Congo River Cruise Packing List

01

Clothing

Light layers, natural colours and quick-drying fabrics.

Long-sleeved shirtsLightweight, breathable and quick-drying, in muted greens, browns or other neutral colours.
Long trousersChoose quick-drying fabric for humid forest walks.
Light fleece or jumperFor cooler evenings, early mornings and breezy river journeys.
Light raincoatA packable waterproof layer for showers.
SwimwearFor time relaxing on board.
Casual clothesComfortable clothing for evenings; dinner dress is casual.

02

Footwear

Comfortable shoes for wet ground and time on board.

Closed walking or sports shoesStable, comfortable for several hours, and ideally lightweight and quick-drying.
Rubber bootsBoots are not provided on board, so bring your own.
Shoes that can get wetFor small stream crossings. Sailing shoes work well.
High socksExtra coverage around your ankles when walking in the forest.
Comfortable shoes for the shipAn easy pair for relaxing on board.

03

Bags & luggage

Keep rain protection close at hand, including on boat transfers.

Main travel bagPack light and check the allowance in your final travel documents.
Comfortable daypackA soft pack, with room for binoculars, a water bottle and your essentials on forest walks.
Waterproof bag cover or dry bagProtect your belongings during heavy rain.
Small overnight backpackFor your belongings during one night of bonobo tracking.15-night expedition
Light, soft bag for Dzanga-SanghaPack for four days, with a maximum weight of 6 kg.15-night expedition

04

Everyday expedition kit

The small things you will reach for throughout the trip.

05

Personal health kit

Prepare your personal medicines with a travel-health professional before departure.

Small first-aid kitAntiseptic wipes, bandages, plasters and tweezers suitable for removing ticks.
Personal medicinesYour regular medicines, plus suitable pain relief and diarrhoea treatment as advised by your clinician.
Malaria medication, as prescribedDiscuss malaria prevention with your travel-health clinician before you travel.
Electrolyte or rehydration sachetsIncluded in the operator’s recommended travel kit.

06

Travel documents

Keep these accessible during your journey. Confirm departure-specific requirements with us.

Passport and travel paperworkYour passport, visa, invitation letter and insurance documents.
Yellow fever vaccination certificateCarry the certificate with your travel documents.

A few useful details

Packing questions

How much luggage can I bring?

Keep main luggage to 15 kg in soft bags. That is the figure we work to for the domestic flight on the 15-night expedition, and it is the one the rest of our Congo pages give. For Dzanga-Sangha, bring a light, soft bag for four days, limited to 6 kg, plus a small backpack for the overnight bonobo excursion. Check your final travel documents for the allowance that applies to your booked departure.

Do I need formal clothes for dinner?

No. Dinner on board is casual. Comfortable clothes and shoes are enough.

Should I bring my own raincoat?

Yes. The packing list recommends a light raincoat so you have a waterproof layer ready during showers.

Is this list for both expedition lengths?

The clothing, footwear and everyday kit apply to both. Select 15 nights to include the overnight bonobo bag and the 6 kg Dzanga-Sangha bag. Your final departure documents take precedence.

Your Congo
packing list

Your packing checklist