Congo
The Republic of Congo, peaceful, pristine, and profoundly wild.
Also known as Congo Brazaville, it is often confused with the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo next door, but the two are worlds apart. With long-term stability in Congo-Brazzaville, the pristine rainforest of the Congo Basin can now be accessed on a safari experience unlike any other. Spanning 1.3 million hectares of this landscape is the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Managed by African Parks since 2010, in partnership with the Congolese government and local communities, Odzala represents one of Africa’s great conservation success stories. The mosaic of forest swamps mingled with its maze of river systems and forest clearings known as baïsa hold a paradise on earth teeming with colorful butterflies, plant, animal and bird species found nowhere else in the world. This is also one of the best places to track the endangered Western Lowland gorillas in their natural habitat, a humbling and life-changing experience that few travelers ever encounter. The Congo Basin is the second-largest tropical rainforest on Earth, and is one of the most biologically diverse and species-rich areas on the planet.
From Adele
On Congo
I have visited many African Parks reserves across the continent and am always deeply inspired by the tangible impact they have on the land, the wildlife, and the surrounding communities.
In Odzala-Kokoua, every traveler directly contributes to conservation – 100% of tourism revenue goes back into protecting wildlife and supporting local livelihoods. I’ve seen the smiles, the pride, and the transformation in the people whose lives have been uplifted through this work.
A safari here is more than an adventure; it’s a direct way of supporting the local Congo communities and Africa’s most vital wild spaces.
Our Favourite Destination in Congo
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Deep in the Congo Basin, Odzala is one of Africa’s oldest national parks and among its most biodiverse. Here, you can trek to observe Western Lowland Gorillas, explore by kayak or forest walk along elephant trails, and witness the “Forest Five”; forest elephant, forest buffalo, bongo, giant forest hog, and western lowland gorilla. This is a truly wild safari for the adventurous - one that immerses you in the rhythm, humidity, and raw energy of the equatorial rainforest.
The gorillas of the Congo © Scott Ramsay, Kamba Africa
Lango Lodge © Scott Ramsay, Kambo Africa
Pristine forest of the Congo basin
Odzala National Park © Scott Ramsay, Kamba Africa
A wild safari for the adventurous
A paradise on earth © Kamba Africa
Forest buffalo, one of the "Forest Five" © Kamba Africa
Moustached monkey in Odzala © Josh Duffus, Kamba Africa
Rare encounters with the Western Lowland Gorilla © Scott Ramsay, Kamba Africa
Congo elephants © Scott Ramsay, Kamba Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
On traveling to Congo
When is the best time to travel? -
Congo-Brazzaville lies on the equator, with average temperatures between 24–28°C year-round. There are two main rainy seasons: March–May and October–December. The best months for gorilla trekking and general wildlife viewing are during the drier periods (June–September and January–February) when trails are more accessible and visibility is at its best.
What is the Congo Basin known for? +
Renowned for its “Forest Five” – the western lowland gorilla, forest elephant, forest buffalo, bongo, and giant forest hog – this region also hosts a variety of rare primates, including grey-cheeked mangabeys, moustached monkeys, and guereza colobus. The Congo Basin itself is one of the most vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots on Earth.
Who should travel here? +
This journey is for the true explorer – those drawn to remote, untamed wilderness and meaningful conservation travel. Expect to trek through dense rainforest, follow elephant pathways, wade through forest streams, and paddle along winding rivers with expert local guides. It’s raw, adventurous, and deeply rewarding – a chance to experience Africa in its most primal form.
