The Congo - Rainforest Wildlife of Africa's Hidden Heart

Largely blanketed by equatorial rainforest, the Republic of Congo is little known and little explored. Distinct from the Democratic Republic of Congo, its more turbulent neighbour to the east, ‘The Congo’ — as it is also known — is set to become one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations and every visit here is sure to be one of exciting discovery! On this new tour we will be based in the Odzala- Kokoua National Park, where pockets of savannah and scattered forest islands cover the landscape, dotted with ‘bais’, the damp, grassy clearings within the dense forest which are regularly visited by the local wildlife in search of water, minerals and abundant grazing.

After a flight from Brazzaville to the M’boko airstrip, we begin with a 3-night stay at Ngaga Camp, set in the heart of a towering Marantaceae forest, where our primary focus will be the Western Lowland Gorillas. In the hands of our expert guides, we have the opportunity to track two habituated families on foot, hoping for close views of these magnificent primates. Other species to look out for include Putty-nosed and Crowned Monkeys, Chimpanzee (more often heard than seen), Potto and Demidoff’s Galago.

Our next four nights are split between M’boko Camp, set in an area of lush, meadow-like savannah, frequented by Forest Buffalo and Forest Elephant, and the satellite Lango Camp which nestles within dense gallery forest overlooking Lango Bai. Eleven species of diurnal primate are found within the national park, with Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Guereza Colobus and Moustached Monkey all regularly seen. Nearly 450 species of bird have also been recorded in Odzala, and during our time here we hope to see a variety of these including Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Great Blue Turaco, Cassin’s Malimbe, Chocolate-backed Bee-eater and Congo Serpent-eagle. We will search for these on walks and drives, but as the forests here are drained by the Sangha, Mambili and mighty Congo Rivers, we will also take to the water to reach areas inaccessible by foot.

After seven days in this magnificent forest, it will all too soon be time to take our flight back to Brazzaville and from there on to London, with the sights and sounds of the glorious Congo rainforest remaining firmly imprinted in our memories for many years to come.