The Ascent of the Congo & Sangha Rivers
DEPARTING FROM:BrazzavilleFINAL DESTINATION:Brazzaville
DURATION:13 Days/ 12 NightsREGION:AfricaSHIP:Ducret
Departing from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo, embark on an extraordinary African adventure on this 12-night safari cruise aboard the 28-passenger RV Ducret. For almost 1,000 km, you will navigate from the green hills of the Congo to the swamp forests of the Sangha River to reach the cathedral forests populated by thousands of gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, Bongos, Buffalos and more than 350 species of birds. Aboard Ducret's fleet of excursion tenders you will
explore up rarely-visited tributaries in search of the wonders of nature preserved out of sight. The peoples of the forest will be your guides. They will share their way of life and their unique knowledge transmitted for centuries. The Congo Basin is one of the most mysterious and least explored regions in the world. It is a gigantic territory, of forests and rivers, very sparsely populated. By sailing on the Congo and Sangha rivers you will enter the heart of Africa, to meet the first peoples and a fauna and flora of incredible richness.
We have multiple departure dates for this cruise. Select a year and month to view itineraries for alternative departure dates.
Ducret
Operated by: Expedition Ducret
Launched in 2017, the RV Ducret underwent a full refurbishment in 2023, allowing her to operate the first 4-star safari cruises on Africa's Congo and Sangha rivers. Accommodating no more than 28 travellers across five grades of accommodation, Ducret is a boutique ship designed to take you into the heart of the Congo Basin forest. Onboard the ship there is more than 600 square metres of public space including a dining room, observation deck and outdoor lounge. Each expedition cruise is accompanied by English and French speaking nature guides.
Key Facts
Your cruise price includes:
- All excursions while aboard RV Ducret
- The guidance and expertise of expedition staff
- Gorillas permits and park fees
- Flight (Brazzaville-Ouesso or Ouesso-Brazzaville) above the canopy in a 30-passenger business jet registered in France
- All on board ship accommodation with meals. Beer, wine and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner in a limited quantity
- All hotel nights and meals indicated in the day-by-day program.
Your cruise price does not include:
- International airfares
- Extra consumptions in bar
- Pre & Post cruisel hotel nights
- Transfers to and from the ship
- Travel Insurance - highly recommended, enquire for details
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Letter of invitation to visit the Congo. Supplement of 60 € if required
- Items of a personal nature such as internet access, phone and laundry
- Massage
- Gratuities.
Book your next cruise
Please note: This cruise is sold in EUR
Please note: The itinerary is subject to change due to river levels, weather conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Wildlife viewing can not be guaranteed.
Some departures operate in the reverse direction; flight from Brazzaville to Ouesso and then cruise back to Brazzaville. Enquire for details.
By completing this booking request you acknowledge that you have read and accept Expedition Cruise Specialists's and Expedition Ducret's terms and conditions.
A single supplement of 50% applies for sole use of a cabin.
Please note that certain vaccinations, including against Yellow Fever, may be required to enter Congo.
Images used are representative only and have been supplied by Expeditions Ducret. Credit to the following photographers; Nicolas Ducret, Scott Ramsay / WCS and Nuria Ortega.