Spot Western Lowland Gorillas in Odzala-Kokoua

A verdant tangle of wildlife-brimming forest, shimmering waterways and some of the most amazing gorilla-trekking territory in the world, Odzala is a real gem. The park is a sanctuary for dozens of endangered species, including one of Africa's most diverse collections of primates, which you'll discover while exploring this piece of the Congo Basin on foot.

You'll leave in the early light, led by your experienced guide across the delightfully flat terrain, walking straight into the forest to find a family of western lowland gorilla. Spend a memorable hour with these smaller relatives of the mountain gorilla, watching as they tumble along the forest floor, snack on insects and groom each other. An already intimate experience is made even more so by the size of the group, which can only go up to six people.

Depending on which lodge you're staying at, you may have the chance to meet gorilla researchers, see camera trap footage and explore the forest on a night walk. While the rainforests of Africa are almost perpetually damp, but the best and least rainy time to go is between May and September.