Luxury Tours to
the Congo made for you
Wild adventure
Navigate swamps, rivers and jungle
Gorilla trekking
See western lowland gorillas and forest elephants
Lush rainforests
Delve into the rainforest's ecosystem on guided treks
Art and culture
Discover galleries, markets and architecture in Brazzaville
Embark on wild expeditions with a luxury Congo tour
Gorilla trekking in the Republic of the Congo is one of the most intrepid adventures in Africa. You’ll forge your way through wildlife-rich swamp forests in search of majestic western lowland gorillas. There are no other visitors here. Only growing gorilla populations thriving amid the meandering river systems in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
The country, defined by the Congo River and the dense rainforests of the Congo Basin, offers you a truly wild experience. Odzala-Kokoua is a vast wilderness that is home to remarkable wildlife, making for an exciting focus on your intrepid adventure in the Congo. And Brazzaville is an inviting cultural hub just waiting to be explored at your own pace.
The national park is one of Africa’s oldest and the ultimate destination for observing the critically endangered western lowland gorilla. Here, expert trackers will lead you deep into the heart of the Congo Basin’s rainforest, offering you an intimate and truly memorable viewing experience. These treks are centred on minimal disruption to the gorillas’ natural behaviour. You’ll get close, but not so close that they’ll be disturbed.
Odzala-Kokoua is an immense biological hotspot and the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest. It encompasses a breathtaking variety of habitats: from towering swamp forests and ancient elephant channels, to savannahs and a maze of rivers. There are some 4,500 plant species, over 100 types of mammal and more than 440 bird species to discover. It truly is a safari experience that stands apart from what you may experience elsewhere in Africa.
In addition to the western lowland gorilla, Odzala-Kokoua is one of the only places where you can search for the rest of the elusive Forest Five: the forest elephant, bongo antelope, forest buffalo and giant forest hog. You’ll also find one of the continent’s most diverse primate populations here, so keep an eye out for chimpanzees, grey-cheeked mangabey and guereza colobus. One of the park’s most distinctive characteristics is its baïs – natural, mineral-rich clearings in the forest. These swampy areas attract a plethora of wildlife, allowing you to watch as they gather to drink.
This immersive journey into the Congo’s pristine forest system offers you more than just a safari, it’s a profound exploration of nature, so get in touch with our team of expert travel designers to start planning today.
Highlights
Observe the magnificent Western Lowland Gorilla families living in the forests around your lodge as they ascend trees to feast on ripened fruit and swing playfully from branches
Gain a deeper understanding of the rainforest’s precious ecosystem on a privately guided walk, intimately exploring the splendid diversity of the flora and fauna it shelters
Plunge into the heart of the park to navigate the streams and marshes, marveling at the beautiful birdlife while keeping an eye out for forest elephants moving between the trees
Grip your paddle and chart a bold course through the waterways of the Congo Basin, exploring the wilderness from a new perspective, surrounded by monkeys, birds and elephants
Visit interesting cultural sites in Brazzaville like the Basilique Sainte-Anne and the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial, and stop at markets and galleries with a local guide
The Congo's Odzala-Kokoua National Park offers a truly wild adventure. This is more than a safari; it is an exploration of a pristine and ancient ecosystem. Your expedition will see you swimming in rivers, swinging on vines and wading through crystal clear rivers – it's good for your inner child.
Jamey Lowis
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in the Congo
There are many incredible places to stay in the Congo. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Meet your Africa team
When to visit Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a fantastic destination to visit year-round, thanks to its equatorial location, which ensures remarkably consistent warm temperatures. Since the unique wildlife, such as the lowland gorillas and forest elephants, are non-migratory, sightings are possible throughout the year.
For the best wildlife viewing experience, aim to visit during the low rainfall seasons: from June to September and from January to February. During these periods, the forest is dryer and easier to navigate, and sightings are clearer. The main rainy seasons are from March to May and October to December.
Low rainfall
June–September
Rainy season
October–December
Gorilla sightings
Year round
Plan your trip to the Congo
Whatever you want from your adventure in the Congo, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
