ODZALA-KOKOUA WILDLIFE DISCOVERY
CONGO ULTIMATE Wildlife SAFARI
Congo Rainforest Wildlife Safari – Wilderness + Gorillas
AFRICA’S ULTIMATE RAINFOREST WILDLIFE SAFARI
If you think you know Africa, come to the Congo for a perspective-altering experience. Here, your mind is blown by the sheer vastness of the Congo Basin as your lungs are filled with the freshest
air in the world. Between rainforests, savannahs, rivers, mineral-rich baïs, and swamps, you unde take an epic adventure of gorilla tracking, game drives, boating, kayaking, forest walking, and river wading to discover rare and endangered species. This is the Congo Ultimate Wildlife Safari…for the intrepid.
Kamba, previously Congo Conservation Company, offers the only opportunity to discover the Congo Basin with a variety of life-changing, easy-to-book journeys, with three unique camps in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. For those seeking a truly unique safari, consider a 7, 10 or 11-night immersive discovery where every aspect of your journey is taken care of.
With a minimum stay of 7 nights at Odzala, a 4-night expedition-style extension can be added to reach Dzanga-Sangha bai in the Central African Republic. The journey of a charter flight and an epic boat trip on the Sangha River provides convenient access to one of the most iconic Congo Basin experiences, Dzanga-Sangha bai.
Since 2012, the Congo Conservation Company (CCC) has embarked on an ambitious and courageous journey to establish and promote eco-tourism in the Republic of the Congo. As the
largest privately funded conservation-commerce company, they offer an exceptional rainforest safari experience in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Contact us for a curated adventure in this incredible part of the world.
DAY 1: Arrival at Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Today, you will fly from Brazzaville to Mboko Airstrip in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The flight departure time depends on the weather (and other factors) and will be confirmed nearer the time. The flight takes 2 hours.
Our team will be on hand at Maya Maya airport in Brazzaville to offer assistance, help with your check-in process and luggage, and answer any questions.
Once you reach Odzala, you will transfer by road to Ngaga Camp. The drive is 3 hours through Odzala-Kokoua and a fantastic way to get acquainted with your new forest home!
This evening, there will be a gorilla tracking briefing in camp before dinner and a very good night’s sleep.
Nights 1, 2 & 3: Ngaga Camp Situated in a dense forest, with tall trees entwined by lianas and a thick undergrowth dominated by Marantacae thickets, Ngaga is a focal point for world-class primate research as well as unforgettable gorilla encounters. The unique design of the camp evokes the fun and mystery of childhood treehouses, with wraparound walkways to gaze directly into the forest.
DAYS 2 & 3: Odzala-Kokoua National Park Gorilla Tracking
Situated in a dense forest, with tall trees entwined by lianas and a thick undergrowth dominated by Marantacae thickets, Ngaga is a focal point for world-class primate research as well as unforgettable gorilla encounters. The unique design of the camp evokes the fun and mystery of childhood treehouses, with wraparound walkways to gaze directly into the forest.
Gorilla tracking: Track Western lowland gorillas in the closed-canopy forests around Ngaga, winding your way through the thick vegetation and along the narrow pathways created by the trackers. The moment you come face to face with these incredible primates is one you will remember forever
Village visit: Visit Mbomo or Ombo village to learn more about living in the Congo Basin and hear stories from different generations.
Forest walks: Explore in the footsteps of the great explorers and walk through the pristine forests surrounding Ngaga, looking for the small creatures, plants and flora that make up this unique ecosystem.
Sundowners: Head to Ngaga Stream and kick off your shoes, dip your toes in the water, and enjoy a gin and tonic while dusk settles on the forest. The stream is also a unique vantage point to look for birds and you may also see monkeys or flutters of butterflies as you sip.
Night walks & drives: At night, the forest comes alive. Explore by foot or vehicle and discover the nocturnal life in the treetops, from palm civets to galago.
DAYS 4 & 5: Lango Camp
After a relaxed breakfast at Ngaga, you will road transfer through Mbomo village and the Odzala-Kokoua National Park to Mboko Camp for lunch.
After lunch, the journey to Lango Camp continues via a kayak trip on the Lekoli River.
