Safari experts & storytellers. Since 1991
Lowland gorilla trekking in Odzala-Kokoua NP
From US$ 14,790 per person sharing (9 days)
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
Join us to trek for western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongos, dwarf crocodiles, huge flocks of grey parrots and green pigeons, and other iconic wildlife species that roam the forests, plains and river systems.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote northwest of the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville is covered in forests, rivers, marshes, and swamps and extends over 13 600km2. It is an integral part of both the Congo Basin and the TRIDOM Transfrontier Park that overlaps Gabon, Congo and Cameroon. It's also one of Africa’s oldest national parks and the ideal destination for lowland gorilla trekking.
Congo-Brazzaville is a safe, friendly country for tourists.
Western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongos, dwarf crocodiles and huge flocks of grey parrots and green pigeons - and much more
Highlights
Explore the untamed beauty of Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Encounter habituated western lowland gorillas up close
Stay in exclusive, eco-luxury camps
Venture on guided forest walks through pristine rainforest
Discover hidden wildlife on guided bai walks
Experience the nocturnal world on a forest night drive and walk
Glide through tranquil waters on river cruises and kayak safaris
Locations and lodges
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a wild, immersive rainforest wilderness unlike a traditional safari destination, offering luxurious yet remote camps and access to truly untouched landscapes. A defining feature is its bais (natural forest clearings), where wildlife gathers to drink and feed, revealing rare glimpses beyond the dense “green curtain”. The park receives around 1,500mm of rain annually and is shaped by permanent river systems, including the Lekoli and Kokoua rivers, which feed into the broad Mambili River before flowing into the greater Congo Basin.
1 night at Radisson Blu M'Bamou Palace Hotel: Ideally located on the Congo River in Brazzaville, with easy access to the CBD, airport, and Kinshasa ferry.
3 nights at Ngaga Lodge: A remote forest retreat with six thatch-roofed bungalows, offering gorilla sightings and exceptional hospitality.
2 nights at Mboko Lodge: Where savanna, forest, and river converge, with canvas-sided bungalows and dining overlooking diverse wildlife.
2 nights at Lango Lodge: In the heart of the rainforest, elevated bungalows overlook a baï, accessed via a scenic river journey to see elephants and birds.
Guest Review
"Once I landed in Brazzaville I was taken care of right there in the airport and escorted to my hotel and it was plain sailing from there on. My trip was beyond belief. All the camps I went to were so nice. Imbalunga was amazing for the forest treks and the bai that is only a three minute walk from the camp and they actually serve breakfast at the viewing deck. I was lucky enough to see two different groups of gorillas and a troop of colobus monkeys. I went there a couple of times a day and sometimes there was very little or nothing but when the primates were there, they were there for hours. It was amazing. I then went to the Kamba camps. These camps are very nice. The quality of the accommodation and food is high and the staff are lovely. I went on two gorilla treks both were very different experiences. The first was adrenalin charged as there was a rouge silver back hanging around the group causing some drama. The second was a lot more chilled but very, very cute. Lots of young ones and one particularly cheeky blackback. My guides, Dylan and Ben were amazing and knowledgeable. They did everything within their power to make sure I saw the wild life without disturbing them. I saw more forest elephant than I ever imagined. I even saw some rare creatures be it ever so fleeting including, chimpanzee, bongo, and sitatunga antelope. There were times when there was no wildlife but it was just amazing to be in the forest or on the river. I have done quite a bit of travel but this was the best trip ever. Being in the forest is magical and you feel so dam healthy. I have been asked where I want to go next but the truth is ... I just want to go back. No disappointment's ... not one." ~ Louise R, Australia
Timing
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is open year-round, and its animals do not migrate, offering wildlife encounters at any time. Congo-Brazzaville lies on the equator, so temperatures vary little throughout the year, typically ranging from 24 to 28°C. Rainfall is a constant factor, with two main rainy seasons from March to May and October to December. The best months for wildlife viewing are the low rainfall periods, June to September and January to February, when humidity is lower, conditions are more comfortable, and wildlife is easier to spot. Even during these drier months, light rainfall can occur, while the wetter months bring dramatic tropical storms alternating with clear blue skies, creating lush scenery and exceptional photographic light.
Price per person sharing
8 nights (9 days) | ||
Low season | 24 Sep to 15 Dec 2026 | from US$ 14,790 |
High season | 04 Jan to 23 Sep 2026 | from US$ 15,690 |
Includes: Letter of invitation to Congo. Airport and airstrip meet and greets. All accommodation at Ngaga, Lango and Mboko during your visit on a Full Board basis, all meals, house wine/beer/spirits/drinks, all domestic flights and transfers to and from camp and between camps, TWO gorilla permits, ONE Boat cruise, guided daily forest walks (dry), guided bai walks (wet), guided forest night walk, ONE community interaction at Ngaga, local drinks, limited laundry and WiFi. ONE half-day city tour, including lunch. All park fees and Conservation levies, medevac. 24/7 Office support.
Extra gorilla trekking permits are US$ 750 per person and can be paid in CASH ONLY at the camps.
Excludes: International flights, visas, excess baggage charges, mandatory travel and medical insurance, vaccination expenses, items of a personal nature, imported spirits, connoisseur wines and champagne, personal calls, activities not mentioned in the itinerary, gratuities, PCR tests.
Day 1 – Arrive in Brazzaville, the capital city of the Republic of Congo. Clear immigration, and relax at the Radisson Blu overlooking the Congo River or explore the city with a local guide.
Day 2 – Fly by private charter to the northern Congo rainforest in Odzala Kokoua National Park and travel by 4×4 through dense jungle to reach Ngaga Lodge for sundowners.
Day 3 – Trek through the primary rainforest to encounter habituated western lowland gorilla families and spend the afternoon exploring forest trails around camp.
Day 4 – Set out on a second gorilla trek followed by immersive forest walks, sunset drinks by a stream and an optional nocturnal forest experience.
Day 5 – Travel by road and river, cruising the Lekoli River, to reach Lango Lodge for an afternoon of exploration and relaxation.
Day 6 – Explore rainforest, swamp and savannah habitats on foot and by wading, with excellent wildlife viewing around the bai and optional afternoon activities.
Day 7 – Enjoy early morning birdwatching and breakfast at the bai before transferring by 4WD and footpaths to Mboko Lodge for river activities or forest walks.
Day 8 – Paddle along the Lekoli River on a guided kayak safari and explore forest trails before relaxing with a swim or guided afternoon walk.
Day 9 – Fly back to Brazzaville and connect with your onward international departure after a final aerial view of the Odzala forests.
"Paradise found"
Our CEO, Simon Espley, says, "Sipping Ethiopian coffee and snacking on delicious French toast and pineapple slices, I watched a family of western lowland gorillas forage in the baï while African grey parrots wolf-whistled overhead. I had found paradise!"
"Capturing Africa's lungs"
Our videographer, Brendan Taylor says, "Prepare to sweat! Dressing for the humid conditions is paramount to being able to enjoy the breath of Africa's lungs to its fullest potential."
"Cold beers waiting"
Linda Fox, AG Odzala-Kokoua safari expert: "Knee-deep in the Bai, we reached Lango Camp’s jetty, dripping and greeted by cold beers. From the deck, green pigeons flew over wading forest buffalo and bongos after kayaking and river walks."
Safari planning
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Congo forest - including lowland gorillas
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