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Bonobo trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo GROUP TRIP (and ROC, and CAR)

Bonobos are our closest living relatives. The closest thing to humans on our beautiful planet. They are only found in the wild in the Democratic Republic of Congo, south of the Congo River. They’re unique in that their societies are far more peaceful and cooperative than chimpanzees, with strong social bonds, female-led groups, and remarkably human-like emotional behaviour. They love, they grieve, they have sex for leisure, homosexual partners, depression, love and joy.

And trekking with bonobos is a rare chance. 99% of people who end up in the DRC (democratic republic of congo) want to see Bonobos, get taken to ‘sanctuaries’ near Kinshasha, the capital. THIS IS NOT THAT. We go to the wild. To camp. To see them free.

So, Africa is calling. THE REAL AFRICA. Kenya and Tanzania, this is not. Thankfully, I’m in a position these days that I only create group trips to places that I’m DYING to go to. I scour the globe until something grabs me. And this did just that. The only place on earth that you can trek with wild bonobos. And it’s in the Democratic Republic of Congo of all places. Not only that, but to access it, it’s easier (and safer and cheaper) to start the trip in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a real adventure, without adding another option to one of the least visited countries in the world, Central African Republic. Home to one of the least visited, but most beautiful, national parks in the world, Dzangha Sangha. And, whilst there, we’ll trek with lowland mountain gorillas. Ooooph. Now THAT is an itinerary!

• And a super bonus? We can visit both DRC, and CAR on this tour WITH NO VISAS due to our connections. You only need an Republic of Congo visa (which we also help with).

Why visit the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo and Central African Republic

The Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, and Central African Republic are some of the last truly wild places left on earth.

This isn’t a polished safari Africa, it’s far from that in fact. This is raw and deep jungle, overland travel on buses, forest elephants, lowland gorillas, hectic cities, endless rivers, and PROPER adventure travel.

As you guys know, we don’t visit these countries for luxury resorts or perfect infrastructure. We go because they still feel unexplored. Watching gorillas in the Congo Basin or elephants emerge silently at Dzanga Bai feels like stepping into another world entirely.

Travel here can be tough, unpredictable, and uncomfortable at times, but honestly, that’s exactly what makes it so special.

Trekking with Bonobos Itinerary

There are 2 options to this trip. Both start in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo. Then go overland to the Democratic Republic of Congo to trek with wild bonobos. Then you have a choice. You can return to brazzaville and you’re done.

Or you can join an overland expedition to the north of Republic of Congo. Sleep, then spend a day on a river boat to cross into Central African Republic, where we stay in (Relative) luxury at the Dzanga Sangha national park. Home to the most dense, highest elephant population on earth. And to the majestic lowland mountain gorillas. And you’ll see them all.

– ROC + DRC itinerary (6D/5N)

Day 1: Meet in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo

We meet in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo. We stay in one of the nicest hotels in the city (we have enough time to suffer later!). Dinner and drinks, and anticipation for one of the best upcoming trips of our lives.

Day 2: Brazzaville city tour

Today we explore one of Africa’s most overlooked capitals. Brazzaville is relaxed, chaotic, musical, and full of life. We visit the Congo River, local markets, colonial architecture, street food spots, and soak up the atmosphere before heading deep into the Congo Basin tomorrow. Final comforts tonight before the real adventure begins.

Day 3: Into the Congo Basin

Early departure for a long overland drive north through remote Congo. Six hours later we reach Mpouya, before crossing the mighty Congo River by traditional pirogue into the Democratic Republic of Congo. Border formalities done, we continue another two hours through remote jungle roads to reach our bonobo camp deep in the rainforest. This is proper expedition travel now.

Day 4: WILD BONOBO TREKKING!

We wake before sunrise and head into the jungle at 5am to track bonobos, our closest living relatives on earth. Watching them move through the rainforest, socialise, and interact in the wild is one of Africa’s rarest wildlife experiences. We spend the day with them in the forest, returning to camp exhausted, muddy, and buzzing from what we’ve witnessed.

Day 5: Return to Brazzaville

One final morning in the rainforest before retracing our route back through the Congo Basin. We cross the river once more, re-enter the Republic of Congo, and drive back to Brazzaville. Hot showers, cold drinks, comfortable beds, and the strange feeling of trying to process the last few days.

Day 6: Trip finishes

Breakfast together before the trip officially finishes. Some people head home today. Others continue onward through Central Africa. Either way, this is the kind of trip that stays with you forever.

– CAR Extension (12D/11N):

Days 1 – 4: Same itinerary as above.

Meet in Brazzaville on day 1. Then day tour on day 2. Travel to our Bonobo camp, and into the DRC on day 3. Day 4 is wild bonobo trekking!! And then some people will prepare to go home, while others ventrue deeper into central africa on my CAR extension….

Day 5: DEEP into the Congo

Today is a huge expedition day. We leave the bonobo camp early, cross the Congo River once again by pirogue. Back to Republic of Congo. And continue north through remote rainforest roads toward Ouesso. It’s a long, tiring travel day, but this is real Central Africa, wild villages, endless jungle, rough roads, and almost zero tourists.

Tonight we sleep in Ouesso before pushing toward the Central African Republic tomorrow.

