Itineraries For Congo

Primate and Rainforest Adventure

7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS • FROM US$ 9,500 PER PERSON

DAYS 1, 2 & 3. NGAGA CAMP, ODZALA

Begin your journey from Brazzaville on a charter flight, followed by a nature drive leading you to Ngaga Camp, situated in a private concession adjacent to Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The camp features raised rooms with en-suite facilities, drawing architectural inspiration from the dwellings of the local Baka tribe, utilizing a blend of timber, woven palm leaf roofing, and canvas.

Each morning, embark on an excursion with adept trackers and guides into the Marantaceae forest, known for its vegetation similar to ginger, which is a primary food source for gorillas. Engage in the tranquil observation of active gorillas as they feed, climb, play, and interact in their natural habitat. This wildlife-abundant forest is home to over eight other diurnal primate species, and by night, one might spot the petite and graceful needle-clawed bushbaby.

DAYS 4 & 5. LANGO CAMP, ODZALA

Begin your journey with a nature drive from the camp, traversing both forest and savannah landscapes, to arrive at Lango Camp. Positioned on the brink of a saline Bai, the camp draws a wide array of animals from the surrounding areas. While Lango shares similarities with Ngaga in terms of its environment, it distinguishes itself by being elevated on platforms with views extending over the Bai. Engage in a series of explorations through game drives, boat cruises, kayaking, and nature walks to discover the rich biodiversity of the forest’s inhabitants.

In this unique habitat, you might catch a glimpse of seldom-seen wildlife such as the golden cat, bongo, sitatunga, and the giant forest hog, alongside forest-dwelling buffalo and elephants. The area is also known for its encounters with wild gorillas, colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and three distinct species of crocodile. Lango offers a safari experience unparalleled in its diversity of wildlife, making it an essential destination for avid safari goers.

DAYS 6 & 7. MBOKO CAMP, ODZALA

On Days 6 and 7, guests will transition to Mboko Camp, located along a free-flowing tributary of the Lekoli River, via a nature drive. Nestled in a verdant area reminiscent of a meadow-like savannah, this location is a popular haunt for forest buffalo, forest elephant, and spotted hyena. Mboko Camp affords a panoramic view of Odzala’s vastness while inviting attention to the intricate details of its ecosystem, such as the abundance of flowers and butterflies, which vary by season.

The camp provides a stunning visual contrast between the dense tropical rainforest and the expansive grassland savannah. Here, visitors are treated to the sight of numerous towering termite mounds, contributing to a surreal and unforgettable landscape.

RECOMMENDED EXTENSION: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Nestled in the dense Congo Rainforest within the Dzanga Sangha Protected Area of the Central African Republic, Sangha Lodge offers an immersive experience with its seven bungalows. This secluded retreat boasts convenient access to the renowned Dzanga Bai, home to habituated lowland gorillas, and extends over thousands of square kilometers of untouched rainforest wilderness.

Guests at the lodge can engage in a variety of activities, including cultural experiences with the Ba’Aka community such as net hunting, hut construction, and medicinal plant collection. Additional offerings include sundowner cruises on the river, nocturnal walks, excursions to waterfalls, birdwatching, and tracking lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Sangha Lodge is also recognized for its groundbreaking research on pangolins, with a dedicated project focusing on two species of these elusive creatures.

Gorillas and Active Volcanoes

5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS • FROM US$ 3,000 PER PERSON

DAY 1. MIKENO LODGE, RUMANGABO PARK HQ

Nestled on a forested slope within the Virunga National Park Headquarters, Mikeno Lodge serves as an ideal base within the park. Its location is strategically chosen, offering easy access to three of the park’s major attractions and being just a ninety-minute drive from Goma.

The area is rich in avian species, alongside a permanent population of blue and colobus monkeys, as well as baboons. It’s not uncommon for chimpanzees to visit the vicinity. Additionally, the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center and the Congo Hounds anti-poaching initiative are situated right next to Mikeno Lodge.

DAY 2 AND 3. BUKIMA TENTED CAMP

Following an early morning meal at Mikeno, proceed to the Bukima Ranger Post for the initial gorilla tracking experience, where you will meet your ranger guides and porters. The trek typically requires between one to three hours of hiking in each direction, with the duration dependent on the tracked group’s location and the terrain’s difficulty. Spend the remainder of the afternoon discovering Bukima.

