Immerse yourself in the heart of the Congo Basin rainforest on a Congo safari holiday – a biological hotspot of global importance and the world’s second biggest rainforest, surpassed only by the Amazon. Within these dense rainforests, lowland gorillas peacefully reside while the forest bais open up sightings of forest elephants, forest adapted hyenas, bongos, and diverse birdlife. The Congo isn’t a well trodden safari destination with a well established tourist infrastructure. Long and uncomfortable journeys by planes, 4x4s and pirogues make this an experience not easily forgotten, but one that rewards the adventurous traveller.
The safari of choice for primate enthusiasts, this epic journey will give you the chance to track both mountain gorillas and western lowland gorillas on six separate trekking excursions (with the possibility of a seventh trek added in for good measure).
Located in the north-west region of the Republic of the Congo, discover two unique camps inside the pristine Odzala-Kokoua National Park, and a third on a private concession bordering the national park. This is a lowland rainforest characterised by a network of bais, rivers, marshes and swamps. This vast and truly wild region, with its wide range of landscapes and habitat, is home to an incredible diversity of life. Forest elephant, leopard, bongo, forest buffalo, giant forest hog and hippo live alongside the greatest density of western lowland gorilla in Africa.
Located in the north-west region of the Republic of the Congo, discover two unique camps inside the pristine Odzala-Kokoua National Park, and a third on a private concession bordering the national park. This is a lowland rainforest characterised by a network of bais, rivers, marshes and swamps. This vast and truly wild region, with its wide range of landscapes and habitat, is home to an incredible diversity of life. Forest elephant, leopard, bongo, forest buffalo, giant forest hog and hippo live alongside the greatest density of western lowland gorilla in Africa.
Typically, expect to budget around $19,000 per person for a 9-day safari in the Congo. This will generally include charter flights to and from Brazzaville, two gorilla trekking permits and three camps in different locations.
There are four main camps that we use in the Congo. In Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Lango Camp offers incredible views of the Lango Bai which attracts flocks of Green Pigeons and African Grey Parrots as well as Forest Buffalo and Forest Elephants. Another of our favourites is Naga Camp in the Ndzehi Concession, sitting amongst towering trees and open Marantaceae forest, is the home of the Western Lowland Gorilla research team. Read more about where to stay in the Congo.
The Republic of Congo has an equatorial climate with high humidity levels year round. To track gorillas in Odzala National Park it is best to travel during the drier periods, between June and September, or December to February. Read more about when to go.
A journey through the Congo & CAR. NWS CEO Will Bolsover returns to the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic.
This is my third trip with NWS, their knowledge is unrivalled. I knew the Republic of Congo had western lowland gorillas, but hadn't considered booking a trip there until David recommended it. It was clear from the outset that David had travelled there numerous times and was truly passionate about this country. This passion and enthusiasm resulted in me booking this trip, which was a once in a lifetime experience. I have been on numerous safaris but none of them compare to this! You can tell that the animals are not used to seeing tourists all the time, which made this trip all the more unique. The staff at the lodges could not do more to make sure we enjoyed ourselves, and our guide Kerri, made sure we saw as much as possible! I can't wait to go back!
Our Destination Specialist, David was great. He was knowledgeable, helpful, affable, and prompt to respond. He is a pleasure to work with. The Odzala camps were terrific, and the food was the best we’ve had on any of our travels – in terms of quality, preparation, presentation, and the variety of the menu. We were blown away! The guiding was also superb. The entire experience was extremely well conceived and greatly exceeded our expectations. And, of course, your app is absolutely fantastic. Great client service, great guidance throughout the planning and travel stages, and great trip construction.
The trip was wonderful and ran smoothly. Everyone did a great job. NWS are very different and offer some exotic locales.
The best time to visit is June to September and December to February, during the drier seasons when forest trails are easier to explore and wildlife is more visible around clearings and rivers.
Gorilla permits for gorilla trekking in the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) are notably affordable, costing only $400 each. These permits are essential for gaining access to experience the incredible opportunity of gorilla trekking in the country. This affordability sets Congo's gorilla permits apart from other popular gorilla trekking destinations like Rwanda and Uganda, where the permits are considerably more expensive at $1500 and $600, respectively. This cost difference makes Congo an attractive option for travellers seeking a more budget-friendly yet equally rewarding gorilla trekking experience.
The Republic of Congo is generally considered stable and safe for travellers compared to some neighbouring countries. Petty crime can occur, particularly in urban areas, so travellers should take standard safety measures such as securing belongings. Cultural sensitivity, adherence to local customs, and careful consideration of transportation options are recommended for a safe and respectful travel experience.
Congo’s rainforests host elephants, forest buffalo, sitatunga, chimpanzees, and over 400 bird species. Bai clearings like Mbeli Bai offer remarkable chances to observe wildlife in open rainforest settings. Explore the wildlife of the Republic of Congo.
Bring quick-drying, lightweight clothing, long sleeves, waterproof boots, and insect repellent. Binoculars, a poncho, and dry bags are essential for humid rainforest conditions.
Congo offers one of Africa’s last great wildernesses — immersive rainforest safaris where you can trek gorillas, canoe through bai clearings, and experience true expedition-style travel.
Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry, and malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Consult a travel clinic for typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations before travel.
The best place to see western lowland gorillas is Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The park’s habituated groups offer some of Africa’s most rewarding gorilla trekking experiences, with fewer visitors than East Africa.
Most travellers fly to Brazzaville, then take a short charter flight to Odzala. The park’s lodges, such as Ngaga, Lango, and Mboko, are interconnected for seamless multi-day safari circuits.
Yes. Many travellers combine Congo with Gabon or Central African Republic for multi-country gorilla and rainforest experiences. Charter flights and regional links make these routes increasingly accessible.
Truly Off the Beaten Track
This is rainforest safari at its rawest — dense jungle, clearings teeming with forest buffalo and flocks of African grey parrots, and baïs where gorillas, sitatungas, and forest elephants gather. Our safaris here are about deep immersion, offering something few others can: wildlife travel that feels like true exploration.
Wealth of Experience
We’ve been crafting gorilla tracking safaris across Central and East Africa for years, and the Republic of Congo is one of our most rewarding destinations. Our long-standing relationships with expert trackers, rangers and lodge teams in Odzala-Kokoua National Park ensure you’re in the best hands for rare, meaningful encounters with western lowland gorillas.
Conservation First
We only work with partners who actively contribute to long-term protection of the Congo Basin’s ecosystems. From supporting local research initiatives to ensuring minimal-impact tourism, every journey here helps preserve this vital rainforest habitat and benefits the communities who call it home.