Once you’ve reached camp, enjoy a quiet sundowner overlooking the infamous Lango Baï and see what you can spot.
Lango Camp, situated on the edge of Lango Baï, offers one of the most arresting views of any camp in Africa. A magnetic attraction for huge flocks of green pigeons and African grey parrots as well as herds of forest buffalo and forest elephants, wraparound walkways and elevated chalets maximize the views.
Adventures at Lango: Time at Lango Camp is about getting up close with nature, walking in the footsteps of elephants on well-worn trails through streams, baïs and forests.
Viewing deck: Pull up a chair on the Lango deck, day or night, and observe the life and goings on at the baï below, mere metres in front of your nose!
Baï walks: Prepare to get a little wet and muddy as you immerse yourself in the baïs of Lango, one of the few places in Africa to safely explore forest streams and marshes on foot. Watch dense flocks of green pigeons and African grey parrots flying overhead, forest buffalo grazing, and forest elephants digging for minerals.
DAYS 6 & 7: Mboko Camp
The combination of wide-open grasslands, gentle rivers and towering forests results in a place of peace and adventure in equal measure. Mboko Camp is tucked away under large trees on the banks of the Likeni River and listening to the river babbling past is tranquil and beautiful.
Adventures at Maboko: Explore on foot, by vehicle, and by boat. Each day at Mboko holds a new adventure.
Kayaking: Drift along the waterways on a kayak and explore the river and from a different angle.
Take a dip: Cool off in the Likeni River and enjoy the crystal-clear water. Dip in your toes or take the plunge for a full-body immersion!
Savannah walks: Explore the open grasslands and learn about the immense biodiversity of the region and how these varied Congo Basin landscapes created one of Africa’s greatest ecosystems.
Boat trips: The perfect way to admire the sunset over the forest is from a boat. Cruise the waterways with a new view around every bend – and then crack open something cold as the sun starts to set.
DAY 8: Flight to Brazzaville
Enjoy a last breakfast at Mboko Camp, overlooking the plains.
Congo Conservation Company’s scheduled flight departs Odzala at 9am and arrives in Brazzaville at 11am (2 hours), landing at Maya Maya Airport (NB Please be aware this flight time is subject to change due to weather and/or other circumstances).
Connect with your onward flight or stay in Brazzaville and soak up the city atmosphere.
Tour Exclusions
We are happy to help you extend your stay in Africa. Contact us for more information.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your place. Please contact info@finisterra.ca for more booking information.
Final Payment
Full payment is due 60 prior to departure.
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Earth, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
PRICES: The cost of the trip is subject to change and will vary throughout seasons. Price is based on 2 people in twin/double accommodation and will change if number of travellers changes.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: Responsibility of the traveller.
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
This wildlife safari operates in the small, welcoming, and peaceful Republic of the Congo, which lies hundreds of miles west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (a separate country that you may recognize from news headlines). Straddling the Equator in Central Africa and bordered by Gabon and Cameroon, the ROC is more than 60% forest. Brazzaville, the charming capital, is a walkable city of colorful markets, French Colonial architecture, and picturesque restaurants along the banks of the Congo River.
GORILLA PROTECTION – Committed to the research of the western lowland gorilla.
RAINFOREST CONSERVATION – Preserving a vulnerable rainforest, the “lungs” of our planet.
AN EPIC ADVENTURE – This rainforest safari is unlike anything else in Africa.
DISCOVER RARE SPECIES – Gorillas, forest elephants and buffalo, bongo, sitatunga, monkeys, and rare birds.
TRAVEL VISA – Visas are required for most countries. Kamba will provide guests with a letter of invitation to be used to obtain a visa to the Republic of Congo. An access authorization document is required before obtaining a visa for arrival into Central African Republic.
WEATHER – The climate in the Congo Basin is tropical, with a relatively heavy rainfall during certain periods of the year. The average minimum temperature is 20ºC, while the average maximum temperature is 32ºC.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR STAY – Operating in remote parts of Central and West Africa, Kamba is creating viable, low-impact tourism ventures in a pristine natural region to protect it from other, potentially damaging, commercial enterprises. This is achieved through Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC) and CCC, joining communities, science and tourism on the grounds of conservation.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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