Odzala Adventure
Destination
Rwanda & Republic of Congo
Travel Period
January – December
Duration
8 days | 7 nights
Ndzehi Forest, located in the heart of Congo, is a remarkable natural area known for its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes. This forest is part of the Congo Basin, which is one of the largest rainforests in the world and plays a crucial role in the global ecosystem.
Travelers visiting Ndzehi Forest can expect to encounter a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, primates, and other unique fauna. The forest is an excellent destination for eco-tourism, offering opportunities for guided nature walks, bird watching, and photography. The dense canopy and vibrant undergrowth create a picturesque setting for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
For those interested in a more adventurous itinerary, consider exploring other parts of the Congo Basin, such as the Salonga National Park, which is further south and renowned for its pristine wilderness and diverse ecosystems.
In summary, Ndzehi Forest is not just a destination for nature lovers but also a starting point for discovering the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Congo region. Whether you’re trekking through the forest or enjoying the sights and sounds of the surrounding areas, Ndzehi Forest promises a unique and memorable travel experience.
Hidden in a dense, nearly inaccessible forest, Ngaga is one of Africa’s most remarkable lodges, offering the rare opportunity to visit gorillas in a habitat barely touched by humanity. The experience will leave you with unforgettable wildlife encounters, a deep connection with nature, and a sense of supreme isolation.
With just six thatch-roofed bungalows nestled among the trees, plus a viewing deck, dining area, and lounge overlooking the forest canopy, Ngaga promises privacy and exclusivity. Even in the primal solitude of this intact ecosystem, you’ll enjoy stylish accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and warm hospitality.
Bungalow
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences (formerly Congo Conservation Co.) invites you to immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most spellbinding ecosystems. Encounter gorillas, forest elephants, African gray parrots, and other rarely sighted wildlife. Fill your lungs with the immaculate air of a forest barely touched by humanity. And experience the paradigm shift that comes from visiting one of the remotest, most remarkable places on Earth.
Observe the families of Western Lowland Gorilla that live in the forest surrounding Ngaga Lodge as they climb trees to feast on ripened fruit, swing from branches, and communicate with hoots and howls. Each encounter with these primates is fascinating and life-changing.
Intimate guided walks reveal the splendor of the Congolese rainforest, fostering a deeper understanding of this precious ecosystem and the flora and fauna it shelters.
After an afternoon walk through the woods, you come across a group of chairs set in a stream. Kick off your shoes and cool your feet in the water while the guide prepares gin and tonics.
Meet the community. Mbomo and Ombo villages, both located near Ngaga Lodge, provide an opportunity to meet some of the people who have lived in the Congo Basin for generations. Learn about the challenges and rewards of life in the forest and share your own experience in the outside world.
Step into the mysteries of the forest after dark. On foot, listen for insects and watch the flickering light of fireflies. In a vehicle, look for the reflection of shining eyes in the treetops. Notice how alive the forest is, no matter the time of day.
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences (formerly Congo Conservation Co.) invites you to immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most spellbinding ecosystems. Encounter gorillas, forest elephants, African gray parrots, and other rarely sighted wildlife. Fill your lungs with the immaculate air of a forest barely touched by humanity. And experience the paradigm shift that comes from visiting one of the remotest, most remarkable places on Earth.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking in Odzala Kokoua National Park offers a truly remote and immersive rainforest experience, centred around tracking the elusive western lowland gorilla. Set within one of Africa’s oldest national parks, this pristine wilderness is characterised by dense jungle, winding rivers, and forest clearings known as bais, creating a rich and biodiverse environment.
Your experience begins early in the morning, as you set out on foot with expert guides and skilled local trackers. Moving quietly through the forest, you will follow subtle signs such as footprints, vocalisations, and feeding trails in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can vary in duration and terrain, often involving humid conditions and thick vegetation, adding to the sense of adventure.
