Trip to D. R. of Congo:
Jungle Tribes and Colonial Heritage

Trip to D. R. of Congo, one of the least visited countries in Africa. The purpose of this ambitious trip is to get to know different ethnic minority groups, as well as the ecosystems that support them.

Near Mbandaka, we will meet the Nzambe Na Bakoko sect. We will go up the Congo River with a motorized canoe until we reach the isolated territory of the Balumbe tribe, also known as the 'sorcerer pygmies'. Once there, before entering the interior of the jungle, you will have to greet the Ngombe king to ask for his permission to visit the Balumbes. We will enter the jungle until we reach the Kingdom of Lompoko. There, we will learn about the culture of the Balumbe pygmies. We will return to Mbandaka to visit another tribal area. These lands will offer us the opportunity to meet the 'Walé' women of the Ntomba tribe, as well as the Batwa pygmies. As a farewell to Mbandaka, we will meet with members of the group 'Sapeur' (Society of Air Fresheners and Elegant People) or Dandis from the Congo.

We will have the opportunity to visit the religious community of Tata Gonda. In Kinshasa we will meet the renowned artists of the Kuba tribe. They are the most renowned artists in the Congo because of their quality of fiber weaves and beaded masks.

We will also look for the vestiges of the Belgian colonial legacy in the towns of Kinshasha, Mbandaka and Mbanza Ngungu. We will enjoy numerous examples of exquisite colonial architecture, although in many cases they are in a state of semi-abandonment.

During the route we will visit several provinces in a minibus, 4x4 vehicle and motor boat. Likewise, we will take several internal flights to travel from Kinshasa to the remote provinces. If you want to know the detailed itinerary you can download it through the form that you will find below. Click here to easily reach the form.

The guide for this trip to D. R. of Congo will be Joan Riera, anthropologist specializing in African societies. More information about the guide.