Not “THAT” Congo: Africa’s Best-Kept Secret

Often misunderstood and widely overlooked, the Republic of Congo is quietly making its mark as one of Africa’s most exciting frontier safari destinations. Not to be confused with its much larger and more volatile neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo – sometimes called Congo-Brazzaville after its vibrant capital – is a peaceful, politically stable country with a wealth of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and fascinating culture. It’s a destination where conservation takes centre stage, tourism is still refreshingly low-key, and nature is dramatically pervasive.

Nestled along the equator, Congo is a verdant land of dense rainforests, meandering rivers, and unspoiled wilderness. For those seeking something truly different – an experience steeped in biodiversity, authenticity, and purpose – Congo delivers far beyond expectation. Much of the country is blanketed in pristine forest, part of the greater Congo Basin, the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world. These ancient ecosystems are home to some of the planet’s most iconic and elusive species, including the critically endangered western lowland gorilla, for which many travellers visit the country.

Unlike some African destinations where crowds and vehicles jostle for the best wildlife sighting, safaris in Congo are intimate, unhurried and deeply immersive. There are few better places to step away from the ordinary and into a world that feels almost prehistoric. Here, conservationists work hand in hand with researchers, eco-guides and local communities to ensure that tourism is sustainable and beneficial to all. It is Africa at its wildest, and at its most rewarding.

So, why travel to the Republic of Congo? Here are five compelling reasons to place this emerging destination high on your safari wishlist.

Gorilla Trekking in the Heart of the Congo Basin

Gorilla trekking in Congo is nothing short of extraordinary. The country’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park, one of Africa’s oldest national parks, offers rare and intimate encounters with habituated western lowland gorillas. These smaller, more agile relatives of the mountain gorilla live in the heart of the rainforest, and treks to find them are led by expert trackers and guides who know the terrain – and the gorillas – intimately.

Unlike Rwanda or Uganda, where gorilla permits are limited and often booked out well in advance, Congo’s gorilla tourism is still in its infancy, offering a more exclusive and relaxed experience. Treks are challenging but deeply rewarding, taking travellers through cathedral-like forests, across streams and under ancient canopy as they search for these remarkable primates. Observing a gorilla family in the wild – watching the youngsters play, the silverback command, the females forage – is an emotional and unforgettable highlight of any trip.

One of Africa’s Last Undiscovered Frontiers 

Travelling to Congo means stepping off the well-worn safari circuit. While the Classic Safari Company always seeks out the more exclusive, remote and intimate safari experience, in Congo this becomes the norm, rather than the exception. Expect remote camps, untouched wilderness and a rare sense of adventure. This is the kind of travel that rekindles the spirit of early exploration – when the rewards lay in the experience, not the luxury. It’s about rediscovering the raw thrill of the bush, the deep peace of the forest, and the stories shared around a lantern-lit table.

The absence of crowds means wildlife sightings feel more personal, more profound. Whether it’s tracking gorillas or watching forest elephants feeding beneath towering trees, each encounter is a privilege. Travellers often return with reflections of feeling not simply observers, but participants in something meaningful and real.

It’s Safe – And Shouldn’t Be Confused with the DRC

This point bears repeating: the Republic of Congo is not the Democratic Republic of Congo. The two are often confused due to their shared name and geographical proximity, but they are very different countries. Congo-Brazzaville has enjoyed political stability and peaceful governance for decades, and the government actively supports conservation tourism. Entry through the capital Brazzaville is easy and welcoming, with reputable tour operators offering smooth transitions to the country’s remote wilderness areas.

At Classic Safari Company, we place the utmost priority on safety, and our partners on the ground – such as Kamba Africa – ensure every detail is carefully managed. If you’ve hesitated about Congo because of its name, rest assured: this is a safe, peaceful country with a huge amount to offer discerning safari travellers.

Your Visit Supports Conservation & Research

One of the most inspiring aspects of travel to Congo is the direct impact your presence has on conservation. Kamba Africa, operated in partnership with African Parks and local communities, are at the forefront of sustainable tourism in the region. Your travel dollars go directly toward protecting endangered wildlife, funding anti-poaching efforts, and supporting long-term scientific research.

Programmes here don’t just focus on gorillas – they encompass the entire ecosystem, from forest elephants to pangolins, birds and butterflies. The area is also home to Kamba’s conservation efforts, a model of how responsible tourism can provide tangible benefits to both nature and people.

Travellers to Congo can directly support and participate in conservation through experiences such as joining gorilla habituation monitoring treks alongside researchers in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, offering a deeper understanding of primate behaviour and the challenges of protecting endangered species. Visitors can also engage with community-led conservation projects in villages like Mbomo, where tourism revenue supports sustainable livelihoods, anti-poaching efforts, and education initiatives, providing a rare opportunity to witness how responsible travel directly contributes to preserving one of Africa’s most vital ecosystems.

Congolese Culture & Connection 

Congo’s cultural richness adds another layer to the travel experience. Whether you’re wandering the colourful streets of Brazzaville, known for its colonial charm and iconic Sapeurs (stylish gentlemen – and occasionally ladies – who express themselves through flamboyant fashion), or visiting remote villages where traditional ways of life endure, the country offers many opportunities to engage with local culture.

Music, dance, and storytelling are woven into everyday life, and travellers often find these human encounters to be as memorable as any wildlife sighting. Visiting Congo is not just a safari – it’s a cultural immersion. 

