Join us on a journey through the life-filled African rainforest – along with the privilege and thrill of observing one of our closest relatives in the wild – the Western Lowland Gorilla.

The Republic of the Congo is a surprising central African gem with seemingly endless pristine tropical forest. This former French colony is a little-known nation, tucked between Gabon and the larger and more well-known Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Odzala-Kokoua National Park, located in the remote north of the country, in the heart of the Congo Basin, is part of the world’s second largest expanse of tropical rainforest. Aside from a host of other wildlife, it holds Africa’s densest population of Western Lowland Gorillas. It is also renowned as the richest forest in central Africa for primate species, with eleven diurnal (active during the day) species recorded.

Activities range from gorilla tracking to habituated groups, pirogue rides along lush river systems, night drives in the savannah, walks along lush forest streams and salines, and time spent observing wildlife from hides located at the productive forest bais.

Days 1-3: Explore the M'Boko Concession of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, with nature walks along Lango Bai and game drives and river boat rides in search of a variety of primates and mammal species such as bongo, forest elephant, red river hog, and forest buffalo.

Days 4-6: Arrive at Ngaga Camp, where in addition to observing unhabituated gorillas from a well-located bai hide, you'll have the opportunity for two days of tracking walks to habituated Western Lowland Gorilla groups. Spend an unforgettable hour with each group that you track, observing the interactions of a species that shares 97% of its DNA with humanity.

A shorter, 4-day itinerary is also available.

Boundless Journeys has partnered with Wilderness Safaris, widely recognized as the best safari outfitter in Southern Africa, to develop a truly unique adventure safari. In addition to experienced guides who seamlessly lead your entire journey, first-class vehicles, and a diverse selection of camp and lodge options, Wilderness Safaris’ conservation efforts and community-mindedness are great matches for Boundless Journeys’ core philosophy.

 THE BOUNDLESS JOURNEYS SAFARI ADVANTAGE

• Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world’s most revered travel publications. Our chosen luxury camps allow us to be close to the action in privacy and in comfort. Hotel quality linens, full-sized beds (not cots), ensuite facilities with hot and cold water, a professional staff and food that is to-die-for make our camps an experience not to be missed.
• Small groups. We tread softly, and our group size is never more than 12 guests. We limit passengers in each vehicle so everyone has plenty of space, and open sides allow for an exciting, authentic safari experience.
• Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection safaris, so that you can choose which works best for you.
• Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider. Our guides are enthusiastic naturalists, and are some of the most experienced guides in Southern Africa.
• A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys.
• Customer service that goes the extra mile. There is no request that is too big – or too small – for our staff to handle.
• Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly – striving to preserve traditions and cultures around the world, and to protect fragile natural habitats.

Most Convenient Airport:
Brazzaville, the capital of Congo, is easily accessed by numerous airlines, notably Air France via Paris, Inter Air via Johannesburg, and Kenya Airways via Nairobi, thus making the destination easily accessible from Europe and also combinable with Southern or East African safaris.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Western Lowland Gorilla
There are two species of gorilla found in Africa, the Western Gorilla, Gorilla gorilla and the Eastern Gorilla, Gorilla beringei. The Eastern Gorilla consists of two subspecies, the well-known Mountain Gorilla, G. b. beringei of Uganda and Rwanda, and the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, G. b. graueri of the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Both of these subspecies are considered Endangered. The Western Gorilla also consists of two subspecies, the Western Lowland Gorilla, G. g. gorilla principally of Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) and Gabon, and the little known Cross River Gorilla, G. g. diehli of the border region between Cameroon and Nigeria. Both of these subspecies are considered Critically Endangered as a result of commercial bushmeat hunting, disease epidemics, and habitat loss. The very slow rate of reproduction accentuates all these effects.

It is the Western Lowland Gorilla that occurs in Odzala and is found here at the highest densities so far recorded for the species. In the area of Ngaga Camp, Western Lowland Gorillas live in groups ranging in size from 10 to 25 individuals (average 16-17 animals), usually with one silverback, about 5-7 adult females, and a collection of sub-adults, babies, and sometimes subordinate males. In this high density area, home range size averages just two square miles. Movements within the home range depend on seasonal utilization of key food types. Staple foods include leaves, shoots, and plant material, but the seasonal availability of fruit is crucial in the diet and influences group foraging movements.