Situated just a short distance from the commencement point of the mountain gorilla treks in Virunga, Bukima Tented Camp offers spectacular views of Mount Mikeno and Mount Nyiragongo. The following morning, set out on the second gorilla trek. After returning, a quick lunch will be served at Bukima before guests are transported back to Mikeno Lodge.

DAY 4. MIKENO LODGE, RUMANGABO PARK HQ

Today is designated for relaxation, exploration, and appreciation of the serene environment of Mikeno Lodge. Guests have the opportunity to visit the Rumangabo Widows’ sewing workshop, which is operated by the widows of Virunga Rangers who have lost their lives. Alternatively, guests can discover the various nature trails within Rumangabo, engage in bird watching, or visit Virunga’s Congohounds.

DAY 5. MOUNT NYIRAGONGO

Following breakfast at Mikeno, guests will be transported via road to the Kibati Ranger Post, which serves as the starting point for the Nyiragongo volcano trek. Upon arrival at Kibati, participants will receive a briefing and will have the option to hire porters for the journey. The ascent of the volcano typically requires approximately four to six hours, and trekkers are expected to spend the night at the summit.

On the subsequent morning, the group will depart from the crater’s rim and initiate the descent back to Kibati, a journey that on average takes about four hours. Upon reaching the base, participants will be transferred back to Goma, culminating their journey at the Grande Barriere border crossing between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

RECOMMENDED EXTENSION: AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Located in the northeastern corner of Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp is nestled within East Africa’s most picturesque savannah, encompassing open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamps, and grassy mountains. This vibrant ecosystem is the habitat for large groups of hippos and hosts over 520 bird species. Akagera is also celebrated for its robust lion population, reintroduced in 2015 after two decades of absence, and the comeback of black rhinos in 2017.

As the sole area in Akagera designated for exclusive use, this region also supports a significant density of leopards. Magashi Camp features six spacious and well-ventilated tents, all designed to provide guests with unobstructed views over Lake Rwanyakazinga. The camp’s design and interior decoration are inspired by traditional Rwandan culture, offering a tribute to the rich heritage of the area.

Primate and Rainforest Adventure

7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS • FROM US$ 9,500 PER PERSON

DAYS 1, 2 & 3. NGAGA CAMP, ODZALA

Begin your journey from Brazzaville on a charter flight, followed by a nature drive leading you to Ngaga Camp, situated in a private concession adjacent to Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The camp features raised rooms with en-suite facilities, drawing architectural inspiration from the dwellings of the local Baka tribe, utilizing a blend of timber, woven palm leaf roofing, and canvas.

Each morning, embark on an excursion with adept trackers and guides into the Marantaceae forest, known for its vegetation similar to ginger, which is a primary food source for gorillas. Engage in the tranquil observation of active gorillas as they feed, climb, play, and interact in their natural habitat. This wildlife-abundant forest is home to over eight other diurnal primate species, and by night, one might spot the petite and graceful needle-clawed bushbaby.

DAYS 4 & 5. LANGO CAMP, ODZALA

Begin your journey with a nature drive from the camp, traversing both forest and savannah landscapes, to arrive at Lango Camp. Positioned on the brink of a saline Bai, the camp draws a wide array of animals from the surrounding areas. While Lango shares similarities with Ngaga in terms of its environment, it distinguishes itself by being elevated on platforms with views extending over the Bai. Engage in a series of explorations through game drives, boat cruises, kayaking, and nature walks to discover the rich biodiversity of the forest’s inhabitants.

In this unique habitat, you might catch a glimpse of seldom-seen wildlife such as the golden cat, bongo, sitatunga, and the giant forest hog, alongside forest-dwelling buffalo and elephants. The area is also known for its encounters with wild gorillas, colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and three distinct species of crocodile. Lango offers a safari experience unparalleled in its diversity of wildlife, making it an essential destination for avid safari goers.

DAYS 6 & 7. MBOKO CAMP, ODZALA

On Days 6 and 7, guests will transition to Mboko Camp, located along a free-flowing tributary of the Lekoli River, via a nature drive. Nestled in a verdant area reminiscent of a meadow-like savannah, this location is a popular haunt for forest buffalo, forest elephant, and spotted hyena. Mboko Camp affords a panoramic view of Odzala’s vastness while inviting attention to the intricate details of its ecosystem, such as the abundance of flowers and butterflies, which vary by season.

