Congo Conservation Company
Odzala-Kokoua National Park & DZANGA-SANGHA
REPUBLIC OF CONGO & CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
From gorillas and elephants to bongo and Ba'aka, this is a rainforest discovery like no other.
Here you explore the magnitude and sheer beauty of the Congo Basin in safety, with 3 exceptional camps and an eco-lodge in 4 distinct locations.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most people get confused between the 2 Congos. There is Congo (previously the French Congo and also called Congo-Brazzaville), and there is the DRC, or the Democratic Republic of Congo (was the Belgian Congo and also known as Congo-Kinshasa).
AFRICA'S ULTIMATE RAINFOREST SAFARI
If you think you know Africa, come to the Congo for a perspective-altering experience. Here, your mind is blown by the sheer vastness of the Congo Basin as your lungs are filled by the freshest air in the world. Between rainforests, savannahs, rivers, mineral-rich baïs and swamps, you undertake an epic adventure of gorilla-tracking, game drives, boating, kayaking, forest walking, and river-wading to discover rare and endangered species.
Congo Conservation Company offers the only opportunity to discover the Congo Basin with a variety of life-changing, easy to book journeys, combining Odzala-Kokoua National Park and Sangha Trinational Protected Area. For those seeking a truly unique safari, consider a 4, 7, 10 or 11-night immersive discovery where every aspect of your journey is taken care of.
Working together with communities, researchers and the Congolese government, international business woman and philanthropist, Mrs. Sabine Plattner funded the first low-impact tourism model in Odzala-Kokoua National Park through the establishment of Congo Conservation Company in 2008. Mrs. Plattner has been actively involved in the preservation and viability of Africa’s rainforests for over a decade, with a positive impact being felt not only within the Congo, but spreading across the Congo Basin.
FAST FACTS
RATES
7-night Odzala Discovery:
US$ 12 795
per person
11 night Congo Basin Discovery:
US$ 19 580 per person
ACCESS
Fly:
From Maya Maya Airport in Brazzaville, there is a 2-hour scheduled flight transfer to Mboko airstrip in Odzala-Kokoua National Park every Monday and Thursday.
CHILDREN
All Camps & Lodge:
16 years+
These discoveries are only suitable for children 16+ years which is the minimum age for gorilla viewing.
What we love
Gorilla protection
Committed to research of the Western lowland gorilla.
Rainforest conservation
Preserving a vulnerable rainforest, the “lungs” of our planet.
an epic adventure
This rainforest safari is unlike anything else in Africa.
Discover rare species
Gorillas, forest elephant and buffalo, bongo, sitatunga, monkeys and rare birds.
Congo Conservation Company
The impact of your stay
Operating in remote parts of Central and West Africa, Congo Conservation Company (CCC) is creating viable, low impact tourism ventures in a pristine natural region to protect it from other, potentially damaging, commercial enterprises. This is achieved through Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC) and CCC, joining communities, science and tourism on the grounds of conservation.
Every stay contributes through:
- Being one of a few hundred tourists to visit this region every year (compared to over 300,000 to the Masai Mara).
- Paying US$ 140 per person per night Odzala Park and Conservation Fees. This is allocated as: US$ 40 Park Fee, US$ 75 to African Parks for conservation of the park, and a US$ 25 Community Fee.
- Staying at Ngaga Camp and paying US$ 750 Gorilla Track Fee, which contributes directly to the Western Lowland Gorilla research centre at the camp.
- Meet the researchers and share feedback on gorilla behaviour noticed during the morning track.
- Eco-tourism from the camps of Mboko and Lango has contributed through creating, an on-going presence which has led to stability and safety for wildlife.
- Head out with the guides and collect data from camera traps to analyse animal behaviour.
- At Sangha, every $ is put back into conservation and communities, and the running of this remote camp is highly valued.
- Paying US$ 45 Sangha Park and Conservation Fees per person per day, US$ 110 Dzanga Bai Platform Fee per person per visit, and US$ 355 Gorilla Track Fee per person per track.
- Guests staying at Sangha Eco-Lodge can also participate in pangolin conservation forest walks to view the highly endangered black-bellied pangolin. The Sangha Pangolin Project aims to protect as many pangolins as possible in Central African Republic through local support, knowledge, awareness and fighting against trafficking.
