Inspiration Itinerary

Jungle Safari

Odzala National Park, Congo

Deepest, darkest Africa

Tourism is a relatively new, but growing, sector in the Republic of the Congo (not to be confused with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is a completely separate country). Few have trodden its wilderness areas, and this presents an exciting opportunity to be among the first to discover its astonishing biodiversity.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park covers an incredible 13,600 km² (3.36 million acres) and forms a vital part of both the greater Congo Basin ecosystem and the groundbreaking TRIDOM Transfrontier Park, which links national parks in Gabon, Cameroon, and the DRC. It is famed for its primate populations, particularly the critically endangered western lowland gorilla, of which it is home to around 25,000 individuals. Compared with Uganda’s Bwindi National Park (460 individuals) or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (600 individuals), Odzala is positively teeming. It is also one of the last strongholds of the African forest elephant and boasts iconic West Central African wildlife such as forest buffalo, bongo, pangolin, and dozens of little-known mammal species, including the water chevrotain and palm civet.

Kamba African Rainforest Experiences (formerly Congo Conservation Company) are pioneers in the Republic of the Congo’s eco-tourism industry. They believe firmly that low-impact wildlife tourism supports global awareness, sustainable local development, and the protection of Congo’s invaluable rainforests. By visiting Odzala, you will not only help pioneer it as a destination but also contribute to developing a new economic sector for Congo—one that moves beyond petrochemicals.

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.

12 UNFORGETTABLE NIGHTS

BRAZZAVILLE | 2 NIGHTS

Take a quick flight to Brazzaville in Congo. Enjoy a full day in Brazzaville – a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable place to explore either with a local guide or using the local “green taxis”.

Take in the city’s highlights including the Modernist masterpiece St. Anne’s Basilica; Poto-Poto Market, an excellent source for exuberantly patterned textiles; the Marché Plateau Ville, where local artisans sell masks and carvings; and a drive over the iconic Independence Bridge to La Corniche, overlooking the Congo River.

Make time to sample Congolese cuisine, which blends French techniques and African flavours. Highlights include the elegant waterfront destination Mami Wata; La Mandarine, a delicious Lebanese-French bakery and café; and Glacy, which specializes in ice cream that highlights the flavors of the jungle.

One don’t-miss highlight is an experience with the Sapeurs, a fascinating subculture of street fashion icons whose expressive, dandyish outfits are considered part of Congolese cultural heritage.

NGAGA CAMP | 4 NIGHTS

Take a private flight from Brazzaville to Mboko airstrip in Odzala-Kokoua National Park (departs 1pm, Mondays & Thursdays, approx. 2-hour flight).

On arrival at the airstrip in Odzala-Kokoua the adventure begins with a safari drive (2-3 hours) through the park’s savanna and rainforest to your home for the next 4 nights, Ngaga Lodge.

This evening you’ll join your guide around the fire for a conservation and gorilla track briefing to prepare you to set off on foot early in the morning in search of Western Lowland Gorillas.

In the Ndzehi Concession, adjoining Odzala-Kokoua, Ngaga Lodge is a focal point for world-class primate research, as well as unforgettable primate encounters. Ngaga is home to the Western Lowland Gorilla research team who has spent the past few decades in the forest navigating its trails and understanding its rhythms. You are invited to share
in their knowledge and experience this intact rainforest thriving with life.

Get to know the forest and all its inhabitants by way of guided forest walks, night walks, village visits (on request), and enjoy spectacular sundowners.

LANGO CAMP | 3 NIGHTS

Enjoy breakfast and one last venture into Ngaga’s pristine rainforest before embarking on a road transfer through the park to Mboko Lodge (approx. 2-hour drive).

After lunch, set off on kayaks down the Lekoli River on a gentle safari where you may encounter monkeys, elephants, forest buffalo, and a colorful array of birds along the river edge as you drift past and make your way to Lango Bai.

Finish the journey on foot and arrive in time for a refreshing sundowner and revel in your surroundings. Lango Lodge, situated on the edge of Lango Baï, offers one of the most arresting views of any camp in Africa, wraparound walkways and elevated chalets maximize the views.

