Celestielle #321 Odzala Discovery Camps, Republic of the Congo
Journey into the Congo: an Exploration of Odzala
Join a group of 8 conservationists as they travel deep into the heart of Odzala National Park in the Republic of Congo in search of the critically endangered Western Lowland Gorilla. Thanks to Odzala Discovery Camps, Congo Conservation Company and African Parks. Footage and photography by Adam Bannister, Tristan Dicks, Ale Olivieri, Vicky Kennedy, Adam Scott Kennedy, Tyler Davis, Jeremy Goss and Nikki Best. Produced and edited by Adam Bannister.
Expedition: Odzala National Park - Congo 2002
Covering an expedition we arranged in 2002, to Odzala National Park, Republic of Congo. Tourism was in its infancy then, facilities limited, a real expedition – but, plenty of Western Lowland Gorillas, forest elephants, incredible bird-life, some experiences that will never be repeated. A true priviledge to visit ... and, we have to protect this area .
#Gorillas
CLASSIC CONGO - Odzala Discovery Camps
Discover Western lowland gorillas, rainforests, savannah and riverine in one phenomenal 7-night adventure.
WanderingThru Odzala - Congo Rainforest
The Congo basin is a place of wonders, magic and adventure. Conservation efforts from have created an an iconic destination and a true treasure to explore.
A few months ago our team had the privilege to experience it. We can only hope that one day you will too.
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Odzala Discovery Camps | Exploring Odzala National Park
Within the central heart of Africa lies a tapestry of interconnecting streams, deep river, mineral rich deposits, open savannahs and dense forests … It is a pristine eco-system and one of the last intact biodiverse region of our planet. This area is home to over 10 000 species of tropical plantlife of which 30% is found nowhere else on earth, as well as over 400 species of mammals, 1000 species of birds, and 700 species of aquatic life. Close to 150 cultural groups call this land home, their inextricably linked to the forest. This is the Congo Basin and it makes up one of the most important wilderness areas left on earth.
Here, the heart of the last jungles of Tarzan, are discoveries waiting to be made. Our corner of the Congo Basin is a pristine natural wilderness, and home to the critically endangered Western Lowland Gorillas.
Spend time with our research team, master trackers and skilled guides as they explore this paradise by your side. Each step takes you along a journey of not only exceptional sights, but also of self discovery. It is a place that transcends time, where natural wonder thrives.
The Congo Conservation Company and our partner, SPAC, are responsible for ensuring this place has a long and prosperous future where everything from ants and mushrooms, to gorillas and elephants, flourish. Join us on our journey as we work together with the communities, research teams and local authorities in building a bright future for the Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Odzala: Islands in the Forest (part 1/3)
Odzala-Kokoua is a 'frontier forest' which harbours some of the last extensive blocks of contiguous forest ecosystems that are capable of supporting viable populations of large mammals. This 1999 National Geographic documentary provides a view of the forest unseen at Odzala National Park. The park is managed by African Parks, a non-profit organization, partnered with the Congolese government to form the Odzala Foundation.
The Wild Eye Odzala Expedition
This adventure takes place in the the north-west region of the Republic of the Congo inside the pristine Odzala-Kokoua National Park. This is a lowland rainforest characterised by a network of baïs, rivers, marshes and swamps. This vast and truly wild region, with its wide range of landscapes and habitat, is home to an incredible diversity of life. Forest elephant, leopard, bongo, forest buffalo, giant forest hog and hippo live alongside the greatest density of western lowland gorilla in Africa.
Our 8 night adventure (1 Night in Brazzaville, 3 Nights at Ngaga Camp, 2 Nights at Lango Camp and 2 Nights Mboko Camp) explores the region in detail, aiming to give our guests the best possible opportunity at seeing and photographing the spectacular diversity of mammals, insects, primates and birdlife in the region. Activities will include Gorilla treks, forest walks, night time forest walks, canoeing, river walks, and game drives.
The vast green wilderness that is Odzala-Kokoua National Park has a multitude of habitats. In general, the north of the Park has dense forest covering many steep-sloped hills, while in the west a major escarpment runs roughly north-south from which the altitude drops 350 metres into low swampy forest. The southern part of the Park is characterised by pockets of savannah dotted with forest islands, bisected by the rivers and their associated gallery forests.
