Congo Epic Jungle Train

Explore the river towns of Brazzaville and Kinshasa, and ride the new and comfortable Gazelle train (“Jungle Train”) on the famous and historical Congo-Ocean Railway. 

Take a journey from the river towns of Brazzaville through the jungles of the western Congo, past villages, wildlife, forests and tribes. See the glorious pristine white beaches on the ocean-side of Congo, and visit the home of sea turtles, gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, various kinds of large sharks, and tiny glowing fish and photo-kinetic plants, bizarre insects, and much more at scenic and unique quiet Conkouati-Douli National Park.

Relax at the end of your train voyage in the wild-west of Pointe-Noire. Watch eerie gas flares some nights and the earth’s best stars and sky off one of Africa’s richest and most opulent oil towns, grinding alongside heat dust and poverty.

NOTE: The train has a regular schedule but is subject to change. This tour will start with relation to the most up-to-date schedule.

Please allow a buffer day and extra day in Pointe Noire (or 2 each if you can) for yourself to accommodate and relax to the pace and also to hedge for weather delays on the train ride. We can arrange additional nights of hotel for less than $100 per room per night for this purpose to ease your stress, which is a commodity high in supply in Congo for tight plans!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

Welcome to Brazzaville, our representative will greet you at the airport, and courteously assist you to your hotel. After you comfortably check-in, decide on a fantastic evening tour with popular musicians and bar/cafe spots, or just enjoy a rest and refreshment after a briefing from the local guide. 

Day 2: City and Culture Tour, Congo River Cruise, and River-View Dinner

Kick of your day tour of Brazzaville with city sightseeing, and later, enjoy traditional Congolese food and a boat ride on the Congo River to sitesee Kinshasa and sweeping river views. In the evening enjoy dinner on a river-side restaurant overlooking Kinshasa, and the river traffic of the two capitals. Overnight at Brazzaville tourist hotel. 

Day 3: Epic Train Journey

In the morning depart for a journey on the Gazelle “Jungle Train” (first class seat in a comfortable carriage) past the vistas, villages, and wilderness of Congo. Usually the train arrives late tonight around dinner time or the evening, giving you the whole day of sunlight and time to get to your hotel tonight. You will be picked up from the terminus, the end of the train line, by our guide.

Day 4: Pointe-Noire Exploration

Arrive in Pointe-Noire off the Congo Ocean Railway, and explore local villages and take a ride through African local life. Optionally, you can go surfing at some incredible waves at Pyramid Beach for beginners or moderate surfers. In the evening, explore the wild-west nightlife of Africa’s great oil town. Stock up for your safari tomorrow, and enjoy your dinner selections at one of the many great dining options around town and overnight in Pointe Noire hotel.

Day 5: Conkouati-Douli

In the morning depart on a scenic route for Conkouati-Douli National Park. This beautiful area bordering Gabon has animals such as sea turtles, chimps, elephants, and other wildlife, though they are elusive and difficult to spot and most come here for the superb scenery where the rainforest and rivers meet the Atlantic Ocean. This is one of the most unique parks in Africa, and saves you the expense of the super expensive though identical-looking Loango Park in Gabon. Dinner and overnight in park lodge bungalows.

Day 6: Conkouati-Douli; Chimpanzee Visiting

Today you will meet several groups of Chimpanzees who inhabit the park, and guard their territory along with the water encircling their grounds. You will get the opportunity to observe them in a wild habitat as well as being fed by habituated anthropologists, straight out of Jane Goodall's book (who actually operates an institute and project and Conkouati Douli.) Enjoy an afternoon river paddle around the tropical rainforest and spot fish, birds, and if you're lucky, elephants. At sunset, arrive at the point where the rainforest meets the mighty Atlantic and gaze at some of the best scenery in the continent! This is your African Dream, live and clear. Beers?

Day 7: Conkouati-Douli; Pointe-Noire Return

After breakfast, enjoy last minute park viewing before a scenic drive back to Pointe-Noire in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Pointe Noire hotel.

Day 8: Final Day - Departure

After breakfast (your leisure) and hotel check-out, relive the highlights of your expedition and stop at local markets for last minute gifts if you like. Enjoy a casual drive along the ocean front before your transfer to the airport, or else catch some surfing?? 

Note: At customers’ request, we can book some surf lessons or board rentals on the Savage Coast today. Otherwise, this day after breakfast is at leisure.

Note: At customers’ request, we can book this tour to start and end in Brazzaville, and book you a plane ticket back to Brazzaville at the end of the tour for an additional fee. Otherwise, this tour ends in Pointe Noire.

Our overland tours include all transport, permits, entrance fees, taxes, 4x4 with a/c, and accommodation in basic safari-style lodges, villages, and tourist hotels (where applicable). Alcoholic drinks are extra. Congo Travel and Tours will arrange your visa facilitation upon purchase of a tour, and you must apply with our invitation letter at your nearest possible embassy.

Please bring for this tour: 

• Extra Blankets and Bedsheets to supplement the safari lodges
• Sturdy hiking shoes
• Rain Jacket
• Sunscreen
• Spare Batteries

*Meals and drinks are not included. Please bring enough water, mosquito repellent, sun cream, swimming clothes and towel and a hat and sunglasses as the sunlight on the boat is quite bright. 

**Guides are paid for, but it's good customs offering some drinks, snacks, sweets or cigarettes of your own. This will bring you a long way in Congo. You are of course free to give an extra tip in case you want to express your gratitude.