Odzala intensive

Your journey begins in Brazzaville, a colourful city on the banks of the Congo River. With its colonial boulevards, lively markets and vibrant street life, the capital provides an inviting introduction. You might stroll along the Corniche, discover the Sapeurs’ flamboyant style, or enjoy Congolese cuisine before your flight into the rainforest the next day.

Ngaga Lodge lies deep in the forest, where researchers and guides have been studying gorillas for decades. Two treks are included, giving you the chance to quietly observe these gentle primates in their natural environment – an encounter that is both humbling and unforgettable. Beyond the gorilla treks, guided forest walks and night excursions reveal a living, breathing ecosystem of monkeys, forest antelopes and birds. Ngaga offers a rare closeness to the rainforest, both day and night.

Lango Camp overlooks a large baï, an open clearing where elephants, buffalo and antelopes come to feed. From here, you’ll set out on foot, crossing streams and wetlands, following age-old animal paths and listening for the calls of chimpanzees in the distance. The experience is raw and elemental – wading through water, spotting forest pigeons by the hundreds, or simply watching wildlife move quietly across the clearing. Evenings at camp bring sweeping views over the baï, a setting unlike any other in Africa.

The final stage of your journey takes you to Mboko, where rainforest meets savannah and the Lékéni River winds through the landscape. Canoeing and boat trips offer a different perspective – perhaps elephants along the banks, or hippos surfacing in the water. Forest walks reveal monkeys and birds, while the wooden deck by the river is a place for calm observation. Mboko is a fitting conclusion, combining adventure and reflection before your return flight.

After breakfast, a final game drive takes you across the savannah to Mboko airstrip. From here, a private flight returns you to Brazzaville to connect with your onward journey. The forest may be behind you – but its presence, its silence and its encounters will stay long after the trip ends.