Congo Basin: Odzala Odyssey

Congo Basin: Odzala Odyssey – 13 Days

Prices From £19,505pp
Year round | 12 nights

Congo Basin: Odzala Odyssey – 13 Days

Step into the soul of the Congo Basin on this immersive 13-day expedition through the wild heart of Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Beginning in the charismatic city of Brazzaville, you’ll soon leave urban life behind as you journey into one of Africa’s most extraordinary and remote ecosystems. This richly rewarding adventure takes you deep into the rainforest, along winding rivers, and across open savannas, revealing the diverse landscapes and rare wildlife of this largely untouched region.

You’ll stay at three extraordinary lodges, each set within a unique environment and offering its own perspective on the park’s wonders. Encounter the enigmatic Western Lowland Gorillas of the Ndzehi Concession during three unforgettable tracking expeditions. Trek through the surreal flooded forests and mineral-rich clearings of Lango Baï, barefoot and fully immersed. Then discover the tranquil savanna and forest edge at Mboko, where river cruises and quiet nature walks bring the final days of your journey to a peaceful close.

With expert guides, conservation-focused experiences, and exclusive access to some of Africa’s most elusive wildlife, this trip offers far more than a safari. It’s a rare opportunity to slow down, tune in to nature’s rhythm, and witness the raw beauty of the Congo Basin. And with an included Sapeurs tour in vibrant Brazzaville, this is certain to be a journey that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Prices shown are per person, based on two people sharing on departures between 24th September to 15th December. The USD rate for these departures is $19,500 USD.

Alternative departure dates are priced from $21,00 USD per person.

Special Family Rates – major discounts - prices on request.
Attractive Single Occupancy rates available on request.

Highlights

  • Experience the vibrant capital of Brazzaville with an included Sapeurs of Brazzaville excursion
  • Discover 3 different areas within the remarkable Odzala-Kokoua National Park
  • Embark on 3 unforgettable gorilla tracking experiences in the Ndzehi Concession, one of few places in the world where these magnificent animals can be sighted
  • Spot other iconic African wildlife including spotted hyenas, elephants, buffalo, hippos, monkeys and the elusive antelope
  • Benefit of Expert Wildlife Guides travelling with you throughout your wilderness experience
  • Enjoy immersive daytime and nocturnal forest walks accompanied by expert conservation-focused guides
  • Trek barefoot through the Lango Baï wetlands for an immersive nature experience 
  • Explore the Lékéni River by boat and take a memorable kayak safari
  • Savour sundowners in breathtaking wilderness settings
  • Excellent birdwatching across varied habitats, from wetlands to forests
  • Stay in 3 unique eco-lodges, each offering a distinct ecosystem and experience

What's Included

  • Scheduled return flights between Brazzaville and Odzala
  • 3 Gorilla Tracking Permits
  • 4 Nights at Ngaga Lodge on an all-inclusive basis with all meals & drinks included
  • 3 Nights at Lango Lodge on an all-inclusive basis with all meals & drinks included
  • 3 Nights at Mboko Lodge on an all-inclusive basis with all meals & drinks included
  • 2 Nights at Hilton, Brazzaville on a B&B basis
  • All activities as described in the itinerary, with expert guides
  • All transfers between lodges
  • "Sapeurs of Brazzaville" experience

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Brazzaville - Arrive
1Day

Brazzaville - Arrive

Your journey through the Republic of Congo begins in the vibrant capital city of Brazzaville, where rhythm, culture, and warmth fill the air. Tonight, you’ll enjoy an overnight stay in the city, giving you the chance to explore its many highlights. Wander through bustling markets, savour local dishes in welcoming restaurants, and discover its historic neighbourhoods.

A special highlight of the day will be your guided ‘Sapeurs of Brazzaville’ excursion. This unique experience offers insight into the fascinating subculture of Brazzaville’s “dandies”, stylish individuals whose colourful attire has become an emblem of Congolese cultural identity. Originating from diverse backgrounds, these Sapeurs adhere to a refined code of elegance and fashion, especially when they gather to parade, dance, and showcase their flamboyant outfits around the city. It’s an unforgettable encounter and an essential part of any Brazzaville visit.

Accommodation: 1 night at The Hilton, Brazzaville on a B&B basis

Brazzaville to Odzala-Kokoua National Park
2Day

Brazzaville to Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Today, your adventure truly begins as you board a scenic two-hour private flight to the Mboko airstrip, deep in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. From here, a guided 2–3 hour safari drive winds through sweeping savanna and dense rainforest, delivering you to Ngaga Lodge in the heart of the Ndzehi Concession. This will be your serene base for the next four nights.

This evening, after settling into your forest retreat, you’ll gather around the campfire with your guide for an introduction to the days ahead. This insightful briefing will prepare you for your upcoming gorilla tracking experiences and provide valuable context on the vital conservation work taking place in the region. Afterward, it’s time to rest and recharge, ready for your first early morning in the rainforest.

