Details
12 DAYS FROM 16625 PP
Best time to go
may to march
Located in the north-west region of the Republic of the Congo, discover two unique camps inside the pristine Odzala-Kokoua National Park, and a third on a private concession bordering the national park. This is a lowland rainforest characterised by a network of bais, rivers, marshes and swamps. This vast and truly wild region, with its wide range of landscapes and habitat, is home to an incredible diversity of life. Forest elephant, leopard, bongo, forest buffalo, giant forest hog and hippo live alongside the greatest density of western lowland gorilla in Africa.
Discover Rare Species
Forest elephant, forest buffalo, bongo, sitatunga, various monkey species and rare birds habituate this pure wilderness.
Gorilla Protection Hotspot
Home to the pioneering research of the Western Lowland Gorilla.
Leading Conservation Initiative
Preserving a vulnerable rainforest, the “lungs” of our planet, as well as vast areas of savannah and mineral rich bais.
Outstanding Adventure
With minimal impact on the ecosystem: tracking gorilla on foot, forest walking trails, kayaking, river walks, boating.
Day 1: Arrive Brazzaville
Upon your arrival into Maya Maya International Airport in Brazzaville, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night. Here, you have the chance to relax after your flight and before the adventures of the next days.
Day 2: Brazzaville - Ngaga Camp
After breakfast this morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred back to the airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight today from Brazzaville to Ngaga Camp to begin your lowland gorilla safari. Get to know your group before setting out on a forest walk with your guide on hand to point out various local species of flora and fauna. Back at camp you may have the opportunity to meet the gorilla research team who will tell you all about the work they are undertaking here which will be sure to build your excitement for your upcoming gorilla treks. Dine on a three-course meal before retiring to your room in preparation for your early start the next day.
Day 3: Gorilla Trek and Forest Walk
Wake at dawn to begin your day with a light breakfast before setting off at 6am for your first gorilla trek. Meet your guide and expert tracker who will accompany you for the day. Depending on the location of the gorillas, treks can vary in length from just two hours to a full day.
Day 4: Gorilla Trek and Night Walk
Today, wake early again for another gorilla trek. In the afternoon you will have a chance to experience another forest walk with an expert guide, keeping an eye out for unique birds and primates. The walk will extend into the evening to seek out nocturnal forest life.
Day 5: Gorilla Trek and Forest Walk
Depart for your final gorilla trek with your expert guides and capture some last-minute shots of these gorillas. By now you will have plenty of experience photographing in this location so will be able to refine your composition to get some great new images.
Day 6: Ngaga Camp - Village Visit - Lango Camp
Late morning transfer to Mbomo village for some village life and then lunch at Mboko Camp before your onward journey to Lango Camp and bai via a kayak trip on the Lekoli River. The camp attracts huge flocks of African green pigeon and African grey parrots, and at night, forest elephants.
Day 7 - 8: Lango Bai
These two days are your chance to explore the area surrounding Lango Camp. Head out to the Bais on foot and enjoy close encounters with wildlife such as forest elephants. Back at camp join the research team for an evening presentation on what has been snapped on the camera traps.
Day 9: Lango Camp - Mboko Camp
You will be transferred by way of a game drive followed by walking on a raised wooden path through the swamp to Mboko Camp which will be your home for your last two nights in Odzala- Kokoua. Take a cruise on the Lekoli River or final adventure walk in the Likeni River.
Day 10 - 11: Mboko Camp
This area of lush meadow-like savanna forest buffalo, forest elephant and spotted hyena are frequently seen. Near the edge of the park there is the chance to visit the nearby villages and interact with the local people.
Day 12: Mboko Camp - Brazzaville
This morning, enjoy an early morning breakfast at the camp before check out. You will be driven back to the airstrip for your flight back to Brazzaville (arriving Brazzaville at 11am), where you will connect with your international flights.
The gorillas we are allowed to track belong to either one of ten habituated family groups. The gorillas are by no means tame, and are completely wild animals. However, experienced guides will accompany you on your gorilla tracking, many of whom have been involved in the habituation process themselves. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorillas' habits and information from the previous day to locate the group's whereabouts. Tracking the gorillas can take anything from 4-8 hours in lush green, steep, muddy, terrain! It is, however, the experience of a lifetime... coming across these amiable primates in their natural surroundings is quite awe-inspiring as you watch them go about their daily lives, playing, grooming and eating!