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Congo Conservation Company
Camps & Lodge
In the heart of the rainforest
Republic of Congo
NDZEHI CONCESSION
Ngaga Camp
In the Ndzehi Concession, adjoining Odzala-Kokoua, Ngaga Camp is a focal point for world-class primate research, as well as unforgettable primate encounters. Overlooking a canopy of primary forest, the unique design of the camp evokes the fun and mystery of childhood treehouses in an ancient and mystical forest.
Ngaga Camp is also home to scientists Magdalena Bermejo and Germán Illera. This is the base camp from which they conduct their gorilla research and conservation. Their constant presence has been successfully accepted by 3 gorilla families which are closely monitored, 2 of which are available for guests to track.
At Ngaga Camp, 6 en-suite rooms are perched in the tree canopy. From here you head straight out into the forest for your gorilla tracking.
SEASONALITY Open all year.
CHILDREN: 16+ years
CLOSING 15 September 2023 – 14 February 2024
Ngaga Camp
6 Rooms
ODZALA-KOKOUA NATIONAL PARK
Lango Camp
REOPENING 1 July 2022
Lango Camp, on the edge of Lango Baï, offers one of the most extraordinary locations of any camp in Africa. Like the front row seat of a Nat-Geo documentary, the mineral rich baï attracts huge flocks of green pigeons and African grey parrots, as well as herds of forest buffalo and forest elephants. They congregate in large herds and flocks in front of camp to gather much needed mineral salts.
The whole camp is built on elevated platforms and has 6 en-suite rooms perfectly positioned on the edge of the forest with views over the baï.
Here you explore the baïs, forests and natural elephant corridors on foot with experienced guides.
SEASONALITY: Open all year.
CHILDREN: 16+ years
CLOSING 15 September 2023 – 14 February 2024
Lango Camp
6 Rooms
ODZALA-KOKOUA NATIONAL PARK
Mboko Camp
A combination of wide-open grasslands, gentle rivers and towering forests result in a place of peace and adventure, in equal measure. Explore on foot, by vehicle and by boat. The closest of the camps to the private airstrip, Mboko is the epicentre of the Congo Conservation Company tourism operations.
At Mboko Camp, activities are a combination of walking, boating and kayaking through some of the Congo Basin’s most beautiful habitats. Short drives may be required between experiences.
The 12 en-suite rooms are all located in the tree-line and overlook a fresh river, the perfect swimming spot to cool off on a hot day.
SEASONALITY: Open all year
CHILDREN: 16+ years
CLOSING 15 September 2023 – 14 February 2024
Mboko Camp
12 Rooms
Odzala Discovery
7-nights fully inclusive itinerary
7-night discovery package
Odzala Discovery
The most popular discovery of Odzala-Kokoua, this is the perfect balance to experience a little bit of everything the Congo has to offer.
3 x nights at Ngaga Camp. Includes 2 gorilla treks and time with researchers.
2 x nights Lango Camp. Arrive via kayak, and walk up the Lango Baï as the sun is setting.
2 x nights Mboko Camp. Experience forest walks, river swimming, boat cruises, and baï walks.
Start & End: Brazzaville on a Monday or Thursday.
SEASONALITY: Available all year
CHILDREN: 16+ years
Central African Republic
Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve
Sangha Eco-Lodge
Discover ancient forests and wildlife as never before at Dzanga Baï. Sangha Lodge is located near the geographical heart of Africa, with chalets overlooking the Sangha River. Built with immense passion and love, on a hope and prayer, by Rod and Tamar Cassidy, Sangha Lodge is now managed by the family alongside their son, Alon. Sangha is an inspiring destination and its mysteries leave your senses sharpened.
Spending time with the Cassidy family and visiting Dzanga Baï are the main attractions. Experience the elusive Forest elephant congregating en-masse, observing their social behaviours and interactions; spend time with the Ba’Aka net hunting; walk through the Valley of Giants; explore hidden waterfalls; kayak down the Sangha River; and learn about conservation efforts, including the Sangha Pangolin Project. End the day with sundowners on the star deck and marvel at all this destination has to offer.
