Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of Africa's most distinctive rainforest safari destinations, offering opportunities to track Western Lowland Gorillas, explore Congo Basin rainforest, walk through forest baïs and discover wildlife by boat, kayak and on foot.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of the most important protected areas in the Congo Basin and a remarkable destination for a rainforest safari in the Republic of the Congo. Its diverse landscape combines dense equatorial rainforest with open savannah, rivers, wetlands and forest baïs – natural clearings where wildlife gathers.
The park is particularly known for its Western Lowland Gorillas, which can be tracked on foot with experienced guides and local trackers. It is also home to forest elephants, chimpanzees, forest buffalo, bongo, spotted hyena and an exceptional diversity of birdlife.
A safari in Odzala-Kokoua is about more than gorilla trekking. Guided forest walks, wildlife viewing around baïs, river cruises and kayaking provide different ways to explore the Congo Basin and discover its wildlife. The park’s remote location and varied habitats make it a very different safari experience from the open savannah landscapes of East and Southern Africa.
A Taste of Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Republic of the Congo & Odzala-Kokoua Safari Tours
Our Odzala-Kokoua safari tours offer an expertly planned introduction to the rainforests and wildlife of the Republic of the Congo. Designed around the park’s most rewarding experiences, our itineraries combine Western Lowland Gorilla tracking, rainforest exploration, wildlife viewing and time in the park’s diverse forest, savannah and wetland habitats.
From carefully planned multi-day safaris to more immersive experiences, each tour is designed to make the most of your time in this remote part of the Congo Basin. With experienced guides, carefully selected accommodation and all the logistics arranged, you can focus on discovering one of Africa’s most distinctive rainforest ecosystems.
Talk to a Specialist
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to Republic of Congo..
Kenya
North America & Canada
North America & Canada
North America
UK & Europe
South America
Australia
India
Kenya
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can email our Nairobi team here or call at +254-722-509-200.
North America & Canada
Rick Mcintyre
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.
North America & Canada
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com
North America
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
UK & Europe
Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.comÂ
South America
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Australia
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.
India
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
FAQs — Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a large protected area in the Republic of the Congo and an important part of the Congo Basin rainforest. Covering around 13,500 square kilometres, the park contains a diverse mix of rainforest, savannah, rivers, waterways and forest baïs. It is known for its Western Lowland Gorillas and exceptional diversity of forest wildlife and birdlife.
Odzala-Kokoua is home to Western Lowland Gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, forest buffalo, bongo and spotted hyena, along with many species of monkeys and an exceptional diversity of birds. The wildlife you see will vary depending on the habitat, season and activities included in your safari.
Yes. Western Lowland Gorilla tracking is one of the highlights of an Odzala-Kokoua safari. Guided gorilla tracking takes place on foot in the rainforest, accompanied by experienced local trackers and guides. Gorilla permits are included in selected Odzala safari itineraries, such as the Odzala Discovery and longer Odzala itineraries.
Activities in Odzala-Kokoua can include Western Lowland Gorilla tracking, guided rainforest walks, wildlife viewing, forest baï walks, kayaking, boat cruises and exploring the park's rivers and waterways. Different activities are available in different areas of the park, so combining several locations can provide a broader experience of the Congo Basin ecosystem.
Gamewatchers Safaris offers several Odzala-Kokoua safari itineraries. The Odzala Discovery provides an 8-day introduction to the park, combining gorilla tracking, rainforest exploration, kayaking and wildlife experiences. The longer Odzala Odyssey and Odzala Immersion itineraries allow more time to explore the park and experience its different habitats, with additional opportunities for gorilla tracking and rainforest activities.
The ideal length of an Odzala safari depends on how much of the park you want to experience. An 8-day itinerary provides an introduction to the rainforest, gorilla tracking and other activities, while longer itineraries allow more time to explore different habitats and include additional wildlife and gorilla experiences. Our Odzala itineraries currently range from 8 to 12 days.
Access to Odzala-Kokoua is normally by scheduled private flight from Brazzaville to Mboko airstrip within the park. From the airstrip, the safari continues by road and, depending on the itinerary, by boat or kayak. Gamewatchers Safaris arranges the internal flights and transfers as part of the safari itinerary.
Odzala-Kokoua can be visited at different times of year, with conditions and wildlife experiences varying between seasons. The best time depends on what you most want to experience, whether that is gorilla tracking, forest walks, wildlife around the baïs or water-based activities. We can advise on the most suitable timing when planning your Republic of the Congo safari.
Everything You Need To Know Before You Go
Get essential details about getting there, Visas, what to pack, and travel tips to make your safari seamless.