The camp provides a stunning visual contrast between the dense tropical rainforest and the expansive grassland savannah. Here, visitors are treated to the sight of numerous towering termite mounds, contributing to a surreal and unforgettable landscape.

RECOMMENDED EXTENSION: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Nestled in the dense Congo Rainforest within the Dzanga Sangha Protected Area of the Central African Republic, Sangha Lodge offers an immersive experience with its seven bungalows. This secluded retreat boasts convenient access to the renowned Dzanga Bai, home to habituated lowland gorillas, and extends over thousands of square kilometers of untouched rainforest wilderness.

Guests at the lodge can engage in a variety of activities, including cultural experiences with the Ba’Aka community such as net hunting, hut construction, and medicinal plant collection. Additional offerings include sundowner cruises on the river, nocturnal walks, excursions to waterfalls, birdwatching, and tracking lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Sangha Lodge is also recognized for its groundbreaking research on pangolins, with a dedicated project focusing on two species of these elusive creatures.

Gorillas and Active Volcanoes

5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS • FROM US$ 3,000 PER PERSON

DAY 1. MIKENO LODGE, RUMANGABO PARK HQ

Nestled on a forested slope within the Virunga National Park Headquarters, Mikeno Lodge serves as an ideal base within the park. Its location is strategically chosen, offering easy access to three of the park’s major attractions and being just a ninety-minute drive from Goma.

The area is rich in avian species, alongside a permanent population of blue and colobus monkeys, as well as baboons. It’s not uncommon for chimpanzees to visit the vicinity. Additionally, the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center and the Congo Hounds anti-poaching initiative are situated right next to Mikeno Lodge.

DAY 2 AND 3. BUKIMA TENTED CAMP

Following an early morning meal at Mikeno, proceed to the Bukima Ranger Post for the initial gorilla tracking experience, where you will meet your ranger guides and porters. The trek typically requires between one to three hours of hiking in each direction, with the duration dependent on the tracked group’s location and the terrain’s difficulty. Spend the remainder of the afternoon discovering Bukima.

Situated just a short distance from the commencement point of the mountain gorilla treks in Virunga, Bukima Tented Camp offers spectacular views of Mount Mikeno and Mount Nyiragongo. The following morning, set out on the second gorilla trek. After returning, a quick lunch will be served at Bukima before guests are transported back to Mikeno Lodge.

DAY 4. MIKENO LODGE, RUMANGABO PARK HQ

Today is designated for relaxation, exploration, and appreciation of the serene environment of Mikeno Lodge. Guests have the opportunity to visit the Rumangabo Widows’ sewing workshop, which is operated by the widows of Virunga Rangers who have lost their lives. Alternatively, guests can discover the various nature trails within Rumangabo, engage in bird watching, or visit Virunga’s Congohounds.

DAY 5. MOUNT NYIRAGONGO

Following breakfast at Mikeno, guests will be transported via road to the Kibati Ranger Post, which serves as the starting point for the Nyiragongo volcano trek. Upon arrival at Kibati, participants will receive a briefing and will have the option to hire porters for the journey. The ascent of the volcano typically requires approximately four to six hours, and trekkers are expected to spend the night at the summit.

On the subsequent morning, the group will depart from the crater’s rim and initiate the descent back to Kibati, a journey that on average takes about four hours. Upon reaching the base, participants will be transferred back to Goma, culminating their journey at the Grande Barriere border crossing between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

RECOMMENDED EXTENSION: AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Located in the northeastern corner of Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp is nestled within East Africa’s most picturesque savannah, encompassing open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamps, and grassy mountains. This vibrant ecosystem is the habitat for large groups of hippos and hosts over 520 bird species. Akagera is also celebrated for its robust lion population, reintroduced in 2015 after two decades of absence, and the comeback of black rhinos in 2017.

As the sole area in Akagera designated for exclusive use, this region also supports a significant density of leopards. Magashi Camp features six spacious and well-ventilated tents, all designed to provide guests with unobstructed views over Lake Rwanyakazinga. The camp’s design and interior decoration are inspired by traditional Rwandan culture, offering a tribute to the rich heritage of the area.

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