SEASONALITY: Open all year
CHILDREN: 16+ years
CLOSING 15 September 2023 – 14 February 2024
Sangha
Eco-Lodge
12 Rooms
Congo Basin Discovery
11-nights fully inclusive itinerary
11-night discovery package
Congo Basin Discovery
The most in-depth discovery of Odzala and Sangha, this is the ultimate immersion into the immense landscape of rivers, baïs, forests, and savannah.
3 x nights at Ngaga Camp. Includes 2 gorilla treks and time with researchers.
2 x nights Lango Camp. Arrive via kayak and walk up the Lango Baï as the sun is setting.
1 x night Mboko Camp. Experience forest walks, river swimming, boat cruises and baï walks.
4 x nights Sangha Eco-Lodge. The arrival at Sangha is half the reason to go. Fly to Kabo and then a boat journey up the Sangha River. Once at the lodge, days are filled with visiting Dzanga-Sangha Baï, forest walks, hunting with the Ba’aka, and pangolin conservation.
1 x night Mboko Camp. Return from Sangha to Mboko and connect onwards to Brazzaville.
Start & End: Brazzaville on a Thursday.
SEASONALITY: Open all year
CHILDREN: 16+ years
Congo Conservation Company
FEATURED OFFER
Solo Travel
No single surcharge on flights and only 25% single surcharge on accommodation. Valid for 7-night and 11-night Discoveries starting on the 1st Monday or Thursday of every month.
Please note 11-night Discoveries can only start on a Thursday.
VALID: All year
Congo Conservation Company
featured journey
Congo Basin Discovery
The ultimate Congo Basin Discovery through the Odzala-Kokoua National Park and Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve.
Congo Conservation Company
location
Getting there
FLY
International flights arrive at Maya Maya Airport (Brazzaville) where guests are met and assisted by a member of the Odzala team. For guests who require a night in Brazzaville, we recommend the Radisson Blu. CCC offers a guided city tour.
Every Monday & Thursday a 2-hour scheduled flight operates between Brazzaville and Mboko Airstrip in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The flight departs Brazzaville at 1pm, arriving at Mboko by 3pm. The return flight departs Mboko at 9am, arriving in Brazzaville by 11am.
Baggage restriction is 15kgs per person in soft bags (inclusive of hand luggage).
Private charter flights can be arranged for other days of the week.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Congo Conservation Company complies with well-considered SOPs to provide the safest possible environment for guests and staff while ensuring a truly authentic experience.
The safety of the gorillas and remote communities is of utmost importance. As such all employees of CCC are vaccinated and a rapid PCR test is required upon arrival in Brazzaville before departing to the camps.
PCR testing can be managed in Brazzaville for guests requiring this for international return flight, and results can be obtained in 5 hours.
location
Getting to Ngaga Camp
DRIVE
Upon arriving at Mboko Airstrip guests are met by the CCC team and transferred in an open safari vehicle on a 2-hour drive through Odzala-Kokoua National Park to the Ndzehi Conecession.
location
Getting to Mboko Camp
DRIVE
Mboko Camp is the central camp and hub of all CCC operations.
It is only a 15-minute drive from the airstrip to Mboko Camp.
From Ngaga Camp to Mboko Camp it is a 2-hour drive.
location
Getting to Lango Camp
DRIVE, KAYAK, WALK
Mboko to Lango Camps must be one of the best camp arrivals in Africa.
From Mboko Camp, there is a short drive to the river followed by a 1-hour kayak downstream to the start of Lango Baï. Here, the kayaks are parked and you walk up the baï and into camp.
Lango to Mboko Camp is 30 minute drive, followed by a beautiful 1km walk across a wooden path over a swamp, which comes out at Mboko Camp.
location
Getting to Sangha Lodge
FLY & BOAT
Every Sunday and Wednesday, a scheduled flight operates from Mboko Airstrip to Kabo Airstrip (north of Ouesso and on the Sangha River), in Republic of Congo. From here, a wonderful 5-hour boat transfer takes you up the Sangha River to Sangha Lodge in Central African Republic. A Congo Conservation Company guide accompanies all transfers, and border formalities are managed along the river.
This is a true journey of discovery.
Return the same way, heading downstream by boat to Kabo, then a scheduled flight to Odzala (Sundays and Wednesdays), and a charter flight back to Brazzaville (Monday & Thursday).
Availability
Contact
Email:
discover@congoconservation.travel
Tel:
+27 64 142 6881
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm. Based in Cape Town.