LANGO CAMP | CONTINUED

Time at Lango Lodge is about getting up close with nature, walking in the footsteps of elephants on well-worn trails through streams, baïs, and forests. Get in touch with this pristine landscape by getting wet and muddy on foot, or seek drier adventures in the forests that surround the bai. Watch flocks of green pigeons coming to roost, forest buffalo grazing, and if you are lucky encounter an elusive bongo or shy forest elephant and you may hear chimps call in the distance as you wade through the water in the baï and waterways in Lango’s mystical forests. Your guide will share enlightening details about the delicate ecosystem and the fascinating flora and fauna you’ll encounter on your daily adventures.

During your time at Lango, explore the baï, Lekoli River, and surrounding areas with long and short walks through the various biomes as you set forth in the footsteps of great explorers and unearth the history and heritage of the area.

MBOKO CAMP | 3 NIGHTS

Set forth as the dawn breaks on an early morning walking safari followed by breakfast before you depart Lango. Follow a raised wooden walkway through the wetlands and hop on the vehicle for a game drive transfer to Mboko Lodge, situated where the forest meets the savanna.

After lunch, enjoy a forest walk or a relaxing afternoon in camp on the river deck, followed by a late afternoon river cruise. Mboko is set along the Likeni River which leads into a network of waterways with surrounding savannas; cruise the winding waterways with a new view around every bend in the river.

Mboko Lodge is the home of adventure. A combination of wide-open grasslands, gentle rivers, and towering forests provides a place of peace & adventure in equal measure. Alongside your guide, explore riverbanks and forests looking for colorful birdlife, forest elephants and buffalo, spotted hyenas, charismatic monkeys, and the shy bongo
antelope and hippos found in this part of Odzala-Kokoua National Park.

At Mboko Lodge, activities are a combination of walking, boating, and kayaking through some of the Congo Basin’s most beautiful habitats. Take a dip or cool your feet in the quiet, crystal streams found at Mboko. Relax on the river deck which offers a unique vantage point to look for birds, you may also see monkeys or flutters of butterflies while you enjoy the tranquillity of the river babbling past

SAFARI ENDS

Depart after breakfast on a game drive through the savanna to Mboko airstrip. Your private plane will be waiting to fly you back to Brazzaville to connect with your international flight.

PLEASE NOTE:

No two Congo safari experiences are the same: Our guides customise each trip according to guests’ interests, fitness levels, and imaginations, as well as outside factors like weather and wildlife behavior. Thus, the list of activities here is a suggested outline, not a strict itinerary.

ACCOMMODATION

A handpicked selection

Ngaga Lodge – Odzala National Park

Ngaga Lodge overlooks a beautiful open glade within primary forest that is home to several groups of western lowland gorillas. Ngaga is truly gorilla central and a focal point for world-class research as well as unforgettable primate encounters. From the six elevated guest rooms, wraparound walkways allow you to peer directly into the forest canopy. Read More

Lango Lodge – Odzala National Park

Lango’s six guest rooms are raised to the level of the gallery forest and boast incredible views out onto the open marshy bai in front of camp – one of the most arresting views of any camp in Africa. A real highlight of your stay is the chance to explore the Lekoli and Mambili Rivers by motorboat or kayak, which is an opportunity not to be missed.
Read More

Mboko Lodge – Odzala National Park

Situated on the banks of the Lekoli River in an area of lush savannah frequented by forest buffalo, forest elephant and spotted hyena, Mboko Lodge offers visitors breathtaking views of the interface between the tropical rainforest and grassland savannah where hundreds of towering termite mounds create an otherworldly environment. Read More

NEED TO KNOW

SEASONS

Dry Season: December–March & June–September | Wet Season: April-June & September-November
The Congolese rainforest has basically two seasons: Wet and Less Wet (also known as Dry). Rain is an essential part of the ecosystem and brings a cooling effect on balmy days. And there are dry days too! Because it sits on the Equator, temperatures fluctuate very little, ranging from 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F). In fact, the big mammals — including Western Lowland Gorilla, Forest Elephant, and Forest Buffalo — do not migrate and can be found in the area year-round. That makes any time of year a wonderful time to explore the Congo Basin.

SAFETY

The ROC (also known as Congo-Brazzaville) is very safe, with nominal incidents of petty crime and very seldom-heard issues of a violent nature. It should not be confused with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is not a country in which we currently operate.

This 12-night itinerary is an example only and all journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.
Please contact us for further information or to start planning.

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Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

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Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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