Islands on the mighty Congo

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Do you want to know how big the Congo River is? There are islands on it, with restaurants, swimming pools, animal farms and hotels, that’s how big!


Sandbar


This one only appears during the dry season so it is not really an island but it is on the river, so I am counting it as one.  When the sandbar appears, Mami Wata restaurant sets up shop there - they grill on the island, they have bouncy castles, trampolines, tables and chairs all set up.  On the weekend evenings, the mood changes from family fun to young people fun - there is music and dancing.  

To get to the sandbar you take a pirogue from Mami Wata.  The trip is only 15 minutes long, including the loading times.  Once on the sandbar, you can either order from the limited menu of things that are prepared on the island or order from the Mami Wata menu and wait for them to deliver your food by pirogue. The drinks are served cold but the choice is limited to water, sodas and beer.  

Fishermen in dugout canoes pass by.  You can also see an occasional jet boat. On a clear day, there are great views of both Kinshasa and Brazzaville, off in the distance. 

We went in August.  A few weeks later, the rains started and the island disappeared! 


Ile Faignond

Ile Faignond was the first proper island we visited.  It takes about an hour on the boat from Brazzaville to get there.  The US Embassy has a boat that we use to go back and forth to Kinshasa as well as for CLO trips and that is what we booked to reach the island.  Even though the property is pretty, with multiple gazebos, an animal farm, farming fields, restaurant kitchen and a few simple houses, it has the feel of being worn out, deserted, abandoned...  We ordered lunch to be made there for us.  The drinks were also provided - sodas and beer.  We played games that we brought with us and took short walks around the island while we waited for the food to be prepared.  It took a while and, although pretty basic, the food was fresh and plentiful.  If you lower your expectations or rather not have any and go with the flow, this is an enjoyable day trip from Brazzaville.  It’s just sad because obviously this place has seen better days…. Someone’s dream gone wrong…  


Sakana Island

There is a boating tour company that organizes trips to Sakana island from the Mami Wata boat launch.  Armed with bathing suits, sunscreen, bug spray and a good book,  I set off for a day of laziness.  Even if you let the company know in advance you would be coming, you still have to put your name on the list when you arrive at the boat launch and depending on the number of people waiting, you will board when it is your turn.  You can catch the boat there between 11 and 1 p.m. for 10,000 CFA (an equivalent of about $20). This is a round trip with returns beginning at 4 p.m. It also includes one local drink on the island (soda or beer).  Considering the fact that the trip is only about 15 minutes, the transport is pricey but so is everything in Brazzaville. 

Sakana is a very large river island.  It is a private resort built by a wealthy individual and open to day visitors. Upon arrival, I paid for the trip and was given a wristband. Then you can either walk or be transported in a golf cart to the enormous pool/ restaurant area.  If you want to swim, that is an extra $10 ($5 for kids).  I ordered food and drinks and relaxed by the pool.  My mojito was tasty although it took a long time to get it. Same with the food. Overall the “dining” experience was pretty mediocre. 


After lunch, I took a little stroll around the island.  If you are there in the morning, you may spot some birds that you have not seen in Brazzaville, so it is worth taking your binoculars. There is also a big, covered playground on the island, with carousels and trampolines.  This would be a great place to host a birthday party. 

 If you want to stay the night, you can do so in one of the guest houses they have.  They are nice but prohibitively expensive - I think the price I was quoted was $500 per night.  Definitely NOT worth it!


If you are looking for a day or half a day excursion, one of those islands will do just fine.  Everything aside,  just sipping beer in the middle of the mighty Congo makes my bucket list!


For more information about the island and the transport, call +242 06 587 2571


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