Congo Basin Camps & Lodges

Princess Ngalessa by Expedition Ducret

A Cruise Ship in Congo Basin

Location Congo River, Congo Basin

Starting from US$ 10,132 Per Person Per Tour

Camp Details

4.2 / 56 ratings

This ship left a Belgian shipyard in Kinshasa in 2017. It takes the form of the passenger ships that for decades ensured the transport of passengers on the Congo River and its tributaries between the different capitals of Central Africa.

With its robust steel construction, it is powered by two new-generation 375 hp Caterpillar engines, thus reducing noise pollution and fuel consumption. Its 125-centimeter draft allows it to easily navigate shallow rivers.

In 2023, it was rebuilt to launch the first 4* safari cruises in the heart of one of the most mysterious forests in the world, the Congo Basin forest. Its renovation into a comfortable 4-star Boutique Hotel Ship launches a new era for the development of sustainable tourism in the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville).

In May 2024, upon completion of the ship, it will begin the first cruises on the Congo and Sangha Rivers, thus reviving the long tradition of river navigation in the Congo.

WHY CHOOSE PRINCESS NGALESSA?
• A culinary experience nourished by African and European influences
• Radio communication with separate battery; satellite telephone; life jackets, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in each cabin; flares and signals
• Three aluminum auxiliary boats equipped with low-emission four-stroke engines. Each boat has a capacity of 12 passengers.

Questions about Princess Ngalessa

What sort of vessel is she?

She is a steel river ship built at a Belgian shipyard in Kinshasa in 2017, in the shape of the passenger boats that for decades carried people between the capitals of Central Africa. In 2023 she was rebuilt as a four-star boutique hotel ship. Fares start from US$10,132 per person for the voyage.

Where does she cruise, and can she handle shallow water?

Sailings run on the Congo and Sangha Rivers, reviving the old tradition of river navigation in the Congo. A shallow 125-centimetre draft lets her work rivers that larger boats cannot, and three aluminium auxiliary boats, each taking twelve passengers, are used for excursions off the ship.

What is on board?

Cooking draws on both African and European influences. Two new-generation 375hp Caterpillar engines keep noise and fuel use down, and the safety kit runs to radio communication with a separate battery, a satellite telephone, flares and signals, plus life jackets, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in each cabin.