Odzala-Kokoua: gorilla tracking in the Congo Basin

Why visit Odzala

Most people who see gorillas in the wild go to Rwanda or Uganda to see mountain gorillas. Odzala offers something different: the western lowland gorilla, a smaller, more agile cousin, in a rainforest with very few other visitors. Since 2010 the park has been managed by African Parks in partnership with the government, and protection has helped wildlife recover. A trip here feels like true exploration, with comfortable camps waiting at the end of each day.

Gorilla tracking

Tracking takes place mainly around **Ngaga**, in the west of the park, where gorilla groups have been carefully habituated to people. You walk with expert trackers, often from the local Ba'Aka community, through forest of marantaceae plants until you find the family. Time with the gorillas is limited, groups are small, and masks are usually required to protect the animals from human illness. Walks can be hot, muddy and long, so moderate fitness helps.

Bais, rivers and elephants

Around **Lango** in the centre of the park, you wade along streams through the forest to a bai, a natural clearing where forest elephants, buffalo, sitatunga and red river hogs come to feed on minerals. Boat trips on the **Lekoli River** pass monkeys, kingfishers and sometimes elephants crossing. Around **Mboko**, where forest meets savanna, guided walks and night drives reveal yet more wildlife.

Camps

The main lodges in the park are run by the Congo Conservation Company: **Ngaga Camp** for gorillas, **Lango Camp** above the bai and **Mboko Camp** by the river. Most visitors book an all-inclusive package covering flights from Brazzaville, guides and activities. These trips sit at the luxury end of the market, so check current rates and departure dates directly with the operators.

When to go

Odzala sits on the equator, so it can rain at any time. The drier months, broadly June to September and December to February, usually make walking and wildlife viewing easier. Some camps close for part of the year, so check before you plan.

Getting there

Most visitors arrive on a light aircraft charter from Brazzaville, arranged as part of a package. Driving is possible but takes a very long day or more on mixed roads. The park headquarters and the nearest village are at **Mbomo**.

Health and preparation

You will need a yellow fever certificate to enter the country, and malaria prevention is essential. Gorilla tracking usually has health rules; you may be turned away if you have a cold or fever. Pack long trousers, light rain gear, closed shoes you do not mind soaking, and binoculars.

A typical itinerary

A common plan is a week split between the three camps: two or three nights at Ngaga for gorilla tracking, two nights at Lango for the bai and forest walks, and two nights at Mboko for river trips, savanna walks and night drives. Shorter trips focus on Ngaga and one other camp. Many travellers spend a night in Brazzaville before and after, which gives a buffer in case of flight changes. Respect is central to every activity here: keep your voice low near wildlife, never use flash photography with gorillas, and follow your trackers' instructions without question. Your visit directly supports the park's protection and local jobs. Use the free trip planner to fit Odzala into your wider route.