Accommodation: 4 nights at Ngaga Lodge on an all-inclusive basis with all meals, drinks and guided activities included.

Activities: 3 Gorilla Tracks with Permits | Conservation Walk | Guided Day & Night Forest Walks

Ndzehi Concession
3 - 5Days

Ndzehi Concession

For the next three days, prepare to tick off one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences as you delve into the heart of the Ndzehi Concession. Ngaga Lodge offers a rare chance to encounter Western Lowland Gorillas in their natural habitat, a privilege made possible through decades of dedicated research and conservation. This remote forest base is home to one of the world’s most respected primate research teams, whose work has helped unlock the mysteries of gorilla behaviour. You’ll join expert guides and trackers for three unforgettable gorilla treks, gaining insights into the daily lives of these powerful yet gentle creatures.

Setting off before sunrise each morning, you’ll follow narrow forest trails beneath the dense canopy in search of habituated gorilla families. Watch as they forage among the trees, playfully interact, and vocalise with deep, resonant calls. These encounters are humbling, intimate, and likely to stay with you for a lifetime.

Each tracking experience varies in duration and can be anywhere from 2 to 7 hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, covering 1 to 8 kilometres of terrain. Once located, you’ll spend up to an hour quietly observing the group, a limit set to ensure their well-being. Group sizes are kept small (just four guests plus guide and tracker), and all tracking is conducted with the utmost care and respect, guided by the Forest Guardians who help protect these forests from poaching and other threats.

Beyond the gorilla treks, there’s time to deepen your understanding of conservation. Join a Forest Guardian on a guided patrol walk to learn how the area is safeguarded. Discover the forest’s secrets on both day and night walks, toast the sunset with drinks in hand, and, if you wish, take the opportunity to visit a nearby village for an insight into local life.

Transfer to Lango Baï
6Day

Transfer to Lango Baï

After breakfast, enjoy one last chance to explore the pristine rainforest around Ngaga Lodge, soaking in the sights and sounds of this extraordinary ecosystem. Then, your journey to the next chapter of the adventure begins.

Travel deeper into Odzala-Kokoua National Park with a 2-hour drive to Mboko Lodge, where you’ll pause for a relaxed lunch. From there, trade wheels for water as you drift downstream by kayak along the serene Lekoli River. Keep your eyes peeled as forest buffalo, playful monkeys, elusive elephants, and vibrant birdlife are often spotted along this stretch. The final leg of the journey is one you won’t soon forget, a barefoot walk through the lush wetlands of Lango Baï, offering a sensory, up-close connection with the landscape as you approach your next destination.

Arrive at the remarkable Lango Lodge in time to unwind with a refreshing sundowner and dinner, set against the wild beauty of the baï. This is where adventure meets serenity and will be your home for the next three nights.

Accommodation: 3 nights at Lango Lodge on an all-inclusive basis with all meals, drinks and guided activities included.

Activities: Bird Watching | Baï Walks | Guided Forest Walks | Sundowners

Explore Lango
7 - 8Days

Explore Lango

Spend the next two days immersed in the wild and untouched beauty of Lango Lodge and its surrounding baï, offering an entirely different perspective of Odzala-Kokoua National Park. This leg of your journey is about full sensory connection with nature, exploring on foot through a landscape shaped by the movements of forest elephants and other secretive creatures.

Venture along ancient game trails carved beside streams and through dense forest, or wade barefoot into the cool, shallow waters of the Lekoli River for a more adventurous path. Whether trekking through the forest or navigating the wetlands, expect to get a little muddy, and a lot closer to the rhythms of the wild.

Wildlife encounters here are subtle and rewarding. Watch as forest buffalo graze undisturbed, green pigeons swirl into the trees, and, if you're lucky, spot the shy forest elephant or the elusive bongo moving through the undergrowth. A variety of guided walks, both long and short, allow you to explore the intricate ecosystems and rich heritage of this extraordinary place at your own pace.

Transfer to Mboko
9Day

Transfer to Mboko

After one last morning safari and breakfast at the lodge, your journey continues to its final destination. You'll begin by following an elevated boardwalk through the wetlands, where your driver will be waiting to take you on an unforgettable game drive across the diverse landscapes of the park.

Soon you’ll arrive at Mboko Lodge, a stunning retreat nestled where lush rainforest meets open savanna. After a relaxed lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace, perhaps with a guided walk through the forest, some quiet time unwinding on the riverside deck, or a peaceful late-afternoon boat safari along the winding Lékéni River.

Accommodation: 3 nights at Mboko Lodge on an all-inclusive basis with all meals, drinks and guided activities included

Activities: Guided Forest Walks | River Cruises

Explore Mboko & Lékéni River
10 - 11Days

Explore Mboko & Lékéni River

Your final two days in Odzala-Kokoua National Park offer a chance to slow down and absorb the rich beauty of this remote wilderness. From open savannas to meandering rivers and ancient forests, you’ll explore a landscape where serenity and discovery unfold in perfect harmony. Accompanied by expert local guides, you’ll venture out on foot and by water in search of the park’s more elusive residents such as forest elephants, shy bongos, hippos, buffalo, spotted hyenas, and playful primates.

