bird watching and forest wildlife
The
Congo Basin hosts over 1,000 bird species, including African grey parrots, great blue turacos, and
Congo peafowl. Join an early morning birding walk when the forest comes alive with calls and activity. Look for monkeys including red colobus and various guenon species. Your expert guide helps spot camouflaged creatures and explains the forest's complex ecology and food webs.
3-4 hours
$50-80
Lunch
Lodge lunch featuring local ingredients from the forest and village gardens
Congolese rainforest cuisine
Budget
Afternoon
River exploration by pirogue
Travel by traditional dugout canoe along forest waterways. This peaceful journey offers different wildlife viewing perspectives, with chances to see water birds, crocodiles, and hippos. The rivers serve as highways through the forest, and you'll understand how communities navigate this watery landscape. Your boatman demonstrates traditional fishing techniques and forest navigation skills passed down through generations.
3 hours
$60-90
Evening
Final rainforest evening
Enjoy dinner at the lodge and pack for tomorrow's journey; reflect on your bonobo encounters and rainforest experiences
Where to Stay Tonight
Near bonobo sanctuary, Equateur province (Same eco-lodge as previous nights)
Final night in the deep rainforest before moving to new areas
Charge all devices tonight; the next several days may have even more limited electricity access
Day 6 Budget: $250-350
Begin the journey toward Salonga National Park, Africa's largest tropical rainforest reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Morning
Return to Mbandaka and onward travel
Travel back to Mbandaka by road, then arrange onward transportation toward the Salonga National Park region. This remote park is accessible only by boat or small aircraft. The journey requires patience and flexibility as you navigate
Congo's challenging infrastructure. Use travel time to process your bonobo experiences and prepare for the next wilderness adventure in one of Africa's most pristine protected areas.
5-6 hours
$150-250
Salonga access requires coordination with park authorities and specialized tour operators
Lunch
Simple meal in Mbandaka or packed provisions
Basic local food or travel provisions
Budget
Afternoon
River journey toward Salonga region
Begin river travel on the
Congo River system toward Salonga National Park access points. Journey by motorized boat through a landscape of water, forest, and sky. Pass fishing villages and observe river life. The vastness and remoteness of the
Congo Basin becomes viscerally apparent during these hours on the water. This is adventure travel at its most authentic and challenging.
4-5 hours
$200-300
River transport to Salonga must be arranged through specialist operators with park permissions
Evening
Arrival at Salonga gateway community
Settle into very basic accommodation in a village near park boundaries; dinner with local community members
Where to Stay Tonight
Village near Salonga National Park boundaries (Very basic community guesthouse or camping)
Necessary staging point for entering this extremely remote park
Salonga is one of Africa's most remote parks; embrace the adventure and be prepared for very basic conditions
Day 7 Budget: $400-550
Enter Salonga National Park, a vast wilderness protecting forest elephants, bonobos, and countless other species in pristine rainforest.
Morning
Park entry and orientation
Complete formalities with park rangers and receive orientation about Salonga National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers nearly 36,000 square kilometers of pristine rainforest. Learn about conservation challenges including poaching and the park's importance as a refuge for endangered species. Meet the rangers who risk their lives protecting this wilderness. Begin your exploration with ranger guides who know the forest intimately.
3-4 hours
$100-150
Park permits must be arranged months in advance through official channels
Lunch
Camp-prepared meal in the forest
Simple expedition food
Budget
Afternoon
Forest exploration in Salonga National Park
Trek through Salonga National Park's pristine rainforest with armed rangers and expert guides. The park protects all three great apes found in the
Congo Basin region. Look for signs of forest elephants, which are smaller than savanna elephants and play crucial roles in seed dispersal. The sense of wilderness here is profound; you're in one of Earth's last great wild places, far from any roads or development.
4 hours
$80-120
Evening
Bush camp experience
Dinner around the campfire with rangers sharing stories of their conservation work; fall asleep to the sounds of the pristine rainforest
Where to Stay Tonight
Salonga National Park (Tented bush camp or ranger station)
Immersive wilderness experience in the heart of the park
The park's remoteness means medical evacuation is extremely difficult; ensure comprehensive travel insurance and stay close to your guides
Day 8 Budget: $350-500
Spend a full day exploring deeper into Salonga's wilderness, searching for wildlife and experiencing true African rainforest.