Born at 4.5lbs, female Western Lowland Gorillas will grow to around 150 lbs, while the much larger males might reach 390lb) and stand 6 feet tall.

Gorilla Tracking
Western Lowland Gorillas can be observed in two different ways while in Odzala: either through tracking habituated groups using the impressive skills of our expert local Mbeti trackers (Okoko Zepherin and Okele Gabin), or by patiently waiting at hides on the edge of forest bais for family groups to forage on the sedges (water-loving grasses) there.

As a result of the work done by gorilla researchers Dr. Magda Bermejo and German Illera, a number of habituated groups can be tracked and observed in the area around Ngaga Camp. In this extended 11.5 square mile area there, are no fewer than seven groups totaling 105 individual gorillas. Two of these groups are usually accessed by our guests while a third is observed primarily for research purposes. Other groups are also seen on a regular basis.

Given that Ngaga Camp is situated at an overlap between the home ranges of three different gorilla groups and close to another three, tracking expeditions need not cover enormous distances and can range in length from 1/2-5 miles over undulating terrain. The undergrowth can be thick however, and including the time spent with a gorilla group, excursions can last between 2 and 5 hours. Gorilla viewing protocol is based on the guidelines issued by the IUCN for great ape viewing and is very similar to that of Rwanda/Uganda. Protocols are designed specifically to limit behavioral impact and also potential disease transmission from humans to gorillas. They are critical for gorilla conservation.

• Minimum age for gorilla viewing is 15 years – this is for reasons of safety but also for possible disease transmission, with children under this age more prone to infection.
• Maximum proximity to gorillas is 7 meters (22 feet). It is not permitted to approach more closely and we typically view the animals at 10-15m (32-50 feet).
• Maximum viewing duration of any group is one hour per day. Each group is only visited once per day, but if guests would like to spend more than an hour with gorillas on a particular day and time allows it is possible to track a different group following the first encounter.
• Maximum number of guests per gorilla tracking excursion is six.
• Guests that display cold, flu or other respiratory tract symptoms, will not be allowed to track gorillas.
• While gorilla sightings and encounters are very reliable, viewing is dependent on variables such as weather and tracking conditions.

Forest Wildlife
Viewing of birds and mammals in tropical forests anywhere in the world can be challenging. The dense environment and slow-going through the undergrowth means that a great guide with a comprehensive knowledge of behavior and calls is essential to get the best sightings. Odzala is remarkable for containing numerous habitats, from dense primary forest to forest fringe, savannah, wide, languid rivers and forest bais and salines. As a result, diversity is high and the rivers and bais in particular allow the ‘green curtain’ of the forest to be pulled back and allow longer views and an insight into this spectacular ecosystem. While many visitors will no doubt be attracted principally by the opportunity to observe Western Lowland Gorillas, this giant ape is not the only inhabitant of the forest and its bais.

In addition to the gorillas, you can expect to see the following:

Primates
Guereza colobus: This is one of the more visible primate species in Odzala and is seen in the M’boko and Lango areas, as well as alongthe Lenkeni and Lekoli Rivers. It is also a regular visitor to the forest bais, including three that we visit on a regular basis.

Grey-cheeked Mangabey: Another fairly visible species that is regularly seen in the forests around M’boko especially in the early morning.

Moustached Monkey: Although difficult to observe for long periods of time, this colourful species is fairly regularly seen in mature forest.

Other: Agile Mangabey, De Brazza’s Monkey, Allen’s Swamp Monkey, Crowned Monkey and Putty-Nosed Monkey are all regularly seen in their preferred habitats and visitors to Odzala should see a number of these species during their trip. Western Chimpanzee are regularly heard in the M’boko and Lango areas as well as along the Lekoli River but are not habituated and are seldom seen except during rare appearances at two of the bais that most trips to Odzala visit.

Herbivores
Forest elephant: Bulls of this species are regularly seen in the M’boko area, both in the savannah and forest fringe as well as along the Lekoli River. Small family groups are less often seen.

Forest Buffalo: This charismatic species is abundant and is commonly seen in the M’boko and Lango areas and especially at Lango and Mbouebe Bais, along the Lekoli River and in the savannah.