Once the gorillas are located, you will spend a carefully regulated period observing them in their natural habitat. Watching these gentle primates interact, feed, and move through the forest is a powerful and humbling experience, offering a rare and intimate connection with wildlife.
Odzala’s approach to gorilla trekking is low impact and conservation focused, with small group sizes and strict guidelines in place to ensure the wellbeing of both guests and gorillas. The experience is typically based from remote camps such as Ngaga Camp, where knowledgeable guides provide insight into the ecology of the forest and the ongoing conservation efforts within the region.
Gorilla trekking in Odzala Kokoua is ideal for travellers seeking an authentic and less crowded alternative to more traditional gorilla destinations. It is an adventurous yet deeply rewarding experience, combining exceptional wildlife encounters with the raw beauty of the Congo rainforest.
Day 3: Guided Forest Walk
A guided forest walk in Odzala Kokoua National Park offers a truly immersive way to experience the Congo Basin, bringing you closer to the intricate details of one of Africa’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
Unlike traditional game drives, this activity invites you to explore the rainforest on foot, engaging all your senses as you move through this remarkable environment.
Led by expert guides and local trackers, walks take place at a relaxed pace, allowing time to interpret the subtle signs of the forest. You may learn to identify animal tracks, discover medicinal plants, and listen for the calls of birds and primates hidden within the canopy.
The experience is less about distance and more about connection, offering a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that sustains this ecosystem.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park, in the remote north-west of Republic of the Congo, is one of Africa’s oldest national parks established in 1935. It is a tapestry of pristine rainforests, savannahs, rivers and baïs and plays an integral part of the Congo Basin and TRIDOM Transfrontier Park (overlapping Gabon, Congo and Cameroon) – the lungs of Africa.
Today, Odzala Discovery Camps – Ngaga Camp, Lango Camp and Mboko Camp – are gaining fast traction with those who visit to experience one of the world’s last intact eco-systems; a haven for the Western Lowland Gorilla, Forest Elephant, Bongo and many more species of flora and fauna.
Congo Conservation Company
Congo Conservation Company (CCC) was founded as an actor for true conservation within the region through the development of low impact tourism.
Odzala Discovery Camps has been managed by CCC in the pristine ecosystem of Odzala-Kokoua National Park since 2012.
Through these tourism developments, conservation has been given a higher value by the communities within and surrounding the region as a result of job creation and investment in the area. Together – community, research and tourism are working towards a stronger future for the Congo Basin and all its inhabitants.
Day 5: Forest Baïs
Hidden within the dense rainforest of Odzala Kokoua National Park, forest baïs are among the region’s most unique and rewarding natural features. These open clearings, scattered throughout the forest, create a striking contrast to the surrounding canopy and offer rare, unobstructed views in an otherwise dense environment.
Baïs are typically shallow, marshy clearings where mineral rich soils and water are exposed. These nutrients attract a variety of wildlife, making them natural gathering points within the forest. As a result, they provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Odzala.
From the edges of a baï, visitors may observe forest elephants, buffalo, antelope, and an array of bird species as they come to drink and feed. The atmosphere is peaceful and unhurried, allowing for quiet observation of animal behaviour in a natural setting.
Each baï has its own character, shaped by its size, location, and seasonal conditions. Some are expansive and open, while others are more intimate and surrounded by dense vegetation. Regardless of their form, they play a vital role in the ecosystem, supporting both wildlife and biodiversity.
The forest baïs of Odzala Kokoua offer a truly special experience, combining exceptional wildlife encounters with the serenity of the Congo rainforest. They provide a window into a hidden world, where the rhythms of nature unfold in one of Africa’s most untouched wilderness areas.
With one of the most spectacular settings of any lodge in Africa, Lango places you at the secluded heart of the Congolese rainforest. Suspended above a baï where elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife come to bathe, feed, and socialize, the lodge offers arresting views and unparalleled access to a pristine ecosystem.
Guests arrive at Lango after an epic, two-hour river journey that begins with kayaks and ends with a wet and wonderful walk through the baï. Once there, you’ll follow the footsteps of elephants through streams and forests, train your zoom lens on magnificent birds, and dry off beneath soaring kapok trees.
