Grand Tour of The Interior Cultures and Cities of the DRC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Kinshasa, or simply the DRC, is a central African country; home to the second largest rainforest in the world, and habitat for some of the rarest animal and plant life on Earth. With over 20 different provinces, the culture and lifestyle can vary greatly throughout them and their cities. 

This tour offers a chance to immerse yourself in central Africa's largest city and many other cities and towns within the DRC. From the river-side capital of Kinshasa to the port of Manono, you will have a chance to see and experience the interior regions of the DRC, their surrounding areas, and the people and lifestyles within them.

Today as you arrive in Lumbumbashi, you will be met and greeted at the airport and given a brief introduction to the city. You will transfer to Hotel Karavia for the evening to rest and relax.

DAY 2: Stay in Lubumbashi

This morning after breakfast, your guide will pick you up to explore Lubumbashi and the area surrounding it. 

Lubumbashi is the second largest city in the DRC and the capital of the Katanga province. The city has a relatively modern feel and is currently a hot spot for development. The main language spoken in the city is French, however, there is a large population of rural people who have moved to the city to find work who speak their local languages and example being Kiswahili. Lubumbashi is a city with great colonial era architecture apparent in the cathedral, Grand Hotel, or the Palace of Justice. The city hosts the University of Lubumbashi, National Museum, a famous zoo, and a beautiful botanical garden. 

Hotel Karavia this evening. 

DAY 3: Depart to Kalemi

From your hotel this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kalemi. You will be picked up at the airport and driven to a local hotel (best, safest, and cleanest at the time of booking). 

Kalemi, sometimes referred to as Lukuga and formerly known as Albertville, lies on the banks of Lake Tanganyika and is a common rail link. The city also hosts an airport and a large port that handles a large portion of the Congo's imports from Tanzania. The city plays an important role in the province of Katanga manufacturing textiles, cement, and food. Enjoy and experience the colonial architecture of the city and the colorful markets. 

DAY 4: Kalemi & Tanganyika

Today you will depart from Kalemi in a private vehicle and drive to Tanganyika. Late this afternoon you be driven back to Kalemi and dropped off at the local hotel for the evening and overnight.

Tanganyika is one of more than 20 provinces in the DRC. The capital of the province is Kalemi. Over the years, the province has been in somewhat of a tumultuous state trying to gain and regain its sovereignty from the province of Katanga. Finally, in 2015 Tanganyika was restored to its full provincial status. 

DAY 5: Kalemi to Mwema

Leaving Kalemi and Tanganyika behind us this morning, via private car, we will begin the drive to Mwema today. 

Mwema is located in the Kivu region of the DRC. The Kivu region is an area of communities that are situated around Lake Kivu. The area is known for its lush vegetation and has a higher altitude due to its position as the highest point of the African East Rift Valley (EAR). The EAR is essentially a trench that has been created as there are two tectonic plates that are separating at a rate of about 6-7mm per year. It is said that once they separate there will be a new ocean basin formed. 

Tonight we will stay at a local hotel (best, safest, and cleanest at the time of booking). 

DAY 6: Mwema to Kongolo

From Mwema this morning we will head to Kongolo where we will stay overnight. 

DAY 7: Kongolo Area

A full day in Kongolo will allow us to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Kongolo is a city of over 50,000 people and is situated along the Lualaba River, which is the largest headstream of the Congo River by water volume. The Kongolo Bridge located near the city is one of a couple major bridges to cross over a river that leads into the Congo River.

Overnight in Kongolo at a local hotel (best, safest, and cleanest at the time of booking).

DAY 8: Kongolo to Manono

From Kongolo today, we will make our way to Manono for the day. 

Manono is a port city along the Lukushi River frequented by barges bringing cargo from Lubumbashi. The town of Manono has been seriously impacted by economic collapses and war over the years. Once a thriving mining community, the world tin collapse in the 80's hit the economy hard. Manono is served by an airport and though there are some interesting places of interest in the town, many of its buildings, including a cathedral, have been severely damaged by civil war and its impacts.

Overnight in Manono at a local hotel (best, safest, and cleanest at the time of booking). 

DAY 9: Manono to Lubumbashi

As we check out of our hotel this morning, we will journey back to Lubumbashi.

Overnight in Lubumbashi at Hotel Karavia.

DAY 10: Lubumbashi to Kinshasa

This morning you will be transferred from your hotel in Lubumbashi to the airport for your flight to Kinshasa.

Once you arrive in Kinshasa you will be transferred to the Kinshasa Hotel to checking.

Today we will have some time to explore the capital city of the DRC - and also the largest, Kinshasa. Resting on the banks of the Congo River, Kinshasa has become a megacity and a powerhouse in terms of the Congolese economy. Today you can enjoy the monuments of the city including the Kinshasa Museum, cathedral, or the Fine Arts Academy. You can opt to enjoy more of the nature side of the city if you prefer, by exploring the Congo River by boat or by heading to the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary located outside of Kinshasa.

**Activities not included in the cost.

DAY 11: Kinshasa to Kisangani

As you check out of the hotel in Kinshasa this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kisangani. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in. 

Kisangani is the third largest city in the DRC and is historically known as a port town - the last navigatable stop on the Congo River. The city is somewhat of an island surrounded by a plethora of tributaries. The city is quite lively with some nice restaurants, and buildings to explore. There are some small day trips that could be arranged to waterfalls for an extra cost. 

Tonight you will stay overnight in Kisangani. 

DAY 12: Kisangani to Kinshasa

You will be transferred to the airport this morning for your flight back to Kinshasa. 

Overnight at Kinshasa Hotel.

DAY 13: Kinshasa to Lubumbashi

This morning after checkout, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Lubumbashi. 

DAY 14: Airport Transfer for Flight 

This morning, you will check out of your hotel and be transferred to the Lubumbashi Airport for your flight home or onwards.

End of services.

Included in Cost:

Private car transfers

Accommodation

Airport Transfers

Domestic Flights

GoPass Airport Tax

Excluded in Cost:

All meals and drinks

Travel Insurance

International flights

Activities or transfers not mentioned in program

Personal items such as sunscreen, insect repellent