Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: lesio-louna gorilla sanctuary & brazzaville exploration tour at Pointe Noire

Mid-Voyage Land Adventure: Lesio-Louna Gorilla Sanctuary & Brazzaville Exploration

Duration: 2 Days/1 Night - April 13-14, 2026

Departs from: Pointe Noire in the morning (final time TBD)   

Re-join ship: Pointe Noire in the evening (final time TBD)

Reserve by: December 15, 2025, after this date upon availability.

For pricing and latest availability, please contact your travel agent or Silversea Cruise Consultant.

DAY ONE – Monday, April 13, 2026 – Day Tour to Lesio-Luna Gorilla Sanctuary

Enjoy an early breakfast before disembarking from the ship and transferring by bus to Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport. After completing airport formalities, take a flight to Brazzaville, with an estimated flight time of about 60 minutes from Pointe Noire.

Upon arrival in Brazzaville, transfer to Lesio-Louna Gorilla Sanctuary for an open-air picnic lunch, setting the stage for an exciting afternoon. With a land transfer time of approximately 180 minutes, travel in closed 4x4 vehicles (maximum 3 guests per vehicle) halfway over paved national roads and the remaining half off-road driving over bumpy and uneven natural surfaces and inclines.

Lesio Louna is a protected area spanning 173,000 hectares, located about 150 km north of Brazzaville. The reserve encompasses diverse habitats, including grasslands, dry mixed forests, and swamp forests, providing a vital sanctuary for a thriving population of western lowland gorillas. It offers visitors a rare chance to observe silverback gorillas in their natural environment. The reserve also plays a crucial role in local conservation efforts, supporting anti-poaching initiatives, community engagement, and sustainable livelihoods. Enjoy an extended 2-hour boat cruise (local boats are rustic with no protection from the sun), taking you as close as safely possible to these gentle primates while also increasing your chances of spotting hippos. Glide along the river past lush mangroves and scenic vistas, immersing yourself in the beauty of this extraordinary and fragile ecosystem.

After this unique experience, return with the closed 4x4 vehicles to Brazzaville (approximately 180 minutes traveling time).

Upon arrival in Brazzaville, transfer to the hotel for check-in and enjoy your local dinner.

Overnight accommodation at Hilton Brazzaville Les Tours Jumelles Hotel & Residences.

DAY TWO – Tuesday, April 14, 2026 – Brazzaville City Tour – Pointe Noire

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and start your day with a scenic drive through Brazzaville’s highlights, including the iconic St. Anne Basilica, designed by architect Roger Erell, symbol of hope and renewal after World War II. Visit Poto-Poto Market, a vibrant hub reflecting the city’s diverse cultures, and stroll through the streets to see the Poto-Poto Painting School, known for its distinctive artistic style, offering an authentic glimpse into Brazzaville’s lively spirit.

Continue to the De Brazza Museum to explore Congo’s rich cultural heritage, then enjoy a scenic drive to the Equator Point and Djoue Cataracts, marveling at these natural landmarks. Experience a lively ‘sapeur’ show, showcasing Congo’s unique fashion culture, before returning to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, transfer to Mami-wata pier for a 1.5-hour boat cruise (rustic, with limited sun protection) along the Congo River to Mbamou Island, where you will enjoy cultural performances and explore local traditions.

Return by local boat to Mami-wata pier and discover the local handicraft market. Hotel check-out, followed by bus transfer (local small buses) to Maya-Maya Airport for your commercial flight to Pointe Noire. Upon arrival at Augustina Neto International Airport, transfer back to the pier to rejoin Silver Wind.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure is recommended to guests who are physically fit.  It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. Republic of Congo is a very-low-income country with very basic infrastructure, and vastly different to the western culture mentality. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, equipment, and services are the best available in the country. Transfer time each way to the Lesio Louna Gorilla Sanctuary is approximately 180 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Off-road driving over bumpy and uneven natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the 4-wheel drive vehicle. The ride may be rough at times, and guests will experience bumpy, jerking motions. A moderate amount of walking to fully explore the sites visited; however, walking is at the discretion of each guest. Do not take photos of military buildings, officers in uniform, or people without their permission. Please ask your guide for guidance. The above description is a sample of the experience. The order of the sites visited may vary since the Lesio-Louna Gorilla Sanctuary has a limited daily visitors capacity.  April in the Republic of the Congo typically marks the peak of the rainy season, expect warm temperatures, high humidity and frequent. - Lightweight, quick-drying clothing suitable for humid and rainy weather, waterproof jacket or poncho, waterproof footwear or sturdy boots, sun protection such as hats and sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Remember also to bring your camera and binoculars. It is recommended to have electronic equipment sealed in waterproof bags, in case of rain or spray.  Malaria is present in the Republic in Congo, especially during the rainy season. We recommend consulting your physician about appropriate prophylaxis and preventive measures before travelling. Please be advised that only economy class seats are available for the domestic flight. Airlines restrict baggage to one carry-on luggage weighing up to 7kg (15lbs) and one checked in luggage does not exceed 15kg (33lbs) in weight. Guests are informed that tips to local guides and drivers are at the guest’s discretion.

Program Includes:

• One night at Hilton Brazzaville Les Tours Jumelles Hotel & Residences in the booked room category  
• All activities as detailed in the itinerary, including entrance fees and national park permits  
• All sightseeing and transfers as per the program  
• One breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner (including non-alcoholic beverages and local beer with meals)  
• Scheduled domestic economy class flights between Pointe Noire and Brazzaville

Not Included:  

Any meals and drinks not specified, airline meals during travel, gratuities to staff and guides, laundry, phone calls, excess luggage fees, cancellation insurance, and personal expenses.

VACCINATION:

Please consult your doctor for detailed vaccination requirements for the Republic of Congo. Note that the Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry.

Prices: Hilton Brazzaville Les Tours Jumelles Hotel & Residences

All Land Adventures require a minimum number of participants to operate as described.  If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure.  Silversea's published cruise cancellation policy will remain in effect.  All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this program. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing and are recommended to guests 18 years or older. This description is a general overview of this program.  Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays and weather, require.  The program described is provided by independent contractors. Silversea acts solely as ticketing agent. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.