Morning
Wildlife tracking in Salonga National Park
Rise before dawn for wildlife tracking when animals are most active. Follow elephant trails through the forest, looking for fresh signs of these elusive creatures. The park also protects
Congo peafowl, a rare bird found nowhere else. Your rangers track animals by reading subtle signs invisible to untrained eyes. The tracking itself is the experience, whether or not you encounter large mammals; being in such pristine wilderness is increasingly rare on our planet.
5 hours
$100-150
Lunch
Packed lunch eaten in the forest during your expedition
Trail provisions and camp food
Budget
Afternoon
River and swamp forest exploration
Explore Salonga's unique swamp forest ecosystems, where water and land merge. Navigate by pirogue through flooded forest, a surreal landscape of trees rising from dark water. This habitat hosts specialized species adapted to seasonal flooding. The play of light through the canopy onto black water creates otherworldly beauty. Learn how the annual flood pulse drives the forest's ecology and productivity.
3-4 hours
$60-100
Evening
Conservation discussion and camp dinner
Discuss conservation challenges with rangers over dinner; understand the reality of protecting wilderness in one of the world's poorest countries
Where to Stay Tonight
Salonga National Park (Same bush camp or ranger station)
Continue your deep wilderness immersion
Respect ranger instructions absolutely; they're responsible for your safety in an environment with real dangers from wildlife and difficult terrain
Day 9 Budget: $300-450
Begin the journey out of Salonga National Park, transitioning from deep wilderness back toward civilization.
Morning
Final forest walk and departure
Take a final early morning walk in Salonga National Park, absorbing the atmosphere of one of Africa's last great wildernesses. Say farewell to the rangers whose dedication protects this extraordinary place. Begin the journey back toward the park boundary, retracing your route through the forest. The return journey offers chances to see wildlife you might have missed on the way in, and familiar landscapes now feel different with accumulated knowledge.
4 hours
$50-80
Lunch
Meal at the gateway village where you staged before entering the park
Simple village food
Budget
Afternoon
River journey back toward Mbandaka
Board boats for the return river journey. The hours on the water provide time to reflect on your Salonga experience and process what you've witnessed. Watch river life from a different perspective now, with deeper understanding of how the forest and rivers interconnect. Stop at riverside villages for brief visits, seeing how communities depend on the river for transportation, food, and water.
4-5 hours
$200-300
Evening
Overnight in riverside community
Rest in basic accommodation and enjoy a proper meal after days of camp food
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside town en route to Mbandaka (Simple guesthouse with basic amenities)
Breaking point on the journey back to Mbandaka and eventual return to Kinshasa
Use this evening to check your equipment and clothing; you'll want to wash and reorganize before returning to Kinshasa
Day 10 Budget: $350-500
Complete the journey back to Mbandaka, transitioning from wilderness expedition back to town amenities.
Morning
Continue river journey to Mbandaka
Complete your river journey back to Mbandaka, watching the landscape gradually shift from pure wilderness to areas with more human presence. Arrive in Mbandaka and transfer to accommodation where you can shower, wash clothes, and reorganize after your wilderness expedition. The contrast between Salonga's pristine forest and even this modest provincial town feels stark after days in the bush.
4-5 hours
$150-200
Lunch
Restaurant in Mbandaka serving grilled fish and Congolese staples
Local Congolese food
Budget
Afternoon
Mbandaka exploration and rest
Explore Mbandaka, a town situated exactly on the equator where the
Congo River crosses this geographical line. Visit the equator monument and learn about this mid-sized Congolese city's role as a regional hub. Browse local markets for handicrafts made by forest peoples. Most importantly, rest and recover from your wilderness expedition, enjoying amenities like cold drinks and comfortable seating that seemed luxurious after days in the bush.
3 hours
$20-40
Evening
Relaxed dinner and early rest
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at your guesthouse and retire early to prepare for tomorrow's flight back to Kinshasa
Where to Stay Tonight
Mbandaka town center (Simple hotel with reliable amenities)
Comfort and rest after wilderness expedition, near airport for tomorrow's departure
Reconfirm your flight to Kinshasa this evening; domestic flight schedules can change with little notice
Day 11 Budget: $250-350
Fly back to Kinshasa and readjust to capital city life after your rainforest adventure.
