Télé lake

Télé lake

The journey to Lake Tele Congo takes you into one of the most remote and least explored regions in Central Africa. Hidden deep in the northern swamp forests of the Republic of Congo, Lake Télé Republic of Congo is surrounded by vast untouched rainforest, river systems, and wetlands that feel far removed from modern travel routes.

This is not a standard safari. It is a long, immersive expedition through wilderness landscapes where access is limited, conditions are basic, and nature remains completely undisturbed. The experience is designed for travellers looking for real adventure in one of Africa’s most isolated regions.

Tour Cost

€2,450 per person

  • Duration: 17 Days
  • Starting Point: Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
  • Ending Point: Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
  • Group Size: 4–8 travellers
  • Transport: Overland travel, river boats, occasional flights
  • Accommodation: Basic lodges, village stays, and bush camping

Description

The expedition begins in Brazzaville and continues north into the remote rainforest regions of the Republic of Congo. As the journey progresses, roads give way to rivers and forest tracks, and travel becomes slower and more dependent on boats and footpaths.

Much of the route into Lake Tele Congo passes through swamp forest and isolated river systems where local guides lead the way. Overnight stays alternate between simple lodges, remote villages, and camping in the forest.

This is a demanding journey that offers a rare look at one of the least accessible parts of the Congo Basin.

Travelers interested in deeper rainforest exploration can also combine this experience with our Nouabale Ndoki National Park expedition for a complete Congo Basin wildlife adventure. 

Lake Tele Republic of Congo

Lake Tele Republic of Congo sits deep within a vast swamp forest ecosystem. The lake is extremely isolated, with very few visitors reaching it each year, making it one of the most untouched natural areas in Africa.

The surrounding region is rich in wildlife, including:

  • Western lowland gorillas
  • Chimpanzees
  • Forest elephants
  • Buffalo and antelope species
  • Over 300 bird species

Travel Experience

Reaching Lake Tele Congo involves multiple stages of travel through very remote terrain. The journey typically includes:

  • Travel overland from Brazzaville to northern Congo
  • Cross rivers by boat and traditional dugout canoe
  • Trek through swamp forests and jungle trails
  • Camp in remote wilderness areas

All travel is guided by experienced local teams who are familiar with the terrain as well as conditions in this part of the Republic of Congo.

For travelers interested in wildlife-focused expeditions, this journey also pairs well with our Gorilla Safari Congo Tours and other rainforest experiences across Central Africa. 

Important Information

  • This is a physically demanding expedition
  • Basic comfort levels should be expected throughout
  • Strong fitness and adaptability are required
  • Weather and terrain conditions may affect travel routes
  • Suitable only for experienced adventure travellers

Travel Style

Expedition / Jungle trekking / River travel / Remote wildlife exploration
Start & End: Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore the remote northern Congo Basin
  • Visit to the isolated Lake Tele Republic of Congo
  • Travel by rivers through swamp forests
  • Trek through untouched tropical jungles
  • Camp in remote wilderness locations
  • See wildlife in one of Africa’s wildest regions
  • Experience traditional travel routes and local life
  • One of the most remote Lake Tele Congo expeditions available

CONGO TREKKING EXPEDITION LAKE TELE TRAVEL

Day 1 :
Departure

Departure from your country to Brazzaville in congo.

Arrival in the capital of the Congo - Brazzaville. At the airport, the group meets with a local English-speaking guide in Brazzaville. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Then free time to rest after the trip. Overnight in hotel in Brazzaville.

Afteran early breakfast, transfer to the airport and TAC (Trans Air Congo) flight north Congo to the city of Impfondo. Landing at Impfondo Airport around noon. Further journey by 4x4 car to epena. The route to overcome about 84 km (good road). The journey will take about 2 hours. arrivals in Epena, accommodation in tents in the lifebase of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS – manager of the park area).

Completing the formalities and paying the entry fee to the Community of Lake Télé. Free time to rest. Overnight in tents.

After anearly breakfast, departure to the Pygmy village located in the jungle. It will be a long journey to the village of Boha (about 5 hours by motorboat to the south). Boha is the village where the owners of Lake Tele live. In the village of Boha, chiefs from three old villages (MALÈNGUÈ, BOLONDA and BOHA) meet. This place is the so-called gate to the lake and a starting point for trekking. Boha is the last bastion of civilization before setting off into the jungle. Upon arrival at the place, registration with the village head. Overnight in tents in the village of Boha.

Breakfast. Then a traditional purification ceremony, after which we will go trekking to the jungle in the company of a local guide and porters helping to carry the participants' luggage. We have about 7 hours of walking ahead of us, to overcome about 16 km. We will wander in one of the least explored and least visited places on the planet. This is the real Africa! We want to get there before dusk to be able to set up camp before sunset. Thanks to this, we will avoid possible attacks of insects. After reaching the place, the camp will be set up. Free time to rest. Overnight in tents in the jungle.

Early breakfast around (05:30). Continuation of the journey through the dense bush towards Lake Tele. We have about 11 hours of walking ahead of us, to overcome about 28 km. Along the way, contact with real wild nature! The path we will follow is a selected dry corridor in the jungle. We will be surrounded by a dense jungle. During the hike with a local guide, do not move away from the group. For your own safety and the safety of the group, follow the instructions of the guide. During the trekking, 6 or 10 breaks are provided, lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. During breaks, time for a short rest, a meal and filtering water, etc. Before dusk, setting up camp. Free time to rest. Overnight in tents in the forest.

