In February 2023, Jonty set off for Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the heart of the Republic of the Congo. Aside from making most of us in the office green with envy, his mission was to find out exactly what makes this unique forest destination quite so special. His trip included three camps, two gorilla treks and countless life-changing experiences.
“I truly hope more people feel compelled to visit this incredible part of Africa. The diversity of landscapes, activities, wildlife and birdlife on offer in Odzala, coupled with the comfort and luxury of the camps, makes for a relatively easy foray into what can seem like a very intimidating destination. It really couldn’t be more rewarding.”
Read on for all the details of Jonty’s Congo Basin adventure, baï-wading and all….
“We started our adventure at Ngaga Camp. Located in the Ndzehi Forest, a private concession just outside Odzala, it’s one of the best places in the world to trek critically endangered Western lowland gorilla. Ngaga is deep in the forest and treks start at sunrise each morning, straight from the door of your room…”
“This was my first time seeing a gorilla and the experience was incredibly moving. We had an amazing acrobatic display by Neptuno, one of the resident silverbacks, while some of the younger gorillas started beating their chests to show their power. Other activities on offer at Ngaga include night walks for a different sensory experience, and daytime forest walks, ending with sundowners in the cool, clear Ngaga stream. Magic.”
“Our next stop was Lango Camp and even the transfer is a packed with adventure. We paddled down the Lekoli River by kayak, silently searching the banks for the fauna of the forest. Then, we left our kayaks and began the walk (or wade!) into Lango Baï and right into camp. Perched on the edge of Lango Baï, Lango Camp is a hidden paradise in a pristine corner of the park. The baï (a wetland area, rich in minerals) is alive with animals, day and night, and staying here makes you feel as if you are really part of the forest.”
“Days at Lango are spent on foot, wading through the deep streams on ancient elephant trails and exploring the forests and open baï ecosystems. At sunset, the sky is full of song with the calls of hundreds of African grey parrots and at night, you’ll fall asleep to sounds of forest elephants enjoying the waters.”
“Then, it was on to Mboko Camp, which, in complete contrast to the other camps, is located in open savannah dotted with termite mounds. The rooms are spread along the Likeni River, where you can while away the heat of the day, splish-splashing in the cool (and safe) waters.”
“The highlight of our stay at Mboko was undoubtedly cruising along the magical Lekoli River by boat and exploring the flooded channels. The sounds of African fish eagles were never far away and we’d often stumble upon forest buffalo sunning themselves on the banks. At sunset, the waters are like sheet glass reflecting the fruits of the forest. And even in Odzala, a sundowner stop is never far away – and these were certainly sundowners with a difference!”
Fancy doing the same thing?
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, and lies in the heart of the Congo Basin in the Republic of Congo. It’s the second largest rainforest in the world (after the Amazon) and is home to critically endangered western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, red river hogs, bongos and an incredibly rich and varied birdlife.
Adventures are hosted by Kamba (previously the Congo Conservation Company), who look after every aspect of your trip from internal flights to Brazzaville city tours. There are 7, 10 and 11-night discoveries (Jonty experienced the 7-night Odzala Odyssey), all of which include time in the three camps and of course, gorilla trekking.
And if that wasn’t enough to ramp up your heart rate, how about combining Odzala with 4 nights in the Central African Republic? Truly wild and very, very special, highlights in Dzanga-Sangha include trekking with the lowland gorilla, searching for mangabey, and encounters with forest elephant.
