Hidden in the green of the Congolese forest, just over the Ubangi River and close to the Central African Republic we find the decaying Versailles of the Jungle. Once the majestic and decadent palace of Mobutu, with its own international airport and a personal concorde in which Mobutu would fly in his favorite barber from NY.
Gbadolite is the capital of the North-Ubangi Province in Congo-Kinshasa and is only a few kilometers south of the Ubangi River, which separates the Democratic Republic from the Central African Republic. It is here where Mobutu grew up. Once he became president of Zaïre, he built international airports, malls, supermarkets, a hydroelectric dam, three luxury palaces (one in Gbadolite and two in Kawele) and called Gbadolite the Versailles of the jungle. He also built companies, well equipped schools and hospitals and provided jobs for many families in the region.
It was also home to a nuclear bunker, the largest in all of Africa, connected to the Ubangi River through a secret tunnel. In 1997 Kabila took over power and Gbadolite was looted and destroyed. Throughout the last two decades the jungle has slowly been taken over the area.
We offer a complete tour to Gbadolite in which you’ll get to visit all of the area and visit the Gbadolite palace of Mobutu and his two palaces in Kawele. For this travel we will start in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic and go by boat on the Ubangi River to Mobaye, where we will cross the river and stay for two full days on the Congo side. Depending on the group size, we will either go with a smaller boat which can take up to four people or a larger one which can take up to 8 or more. We will camp on the river banks, eat simple local meals and make a campfire every evening. You will get to see the villages and meet the pygmy tribes who live along the Oubangi River. If you like fishing it’s also possible to bring your fishing gear and fish for large African game fish such as the Goliath tigerfish.
Please, add at least two buffer days in Bangui after your programme in case we get any delays on the way. Note that we are not responsible for you missing your flight due to bad planning. Note, that this expedition is on the river in the jungle, with very basic facilities. There is no electricity or hot water, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Bangui – Mouro
First leg of the journey, we’ll go on the Oubangi River and make it to Mouro or similar. We will enjoy the beautiful lush forest and vistas of the villages along the river.
Day 2 and 3 : Villages between Mouro Region and Kouango Region
We will use these days to camp and explore the villages in the region, so you can learn all about the everyday life.
Day 4: Mobaye
Another day of exploring and boat rides all the way to Mobaye. We’ll stay overnight here and the day after we’ll go to Gbadolite!
Day 5 and 6: Gbadolite
We’ll have two full days to see the palaces and the other old facilities. Enjoy your time to explore the DRC-side of the river.
Day 7 and 8: Back to Bangui.
We’ll use these two days to go back to Bangui and will then make sure you’re safe and sound at your hotel in Bangui. End of tour.
Includes:
– Transport with a good modern boat
– Professional team: captain, assistant and guide
– Simple meals
– Camping
– All activities and visits as per itinerary
Doesn’t include:
– Accommodation in Bangui
– Meals and drinks in Bangui
Only serious inquiries only, please!