After breakfast, we will start the most difficult stage of this trip - access to Lake Tele. We are waiting to overcome about 3 km of muddy plains. Here, too, you should strictly follow all the tips of the guides. Obligatory comfortable rubber boots! March around 6:00 in the morning. Hike through the swampy forest and arrive at Lake Tele around 10:00 am. After reaching the place, free time to rest, relax and swim in Lake Tele. Lake Tele is the most isolated and mysterious lake on the African continent, and perhaps all over the world. Overnight in a camp in tents.

After breakfast, it's time to explore the area around Lake Tele. We will get to know the area around Lake Tele in the company of a guide of our team. During the day we will also have unlimited access to the canoe (boat), which will be able to swim on the lake. Overnight in a camp in tents.

After breakfast, we set off on our way back. Marching at a brisk morning pace. We begin a long march back through a deserted dense bush. In the jungle we will look for animals, birds, insects, reptiles and who knows what else. When trekking, you should stick to the group and listen to the instructions of the guide. It will be a hike through the most amazing jungle in the world, which gives a huge and real joy to lovers of unique wildlife. Overnight in a camp in tents in the jungle.

Breakfast and start of the return trekking to the village of Boha. We will reach Boh in the late afternoon or around the evening, depending on the pace of the group's march. Free time to rest and meet the villagers. In Boha we will reunimate with civilization. Overnight in tents in the village.

After breakfast, we will leave the village of Boha and take a boat to Epena. For the night we will stop in Epena. Overnight in tents. (For organizational reasons, we planned the way back to Brazzaville by 4x4 car from Ouesso. The reason - the lack of flights, which is common in this part of the Congo).

After an early breakfast, we will continue our journey back to Brazzaville. Around 05:00 we will sail by motorboat to the village of Mboua. For about 8 hours we will sail the river through the tropical forest. Then drive a car from the village of Mboua to the Sangha River, from where we will take a ferry to the city of Ouesso. On the way we will pass numerous villages and settlements of Pygmies. After reaching Ouesso, accommodation in hotel. Free time to rest after the trip. Overnight in hotel in Ouesso.

Early breakfast and departure by public bus towards Brazzaville. On the route landscapes of the Congo. Stops for photos and a short reaction. We will reach Brazzaville around 19:00/20:00. Accommodation in a hotel. Free time to rest after the trip. Overnight in hotel in Brazzaville.

Day 14 :
Brazzaville

After breakfast, we will start a walk around Brazzaville, located on the Congo River. Opposite Brazzaville, on the other side of the Congo River, is Kinshasa, the capital of D.R. Congo. This is the only such case in the world when the capitals of two countries are located opposite each other on two opposite banks of the river. A visit to the city market Poto-Poto. Free time to buy souvenirs. We will see cataracts on the Congo River. Covid test (if required). Overnight in a hotel in Brazzaville.

Day 15 :
Brazzaville

Breakfast. Then, depending on the flight times, continue sightseeing in Brazzaville or transfer to the airport. Transfer to Brazzaville airport according to flight hours. At the airport, goodbye to the guide in congo. Departure to your country. 

Day 16 :
Arrival

Arrival in your country.

*Note: If there are no flights from Brazzaville to Impfondo during the expedition, the route will be covered by public bus. This will correct the program and extend the length of the expedition by 3 days. Cancellation of flights by local Congolese airlines is independent of the organizer.

Included and Excluded

THIS TRIP INCLUDES

  • Transport in public bus or airplane
  • Hotel in Brazzaville, Ouesso, Impfondo
  • 4X4 to Epena
  • Boats to Boha and Mboua
  • Local Guide
  • All daily entrance fees and community permits to the Lac Tele Community Reserve
  • Local treated water suitable for human consumption during the journey.
  • Armed ranger, expedition guide and cook (very basic cooking) during the hiking expedition on Lake Tele
  • 3 basic meals per day during the expedition. Dry fish, hunting and fishing of the moment cooked directly on the fire, sardine cans.
  • Hotel in Brazzaville at the beginning and at end of the trip
  • Transfer to the airport
  • All meals during the expedition except when you are in Brazzaville and Ouesso. Local food
  • Formalities at police checkpoints along the route.
  • Letter of official invitation to the Republic of Congo, if required to obtain a visa (80 €)

THIS TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • International Flights
  • Basic individual tent for protection from mosquitoes at night on the hiking to Lake Tele
  • Individual mattress to sleep when we camp on the Tele Lake hiking. Each traveler will bring one from home.
  • Taxi fares to move around the cities
  • Visa and formalities
  • Beverages, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for local guides, rangers, porters, etc (Not mandatory)
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Meals are not included on arrival in Brazzaville
  • Visas and formalities

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Télé lake
Romaric Tour Wild Life

We create authentic journeys across Central Africa’s most breathtaking destinations.

Contact Us

Copyright 2026 Romarictourguide | All Right Reserved. | Developed by DrowDigital