King of Diamonds | Journey Across DRC Congo Kinshasa + ROC Congo Brazzaville
Schedule
Sat Jun 15 2024 at 02:00 am
Location
Dubai International Airport | Dubai, DU
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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. Last stop at Pointe Noire, on the Atlantic Ocean, for a breezy beach stop and our last toast to the Kings of Congo!
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 // Zongo Falls
Congo coffee and fufu breakfast before we hit the bumpy road to Zongo Falls. We’ll trek around the falls in search of beautiful shots and perfect spots to wash off the mud before exploring local safari and our jungle reserve for dinner and night in the park.
Day 3 // Crossing to Brazzaville
We’ll drive back to Kinshasa and 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 4 // 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 5 // 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 here in Ngabé.
Day 6 // 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. We’ll spend the night at camp.
Day 7 // Nkayi to Pointe Noire
Today we’re headed to port city of Pointe Noire, at the terminus of the French Colonial Congo Ocean Railway, and many other colonial curiosities. We’ll enjoy quick view at the city over relaxing afternoon at the beach and finish the day in style at our resort with Atlantic views.
Day 8 // Departure
Last minute souvenir shopping, transfer to airport for return flight home.
Room & Meals: Lodges and hotels - double sharing, 1 night camping. Restaurant meals excluded.
Cost: 10700 AED excl. flights until MAY 27th.
Specifically Excluded: international flights, restaurant meals, insurance.
Visas: DRC ROC
270 EUR, arranged by us.
COVID-19 and YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificates are mandatory to cross inter-african borders.
See yah in Congos x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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Where is it happening?
Dubai International Airport, غرفة صلاة متعددة الأديان, مطار دبي الدولي دبي, الإمارات العربية المتحدة,Dubai, United Arab EmiratesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