Wraparound walkways and elevated bungalows maximize the views of the baï, a wide, marshy clearing that acts as a magnet for huge flocks of Green Pigeons and African Grey Parrots as well as herds of Forest Buffalo and Forest Elephants.
A short stroll on a boardwalk brings you to an open-air pavilion, where you can sit by the fire to watch animals crossing just below. Unwind in the plush bar and lounge area, and dine on delicious cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients — all to a soundtrack of chirping frogs.
Bungalow
Built over the baï, Lango’s six cozy double/twin Bungalows offer a front-row seat to the natural theatrics of the wetlands. Surrounded by lush vegetation and thatched-in local raffia fronds, chalets feature en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, mosquito-netted beds, and wraparound decks.
Prepare to get wet and a little muddy exploring the streams and marshes of the forest on foot. Marvel at the dense flocks of Green Pigeon and African Grey Parrot flying overhead, and scan the horizon for Forest Elephants peeking through the trees.
Dip your paddle into the pristine waterways of the Congo Basin and explore the wilderness from a new angle. As you drift along, keep your eyes open for cavorting monkeys, colorful birds, and elephants grazing on the banks. The tranquil beauty of your surroundings will soothe your soul.
Intimate guided walks reveal the splendor of the Congolese rainforest, fostering a deeper understanding of this precious ecosystem and the flora and fauna it shelters. Hear the sounds of the forest, smell the dewy humidity, and feel connected to something greater than yourself.
Every bend in the river brings the potential of another discovery: an elephant and her young grazing along the banks, a family of mangabey monkeys swinging in the trees, a flock of spine-tail swifts diving madly for insects. One constant: the magnificent beauty of a wilderness untouched by human hands.
Kayaking the Lekoli River
Kayaking along the Lekoli River in Odzala Kokoua National Park offers a peaceful and immersive way to explore the heart of the Congo rainforest. Drifting quietly through calm, tea coloured waters, this experience reveals a different perspective of the forest, where reflections of towering trees and open sky create a constantly shifting scene.
Accompanied by experienced guides, you paddle at a gentle pace along winding channels and open stretches of river. The stillness of the water allows you to move almost silently, increasing the chance of encountering wildlife along the banks. Birdlife is particularly abundant, with species often seen darting between branches or perched along the water’s edge.
The journey is as much about atmosphere as it is about wildlife. Surrounded by the sounds of the forest, from distant primate calls to the rustle of leaves, kayaking the Lekoli River offers a deep sense of tranquillity and connection to nature.
Routes and duration vary depending on water levels and seasonal conditions, but the experience is generally relaxed and accessible, requiring no previous kayaking experience. Safety briefings and guidance are provided, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable outing.
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences (formerly Congo Conservation Co.) invites you to immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most spellbinding ecosystems. Encounter gorillas, forest elephants, African gray parrots, and other rarely sighted wildlife. Fill your lungs with the immaculate air of a forest barely touched by humanity. And experience the paradigm shift that comes from visiting one of the remotest, most remarkable places on Earth.
Flowing through the remote wilderness of the Republic of the Congo, the Lékéni River region offers an immersive and deeply off-the-beaten-track safari experience within the heart of the Congo Basin. This untouched landscape is defined by dense rainforest, winding waterways, open forest clearings, and rich biodiversity, creating an atmosphere that feels both wild and extraordinarily intimate.
The area is best known for its exceptional primate and forest wildlife encounters, including western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, buffalo, chimpanzees, and a remarkable variety of birdlife. Unlike traditional savannah safaris, experiences here are centred around guided forest walks, river explorations, kayaking adventures, and tracking wildlife through ancient rainforest ecosystems. The waterways themselves form an important part of the landscape, offering a peaceful yet adventurous way to explore the region’s secluded beauty.
