Gorillas in the Forest – a Congo Adventure

Move over Dian Fossey – we’re off to find gorillas in the forest.

The Republic of the Congo is one of the hottest and most exciting destinations in Africa right now. This is the next bucket list item for intrepid African travellers who have “been there and done that”. This trip has everything that most travellers to Africa have not experienced. By that we mean forest elephants, forest buffalo, bongos and lowland gorillas, among many other birds, animals and communities.

And it’s likely that you will see birds and insects that you never imagined existed. This adventure takes place in the Odzala National Park, which is, incidentally, one of Africa’s oldest parks. The park is located in the Congo basin which is, significantly, the second largest rain forest after the Amazon, accounting for around 18% of the world’s remaining rain forest.

Conservation genies from the African Parks Network monitor large game within its borders. Furthermore, by providing medical care and encouraging alternative livelihoods to poaching and burning, they secure the support of local communities. Meanwhile, a long-standing research team under Dr Magda Bermejo monitors the habituation and health of lowland gorillas. Employing trackers from the community ensures not only access to inherent knowledge, but custodianship of the forest and its wildlife.

This trip offers the opportunity to explore a remote, secret world in comfort and safety. Here more than anywhere, you are a participant, rather than an observer.

Add this to your bucket list. There is no better time than now.

Highlights

Appreciate

the vast canopy of green from the air

Be amazed

by the variety and complexity of life in the forest

Listen

to the deafening jungle chorus

Watch

as forest buffalo or elephant tentatively emerge from the shadows

Be inspired

by the dedication of researchers and park personnel

Experiences

Day One

Into the forest

You are met at Maya Maya Airport, Brazzaville and assisted to board the charter flight to Odzala NP.

Fly to Mboko airstrip(2 hours) and transfer by road to Ngaga Camp, a 3-hour drive through the park.

This evening, meet the gorilla research team before enjoying dinner together.

Day Two

Gorilla tracking

Depart from the lodge to go gorilla tracking this morning.

Return for lunch at Ngaga Camp

This afternoon, head out on a forest walk. Discover the smaller creatures and birds in this ancient environment.

Stop for sundowners in the river.

Day Three

More gorillas

Head out this morning to track a different gorilla family, returning for lunch at the lodge.

This afternoon, spend some time with the gorilla research team or head out on an extended forest walk.

After dinner this evening, enjoy a night walk to explore the nocturnal forest inhabitants.

Day Four

Mbomo village

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in camp before packing up to leave.

For those who can endure the humidity, there is an opportunity to run part of the way through the forest to Mbomo village. We spend time at the market, chatting to villagers at the water pump.

Continue by road to Mboko Camp for lunch before kayaking the Lekoli River towards Lango Camp. The last part of the trip will involve wading through the baï on foot.

Enjoy sundowners overlooking the baï before dinner.

Day Five

Walking the baï

Enjoy a guided morning walk through the baï (one of our very favourite activities. Period.)

Return to camp for lunch, before an afternoon forest or baï walk. Excellent bird-watching opportunities exist here.

Day Six

More baïs, more forests...

One last baï walk before breakfast

Depart for Mboko Camp on foot.

After lunch, enjoy a walk in the forest around camp or cruise the Lekoli River.

Day Seven

Mboko Camp

Curate your final day with guided forest walks, bird watching, river cruises, swimming or relaxing in camp.

Day Eight

Departure

Breakfast at Mboko Camp

Charter flight to Brazzaville

Connect with departing flight or spend a night in Brazzaville.

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary!

CAMPS
Ngaga Camp is the base for gorilla tracking, while Lango Camp offers bai and forest walks. Mboko Camp is located closest to the airstrip, on the Likeni River and offers boating, kayaking and forest walks.

Click here for more information about the three camps.
BRAZZAVILLE ADD-ON
Brazzaville is a modern, sexy African city which boasts a colourful collection of activities to explore.

Browse the markets for quintessential Congolese fabrics or enjoy an elightening historical city walking tour.

Enjoy lunch overlooking the river, opposite Brazzaville’s twin city, Kinshasa.

Or spend a surreal evening with the sapeurs, a fashion and lifestyle club that blends trendsetting with sexuality.

We found Brazzaville to be a delightful surprise and a must-do on any trip to the country.
TRIP COST

Trip fees vary according to the number of people travelling

Please contact us for an accurate quotation.
YOUR TRIP FEE TYPICALLY INCLUDES
- Return flight between Maya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville) and Mboko airstrip (Odzala-Kokoua National Park) on Mondays/Thursdays.
- Accommodation for 7 or 10 nights at Odzala Discovery Camps
- Two (7 nights) or three (10 nights) Odzala Observer gorilla tracking permits
- Guided activities: boating, kayaking, forest & baï walks, wading.
- Meals, house wines, beers, spirits, water and soft drinks (excludes connoisseur wine, champagne and imported spirits).
- Airport meet and greet in Brazzaville and full airport assistance on arrival. Brazzaville city tour, including lunch.
- Congo letter of invitation fee, all 3rd party fees including Medical Evacuation, Community Fees and Park fees.
- Laundry and internet access (limited Wi-Fi available in camps).
YOUR TRIP FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Brazzaville accommodation, meals & activities pre- or post as required.
- Connoisseur wine, champagne and imported spirits
- Gratuities and all items of a personal nature