Bongo: This exciting forest species is resident in the area around Lango Camp and although primarily nocturnal is regularly seen, either as single animals or in a small herd of about 6 animals. It is also occasionally seen at one of the bais that is visited on most expeditions to Odzala.

Sitatunga: This is a resident species in the area around Lango Camp and is regularly seen, especially at the bai near camp.

Black-fronted Duiker: This is the most regularly-seen forest duiker species since it visits the open bais and can therefore be easily observed.

Other: Red River Hog, Harnessed Bushbuck, Grey Duiker and Peters’ Duiker are regularly seen in the M’boko and Lango areas while a number of other forest duiker are occasionally encountered but are difficult to observe (Blue, Yellow-backed, White-bellied and Bay Duiker). Another exciting species occasionally seen after dark is the Water Chevrotain. Hippo occur in the Lekoli River but are secretive and rare.

Physical Activity
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Gorilla Tracking Safari is rated 2, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The highlight activity, gorilla tracking, requires some stamina and agility for walking through uneven and heavily vegetated terrain for distances of up to five miles on some days. NOTE: These tracking walks are at your own risk, and can take you close to potentially dangerous wild animals.

Preparing for this Trip
If you would like to take advantage of the optional tracking walks, you may wish to engage in easy to moderate aerobic activities for about an hour a few times a week for several weeks before the trip. Consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program. 

Traveler’s Responsibility
Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation with Boundless Journeys’ staff, and perhaps your doctor. In addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the guide’s discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the trip if the guide feels that the person’s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip participants. If you have any questions about the difficulty level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers.

Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we are exploring these locales with just 6-12 guests. The nature of active group travel is such that not all participants have the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and adventure are all part of this intimate experience.

Overview: The privilege and thrill of observing one of our closest relatives in the wild is undertaken from two intimate, sensitively constructed camps in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, that leave as light a footprint as possible and blend into this remote forest environment: Lango Camp, nestled in mature forest on the outskirts of Lango Bai, and with access to the savannah as well as the Lekoli and Mambili Rivers; and Ngaga Camp in the heart of a marantaceae forest. Each camp consists of six creatively designed guest rooms, taking inspiration from the designs of the local Pygmy or ‘forest dweller’ groups. Natural, locally sourced materials were used extensively in the construction of the camps: sustainably harvested hardwoods (FSC certified), bamboo and raffia palm matting. Each of the guest rooms is raised 10-15 feet above the ground with a wraparound walkway allowing full appreciation of the forest canopy.

Nights 1, 2 & 3: Lango Camp
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
MBoko Concession, Republic of the Congo

This camp offers savannah, river, and day saline/bai excursions.

Nights 4, 5 & 6: Ngaga Camp
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Ndzehi Concession, Republic of the Congo

This camp offers the experience of visiting with habituated western lowland gorillas, accompanied by researchers.

7-Day/6-Night Itinerary (weekly departures on Thursdays year-round except October and November)

Day 1
Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Optional nature walk – easy to moderate, 1-2 hours.

In the early afternoon we depart by private charter from Brazzaville to M’boko Airstrip, in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The charter flight takes approximately two hours and includes a light packed lunch. On arrival at M’boko Airstrip, we are met by a Lango Camp guide who will transfer us by vehicle to Lango Camp – our home for the next three nights. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes through open savannah with views of the forest fringe and interior. Once at camp, we are given an opportunity to freshen up and settle in before embarking on our short afternoon activity which may consist of a walk around Lango Bai and the forest fringe and stream or perhaps a game drive.
Lango Camp, M'Boko Concession (L, D included)
 

Day 2
Mbouebe Bai

Boat ride and short walk to bai – easy to moderate, total of about 1 hour walking. Afternoon and night game drive.

