Landlocked in the heart of Africa, the Central African Republic (CAR) is one of the continent’s last true wildernesses. Deep within its tropical rainforests lies Dzanga-Sangha National Park, a biodiversity hotspot home to critically endangered western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongos, and red river hogs. Gorilla tracking here is a rare and immersive experience, following signs through remote jungle terrain with expert guides. While sightings are not guaranteed, the raw and authentic encounters make every step worthwhile.
Travel on an unforgettable and one-off journey combining two very unique counties. Unlike more popular safari destinations, the Central African Republic and Chad remain as hidden gems, providing a unique opportunity to explore untouched terrain, where untamed wilderness and extraordinary encounters await. This expert-led safari promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, conservation, and remarkable encounters in some of Africa’s few untouched wilderness areas.
Track endangered western lowland gorillas, observe forest elephants, bongos, and mangabey monkeys, and join the local Ba'Aka tribe on a net hunt in the dense rainforests of the Dzanga Sangha reserve.
Expect to budget from $9,500 per person sharing for an 8-day pioneering safari to the remote Dzanga Sangha Reserve, this will typically include charter flights to the reserve and two gorilla treks and exclude international flights.
The tropical rainforest within Dzanga Sangha National Park has an equatorial climate with no pronounced summer or winter, so there are generally opportunities for year-round travel. If you are looking to transfer from another country by pirogue, we would recommend between July to October as river levels must be high with an adequate flow. Read more about when to go to the Central African Republic.
Accommodation options in the Central African Republic are much more basic as the country is less developed for tourism than other African countries. Many of the lodges and camps focus on sustainable tourism rather than luxury; traditional wood and thatch bungalow-style rooms are common, with beautiful settings on the banks of the Sangha River. Read more about where to stay in CAR.
Gorilla trekking is an exciting experience that needs a lot of planning; among them, the right gear selection. Be it Rwanda, Uganda or Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), our guide covers everything needed to have a successful gorilla trek.
David went out of his way to help with our trip and we had an amazing experience! The guides at Sangha were excellent, and knowledgeable, and everyone went out of their way to help. We would love to travel again due to the attention to detail and NWS' willingness to deal with difficult situations.
The best time to visit the Central African Republic is December to May, during the dry season when forest trails are easier and wildlife is more visible in Dzanga-Sangha.
The Dzanga-Sangha Reserve is home to western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongo antelope, and chimpanzees. Dzanga Bai offers one of the best wildlife spectacles in Africa, with dozens of elephants gathering daily.
Bai Hokou in Dzanga-Sangha is the only site in CAR offering habituated western lowland gorilla treks. Groups are led by expert local trackers and conservation researchers.
Travellers typically fly to Bangui, then take a charter flight or 10-hour 4×4 journey to Bayanga near Dzanga-Sangha. Most visits are arranged through regional operators based in Congo or Cameroon.
Tourism is limited to Dzanga-Sangha, a secure region managed with international partners. Travelling independently elsewhere in CAR is not recommended; always use trusted operators.
The CAR offers one of Africa’s last great wilderness experiences: remote rainforest safaris with close encounters of forest elephants and gorillas in pristine surroundings.
The Sangha Trinational UNESCO World Heritage Site links protected areas in CAR, Congo, and Cameroon. Tourism revenue supports gorilla research and local community initiatives.
Yes. The CAR combines well with Republic of Congo or Chad, using shared access routes into the Sangha Trinational region. Multi-country rainforest itineraries are increasingly popular.
Pack breathable long-sleeved clothing, waterproof boots, insect repellent, a poncho, and a dry bag. Lightweight binoculars and camera protection are essential for humid rainforest conditions.
Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry, and malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Consult a travel clinic about typhoid, hepatitis, and routine immunisations before visiting.
Gorilla Trekking Specialists
We’re proud to offer the rare opportunity to trek to critically endangered western lowland gorillas — a unique experience found in very few places on Earth. Led by expert trackers and researchers, each trek is a privileged window into the lives of a fully habituated group deep in the rainforest. We time our trips for optimal trekking conditions and wildlife viewing.
Wealth of Experience
Travelling in the Central African Republic requires deep logistical expertise — and that’s exactly what we bring. We’ve worked closely with partners on the ground in Dzanga-Sangha for over a decade, ensuring seamless arrangements in one of the most remote and rewarding regions of Africa. Our experience gives you rare access to a place few have explored.
Small Group Expeditions
Our journeys to Dzanga-Sangha are operated in small, exclusive groups to allow for intimate and respectful wildlife encounters. Group sizes are capped to ensure minimal disturbance to the environment and more meaningful time with the region’s key species — from lowland gorillas to forest elephants and flocks of African grey parrots.
