Safari experts & storytellers. Since 1991
Lowland gorilla watching in Odzala-Kokoua NP
From US$ 5,300 per person sharing (8 days)
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
Watch western lowland gorillas and other shy forest creatures from the comfort of elevated treehouses overlooking forest clearings in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Congo-Brazzaville.
Join us to find gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos, dwarf crocodiles, huge flocks of grey parrots and green pigeons, and other iconic wildlife species that roam the forests, baïs and rivers of Odzala-Kokoua in the remote northwest of Congo-Brazzaville (Republic of Congo).
Congo-Brazzaville is a safe, friendly country for tourists, and there is a tarred road from the capital city, Brazzaville, to Odzala-Kokoua NP.
🎥 WATCH THIS informative video about Odzala-Kokoua National Park
🎥 WATCH THIS video about Camp Imbalanga
(Ukuri is an Africa Geographic group company)
Western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongos, dwarf crocodiles and huge flocks of grey parrots and green pigeons - AND MUCH MORE
Highlights
Viewing unhabituated lowland gorillas from elevated treehouses – a truly authentic experience
Visit baïs to view wildlife from an elevated covered tree-house. A baï is a swampy clearing in the forest where wildlife gathers to drink and ingest mineral-rich soil. This is the best way to observe secretive species such as forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos, and gorillas. Gorilla families regularly visit Imbalanga Baï – a 3-minute walk from the lodge
Nature hikes – including the possibility of spotting lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates such as Demidoff’s galago, grey-cheeked mangabey, moustached monkey, crowned monkey, agile mangabey, De Brazza’s monkey, putty-nosed monkey and Guereza colobus. See the full mammal list under Resources below
River cruises on the Mambili and Lokoué rivers (Congo River tributaries) to find birds, primates and crocodiles
The bird species tally of over 440 includes delights such as Hartlaub's duck, Nkulengu rail, spot-breasted ibis, Congo serpent eagle, long-tailed hawk, vermiculated fishing owl, bare-cheeked trogon, white-crested hornbill, chocolate-backed kingfisher, lyre-tailed honeyguide, African piculet, grey parrot, African pitta, rufous-bellied helmetshrike and western bluebill. See the full bird list under Resources below
Location and lodges
Odzala-Kokoua National Park offers a gorilla safari unlike any other, ideal for travellers seeking a remote, off-the-beaten-path rainforest experience. Wildlife viewing centres around forest clearings known as baïs and along winding rivers, where western lowland gorillas, forest elephants and rich birdlife emerge from the dense jungle. Staying at the intimate, unfenced Camp Imbalanga places you just minutes from a baï, immersing you fully in the forest, local culture, and rhythms of this extraordinary gorilla habitat.
2 nights at Radisson Blu M'Bamou Palace Hotel: Offers a prime location on the banks of the famous Congo River in Brazzaville's central business district. As the capital of the country, Brazzaville allows easy access to Maya Maya International Airport.
5 nights at Camp Imbalanga: A fully-catered lodge featuring six ensuite canvas chalets accommodating twelve people. This tented lodge offers a harmonious blend of rustic comfort and wilderness.
Guest review
"The organisation of our trip to Camp Imbalanga in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Congo-Brazzaville, was exceptional, and communication didn't cease after we were on our way.
Stefan and Wayne went out of their way to make sure that we would have a wonderful experience. We can only recommend organising tours with the assistance of the trip advisors of Africa Geographic. A big plus is that a part of the money paid for the trip is utilised for the benefit of the community around the area visited." ~ The Dorrenbachers, Namibia
Timing
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is open year-round, with wildlife remaining in the area as animals do not migrate. Located on the equator, Congo-Brazzaville experiences consistently warm temperatures of 24–28°C year-round. While rain is always possible, the wetter periods typically fall between March and May and again from October to December. For the best wildlife viewing and easier conditions, the drier months from June to September and January to February are generally considered the ideal time to visit.
Read more about Odzala-Kokoua National Park here
Price per person sharing
7 nights (8 days) 2026 - all year | |
Per person sharing | from US$ 5,300 |
Includes: Return transfers: Maya Maya Airport - The Radisson Hotel - Imbalanga; 1 night on arrival and 1 night pre-departure at the Radisson on B&B; 5 nights at Imbalanga on a fully inclusive basis. All Imbalanga activities, including guided walks, a Moba Baï excursion and a river boat safari. Visa invitation letter, rubber boots and 24-hour logistical support.
Excludes: International flights, airport departure tax, excess weight charges for luggage, visa or entry permits, telephone calls, mandatory travel, cancellation, and medical insurance, optional safari extensions and unspecified activities, personal expenses and any charges not specified in the itinerary, tips and gratuities, lunches, dinners and non-buffet drinks at Radisson Blu and lunch stops in the town of Oyo on days 2 and 7.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects.
Day 1 – On arrival in Brazzaville, you will be met at Maya Maya Airport and transferred to the Radisson Blu M’Bamou Palace. Settle in and enjoy your first taste of the city, with optional dinner and drinks overlooking the Congo River before overnighting in Brazzaville. We have requested your hotel to pack a breakfast to-go for tomorrow morning.
Day 2 – An early start, with your packed breakfast, sees you travel north on a scenic 9–10 hour road journey to Odzala-Kokoua National Park, stopping in Oyo en route. Arrive at Camp Imbalanga in the late afternoon, visit nearby Imbalanga Baï, then enjoy sundowners, dinner and your first night immersed in the forest.
Days 3–6 – Spend four unforgettable days exploring Odzala-Kokoua on guided walks, drives and boat excursions, discovering gorillas, forest elephants, baïs and rich birdlife, with time to relax at camp or in your elevated chalet between activities.
Day 7 – After an early breakfast, begin the 9–10 hour return road journey to Brazzaville, again stopping in Oyo along the way. Arrive late afternoon, with time for sunset drinks and a final dinner overlooking the river before your last night in Congo.
Day 8 – Enjoy a final breakfast with views of the Congo River before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
“Unique connections”
Ramona Rubach, AG Odzala-Kokoua safari expert: “Odzala-Kokoua was raw, wild, challenging, but oh-so rewarding! We ventured into untouched jungles, encountered a variety of unique wildlife and connected with inspiring, dedicated wardens protecting some of our most endangered species.”
“Vast, untouched, fragile”
Stefan Winterboer, Odzala-Kokoua safari expert: “Odzala struck me instantly – a place so far removed from anything resembling ‘normal’. Standing in such vast, untouched, and fragile forests stirred a rare sense of tangible accountability for what we are doing as a species.”
“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!"
Safari planning
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Lowland gorillas in Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Tell us about your dream trip - our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!