Port privé - The tour will commence with a visit to the historic Stanley Hotel, constructed in 1939 and renamed Kisangani Hotel in 1966. Following this, we’ll explore the vibrant Kisangani port. This tour will highlight Kisangani’s significance as the Congo’s second most crucial inland port after Kinshasa, serving as a vital commercial hub for both river and land transport. Additionally, Kisangani Port is a key market and distribution center for the northeastern region of the country, historically connecting to Yangambi, nearby islands like Mbiye, and even reaching the distant capital, Kinshasa.

Kisangani - Along the Congo River and in the downtown area, we’ll visit old and abandoned colonial buildings. These structures, featuring Western architectural styles, were built by colonial powers. Highlights include the grand Hôtel des Chutes (one of the oldest, dating back to 1900, now abandoned), the deserted La Villa Regina (considered the oldest colonial building), the impressive Kisangani Mosque (constructed in 1980 with financial aid from former Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi), and the abandoned residence of the late President Mobutu.

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral - Our next stop is this monumental piece of colonial architecture facing the Congo River. Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, the city’s oldest Catholic Church, was built in 1899 and has undergone several restorations to maintain its stunning appearance. The building sustained damage during the three battles between the Rwandan and Ugandan armies for control of the Kisangani port on the Congo River.

Kisangani - From the cathedral, we’ll proceed to visit several historical monuments dedicated to Congo Heroes and colonial leaders, some of which are located near abandoned buildings. Key sites include:
• The popular Henry Morton Stanley monument from 1883, which was destroyed a few years after Congo’s independence due to nationalist movements, along with monuments of King Leopold II and Albert I. The remaining Stanley monument is the Comte Carton de Wiart Fountain, also known as the “Stanley Fountain,” with its continuously flowing water. This historical site, facing the abandoned Hôtel des Chutes, is a must-see.
• Le Peron Liégeois (1953): This monument is a replica of one in Liège, Belgium, symbolizing the connection between the people of that city and those living in Belgian Congo.
• The Hero Lumumba monument, honoring an important leader in the independence movement, who was assassinated in 1961 near Lubumbashi, then known as Elizabethville.

Kisangani - Before visiting Wagenia Falls and Mbiye Island, we’ll explore Wagenia Falls. As one of the region’s most important and strategic cities, Kisangani is home to the Kisangani National Museum, which houses a unique collection of ancient Congolese and East African archaeological and ethnological artifacts.

Kisangani - Many consider the visit to Wagenia Falls and the local fishermen to be the most spectacular aspect of Kisangani. This experience will be one of the most memorable parts of your stay, showcasing traditional fishing practices that have been used for over two centuries, unique to this community.

Île Mbie - Located 3 km southeast of Kisangani City and downstream from Wagenia Falls, Mbiye is a 14 km long and 4 km wide island ecosystem. Inhabited by a mosaic of tribes (Kumu, Mbole, and Walengola) and non-natives, this large island in the Congo River is one of Kisangani’s green lungs. Here, you’ll be immersed in an incredible forest ecosystem, including dryland, flooded, and swampy forests, all well-preserved.
We’ll take a pirogue to Mbiye Island and return by road. First, we’ll visit Wanie Rukula to see the spot where Belgians marked the equator’s passage in 1958, located near the intersection of the Congo and Maiko Rivers in the bush. Permission from the Governor is required for this visit. Afterward, we’ll return to Kisangani.

Kisangani - Our final stop will be at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy Congolese cuisine, including freshly caught fish, cassava leaves, ugali, and other surprises. This meal can be enjoyed either on Mbiye Island or in Kisangani, depending on your preference.