The Republic of Congo

Intrigue and mystical Rainforests

Congo a wilderness of fascinating creatures.
Tourism through conservation supporting local wildlife and communities.
Conserving Africa’s wildlife and a green safari are the way of the future.
Explore on safari some of Africa’s most remote wildlife destinations.
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Why visit The Republic of Congo? Picture a vision of tropical rainforests and magical rivers. Discover fascinating creatures that inhabit this remote African wilderness.

This Central African country is fortunate to have one of the world's most pristine forests, Odzala-Koukoua National Park. Immerse yourself and explore the Lekoli River, a photographers paradise capturing the contrasting colours of forest wildlife. Abundant fruits, when in season, make for varied wildlife movements spreading far and wide.

The Congo River, previously known as the Zaire River is the second largest river next to the Amazon. The Congo basin in its entirety makes up at least thirteen percent of Africa’s total land mass. There are known to be 16 primate species in Odzala, with the western lowland gorilla being the main feature. Wildlife has been studied here by the Conservation society since 2006.

Trek on the forest floor, follow the dirt tracks as they wind their way through the dense undergrowth. But the effect of hunting and deforestation of the wildlife habitat has increased. This has consequently decreased gorilla numbers and gradually now under threat of being endangered.

Hence with the help of African Parks, we can help to preserve these beautiful creatures through ongoing tourism and conservation.

Congo | When to Travel

Located on the equator, the Republic of Congo climate temperature changes little year round. Seasons are divided into green and dry season. Migratory birds are present from June to August, making for excellent sightings in both the rainforest and savanna. 

As the four seasons are divided into short and long green season.

The days are humid as the rainfall falls and temperatures are high.

The drier months, see the daytime temperatures cool and days are hazy. Dry season many of the trees will be in fruit, making this the prime time for viewing and sighting the lowland gorilla.

As Green season approaches it will be a spectacular show of thunderstorms. Contrasting colours that will illuminate the sky, making perfect conditions for photography enthusiasts. The resident birdlife are a highlight in green season. Especially the vermiculated fishing owl, black collared lovebird and the guinea turaco.

However from March to May, October to December the humidity is high. The air is clearer, with the short and long green seasons bringing more daily rainfall. Daytime temperatures are decidedly warmer, averaging around 23 to 33 degrees during April. Water levels on the Lekoli River gradually start to rise.

June to September, January to February rain is limited. In these months brings a hazy appearance, humidity is low and daytime temperatures are cooler, averaging a minimum of 20 to 29 degrees in July. September is the end of the low rainfall season. Finally the Lekoli River water levels drop and photography conditions are overcast. January the Forest Buffalo and Elephant, Western Lowland Gorilla, Agile Mangabey, Pangolin, Driver Ants, Great Blue Turaco are only a few of the frequent wildlife sightings. May rare sightings of the Giant Forest Hog and Crowned Monkey can be found.

Region Focus

Magnificent tropical rainforests, raw beauty, intriguing mystery and home to various primate species. Trek through the forest undergrowth in search of forest elephants. The Republic of Congo has been best described as one of Africa’s hidden secrets. A country that has changed from the overland days, where the 90’s, dirt tracks were the only source of main roads.

The Congo basin, undeniably the worlds second largest tropical rainforest and the rivers Sangha, Mambili and Congo. These huge masses of moving water enable access to the remote national park of Odzala-Koukoua. Brazzaville the capital city is located along the expansive Congo river and named after the French-Italian explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza.

Dense forests, lowland gorillas, rivers and swampy marshes Ozdala-Kokoua National Park.

In the isolated north western part of the country is Ozdala-Kokoua National Park and the worlds oldest tropical rainforest. Characteristic by its swampy marshes and small pockets of open savanna plains.

Remote, unspoilt wilderness, dense deep rainforests can only describe Odzala. The parks habitat is vast and extremely diverse. Thick forest vegetation covers the north’s smaller mountain slopes, the west mountainous terrain drops down to a low swampy forest.

To the south of the park, vegetation is interrupted by small pockets of savannah, that include forest like islands. The “bias” feature as a small swampy clearing. These enable wildlife to drink and feed, in an otherwise dense forest. The “bias” size can range from one to ten hectares and these clearings create a great opportunity to view forest wildlife.

Undoubtedly Odzala-Kokoua National Park, houses a variety of wildlife species, the main one being the endangered western lowland gorilla. In particular researchers in the Congo have recorded the highest density of lowland gorillas in the area.

Ndzehi Concession currently includes three Lowland Gorilla families. Neptuno and Jupiter presently being the only two habituated groups so far.

There are 15 other significant species of primates, including the guereza colobus, grey cheeked mangabey and the moustached monkey. The forest elephant and buffalo, bongo and sitatunga are indeed different wildlife species, generally sighted year round.

The Congo, Lekoli river offers a boating experience of note.

Equally interesting and rare are sightings of the red river hog. It is proclaimed to be the most beautiful hog out of all the African species.

Odzala Discovery Camps do provide three different camp options, two based in the national park and one in the Ndzehi concession. Lango, Mboko and Ngaga Camps. In Central African Republic is Sangha Lodge located in the Dxanga-Sangha reserve, deep in the heart of the ancient forest and full of mystery.

For more information on the Conservation Safari to the Congo, feel free to give us a call or alternatively pop us an email!

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