This part of your adventure is all about finding your own rhythm, whether that means gliding through quiet channels by kayak, strolling beneath the forest canopy, or simply soaking in the stillness from the lodge deck. With options for birdwatching, spa treatments, or cooling off in nearby streams, your time at Mboko Lodge is a fitting and restorative finale to an extraordinary journey.

Back to Brazzaville
12 - 13Days

Back to Brazzaville

As your Republic of Congo safari trip draws to a close, there’s time for one last adventure as you take a game drive through the savanna to the Mboko airstrip for your included private flight back to Brazzaville. Upon arrival in Brazzaville, a transfer will be provided to the Hilton Hotel for your included overnight stay.

The following morning, your itinerary will come to an end, and it will be time to check out and head to the airport for your onward or homeward flights. Should you wish to extend your stay in Brazzaville, we will be happy to arrange this for you.

Accommodation: 1 night at The Hilton, Brazzaville on a B&B basis

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

Ngaga Lodge, Odzala-Kokoua

Tucked deep within the untouched Ndzehi Forest on the edge of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Ngaga Lodge is a secluded sanctuary offering rare access to one of Africa’s last truly wild places. Here, guests can join seasoned researchers in tracking habituated groups of Western Lowland Gorillas, discovering a world where humans are merely quiet observers. This is more than a safari. It’s a deeply immersive experience into a thriving, ancient ecosystem where every sound and shadow tells a story.

Ngaga’s six forest-view bungalows, elevated above the forest floor, are crafted from natural, locally sourced materials and offer excellent comfort without compromising on sustainability. Between guided gorilla treks and night walks, unwind on the river deck or around the fire pit, listening to the rhythms of the rainforest. Dining is an integral part of the experience here, with all meals, snacks, and house beverages included. Chefs blend local ingredients with global techniques to create fresh, memorable dishes enjoyed in open-air settings that overlook the jungle canopy

Lango Lodge, Odzala-Kokoua

Perched above the wildlife-rich wetlands of Lango Baï in the heart of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Lango Lodge offers a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most spectacular natural arenas. Suspended on stilts amid thick forest and overlooking a clearing where elephants, buffalo, and vibrant birdlife gather, the lodge invites guests into a world shaped by water and wilderness. The journey to Lango is an adventure in itself, as you kayak along jungle waterways followed by a barefoot trek through the baï, culminating in a truly immersive arrival into the rainforest.

Each of Lango’s elevated bungalows is built with natural materials and designed to embrace the surrounding landscape, featuring wraparound decks and ensuite comforts. Days are spent exploring the wetlands on foot or by kayak, spotting elusive mammals and rare birds, while evenings bring sundowners on the star deck and fireside wildlife watching. Dining is an essential part of the experience, with all-inclusive meals crafted from local ingredients and served in the open-air pavilion. Here, you’ll enjoy fresh, inventive cuisine to the sound of frogs calling across the water and the rustle of forest life all around

Mboko Lodge, Odzala-Kokoua

Set where forest meets savanna and river, Mboko Lodge immerses you in one of the most biodiverse corners of the Congo. From hyenas roaming the grasslands to monkeys swinging through the trees and birds wheeling overhead, life here unfolds in every direction. Days at Mboko are shaped by adventure, whether you’re walking forest trails, kayaking quiet waters, or cruising rivers in search of elusive wildlife, while nights are for reflection under wide-open skies.

Tucked beneath shady trees along the gentle Lékéni River, Mboko’s canvas-walled chalets blend rustic charm with quiet luxury. Each room offers views of the surrounding wilderness, handcrafted touches by local artisans, and soothing sounds of the forest just beyond your veranda. At the heart of the lodge, an open-air pavilion looks out over the savanna, where guests gather for relaxed meals and sundowners around the fire. Enjoy dishes inspired by the region and crafted with flair, served beneath open skies, around a table carved from ancient petrified wood, as distant thunderstorms illuminate the vast Congolese horizon

Hilton Brazzaville

Perched above the majestic Congo River, the Hilton Brazzaville offers a refined blend of luxury, comfort, and world-class service in the heart of the city. Ideally located within a vibrant complex of shops, restaurants, and businesses, and just a short drive from Beach Ngobila and Maya-Maya Airport, this 5-star hotel is the perfect base for exploring Brazzaville or relaxing after a safari tour. Guests can unwind in elegant rooms with sweeping river views, private spa baths, and exclusive executive lounge access, or stay active with a fitness centre, tennis courts, and a year-round outdoor pool.

Culinary experiences include a family-friendly international restaurant serving African and French cuisine, a welcoming cocktail bar, and a unique revolving restaurant on the 30th floor that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Brazzaville.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Republic of Congo adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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