Tailormade Holidays in The Congo

Tour Code: TCNG

The Congo, Republic of Congo or Congo-Brazzaville as it is otherwise known, is a beautiful and peaceful former French colony, not to be confused with its much larger volatile neighbour. The country comprises the world’s second largest expanse of tropical rainforest, second only to the Amazon, and offers those that venture here the wildlife holiday of a lifetime! 



Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to The Congo with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

When to Go
Good Time to Go

January to March, June to December

Best Time to Go

January to February, June to August, December

Speak to a Republic of the Congo expert
Where to Go
  • Odzala-Kokoua National Park
  • Mboko Camp
  • Lango Camp
  • Ngaga Camp
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Summary

The Congo, Republic of Congo or Congo-Brazzaville as it is otherwise known, is a beautiful and peaceful former French colony, not to be confused with its much larger volatile neighbour. The country comprises the world’s second largest expanse of tropical rainforest, second only to the Amazon, and offers those that venture here the wildlife holiday of a lifetime! 

The Congo is largely blanketed by equatorial forest, which stretches from the Massif de Chaillu and Mayombe forests in the south, to the enormous tracts of primary forest that lie in the very heart of the Congo Basin in the north. Tourism is still in its infancy here and it is only now that we are beginning to learn much more about the wild parts of this magnificent region, and understand it for what it truly is – a rich and exceptionally biodiverse ecosystem with a wealth of natural treasures, among them Chimpanzee, (African) Forest Elephant and a plethora of birds. Not to mention the true star of a visit to the Congo, the Western Lowland Gorilla, whose population here is one of the densest in Africa. Two groups were habituated by primatologist Dr Magda Bermejo over 17 years ago, and tracking these endearing great apes is the undisputed highlight of any holiday here.

Our Locations

Western Lowland Gorilla.jpg

Odzala-Kokoua National Park, one of the last remaining true wilderness regions of Africa, is only a short flight from Brazzaville, the Congo’s capital. This vast expanse of tropical rainforest and grassland savannah forms part of the Congo Basin and supports an incredible diversity of wildlife. To date, 114 mammal species have been recorded in the park, along with 430 species of bird. The southern reaches of the park consist of a savannah-forest mosaic with a number of ‘bais’ (forest clearings rich in salts, minerals and nutritious water-loving grasses and sedges). These are magical places that offer a rare glimpse into the lives of forest-dwelling animals that are otherwise almost impossible to see. Within these forests, too, are two habituated groups of Western Lowland Gorilla. It is this southern area that is the most accessible, and where three excellent luxury camps are located, each one acting as a base from which to search for the forest’s remarkable wildlife.

Accommodation in Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Sample Itineraries

This 14-day itinerary stays at Ngaga, Mboko and Lango Camps and explores the best of Odzala-Kokoua National Park.

Day
1

Depart UK

Day
2

Brazzaville

Days
3 - 6

Ngaga Camp

Days
7 - 9

Lango Camp

Days
10 - 12

Mboko Camp

Day
13

Depart Brazzaville

Day
14

Arrive UK

14 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Good local naturalist guides and trackers are available at all of our selected wildlife camps, where you will join other guests in small groups as you explore the surrounding forests and bais.

When to Visit

Due to its position on the equator, the temperature in the Congo remains fairly consistent year-round. Its seasons can be loosely divided into two green seasons with more rainfall, and two drier seasons when rainfall is much reduced but downpours can still occur at any time. The green season is usually the best for photography, as rainfall clears the air and reduces haze. Elephants also visit bais more regularly during the green season, but Gorillas tend to move longer distances each day due to a scarcity of ripe fruits.  

Getting Around

A short charter flight is required to access the Odzala-Kokoua National Park from Brazzaville, with land transfers to the camps provided on landing. The drives between camps offer great views of the forest and should also produce good wildlife sightings.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists 
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!

Georgie Dodds
Georgie Dodds
Tailormade Manager
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