A Honeymoon in the Congo
If you think you know Africa, come to the Congo for a perspective-altering experience. Here, your mind is blown by the sheer vastness of the Congo Basin as your lungs are filled by the freshest air in the world. Between rainforests, savannahs, rivers, mineral-rich baïs and swamps, you undertake an epic adventure of gorilla-tracking, game drives, boating, kayaking, forest walking, and river-wading to discover rare and endangered species.
Brazzaville | 1 night | October | Radisson Blu M'bamou Palace Hotel
Ndzehi Concession | 3 nights | October | Ngaga Camp
Odzala-Kokoua National Park | 3 nights | October | Lango Camp
Odzala-Kokoua National Park | 3 nights | October | Mboko Camp
Upon arrival at Maya Maya International Airport, receive VIP Meet & Greet service as you are escorted through Immigration with Visa On Arrival services, Customs, and Baggage Claim.
Head out with a private guide to the local markets of Brazzaville to pick out some of the colorful fabrics worn by Congolese people. During your expedition into the jungles, a professional seamstress will design your fabric into a clothing piece for you to bring home!
The Radisson Blu M'Bamou Palace Hotel offers a prime location on the banks of the famous Congo River in Brazzaville's central business district. Guests can choose from a selection of rooms, including suites and a penthouse apartment. The hotel has several on-site dining options, whether you're looking for a satisfying meal or a refreshing drink. Ideal for families and business travelers, the M'Bamou Palace Hotel has a children's pool in the wellness center, and a sauna and fitness facilities.
Royal Suite with and Terrace
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lounge Access, and Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet
Depart on a 2-hour, scheduled flight from Maya Maya International Airport to Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Begin your expedition in the private Ndzehi Concession. Situated adjacent to the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, it is here you will first visit one of our closest primate cousins, the Western Lowland Gorilla. The concession also offers your first glimpse at one of the last great intact rainforests on the planet, the Congo Basin.
Nestled in the Ndezhi Forest on the western boundary just outside of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Ngaga Camp is constructed from natural materials like locally woven raffia palm panels. The rooms are on stilts and have 360º viewing walkways that connect with the main area, complete with dining room, lounge, bar area, and star deck.
En-Suite Canopy Room
- Inclusions: All meals and drinks; meeting gorilla researchers (when available); gorilla tracking (permit additional); guided forest walks; guided night walks; visit to Mbomo village; laundry; limited WiFi
A focal point for world-class primate research, as well as unforgettable primate encounters, Ngaga Camp overlooks a canopy of primary forest. The unique design evokes the fun and mystery of childhood treehouses, with wraparound walkways to gaze directly into the forest.
An opportunity to engage with science and nature through exploration, meet members of the research team at Ngaga Camp before your gorilla tracking experience. This briefing allows you to gain insight into the ongoing research in the area, glimpses into camera-trap footage captured and an introduction to your tracker, an integral member of the research team, who will guide you to the gorilla families during your stay.
Founded on research and conservation, Ngaga's gorilla tracking experiences are conscious of their impact. The philosophy here is observation, not engagement, and connecting with the gorilla families you'll meet in a respectful, authentic and personal way.
With over 400 bird species in the Congo Basin, birders come here to find paradise. Odzala offers huge flocks of African Green Pigeons and African Grey Parrots as well as the elusive Great Blue Turaco and Giant Kingfisher, amidst a host of other species. At Sangha, the rare Picathartes can be found (best in October while breeding), as well as various eagles, nightjars, sunbirds and many more.
Close to Ngaga Camp lie Mbomo and Ombo villages where you can have the opportunity to learn more about life in the Congo Basin for generations. Before you arrive, let us know if you would like to meet some members of these local communities and we will arrange this for you.
Step outside and into the mysteries of the forest at night with your guide. On foot, look for nocturnal life in the treetops from palm civets to various species of galago, insects and the flickering light of fireflies. Listen to the forest and feel at one with her gentle rhythm.
This morning, transfer over to Odzala-Kokoua National Park for your stay at Lango Camp.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park, in the remote northwest of Republic of the Congo, is one of Africa’s oldest national parks established in 1935. It is a tapestry of pristine rainforests, savannahs, rivers and baïs and plays an integral part of the Congo Basin and TRIDOM Transfrontier Park (overlapping Gabon, Congo and Cameroon) – the lungs of Africa.
Lango Camp is in the southcentral region of the Odzala-Kokoau National Park, and is built on 3-4 meter stilts overlooking the Lango Baï. The rooms are built of natural materials and are connected by a series of raised walkways creating a treehouse like atmosphere. There is a dining, lounge, and bar area overlooking the baï, as well as a star deck
En-Suite Room
- Inclusions: All meals and drinks; guided forest walks; guided baï explorations; river kayaking; laundry; limited WiFi
Lango Camp, on the edge of Lango Baï, offers one of the most arresting views of any camp in Africa. Time at Lango Camp is about getting up close with nature, walking in the footsteps of wildlife on well-worn trails through streams, baïs and forests. Get in touch with this pristine landscape by getting wet and muddy on foot, or seek drier adventures in the forests that surround the bai.
Explore in the footsteps of natural elephant corridors with your guide as you traverse through the pristine rainforests of the Congo Basin learning about the flora and fauna that call this area home.
Prepare to get a little wet and muddy when immersing yourself in one of the few places in Africa where you can safely explore forest streams and marshes on foot. Here, dense flocks of birds fly overhead, buffalo graze throughout the day, and elephants dig for minerals throughout the night. Unearth the history and heritage of the area.
In the quieter, crystal streams, head out on a kayak to escape the humidity of the rainforest. A unique vantage point to look for birds, you may also see monkeys or flutters of butterflies while you enjoy the cooling waters.
This morning, transfer over to Mboko Camp for your final stop.
Located inside the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Mboko Camp is the largest of the Discovery camps with 6 chalets dotted along the Likeni River. The spacious main area has a dining room, lounge, bar, and star deck all overlooking the wide-open grasslands.
Chalet
- Inclusions: All meals and drinks; meeting with representatives (when available); guided forest walks; guided baï explorations; river kayaking; river swimming; laundry; limited WiFi
The combination of wide-open grasslands, gentle rivers and towering forests result in a place of peace and adventure, in equal measure. Explore on foot, by vehicle and by boat. The closest of the camps to the private airstrip, at Mboko – each day holds a new adventure.
The perfect way to admire the sunset over the forest at Mboko an Sangha, cruise the winding waterways with a new view around every bend in the river.
Drift along the waterways and explore the Congo Basin from a new angle at Mboko and Sangha. Alongside a guide, explore riverbanks and forests looking for birdlife, Forest Elephants, antelope, Forest Buffalo, charismatic monkeys and more while enjoying the simple peace of the water.
The equatorial rainforests of Africa are dotted with open savannahs. Explore these dynamic grasslands with your guide and learn about the immense biodiversity of the region and how these varied Congo Basin landscapes create one of Africa’s greatest ecosystems.
Depart on your scheduled flight from Odzala-Kokoua Airstrip for Maya Maya International Airport.
Depart on your international flight home.
The per person costs for this itinerary begin at a certain amount. These are fully inclusive rates: return flights from Brazzaville, accommodation, all meals, drinks, gorilla tracking permits, Park and Conservation Fees.
If you like what you read and are ready to pull the trigger on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, please send us a chat in the app to let us know. We would be thrilled to secure all the reservations for you and make sure everything is taken care of, including special surprises along the way.