Exploring the Other Congo

The Congo Basin, an expansive region spanning over two million square kilometers across six countries, constitutes 18% of the world’s remaining rainforest. It has been home to humans for over 50,000 years. Despite this long history of habitation, it remains one of the planet’s most biologically diverse and species-rich areas. The basin is crucial for providing clean water, food, and shelter to more than 75 million people. Congo-Brazzaville, as it is affectionately known to distinguish it from its neighbor, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, boasts a relaxed capital city in Brazzaville, pristine beaches along the Atlantic coast, and a rich, welcoming Congolese culture.

A Spectacular African Jungle

Congo offers an unparalleled ecotourism experience, home to vast primary rainforests that shelter half of the world’s lowland gorillas, along with forest elephants, buffaloes, chimpanzees, bongo antelopes, and a myriad of jungle creatures. The country features three national parks that are yet to become mainstream tourist destinations. Odzala-Kokoua National Park, located in the country’s northwest, stands out as a haven for nature enthusiasts. Positioned within the second-largest tropical rainforest globally, the park is a sanctuary for western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, and about 444 bird species, making it a key destination for authentic African wildlife safaris.

Odzala-Kokoua, one of Africa’s oldest national parks, plays a significant role in the Congo Basin, which spans across multiple countries including Gabon, the Central African Republic, and Congo itself. The park is renowned for its bais – grassy clearings within the rainforest that provide a unique opportunity to observe forest dwellers in their natural environment. Here, various mammal species gather regularly for water, minerals, and forage.

Western lowland gorillas, distinguishable by their smaller size, brown-grey coats, and wider skulls, are among the park’s main attractions. The Congo Basin’s northern rainforests offer a unique adventure through dense forests and remote national parks, where endemic wildlife and traditional cultures thrive.

For the quintessential African rainforest experience, a visit to the Dzangha Sangha Special Reserve in the Central African Republic is highly recommended. The reserve’s Dzanga Bai, or “village of elephants,” is a significant clearing where up to 400 forest elephants congregate daily, attracted by the mineral-rich springs.

The Congo beckons to those drawn to the wild and unafraid of adventure, offering an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s natural beauty.