Morning
Flight from Mbandaka to Kinshasa
Take a morning domestic flight back to Kinshasa, watching the endless rainforest canopy pass below one final time. The aerial perspective reminds you of the
Congo Basin's immense scale and ecological importance. Upon arrival in Kinshasa, the capital's energy and noise feel overwhelming after the forest's tranquility. Transfer to your hotel and settle back into urban rhythm, perhaps with new appreciation for both wilderness and city.
3-4 hours including transfers
$300-400
Arrive at Mbandaka airport early as check-in procedures can be slow
Lunch
Welcome back meal at a restaurant in
Gombe serving international cuisine
International or fusion food
Mid-range
Afternoon
Kinshasa market shopping
Visit Kinshasa's craft markets for souvenir shopping. Browse traditional masks, malachite carvings, Congolese fabrics, and artwork. The markets offer incredible variety representing all of
Congo's diverse cultures. Negotiate prices respectfully and choose items that support local artisans. Purchase music recordings from Congolese artists. This shopping experience connects you to
Congo's creative economy and provides meaningful souvenirs of your journey.
3 hours
$50-100
Evening
Celebration dinner
Enjoy a special dinner at one of Kinshasa's better restaurants, celebrating your successful
Congo adventure
Where to Stay Tonight
Gombe district, Kinshasa (Comfortable hotel in the business district)
Return to familiar, secure area for your final nights in Congo
Take time this evening to organize your photos and notes; the experiences of the past two weeks will blur together if not documented
Day 12 Budget: $450-600
Spend your penultimate day exploring aspects of Kinshasa culture you missed at the beginning of your journey.
Morning
Visit to Kinshasa's creative neighborhoods
Explore neighborhoods where Kinshasa's creative energy flourishes. Visit ateliers where artists create contemporary work responding to Congolese realities. Meet sculptors working in wood and metal, painters depicting urban life, and craftspeople maintaining traditional techniques. Learn about the SAPE movement (Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes) and Kinshasa's unique fashion culture. This morning reveals the cultural dynamism that makes Kinshasa influential far beyond
Congo's borders.
3-4 hours
$40-70
A knowledgeable guide helps access studios and provides cultural context
Lunch
A restaurant specializing in Congolese cuisine you haven't tried yet
Regional Congolese specialties
Mid-range
Afternoon
Congo River islands excursion
Take a boat excursion to islands in the
Congo River, where Kinshasa residents escape urban intensity. The river islands host restaurants, beaches, and recreational areas. Swimming in the
Congo River is a memorable experience (in designated safe areas). The boat ride offers views of both Kinshasa and
Brazzaville across the river, two capital cities separated by the world's deepest river. This afternoon provides relaxation and final river experiences.
3-4 hours
$60-100
Arrange island trips through reputable operators for safety
Evening
Final night out in Kinshasa
Experience Kinshasa's legendary nightlife at a live music venue, dancing to rumba and soukous with locals who party until dawn
Where to Stay Tonight
Gombe district, Kinshasa (Same hotel as previous night)
Familiar base for your final night in the DRC
If you've made friends during your stay, tonight is the time for farewell gatherings; Congolese hospitality often includes warm goodbyes
Day 13 Budget: $280-400
Final morning in Kinshasa before your international departure, with time for last-minute activities and reflection.
Morning
Final morning in Kinshasa
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final Kinshasa morning. Perhaps revisit a favorite café for breakfast, take a last walk along the
Congo River, or make final souvenir purchases. Organize and pack your belongings, ensuring you have proper documentation for any wildlife products (if legally purchased). Reflect on your two weeks exploring one of Africa's most challenging yet rewarding destinations. The DRC offers experiences impossible to replicate elsewhere.
2-3 hours
$20-40
Lunch
Early lunch at your hotel or near the airport depending on flight schedule
Simple meal before travel
Budget
Afternoon
Airport transfer and departure
Transfer to N'djili International Airport with plenty of time before your flight. International departures require navigating various checkpoints and procedures. Complete exit formalities and await your flight home. As you fly out over the
Congo Basin, the view from above reminds you of the wilderness you explored and the challenges facing its conservation. You leave with memories of genuine adventure in one of Earth's wildest places.
3-4 hours
$50-80
Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights
Evening
International departure
Depart Kinshasa carrying memories of an extraordinary journey through the heart of Africa
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (Overnight flight or destination accommodation)
End of DRC itinerary
Keep some small US dollars for any last-minute airport fees or tips; the DRC sometimes has unexpected departure charges
Day 14 Budget: $150-250