| Duration | Price | When | Destination | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Days | £12355 | May - Mar | Congo | Tailor-Made |
The Republic of Congo is home to around 25,000 western lowland gorillas. They inhabit its swampy rainforests, alongside chimpanzees, forest elephants and hundreds of species of birds. A tapestry of pristine rainforests, savannahs, rivers and bais.
Explore the remote Odzala-Kokoua National Park in search of Lowland gorillas & other wildlife and spend time with knowledgeable primatologists to learn about these incredible creatures.
Traverse the wonderfully wild Congo in search of lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, forest buffalo and even maybe a bongo. Rich in wildlife, here you will embark on a true adventure – and perhaps even enjoy a spot of catch-and-release fishing.
A wild 9-day safari in the Republic of Congo in search of western lowland gorillas
from $14,455 per person sharing, excluding international flights and gorilla permits
Upon your arrival into Maya Maya International Airport (BZV) in Brazzaville, you are met and transferred to your hotel for the night. Here, you have the chance to relax after your flight and before the adventures of the next days. Depending on your arrival time into Brazzaville, there is an option for a city tour in the afternoon.
After breakfast this morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred back to the airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight today from Brazzaville to Ngaga Camp (times to be advised locally) to begin your lowland gorilla safari. Upon arrival you will be greeted with cold towels and a welcome drink before checking in and enjoying lunch. Get to know your group before setting out on a forest walk with your guide on hand to point out various local species of flora and fauna. Back at camp you may have the opportunity to meet the gorilla research team who will tell you all about the work they are undertaking here which will be sure to build your excitement for your upcoming gorilla treks. Dine on a three-course meal before retiring to your room in preparation for your early start the next day.
Overnight: Ngaga Camp (B, L, D)
Wake at dawn to begin your day with a light breakfast before setting off at 6am for your first gorilla trek. Meet your guide and expert tracker who will accompany you for the day. Depending on the location of the gorillas, treks can vary in length from just two hours to a full day. Once you locate the gorillas enjoy the moment and quietly capture these incredible creatures on camera. Head back to Ngaga Camp for lunch. In the afternoon take a guided walk to discover the forest life and birdlife ending at the river for sun downers. Finish your evening with drinks around the fire and another three-course meal.
Overnight: Ngaga Camp (B, L, D)
Today, wake early again for another gorilla trek. Where possible the team will try to locate a different family group of gorillas, however, even if you see the same group again the experience will be mesmerising. Take time to step away from the camera to truly take in the moment. In the afternoon you will have chance to experience another forest walk with an expert guide you will keep an eye out for unique birds and primates. Forest walk extends into the evening to seek out nocturnal forest life. Back at camp, enjoy drinks and dinner with your fellow travellers and discuss the events of the day.
Overnight: Ngaga Camp (B, L, D)
Enjoy a relaxed morning in camp, with optional 3rd gorilla trek (additional cost of $750). Late morning transfert to Mbomo village for some village life and then lunch at Mboko Camp,before your onward journey to Lango Camp and bai via a kayak trip on the Lekoli River. Afternoon at leisure watching from your vantage point out into the marshy bai in front of camp which attracts huge flocks of African green pigeon and African grey parrots, and at night, forest elephants.
Overnight: Lango Camp (B, L, D)
Today is your chance to explore the area surrounding Lango Camp. Head out to the Bais on foot and enjoy close encounters with wildlife such as forest elephants. You will return camp for lunch before choosing to either relax at camp or head out on an adventure walk. Back at camp join the research team for an evening presentation on what has been snapped on the camera traps. Dinner and rest.
Overnight: Lango Camp (B, L, D)
Early breakfast in camp, savouring the sunrise over the primeval forest. Look out for the multitude of resident bird species that make this forest their home. The diverse array of pristine habitats in the area host nearly 2560 species. You will then be transferred by way of a game drive followed by walking on a raised wooden path through the swamp to Mboko Camp which will be your home for your last two nights in Odzala- Kokoua. Your luggage will once again be transported separately for you. Add to your birding count or seek out red river hog and harnessed bushbuck which are regularly seen around camp. After lunch you have the option of a river cruise on the Lekoli River or final adventure walk in the Likeni River.
Overnight: Mboko Camp (B, L, D)
This area of lush meadow-like savanna forest buffalo, forest elephant and spotted hyena are frequently seen. As well as spotting wildlife either on foot, boat or vehicle enjoy the smaller details, such as seasonal flowers and butterflies and colobus monkeys and grey parrot in the tree canopies. Near the edge of the park there is the chance to visit the nearby villages and interact with the local people. Boat & kayaking safaris are available along the Lekoli River. Look out for unique species during your trip such as forest elephants, buffalo, sitatunga and a range of primates. Head back to camp for dinner.
Overnight: Mboko Camp (B, L, D)
This morning enjoy an early morning breakfast at the camp before check out. You will be driven back to the airstrip for your flight back to Brazzaville. Upon arrival in Brazzaville you will be met and assisted with connecting with your onward flight home.
Despite being tailor-made, this safari can only depart from Brazzaville on fixed Thursdays and Mondays throughout the year. While we highly recommend this 9-day expedition for a full immersion into this extraordinary destination, if you are short of time consider the shorter 5-day lowland gorilla safari from £6,220 per person sharing.
Please note that gorilla permits are not included in the price of this safari, and will cost an additional £530 for two permits.
Solo travellers are able to save over £2,600 when booking this trip. By departing on the first Thursday of every month, you can board Ngaga Camp's supply plane and avoid the standard flight surcharge that must be paid on trips departing on other dates.
Spend more time with the primates of the rainforest with a complimentary gorilla track when booking a 7-night Odzala Discovery. SAVE £450 per person.
Gather friends and family for an adventure to remember. Groups of 6 - 8 SAVE 20% on accommodation plus 1 complimentary gorilla track per person.
Contact our Destination specialist for terms and details.
In the remote north of the Republic of Congo, Lango Camp is an intimate and naturally designed camp.
Situated in an area of lush savannah, Mboko Camp is frequented by forest buffalo, forest elephant and spotted hyaena.
In the depths of a tropical forest, Ngaga Camp is on the edge of Odzala National Park offering a true gorilla experience.