Day 6: Into the Central African Republic overland (CAR)

This morning we continue toward Bomassa before boarding a speedboat deep into the Sangha region. For the next seven hours we travel through one of the most remote rainforest environments on earth, eventually arriving at Doli Lodge in Dzanga Sangha, CAR. This place feels like the edge of the world. Remote jungle lodges, forest sounds all night long, and barely another traveller in sight.

Day 7: Dzanga Baï Forest Elephants

Today we visit the legendary Dzanga Baï, one of the greatest wildlife experiences anywhere in Africa. Deep in the rainforest, dozens of forest elephants emerge silently from the jungle into the mineral-rich clearing below. It feels prehistoric. Sit quietly, watch the chaos unfold, and witness one of the last truly untouched wildlife spectacles left on earth.

Day 8: Mangabey Tracking

Another day deep in the Congo Basin rainforest. Today we track mangabeys through dense jungle with local trackers who know every sound and movement of the forest. The biodiversity here is insane. Birds, primates, insects, elephants, and signs of gorillas everywhere. This is one of the least visited wilderness regions on the planet.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Dzanga Sangha

One of the highlights of the entire expedition. Today we trek deep into the rainforest searching for western lowland gorillas. Unlike gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, tourism numbers here are tiny, and the experience feels raw, intimate, and genuinely wild. Coming face to face with a silverback in this remote jungle is something none of us will ever forget.

Day 10: Return to Ouesso

Brutal day ahead to be honest! We leave the Central African Republic today and retrace our route back by speedboat and overland through the Congo Basin to Ouesso. Another long travel day, but by now we’re fully immersed in expedition mode.

Tonight we rest, recharge, and begin processing everything we’ve experienced over the last week.

Day 11: Return to Brazzaville

Final overland journey back south toward Brazzaville (they are rumours of a flight starting back up, and if so, I’ll book that for us but expect an overland journey!).

Expect a long day on the road through remote Congo landscapes before arriving back into the capital. Hot showers, comfortable beds, cold beers, and civilisation again after an unforgettable journey through three of Africa’s wildest countries.

Day 12: Trip Finish

Breakfast together before the trip officially finishes. We say goodbye after one of the most unique and remote wildlife adventures on earth. Bonobos, gorillas, forest elephants, endless rainforest, river crossings, and deep expedition travel through the heart of Central Africa.

Very few people on earth will ever experience a journey like this.

Trekking with Bonobos Dates

Bonobo Trekking (ROC + DRC): July 2-7, 2027

Bonobo Trekking + Gorilla trekking in CAR (ROC + DRC + CAR): July 2-13, 2027

Trekking with Bonobos Price

6D/5N, Bonobo trekking in Republic of Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo: $4,845

11D/12N, Bonobo trekking in ROC + DRC and overland to CAR with Gorilla Trekking and Elephants in Dzanga Baï: $10,445

*I want to get the itinerary out there so people can get as excited as me! These prices are subject to change, which is why it’s not bookable yet. If you REALLY want to secure your spot, DM me on instagram.com/onestep4ward and we can organise that. Deposit is $500 for the shorter trip, and $999 for the longer one. The pricing will be roughly accurate.

FAQs about the trekking with bonobos trip

What are bonobos?

Bonobos are our closest living relatives, found only in the wild in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They’re known for their highly social, peaceful behaviour and are one of the rarest great apes on earth.

How difficult is the bonobo trekking?

Not really. But there is some walking/hiking to find them. If you’re not a strong hiker, don’t worry. Just make sure you have good footwear, walking poles etc. And maybe just do a few walks before you come. All good. Expect early mornings, humid rainforest conditions, muddy trails, and up to few hours walking through jungle terrain. You do not need it, but a decent level of fitness helps.

Is this trip safe?

Yes, when done properly with experienced local teams and guides. This is an expedition-style trip to remote parts of Central Africa, so flexibility and common sense are important.

Where do we sleep?

In Brazzaville we stay in a lovely hotel. In the congo basin we’re in camps, in Ouesso in a guest house, and in CAR in a LOVELY kinda-luxury lodge.

What wildlife will we see?

Bonobos are the main highlight, along with mountain Gorillas. But the Congo Basin is packed with wildlife including monkeys, birds, forest elephants, and countless rainforest species.

Is the trip physically demanding?

Not in an exercise way. But in being knackered from long days, then for sure! Some days are long and tiring due to road travel and jungle trekking, but this is more of an adventure expedition. Not an endurance challenge.

Do I need a visa?

THE BEAUTY OF THIS TRIP IS THAT WE WILL VISIT DRC AND CAR with NO VISA due to our connections. Most nationalities will require visas for the Republic of Congo, which we can also help with.

What is the food like?

Pretty crap! In Brazzaville, food options are good. In remote areas, meals are simpler but filling, usually local dishes, rice, vegetables, meat, fish, and basic expedition food.

Will there be internet and phone signal?

Very limited once we leave Brazzaville. Expect to disconnect for large parts of the expedition.

Is this a luxury trip?

Luxury price point I know, but not luxury! Parts of the trip are comfortable, but much of it is raw adventure travel through one of the least visited regions on earth.

Why is this trip special?

Very few people ever see bonobos in the wild. Even fewer travel overland through the Congo Basin into remote rainforest regions like this. It’s a genuine expedition into one of the last wild frontiers on earth.