Congo safaris holidays and vacations
Congo is not a country often associated with tourism; more will associate it with Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’ and flinch at the notion of a holiday there. However, for those who revel in off-the-beaten- track travel, the Republic of Congo offering arguably one of the most raw and quintessentially African experience.
Often wild, and certainly untamed in parts, it’s the calmer, quieter and all together better-behaved neighbour of the more troubled Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Although many don’t distinguish properly between the two, the Republic of Congo is very different: it’s much safer, and hence very keen to distinguish itself as a peaceful and ordered place. The main national language is French and most people can speak it, though more commonly used on a day-to-day basis are the local languages of Lingala and Kituba.
That said, don’t come to the Republic of Congo expecting a fine-tuned and smooth trip – you’ll be disappointed. Instead come seeking adventure and a real insight into the unpolished heart of Africa, and this country won’t let you down.
A safari in the Congo
The two camps in the north of the country, give access to the remote Odzala-Kokoua National Park and its surrounding rainforest. This protects an area of varied habitats, including dense primary forest, low lying swampy forests which break out into lush open bais and more open areas too – all lying at the heart of the Congo Basin. It’s an environment unlike anything else that we offer; an environment that few of even the most experienced Africa travellers has ever seen. These thick forests harbour species not found elsewhere and, of course, the world’s highest concentration of Western lowland gorillas. These are the real draw, though a host of other primates, forest elephant and buffalo, sitatunga and even the rare and elusive bongo are also seen here.
Visas for the Congo have to be arranged in advance of travel, and all people applying for one will need a letter of invitation. Once you have booked a trip with us we can arrange this letter for you, which then allows you to apply for a visa. Please note that these visas can take quite a while to process and so its best that you leave plenty of time for this.
When to safari in Congo
The Republic of Congo straddles the Equator and thus its climate is broadly the same across the country, varying only slightly between the northern and southern parts. Generally the north of the country is hotter, more humid and wetter than the south. From around September to December the Congo experiences its heaviest rains. Which are then followed by a short dry season in January and February. March to April is a shorter rainy season; then the long dry season – which is often seen as the best time to visit – is from May to August.
Activities on a Congo safari
In Odzala-Kokoua National Park there are two camps, and each group visiting the area will spend three nights in each. The activities from the camps vary, due largely to the immediate environment and wildlife that surrounds them. Your first stop will be Ngaga Camp, where the primary activity is tracking the Western lowland gorillas. Each visitor will have two chances to track them, starting in the early morning. Then in the afternoon it is possible to do a shorter rainforest walk, looking at the trees, plants, insects and maybe some of the other primates found here. There is also a lovely and uncontrived village visit on offer too.
The next three nights are spent at Lango Camp where each guest will have the chance to do a bai walk – wading through waist high water to reach the far corners of the bai in front of the camp. Boat trips down the Lekoli River are also a highlight, whilst gave drives offer up the chance to see forest elephant, buffalo and sitatunga