Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic TOUR

Upon arrival in Libreville, the capital of Gabon, meet the local representative and transfer to the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel or similar for check-in and overnight

After an early breakfast, begin a scenic drive to Lambaréné, (5 hrs.) passing through the interesting towns of Ntoum, Kango, and Bifoun along the way. This is an excellent opportunity to glimpse into the daily lives of the local people and enjoy the beauty of the lush, tropical forest. Upon arrival in Lambaréné, a picturesque town with several tranquil and bountiful lakes, surrounded by lush rainforest, transfer to Ogooué Palace Hotel or similar for check-in, and have lunch. In the afternoon, aboard a boat for a tour of the town including the hospital, built in 1913 by Albert Schweitzer, the famous theologian and humanitarian mission doctor who dedicated a good part of his life to fighting Africa’s tropical diseases. Today, the old hospital has been transformed into a museum featuring paintings, photographs, and personal items that belonged to Dr. Schweitzer. Then head to visit the Francois Xavier Cathedral, the oldest architectural ensemble in Lambaréné and one of the best preserved. After the visit, head to see the lakeside fish market and observe the fishermen as they clean, dry and smoke the fish. then return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, head out on a boat tour of Zilé and Evaro Lakes that surround the city. Lake Zilé, the smallest of the Lambaréné lakes, contains around 30 islands that are home to a large variety of waterfall. Evaro Lake is the most popular lake in the region, often occupied by hippos lounging in its waters. In the afternoon, drive back to Libreville and transfer to Park Inn by Radisson Hotel or similar for check-in, dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Port Gentil and upon arrival, begin the drive by 4-WD vehicles (3 hrs.) to the village of Iguela via the town of Omboue. At Iguela, aboard a boat for the ride across the lagoon to Loango National Park and transfer to N’dola Luxury Tented Camp or similar for check-in. Loango National park is a highlight of any visit to Gabon and is famous for the elephants that loiter on the beach during the rainy season. In the afternoon, head out on a game drive searching for these magnificent creatures and other wildlife that reside in the park including buffalos, monkeys, and crocodiles. The schedule at the park requires some flexibility depending on the weather. Dinner and overnight at the Camp. (B,L,D)

The day is devoted to game drives to spot wildlife such as forest elephants and buffalos, monkeys, red river hogs, hippos, crocodiles, and birds. For those lucky few, there may even be a chance to spot the elusive leopard! You may opt to spend the day tracking the Western Lowland gorilla, an exciting opportunity for any visit to Gabon. Begin with a visit to the Max Planck Gorilla Habitation and Research Center, and then join the team of gorilla researchers for a forest expedition on foot. The gorillas move through the forest in an unpredictable way, so it is hard to know in advance exactly where to find them and hiking in the forest is likely to include walking through mud, small streams, and swamps so expect to get wet and muddy. A team of pygmy trackers who know how to locate the apes seamlessly will lead the trek. After about an hour in close vicinity with the gorillas and experiencing the many facets of their social life and interactions, return to the Tented Camp for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) Note: There is an additional cost for tracking the Western Lowland gorilla – Cost is approximately $600 per person with a maximum of 4 participants.

Free morning at leisure or you can enjoy one last safari in hopes of spotting some of the wildlife that may have been missed on the previous days. After a quick lunch, return to Port Gentil and transfer to the airport for the flight back to Libreville. Upon arrival, transfer to Park Inn by Radisson Hotel or similar for check-in, dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to Mikhael Hotel or similar for check-in, dinner, and overnight. (B,L,D)

Spend the morning exploring the capital beginning with a stop at the Mayumba Tower, built in 1980 and rebuilt after the civil war in 1997. Head to visit the gorgeous St. Anne Basilica, designed by French architect, Roger Ernell, in 1943 and pass by the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazzaville Memorial, where the remains of the founder of Brazzaville lies. Spend time wandering the Poto-poto Market, one of the most popular and largest markets in the Republic of Congo and admire the impressive artwork at the Art Market. Be on the lookout for the finely dressed Sapeurs, a fashionable group of people in Brazzaville. In the afternoon, head to observe the Congo River Rapids, then board a boat for a ride on the Congo River. This is an excellent way to see life along the river, passing by villages and farms and watching the local fishermen hauling in their catch of the day. Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, transfer to the pier and, after immigration formalities, embark on a ferry crossing the Congo River to Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kinshasa was once a small fishing and trading village known as “Kin la Belle,” which means “Beautiful Kinshasa.” Today, it is the largest city in Africa and a bustling metropolis. After immigration, transfer to Pullman Hotel or similar for check-in, the rest of the day free at leisure, enjoy dinner, and overnight. (B,L,D)

Begin the day with an early morning drive to the Sanctuary of the Bonobos, also known as “pygmy chimpanzees.” They are the closest primates to humans, sharing 98% of the same DNA, therefore, genetically, have more in common with humans than with gorillas. Wild Bonobos can only be found in the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are highly endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. The Bonobo Sanctuary is dedicated to protecting these fascinating primates. After spending time observing the bonobos and learning their behaviors, return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) Note: The drive to and from the Bonobo takes between 2-3 hours each way over some rough, bumpy roads

Begin the day with an early morning ferry ride crossing to Brazzaville and then transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangui in the Central African Republic. Flight may be connecting via Lomé or Douala. Upon arrival, meet the local representative and transfer to Ledger Hotel or similar for check-in, dinner & overnight. (B,D) NB: Today’s lunch not included as you will be in airports and on flights.

After breakfast, begin a short tour of Bangui to see some of the city’s unique architectural wonders including the Cathedral Notre Dame De l’Immaculée Conception, a large red brick church built in French colonial style. Admire the Central Mosque, a white and green stucco building with three minarets and gold-painted star-andcrescents adorning its roofline. Spend time wandering a small Handicraft Market and then drive to the northwestern side of Bangui towards Boali, passing by interesting villages and experiencing beautiful scenery. After crossing the hydroelectric dam that supplies the city with electricity, arrive at the spectacular Boali Falls, formed by the M’Bari River. After lunch near the falls, stop at Caiman Lake for a chance to feed these petite, sacred reptiles. Return to the Hotel for a traditional buffet dinner served over live music near the river and overnight. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, transfer to the port and embark a boat for a leisurely cruise on the Ubangi River providing excellent views of both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic. Stop to visit Zinga, a town along the river known for its impressive wooden buildings and old French colonial train station and locomotives. The cruise continues to Mongoumba, where we spend time with an Aka Pygmy community. Even though they have been encouraged to leave the forest and adopt a modern lifestyle, the pygmies are attached to their ancestral lifestyle, choosing to remain in their traditional habitat. They survive on a hunting, gathering and scavenging lifestyle, wearing traditional clothing, making music a part of their daily life, and using plants for their medical needs. Learn about the Aka pygmy lifestyle and participate in a traditional dance performed by the tribe followed by a delicious barbecue lunch. Return to the Hotel in Bangui to freshen up, and then enjoy dinner at the iconic Relais des Chasses restaurant then back to the Hotel for overnight. (B,L,D)

Free morning at leisure and in the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B,L) OR continue to Equatorial Guinea. We reserve the right to change the order of activities or sites due to unexpected events such as bad weather, heavy traffic, or blocked roads, change of flight schedule or any other reasons beyond our control.