A primary feature is the occurrence of “bais” or salines. These are swampy, grassy clearings in the otherwise dense forest that forest wildlife visit on a regular basis in order to drink, feed on sedges and grasses, and obtain minerals and salts. These bais range in size from less than a hectare to more than ten hectares and represent the best chance of seeing forest wildlife. The bais we visit in Odzala-Kokoua are relatively small and as a result offer the opportunity for close up viewing of various species.
This vast, wild region, with its wide range of landscapes, is home to an incredible diversity of life. It holds globally significant populations of Western Lowland Gorilla and Forest Elephant as well as a plethora of other species: 430 bird species and more than 100 mammal species of which around 50 are classified as medium- or large-sized. It has the highest number (11) of diurnal primates for any forest block in central Africa, as well as central Africa’s highest density of Chimpanzees.
Other species include Forest Buffalo, Leopard, Bongo, Giant Forest Hog and Hippo. Clouds of spectacular butterflies are characteristic of the region. The trees are spectacular: ancient giants well over 50 metres tall emerge from the canopy, delicate orchids cling to the branches, while the forest floor is littered with an incredible array of pods, fruits, flowers and fungi.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park | Congo | Expert Africa
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Odzala's Wilderness Camps in Northeastern Congo
See endangered gorillas, as well as elephants, hyena, and more while based at Odzala's two comfortable and sensitively designed wilderness camps in northeastern Congo. Catch a glimpse here.
Odzala Discovery Camps - Ngaga Camp
Ngaga is truly gorilla central. A focal point for world-class research as well as unforgettable primate encounters, Ngaga Camp’s unique design mimics tree-houses. From the six elevated guest rooms, wraparound walkways allow you to peer directly into the forest canopy. Like Lango, the Camp is constructed from natural materials using traditional techniques.
Ngaga Camp is home to our research team who have spent the last few decades in the forest navigating its trails and understanding its rhythms. Guests come here to share in their knowledge and experience this intact rainforest. Forest walks, night walks, night drives and more are available.
Conkuati Douli National Park Republic of Congo
Conkuati Douli National Park Republic of Congo
Odzala National Park - Congo
Sur les traces des gorilles de plaine
Gorilla Safari, Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Wildlife Sightings and Activities during Safari to Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
Odzala: Islands in the Forest (part 3/3)
Odzala-Kokoua is a 'frontier forest' which harbours some of the last extensive blocks of contiguous forest ecosystems that are capable of supporting viable populations of large mammals. This 1999 National Geographic documentary provides a view of the forest unseen at Odzala National Park. The park is managed by African Parks, a non-profit organization, partnered with the Congolese government to form the Odzala Foundation.
Gondwana Tours & Safaris - Odzala National Park (Congo)
The new Wilderness camp in Odzala National Park is now open.
Steppes: Odzala trip | Republic of Congo
Always looking to promote safaris beyond the ordinary, Steppes Travel has over 10 years first-hand experience of Congo and Central African Safaris.
Discover more with Steppes:
Congo 2013 Odzala
Safari in Congo 2013
Congo Safari: Journey to Odzala
We journey into Congo’s wilderness, leaving civilization far behind in Brazzaville. Our charter flight climbs above the tropical cloud, turning left as we cross the equator, to touch down on a grassy landing strip in the middle of nowhere. Our guides meet us on arrival, and we board safari vehicles for a journey along rugged dirt roads, deep into the heart of the rainforest, the home of gorillas, monkeys, parrots and Ngaga Camp, our base for three nights.
Next episode: What to Expect on a Jungle Trek.
Odzala Discovery Camps - Full Video
Here, in the heart of the last jungles of Tarzan, are discoveries waiting to be made. Our corner of the Congo Basin is a pristine natural wilderness, and home to the critically endangered Western Lowland Gorillas.
Spend time with our research team, master trackers and skilled guides as they explore this paradise by your side. Each step takes you along a journey of not only exceptional sights, but also of self discovery. It is a place that transcends time, where natural wonder thrives. The Congo Conservation Company and our partner, SPAC, are responsible for ensuring this place has a long and prosperous future where everything from ants and mushrooms, to gorillas and elephants, flourish. Join us on our journey as we work together with the communities, research teams and local authorities in building a bright future for the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Republic of Congo.