Gorilla Trekking in Congo
Sustainable tourism and animal conservation are at the forefront of traveling through the Republic of the Congo.
Far away from the organized game drives of the open savanna, the dense rainforest that blankets the Republic of the Congo is a safari unlike any other. The air feels crisper and the wildlife is unique, with immersive treks that bring travelers to forest elephants, chimpanzees, and lowland gorillas. Eco-tours are at the forefront of protecting this fragile habitat, making the Congo a destination as important as it is irresistible.
Brazzaville | 1 night |
Radisson Blu M'bamou Palace Hotel
Ndzehi Concession | 3 nights |
Ngaga Camp
Odzala-Kokoua National Park | 2 nights | Lango Camp
Odzala-Kokoua National Park | 2 nights | Mboko Camp
Brazzaville is a city that travelers often arrive in with few expectations—the pit stop before venturing on to Congo’s national parks—but by the time they leave, they’re utterly enchanted. Right across the river from blaring Kinshasa, tiny-by-comparison Brazzaville is laidback with a hip local art scene, La Sape couture, tasty restaurants, and a scenic riverfront on the banks of the Congo.
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. 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. The hotel has several on-site dining options to keep you fueled on the go, whether you're looking for a satisfying meal or simply a refreshing drink from the juice bar.
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.
Depart on a 2-hour, scheduled flight from Maya Maya International Airport to Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
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 360-degree viewing walkways, perfect for looking out over the jungle canopy.
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, as well as various eagles, nightjars, sunbirds, and many more.
Close to Ngaga Camp lies Mbomo and Ombo villages where you can have the opportunity to learn more about life in the Congo Basin from people who have lived here for generations. Hear their stories and you'll leave with a greater understanding for protecting this land.
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.
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. It plays an integral part of the Congo Basin and TRIDOM Transfrontier Park (overlapping Gabon, Congo, and Cameroon)–referred to as the lungs of Africa.
This morning, transfer over to Odzala-Kokoua National Park for your stay at Lango Camp.
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
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 green pigeons and African grey parrots fly overhead, forest buffalo graze throughout the day, and forest 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.
The combination of wide-open grasslands, gentle rivers, and towering forests results in a place of peace and adventure in equal measure. Explore on foot, by vehicle, and by boat.
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 six 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.
The perfect way to admire the sunset over the forest at Mboko and 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 your guide, explore riverbanks and forests looking for birdlife, forest elephants, antelope, forest buffalo, charismatic monkeys, and more while enjoying the serenity 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.
Safaris in the Congo are unlike anywhere else, and no two trips are the same. Chat with a curator today to start planning your personalized jungle adventure.