An early morning wake-up is followed by a light breakfast and coffee on the main deck, after which we embark on our first activity for the day. This could be a walk from camp through Lango Bai and down the clear, shallow waters of the Lango Stream to its confluence with the Lekoli River. A motorised pirogue will then head upstream for two hours (stopping en route for tea/coffee) until reaching the access point to Mbouebe Bai, where a short excursion on foot reaches a concealed hide from which activities at the bai can be observed. The return to camp includes a downstream portion of the river followed by a game drive through the savannah. Back in camp a hearty brunch and rest period awaits before we head out again later for the afternoon activity. An example of this would be a return game drive to the boat jetty followed by a pirogue trip downstream along the Lekoli River to its confluence with the larger Mambili River for sundowners. A night drive back to camp offers intriguing opportunities for seeing some of Odzala’s more secretive nocturnal creatures.
Lango Camp, M'Boko Concession (All meals included)
 

Day 3
Lekoli River Exploration

Morning game drive by boat and short walk, total of about 1/2 hour walking. Afternoon sundowner cruise on Lekoli River and optional fishing (catch and release).

Wake up early for a light breakfast and coffee before setting off on the morning activity. Today this may begin with a game drive to the boat jetty at the confluence of the Likeni Stream and Lekoli River and then a pirogue trip down the Lekoli River in search of primates, forest buffalo and other species, before returning to camp on foot through Lango Bai. The trip along the river offers great opportunities for birding and seeing mammals, while the walk can provide excellent viewing of buffalo, red river hogs, a number of primate species and even bongo. Our return to camp is greeted by an appetising brunch and some downtime before heading out again in the afternoon. This afternoon we may return to the boat jetty and take a pirogue trip upstream along the Lekoli River enjoying sundowners and perhaps some catch-and-release fishing before returning to camp on a night drive, searching for species such as spotted hyaena, golden cat and even water chevrotain.
Lango Camp, M'Boko Concession (All meals included)
 

Day 4
Dzebe Bai and drive to Ngaga Camp

Short walk to bai – easy to moderate, total of about 1 hour walking.

This morning, after an early wake-up and breakfast we head away from the savannah in air-conditioned Land Cruisers to the southwestern corner of the park to spend time at Dzebe Bai, some two and half hours’ drive from Lango. Having walked about a 1/2 mile through the forest to access the bai, we spend midday in the hide waiting for secretive forest animals to appear in the clearing; there’s a chance of viewing unhabituated gorillas here, as well as species such as black-fronted duiker, Guereza colobus monkey and perhaps even chimpanzee. We enjoy lunch in the hide at the bai and in the late afternoon, as activity at the bai subsides, we will return north towards Ngaga Camp. On arrival at Ngaga Camp, we will be met by the staff and given an opportunity to settle in. Before dinner, the group will receive an extensive briefing on Western Lowland Gorillas, including the research project in the area, conservation of the species, their biology and ecology and of course what to expect when tracking the habituated groups of the area.
Ngaga Camp, Ndzehi Concession (All meals included)

Day 5
Gorilla Tracking

Tracking walk – easy to moderately challenging depending on terrain encountered; generally 2-5 hours (1-5 miles) over undulating terrain with sometimes heavy vegetation. Optional afternoon nature walk – easy .

This morning, after an early wake-up and light breakfast we depart on foot with our guide and tracker on our first gorilla tracking excursion. Using the expert skills of the trackers we start at the point where the group chosen to be monitored for that day slept the night before and follow their tracks as they move through the forest until we find them. While home range sizes are relatively small, the gorillas can move quite quickly through thick forest undergrowth and during a 2-5 hour tracking excursion (including time spent observing the gorillas) we may cover up to 5 miles. After this exhilarating experience we return to camp to freshen up and enjoy a brunch before spending the middle of the day at leisure. In the afternoon after a light tea we will enjoy a guided forest walk in search of birds and primates as well as forest duiker and, if time allows, visit the Gorilla Tracking Academy run by Dr. Magda Bermejo and German Illera. Here we will learn about the comprehensive training of local community trackers from all over west-central Africa and how this plays a role in gorilla conservation.
Ngaga Camp, Ndzehi Concession (All meals included)


Day 6
Gorilla Tracking

Tracking walk – easy to moderately challenging depending on terrain encountered; generally 2-5 hours (1-5 miles) over undulating terrain with sometimes heavy vegetation. Optional afternoon nature walk – easy .