Beyond the Gorillas: A Wealth of Wildlife & Wonder

While gorilla trekking may be the marquee experience in Congo, the country’s forests and savannahs are teeming with other remarkable species. Forest elephants – smaller and more elusive than their savannah cousins – wander the baï (forest clearings), along with forest buffalo, sitatunga and red river hogs. Birdlife is spectacular, with over 400 species recorded in Odzala alone, including the great blue turaco, hornbills and Congo peafowl.

Nocturnal forest walks may reveal potto, bush babies or palm civets, while daylight reveals the intricate ecosystem of fungi, insects and towering trees that make the Congo Basin one of the planet’s most vital carbon sinks. This is not a conventional safari destination – it’s something much rarer and richer.

However, for those craving more familiar safari scenes, there are savannah regions in northern Odzala where open grasslands offer glimpses of hartebeest, duiker and even the occasional leopard. The diversity of terrain – from dense jungle to open plains – means every day offers something different.

Landmarks & Highlights of the Congo

While Congo is best known for its lush rainforests and extraordinary wildlife, it also offers a number of fascinating cultural, natural, and historical landmarks to embellish and expand your experiences:

Brazzaville – The Elegant Capital

With its colonial architecture, leafy boulevards and cosmopolitan feel, Brazzaville is one of Africa’s most relaxed and appealing capitals. Highlights include the Basilique Sainte-Anne du Congo, a striking green-roofed cathedral built in the 1940s, and the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Mausoleum, where the city’s namesake explorer is laid to rest. The riverfront promenade is perfect for a sunset stroll and offers views across to Kinshasa.

Les Rapides du Congo

A short drive from Brazzaville, these impressive rapids demonstrate the raw power of the Congo River. Surrounded by rocky outcrops and shaded trees, they’re a great spot for a peaceful drink, birdwatching, or just to marvel at nature’s force. There are several local cafés in the area, and artists often gather here, lending a vibrant local atmosphere.

Mbomo Village

Located on the outskirts of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Mbomo Village offers a window into traditional Congolese life. Here, visitors can meet local families, learn about subsistence farming, and explore how communities coexist with the forest. Visits are respectful, educational and entirely authentic – with proceeds supporting local development initiatives.

The Congo River

The mighty Congo River is a geographical marvel – the world’s deepest river at up to 220 metres, and Africa’s second longest. In Brazzaville, boat trips and riverside walks offer an intimate look at this lifeline of Central Africa. Further afield, it becomes a highway into the heart of the continent, a route few outsiders have ever followed.

Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park (Optional Extension)

For true wilderness seekers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Congo forms part of the greater Sangha Trinational protected area. Though harder to reach, it rewards intrepid travellers with exceptional biodiversity – including chimpanzees, bongos, and dense, untouched rainforest. Visits here are arranged in partnership with specialist conservation operators.

Congo Inspirational Itineraries

The following are example itineraries of what we are able to offer to fulfill your COngolese explorations:

Congo Odzala Odyssey with Kamba

Odzala National Park covers an incredible 13 600km2 (3.36 million acres) and represents an essential part of both the greater Congo Basin system and the groundbreaking TRIDOM Transfrontier Park which combines bordering national parks in Gabon, Cameroon and DRC Congo. It is famed for its primate populations, particularly the critically endangered western lowland gorilla, is one of the last refuges of the African forest elephant, and boasts iconic West Central African fauna such as forest buffalo, bongo and dozens of little-known mammal species including water chevrotain and palm civet.

Kamba’s three camps – Lango, Mboko and Ngaga – combine beautifully to present a diverse itinerary covering three separate habitats, each offering their own unique experiences. We recommend spending seven nights in Odzala to fully appreciate the astonishing biodiversity here. …READ MORE

Expeditions Ducret

Navigating deep into virgin jungle, this exciting new journey is an immersion into the heart of one of the last intact lungs of the planet, and a rare opportunity for those Africa lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to embark on a voyage unlike anything they’ve seen or done before.

This unique 12-night itinerary sees you boarding an elegant, environmentally friendly “Boutique Hotel” ship to navigate the Congo and Sangha Rivers accompanied by scientists, naturalist guides and local people from indigenous communities. Disembarking, guests can head into the forest on foot to search for gorillas, observe great elephant herds in forest clearings, go fishing with remote indigenous communities, navigate tiny tributaries by motorboat or kayak, and meet with representatives of a sustainable forest management company to gain an understanding of the challenges and pressures faced. …READ MORE

Where to Stay in Congo

Accommodation in Congo is designed to blend comfort with immersion, offering eco-friendly stays in the heart of the wild. Most visitors base their trips around Kamba’s three lodges – Ngaga Camp (ideal for gorilla trekking), Mboko Camp (on the Lekoli River with access to savannahs and forests), and Lango Camp (overlooking a spectacular forest baï). These are premium lodges with world-class guiding, gourmet cuisine and minimal environmental footprint.

For a more mid-range option, Hotel Ledger Plaza Maya Maya in Brazzaville offers a comfortable and modern stay pre- or post-safari, with all the amenities travellers need as they transition from the forest to the city.

At Classic Safari Company, we’re thrilled to offer Congo as part of our portfolio of wild and spectacular destinations. Our Julie McIntosh and Ella Collins will soon be venturing into the forests and clearings of Odzala, meeting the gorillas, exploring the baïs, and connecting with the people who call this land home.

Follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram, and let their stories inspire your own.

Because sometimes, the path less travelled leads to the most extraordinary adventures.

All Photos: Kamba Africa

See you out there.

Thomas

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