Description
Trek through the Marantaceae forests of the remote Odzala-Kokoua National Park, tracking the endangered western lowland gorillas that call this region home.
Overview
Venture into the depths of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, one of the oldest and most biodiverse national parks in Africa, to track the resident western lowland gorillas. Trekking through dense Marantaceae forests, you will have the opportunity for three encounters with the gorilla families of the park, and may also come across other wildlife such as forest elephant, forest buffalo and numerous other primate species. Staying in rustic camps in the heart of the rainforest, this is a truly wild experience.
What makes this trip extraordinary
- Track the western lowland gorillas of Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
- Embark on a boat safari down the Lekoli River observing the diverse fauna of the forest.
- Enjoy a night walk in the forest, looking out for elusive nocturnal creatures such as galagos and pottos.
- Stay in comfortable camps within the park, frequented by wildlife such as forest elephants.
Itinerary
Arrive Brazzaville - Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Today you will fly from Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, on the scheduled light aircraft charter flight to Mboko airstrip. From here, you will be driven to Ngaga Camp in the depths of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, your home for the next few nights. In the afternoon, join your guide for your first walk in the forest, looking out for interesting local flora and fauna. In the evening, relax on the deck around the campfire with your guide, who will brief you on your gorilla trek the following day.
Overnight: Ngaga Camp (L, D)
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
An early start this morning as you head out into the forests of the national park with your guide and expert tracker for your first gorilla trek. Depending on the location of the gorillas, the treks can involve anywhere from two hours to a full day of trekking. Encountering the western lowland gorillas is an unforgettable experience, and you will have the chance to spend an hour with gorillas as they forage and socialize. This afternoon you have the opportunity to explore the forest further on foot, or head out later for a night walk, looking out for pottos, palm civets and the other nocturnal residents of the forest.
Overnight: Ngaga Camp (B, L, D)
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Another early morning today as you head out for your second gorilla trek into the park. You may also encounter other wildlife within the park, including the elusive forest elephant, forest buffalo and sitatunga. In the afternoon, head out with your guide again for another walk in the forest, ending with sundowners as you dip your toes in the refreshing waters of the Ngaga stream. Back at camp, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner where you can discuss your gorilla tracking experiences. With luck, you will be joined by the gorilla researchers Dr. Magda Beremejo and German Illera, if they are not out in the field. They have been studying the western lowland gorillas in northern Congo for over 15 years now - without this research there would be no habituated gorillas in the park.
Overnight: Ngaga Camp (B, L, D)
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Today you will set off on your third and final gorilla tracking expedition. In the late morning you will be transferred to Mboko Camp (approximately 3 hours drive), where upon arrival you will be welcomed with a drink and cold towel. In the afternoon you will head out for a guided boat safari or kayaking trip along the Lekoli River, one of the best ways to observe the forest animals such as the elephants and buffalo who are often at the water's edge. Drifting silently along the river is the perfect time to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of this magnificent park. Be sure to look out for palm-nut vultures, guereza colobus and grey-cheeked mangebey, who are often seen in the nearby trees.
Overnight: Mboko Camp (B, L, D)
Odzala-Kokoua National Park - Brazzaville
This morning you will be transferred the short distance to the Mboko airstrip for your flight to Brazzaville, in time for your international flight home.
Accommodation
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Ngaga Camp
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Mboko Camp
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Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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