This morning after another early wake-up and light breakfast we set out again on foot for our second gorilla tracking excursion. Our expert trackers will again follow the obscure tracks and signs of the group through the forest until we find the group and enjoy another fascinating experience watching them resting and foraging. Returning to camp, we freshen up and enjoy brunch and a siesta. The afternoon sees us out on the forest trails in search of the birds and mammals of the area, returning to camp to enjoy a sundowner on the main deck overlooking the forest canopy and Ngaga Stream.
Ngaga Camp, Ndzehi Concession (All meals included)


Day 7
Return to Brazzaville for Departure

We have a far more leisurely start this morning, leaving after breakfast for M’boko airstrip (a drive of 2.5 hours) to meet our private charter flight back to Brazzaville. We will land in Brazzaville in the afternoon in plenty of time for any onward flights.
Breakfast included

4-Day/3-Night Itinerary (weekly departures on Tuesdays year-round except October and November)

Day 1
Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Optional nature walk – easy to moderate, 1-2 hours.

In the early afternoon we depart by private charter from Brazzaville to M’boko Airstrip, in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The charter flight takes approximately two hours and includes a light packed lunch. On arrival at M’boko Airstrip, we are met by a Lango Camp guide who will transfer us by vehicle to Lango Camp – our home for the next three nights. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes through open savannah with views of the forest fringe and interior. Once at camp, we are given an opportunity to freshen up and settle in before embarking on our short afternoon activity which may consist of a walk around Lango Bai and the forest fringe and stream or perhaps a game drive.
Lango Camp, M'Boko Concession (L, D included)

Day 2
Gorilla Tracking

Tracking walk – easy to moderately challenging depending on terrain encountered; generally 2-5 hours (1-5 miles) over undulating terrain with sometimes heavy vegetation. Optional afternoon nature walk – easy .

This morning, after an early wake-up and light breakfast we depart on foot with our guide and tracker on our first gorilla tracking excursion. Using the expert skills of the trackers we start at the point where the group chosen to be monitored for that day slept the night before and follow their tracks as they move through the forest until we find them. While home range sizes are relatively small, the gorillas can move quite quickly through thick forest undergrowth and during a 2-5 hour tracking excursion (including time spent observing the gorillas) we may cover up to 5 miles. After this exhilarating experience we return to camp to freshen up and enjoy a brunch before spending the middle of the day at leisure. In the afternoon after a light tea we will enjoy a guided forest walk in search of birds and primates as well as forest duiker and, if time allows, visit the Gorilla Tracking Academy run by Dr. Magda Bermejo and German Illera. Here we will learn about the comprehensive training of local community trackers from all over west-central Africa and how this plays a role in gorilla conservation.
Ngaga Camp, Ndzehi Concession (All meals included)


Day 3
Gorilla Tracking

Tracking walk – easy to moderately challenging depending on terrain encountered; generally 2-5 hours (1-5 miles) over undulating terrain with sometimes heavy vegetation. Optional afternoon nature walk – easy .

This morning after another early wake-up and light breakfast we set out again on foot for our second gorilla tracking excursion. Our expert trackers will again follow the obscure tracks and signs of the group through the forest until we find the group and enjoy another fascinating experience watching them resting and foraging. Returning to camp, we freshen up and enjoy brunch and a siesta. The afternoon sees us out on the forest trails in search of the birds and mammals of the area, returning to camp to enjoy a sundowner on the main deck overlooking the forest canopy and Ngaga Stream.
Ngaga Camp, Ndzehi Concession (All meals included)

Day 4
Return to Brazzaville for Departure

We have a far more leisurely start this morning, leaving after breakfast for M’boko airstrip (a drive of 2.5 hours) to meet our private charter flight back to Brazzaville. We will land in Brazzaville in the afternoon in plenty of time for any onward flights.
Breakfast included

Please note that these are typical itineraries, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, animal behaviors, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience.

7-day itinerary: $6,000 per person
4-day itinerary: $4,500 per person

• Expert naturalist guides at each camp
• Services of safari camp staff
• Internal flights (Brazzaville to M'Boko Airstrip and return)
• Ground transportation
• Accommodations (3 nights Lango Camp, 3 nights Ngaga Camp OR 1 night Lango Camp, 2 nights Ngaga Camp)
• All meals and select alcoholic beverages
• All activities noted in the itinerary, such as guided walking, game drives, boat cruises, park and forest explorations at Lango Camp; and tracking of habituated gorilla groups (two days) and guided forest walks while at Ngaga Camp.