Boat cruise at Mboko, Odzala National Park, Republic of Congo

Odzala National Park

A thrilling light aircraft flight over the forests, a muddy, roller coaster of a ride into camp and a genuine Congolese welcome is just the start of the adventure.

The lowland gorillas who wander the forest, share their home with forest elephants, bongo, sitatunga and even leopards, with chimps heard in the distance. The park is also close to a number of isolated forest villages, where superstition and sorcery are strongly held beliefs, but the welcome is genuinely warm.

With two new luxury lodges on the scene, one of the wildest and oldest parks in Africa can now be explored in style, but do not be fooled – step outside the lodge and the rainforest is an unmistakable presence.

Deck at Lango Camp, Odzala National Park
Lango Camp, Odzala National Park, Republic of Congo
Lango Camp Walking Trail, Lango, Odzala, Rep of Congo
Odzala National Park, Republic of Congo

A little more about Odzala National Park

Walks through Lango Bai in the knee-deep streams feel like a genuine adventure – but don’t worry, leeches and crocodiles are nowhere to be seen and elephants and buffalo keep their distance, most of the time.

A boat safari on the Lekoli river, full of slender-snouted and African dwarf crocodile as monkeys chatter and fight in the treetops is fantastic for photography and birding and whilst gorillas are the big draw, the mix of open savannah and thick rainforest offers a fascinating and unique wildlife experience.

African Green Pigeon, Lango Bai, Odzala, Rep of Congo
African green pigeons, Odzala National Park, Republic of Congo
Young Male lowland Gorilla, Ngaga Camp, Odzala, Rep of Congo
Odzala National Park, Republic of Congo
Veranda, Mboko Camp, Odzala National Park
Mboko Camp, Odzala National Park, Republic of Congo
Ngaga Camp, Odzala National Park
Ngaga Camp, Odzala National Park, Republic of Congo

Why visit Odzala National Park

  • Get ready for adventure, trekking lowland gorillas and elephants in the wilds
  • Boat safaris, savannah game drives and night walks keep things interesting
  • Visit remote, forest villages alive with myths and superstition
  • Meet gorilla researcher, Dr Magda Bermejo for a fascinating insight into her work
  • Whilst many claim the strange forest sounds at night are leopards, villagers believe it to be the call of the Ejengi forest spirit – night walks can be unnerving…

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Lowland Gorilla in Tree, Republic of Congo

Track Gorillas and Elephants

Trek in search of western lowland gorillas, spending an hour with a habituated family.

Suggested Holiday Idea

African Green Pigeon, Lango Bai, Odzala, Rep of Congo

Wildlife Safari

Explore by boat, 4×4 and on foot, looking out for forest elephants, monkeys, birds and more.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Mountain Gorilla, Uganda

Meet Dr Magda Bermejo

Spend time with gorilla researcher, Dr Magda Bermejo for a fascinating insight into her work.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Ombo Village visit, Ngaga Camp, Odzala, Rep of Congo

Forest Communities

Visit remote forest villages, alive with myths and superstition.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Young male gorilla in tree, Ngaga Camp, Odzala, Rep of Cong
Odzala National Park, Republic of Congo

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in the Congo Basin

Explore the wildlife riches hidden deep within the dense forests of the Odzala National Park. Track lowland gorillas and encounter forest elephants in a jungle wilderness that hides in the far north of Congo.

10 days

from £13,495 pp

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Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Mboko Camp £££££

  • Republic of Congo
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Spread along the banks of a tributary of the Lekoli River, the beautiful Mboko Camp looks out over an area of lush grassland. This rich vegetation attracts a wealth of animals, including forest buffaloes, elephants and spotted hyenas.

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Ngaga Camp £££££

  • Republic of Congo
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Located in the Ndzehi Forest on the western boundary of the park, the lodge sits at the crest of a glade, blending in seamlessly with the surroundings, looking out across the forest canopy. Each of the 6 forest huts are on raised wooden walkways, the thatch rooms have canvas screens at the front and back, hot showers, flush loos and ceiling fans, plus charging points for cameras and laptops, (but don’t expect wi-fi or phone reception).

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Lango Camp £££££

  • Republic of Congo
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Lango Camp sits in a spectacular setting, overlooking the bai from which it takes its name. Six traditional Congolese-style tree houses are connected by raised, wooden walkways that wind through the gallery forest.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

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  • 01285 880 980

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