Visitors to the Lékéni River area can expect a safari that is slower paced, highly immersive, and focused on conservation, nature, and authentic wilderness experiences. Remote camps blend seamlessly into the environment, providing an intimate connection to the surrounding forest while maintaining a strong emphasis on sustainability and low-impact tourism.
The best time to visit is generally during the drier months from May to September, when forest trails are more accessible and wildlife viewing conditions are at their best.
Day 7: Congo Basin
Spanning Central Africa, the Congo Basin is the second largest tropical rainforest on Earth. Covering parts of Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, and Central African Republic, this vast and ancient ecosystem is one of the most important and biodiverse wilderness areas in the world.
Defined by dense rainforest, winding rivers, and seasonal clearings, the region supports an extraordinary range of wildlife. Species found within the Congo Basin include the Western lowland gorilla, Chimpanzee, African forest elephant, and the elusive Okapi, along with forest buffalo and a rich diversity of birdlife.
Much of the basin remains remote and untouched, offering a deeply immersive and off the beaten track safari experience. Protected areas such as Odzala Kokoua National Park play a vital role in conserving this fragile ecosystem while allowing visitors to explore it in a low impact and meaningful way.
The Congo Basin is ideal for travellers seeking a unique and adventurous experience, where the focus shifts from traditional game viewing to exploration, discovery, and a deeper connection with one of the world’s last great rainforest wildernesses.
Set at the intersection of savanna, forest, and river, Mboko provides a front-row seat to the staggering diversity of the Congolese ecosystem. Hyena prowl across open grasslands while monkeys tussle in the trees. Nearby waterways beckon with the promise of mesmerizing beauty and rare wildlife sightings. Every day at Mboko brings a new adventure.
Mboko features spacious, canvas-sided bungalows tucked away under the trees along the banks of a babbling brook, and a dining and lounge pavilion with commanding views over plains dotted with cathedral-like termite mounds. Dine on exquisitely prepared cuisine as thunderstorms dance along the horizon, or retreat to your porch and embrace the tranquility of the forest.
Chalet
Designed for comfort and contemplation, Mboko’s six double/twin Chalets are set along the Likeni River, with screened-in porches tucked under the trees or verandas serenaded by the burbling water. Works by local artisans adorn the rooms, which are furnished with writing desks, mosquito-netted beds, and comfortable seating. En-suite bathrooms feature flush toilets and hot showers.
Every bend in the river brings the potential of another discovery: an elephant and her young grazing along the banks, a family of mangabey monkeys swinging in the trees, a flock of spine-tail swifts diving madly for insects. One constant: the magnificent beauty of a wilderness untouched by human hands.
Intimate guided walks reveal the splendor of the Congolese rainforest, fostering a deeper understanding of this precious ecosystem and the flora and fauna it shelters. Hear the sounds of the forest, smell the dewy humidity, and feel connected to something greater than yourself
Dip your paddle into the pristine waterways of the Congo Basin and explore the wilderness from a new angle. As you drift along, keep your eyes open for cavorting monkeys, colorful birds, and elephants grazing on the banks. The tranquil beauty of your surroundings will soothe your soul.
River Cruise on the Lékéni River
The Lékéni River is particularly rewarding for birdwatching, with a variety of species often seen along the water’s edge. With a bit of luck, you may also spot other wildlife coming down to drink or moving through the forest near the riverbanks.
The experience is especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the atmosphere is at its most tranquil. The stillness of the water, combined with the sounds of the forest, creates a deeply calming and immersive setting.
A river cruise on the Lékéni River is a gentle yet memorable activity, ideal for those looking to unwind while exploring one of Africa’s most pristine and untouched environments.
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences (formerly Congo Conservation Co.) invites you to immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most spellbinding ecosystems. Encounter gorillas, forest elephants, African gray parrots, and other rarely sighted wildlife. Fill your lungs with the immaculate air of a forest barely touched by humanity. And experience the paradigm shift that comes from visiting one of the remotest, most remarkable places on Earth.
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