Long Congo Safaris: Best Destination For Gorilla Trekking
Long safaris in the Congo typically focus on Western Lowland Gorillas in the Republic of the Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park, lasting 7 to 10+ nights for in-depth exploration of lowland rainforests, while longer tours in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) center on mountain gorillas and the Nyiragongo volcano hike in Virunga National Park. These longer journeys, often combining eco-camps and wildlife viewing, require significant budgeting and specific health certifications due to the remote and wild nature of the destinations.
Long Congo safaris are renowned for providing unparalleled, intimate encounters with the western lowland gorilla in its primary rainforest habitat, alongside other wildlife such as forest elephants, buffaloes, and diverse bird species. These adventures take place in pristine environments like Odzala-Kokoua and Nouabalé-Ndoki National Parks, offering unique experiences like walking through forest bais (wetland clearings) and exploring rivers by boat or kayak. While these safaris are less developed than in other regions, they offer a meaningful way to support conservation efforts for critically endangered species and are considered an adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experience for those seeking deep immersion in nature.
Long Congo Safari Experiences
- Western Lowland Gorilla Tracking: The primary focus of a Long Congo safari is tracking the critically endangered western lowland gorilla in their dense rainforest home.
- Forest Wildlife: Discover other rare forest dwellers, including forest elephants, buffaloes, bongos, leopards, and a multitude of primates and bird species.
- Unique Biomes: Explore forest bais, rivers, marshes, and swamps, with guided walks allowing you to see wildlife in these distinct wetland clearings.
- Adventure Activities: Enjoy canoeing along waterways, undertaking challenging forest walks, and even night walks to spot nocturnal creatures.
Long Congo Safaris
An unforgettable adventure awaits you on a long safari across the Republic of the Congo, a one-of-a-kind African nation. The Republic of the Congo, sometimes known as simply the Congo or Congo-Brazzaville, is a tiny nation situated close to Africa’s western coast. This basin is drained by rivers like the Sangha, Mambili, and the formidable Congo, which allow one to traverse thick woods and reach distant national parks like Odzala-Kokoua.
Traditional ways of life are alive and well in these areas, which feature wildness to a greater extent than any other. The densely wooded terrain is ideal for western lowland gorillas because of its swamps, bais, and rivers; yet, the incredible opportunities for wildlife encounters that the Congo offers are attracting an increasing number of tourists. Travelers visiting this area should not miss the opportunity to go gorilla trekking.
What to expect on a Long safari to Republic of the Congo
Despite its turbulent history, the French colony of Congo-Brazzaville is today a peaceful, stable, and fast developing nation. Brazzaville, the capital city, has a rich French past and is known as the “Little Paris of Africa.” The city’s busy streets are adorned with art, fabric shops, flower markets, cafés, and the aroma of freshly baked baguettes from the numerous boulangeries.
However, the tourist industry is still in its infancy. While the cities may lack five-star amenities, the wilderness areas and wildlife encounters offer really remarkable adventures due to the area’s extended period of being off the radar. If you’re not afraid to get your hands filthy, the Congo is the place for you.
Congo Travel Tips From Our Experts
- Due to the official language being French, we suggest hiring a private guide while in the nation’s capital.
- Going to a gallery is a great way to see the metropolis of Brazzaville, which has a thriving art culture.
- Groundbreaking studies on western lowland gorillas are housed in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
- Safaris in the Republic of the Congo, For the Most Luxurious Travelers: The Congo isn’t the place for you if you’re looking for a perfect vacation spot unspoiled by the hustle and bustle of a growing tourism industry.
- The Congo isn’t the place for you if you’re the type of visitor who prefers to sit back and relax, or if you’re hoping for the typical safari experience you’d get in Out of Africa.
- Get ready for a trek in the Congo. You can expect to spend a lot of time doing things. Some of the most popular things to do include going on gorilla treks, kayaking, night walks, and exploring the bais. Even while game drives are an option, walking is the way to go to see the sights.
Long Congo Safari Packages
Africa’s latest safari destination provides tourists the long-anticipated opportunity to discover the continent’s final vast wilderness: the equatorial rainforests. The creation of luxury safari lodges in and near Odzala National Park facilitates relatively easy and comfortable access to the Congo’s unspoiled galleried rainforest and abundant mud wallows. Vibrant avifauna and lepidopterans abound, while the wildlife observation is varied: forest elephants and buffalo are the primary draws at jungle clearings, however gorilla trekking typically dominates the spotlight on a Long Congo safari.
The northern rainforests of the Republic of Congo, home to a robust population of western lowland gorillas, present nature in its grandeur: the rainforest environment is splendid, and its diverse species is captivating. Suitable for intrepid tourists who may have undertaken many safaris previously, Long Congo safaris and gorilla hikes remain nascent and are optimally arranged with the assistance of travel experts. Explore our suggested Long Congo tours below or consult one of our African Travel Experts, who can gladly customise an itinerary for you, either as an own journey or in conjunction with other African destinations.
Double Gorilla Trek From Kigali
A “double gorilla trekking” tour starting from Kigali offers two separate encounters with mountain gorillas, either in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Uganda’s Bwindi Park. These typically 3-day or 4-day tours involve driving from Kigali to the park, undertaking two distinct treks on separate days to see different gorilla families, and then returning to Kigali. Visitors should be prepared for rugged terrain, follow park ranger guidelines for the hour spent with the gorillas, and pack essentials like hiking boots, rain gear, and a daypack.
Congo Lowland Gorilla Trekking
Congo lowland gorilla trekking, primarily conducted in Odzala-Kokoua National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park, allows you to track critically endangered western lowland gorillas through dense primary rainforests. These treks are a unique, immersive, and adventurous experience, featuring physical challenges, opportunities to see other wildlife like forest elephants and unique primates, and a crucial role in conservation efforts for these magnificent animals.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park Experience
Visit the lowland gorillas’ natural habitat as part of your dream Odzala-Kokoua National Park Experience Congo itinerary. Take pleasure in kayaking across breathtaking waterways while viewing the magnificent forest elephant. There is little question that these river excursions are among the finest in all of Africa! People seeking something out of the ordinary will love this fantastic journey because it gets you away from the crowds.
Birding in Congo
Due to its diverse habitats and abundant woods, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a top destination for bird watching. These forests are home to a large number of species that are unique to central Africa and the Albertine Rift. The eastern region of the Congo, specifically Virunga and Kahuzi-Biege National Parks, is where Kagera Safaris organizes bird watching safaris. Besides birds, you can expect to see primates and other wildlife on the birding expeditions, which will immerse you in the forest environment.
Is Congo the Right Destination for you
- For those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures rather than five-star pampering, the Republic of the Congo is the place to go.
- This is the perfect place to go on an adventure outside of the ordinary safari game drive and away from the crowds of tourists.
- Travel in the Congo mostly entails getting out on foot or in a canoe and interacting with the locals.
- Those in search of the western lowland gorillas of Africa must also visit the country.
- Before guests can see the gorillas, their doctors need to fill out a medical requirements form stating that they are healthy and free of diseases including tuberculosis, measles, and polio.
