August 1, 2025: Arrival in Kinshasa

Ndjili - Arrival and pickup at Kinshasa (N’djili) International Airport. Transfer to Ixoras Hotel or a similar accommodation.

August 2, 2025: Kinshasa Fetish Cult and Voodoo Wrestlers

Kinshasa - The fetish wrestlers derive their strength from witch doctors who reside discreetly in the popular quarters of Kinshasa, in their homes known as temples. Between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM, visits to two witch doctors’ temples are scheduled: Lisaponge Temple and Malema Temple. Wrestlers will be met at the temples before the matches. Attending the fights provides a wide range of photographic opportunities. From the temple to the fight field, there are numerous chances for photography. At 1:00 PM, return to the city of Kinshasa for lunch. At 2:00 PM, depart for the fetish wrestler’s caravan after observing their fight preparations. At 4:00 PM, attend the Fetish Wrestlers fights. Known as “voodoo wrestling” or catch fetish in The Congo, this fascinating blend of traditional voodoo and professional wrestling has gained media attention in recent years. A minimum of six fights will be witnessed, observing the preparations and following the caravan.

August 3, 2025: Tata Gonda Sect Full Immersion

August 4, 2025: Day Drive to Kenge for Yaka People Full Experience

August 5, 2025: Yaka Kingdom Traditional Ceremony

August 6, 2025: Depart for Gungu

August 7, 2025: Pende Traditional Ceremonies Including Mukanda Rite of Passage

August 8, 2025: Portrait Session Before Driving to Tshikapa

August 9, 2025: Travel to Mweka, En Route to Kuba

August 10, 2025: Drive to the Kuba Kingdom Capital, Mushenge

August 11, 2025: Continue with Kuba Kingdom Ceremonies

August 12, 2025: Travel to Kananga

August 13, 2025: Arrive in Kananga and Continue to Tshikapa

Kananga - From Benaleka, a nearly 6-hour drive will take us to Kananga, where lunch will be enjoyed before continuing to Tshikapa.

August 14, 2025: Day Drive to Kinshasa

Kinshasa - Today marks the return to Kinshasa. Departure is at 3:00 AM, with an expected arrival around 3:00 PM, followed by a transfer to Ixoras Hotel or a similar establishment. At 4:00 PM, meet with Congolese sapeurs for a photo session. SAPE (Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes) stands for “society of advanced and elegant people,” and the sapeurs strive to embody this. These unique subculture representatives appear in the slums of Kinshasa, despite not being wealthy. The day concludes with purchasing souvenir masks at one of the largest Congo markets for ancestral and traditional masks and art.

August 15, 2025: End of Service and Transfer to N’djili International Airport

N’djili International Airport - Transfer to Kinshasa Airport, marking the end of service.

• Ceremony fees included
• Lunch provided
• Dinner included
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Breakfast provided

• Gratuities
• All what not included
• International Airport Departure Tax

Many anthropologists and travel photographers have not extensively explored the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to a lack of reliable guides offering genuine local experiences. This journey is enriched by three main experiences that are typically offered separately to travelers. These include the enigmatic Tata Gonda land, the authentic Pende of Gungu known for their pierced cheeks and mask dances, and a full immersion into the Kuba Kingdom, one of the most powerful African kingdoms of all time. For example, in traditional Pende culture, hundreds of children spend a month in a boot camp with their teachers (Nganga Mukanda) and the Grand Master (Kele), where they undergo circumcision. During this trip, participants will learn about how they endure this challenging period of seclusion and how, after the initiation, these young individuals—now adults—return to their proud homes amidst a grand celebration featuring numerous diverse masks.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.