Congo Brazzaville Expedition: 8 Days Rainforest Gorillas & Coast

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Brazzaville

Arrive at Maya-Maya International Airport in Brazzaville, the charming capital of the Republic of Congo. Your guide and driver meet you at the airport. Afternoon city orientation: drive along the Congo River waterfront with views across to Kinshasa (DRC) just 4km away — the two closest capital cities in the world. Visit the Basilique Sainte-Anne, a stunning 1949 Catholic church with its distinctive green copper roof and African-influenced interior design. Welcome dinner in the Lebanese quarter of Poto-Poto, famous for its Middle Eastern-Congolese fusion cuisine. Overnight at Brazzaville hotel.

Day 2: Brazzaville Cultural Discovery

Full-day exploration of Brazzaville. Morning: visit the bustling Poto-Poto Market for vibrant Congolese fabrics, carved masks from the Teke and Kongo traditions, and medicinal herbs. Climb the Nabemba Tower (106m), nicknamed “the Eiffel Tower of Congo,” for panoramic city views. Visit the Congo River rapids at the Djoué junction. Afternoon: explore the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial — a gleaming white marble mausoleum honoring the city’s French-Italian founder. Visit the National Museum featuring the remarkable Kongo kingdom artifacts, including the famous Teke masks and Kota reliquary figures. Evening at a riverside restaurant. Overnight at Brazzaville hotel.

Day 3: Jungle Train to Pointe-Noire — The Gazelle Express

One of Africa’s great railway journeys: board the “Gazelle” train at Brazzaville’s art deco station for the 510km journey through the heart of the Congolese rainforest to Pointe-Noire on the Atlantic coast. The 15-hour journey in first-class sleeper car traverses the Mayombe Forest — one of Africa’s most pristine rainforests — crossing countless rivers and passing through tiny jungle stations where villagers sell fresh fruit and smoked fish through the windows. Spot forest elephants, various monkey species, and spectacular birdlife from your window. Overnight on the train.

Day 4: Pointe-Noire — Atlantic Coast & Gorges

Morning arrival in Pointe-Noire, Congo’s economic capital and oil hub. Explore the stunning Diosso Gorge (Gorges de Diosso) — dramatic red sandstone cliffs plunging into the rainforest, reminiscent of a miniature Grand Canyon hidden in the jungle. Visit the African Mask Museum (Musée des Masques), housing one of Central Africa’s finest collections of traditional masks from the Teke, Vili, and Yombe peoples. Afternoon at Côte Sauvage (Wild Coast) — a dramatic, undeveloped Atlantic coastline where powerful waves crash against black volcanic rocks. Evening: seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Overnight at Pointe-Noire hotel.

Day 5: Conkouati-Douli National Park

Full-day expedition north along the Atlantic coast to Conkouati-Douli National Park — one of Congo’s most biodiverse protected areas where rainforest meets ocean. Morning boat safari on the Conkouati Lagoon, spotting forest elephants swimming between islands, chimpanzees in the canopy, and manatees in the lagoon waters. Afternoon guided walk through coastal forest to observe the park’s habituated chimpanzee group. The park protects a unique ecosystem where you can spot hippos in the ocean and elephants on the beach — one of few places on Earth where this occurs. Beach barbecue lunch. Sunset return to Pointe-Noire. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Visit the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center — the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa. Founded by Dr. Jane Goodall in 1992, the sanctuary cares for over 150 chimpanzees rescued from the illegal bushmeat and pet trades. Guided tour to observe the social dynamics of the chimpanzee groups in their vast forested enclosures. Learn about the institute’s community-centered conservation approach and reforestation programs. Afternoon visit to Pointe-Indienne beach for relaxation and swimming. Evening at a vibrant Pointe-Noire restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Return to Brazzaville & Farewell

Morning flight back to Brazzaville. Afternoon free time for last exploration and shopping. Visit the Marché Plateau for authentic Congolese souvenirs: Teke woven raffia cloth, carved wooden statues, and Congolese coffee. Farewell dinner cruise on the Congo River at sunset, watching canoes and barges ply the mighty river as the sun sets behind the Kinshasa skyline. Overnight at Brazzaville hotel.

Day 8: Departure

Morning at leisure. Transfer to Maya-Maya Airport for departure.

Inclusions

• 7 nights accommodation (3 Brazzaville, 2 Pointe-Noire, 1 train sleeper, 1 Conkouati)
• All meals as specified
• Gazelle Express first-class sleeper train Brazzaville-Pointe-Noire
• Domestic flight Pointe-Noire-Brazzaville
• 4×4 safari vehicle for Conkouati expedition
• English-speaking guide throughout
• Conkouati-Douli National Park fees & boat safari
• Tchimpounga Sanctuary guided tour
• All airport transfers

Why Congo Brazzaville

• Conkouati — one of Earth’s only places where elephants, hippos, and chimpanzees share ocean beaches
• The Gazelle jungle train — one of Africa’s last great railway adventures through pristine rainforest
• Jane Goodall’s Tchimpounga — the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, rarely visited
• Brazzaville — one of Africa’s most underrated capitals with a vibrant arts and music scene
• Extraordinary accessibility for a Central African nation — safe, stable, and welcoming