ODZALA-KOKOUA NATIONAL PARK

Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a lowland rainforest characterized by a network of bais, rivers, marshes and swamps. The 5,200 square mile (13,500 km2) biosphere reserve in northwestern Republic of Congo, is one of the largest and best preserved tracts of old-growth rainforest, ranging in habitats from tall hills to dense jungle and numerous swamp areas known as bais. Odzala-Kokoua is home to approximately 100 mammal species, including one of the continent’s most diverse primate populations, over 4,500 plant species, and 400 species of birds. This vast and truly wild region, with its wide range of landscapes and habitat, is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Forest elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, bongos, forest buffalo, giant forest hogs and hippos live alongside the greatest density of western lowland gorillas in Africa.

Odzala Discovery Camps and the Congo Conservation Company support the Sabine Plattner Africa Charities (SPAC) conservation efforts around Odzala-Kokoua National Park. These private organisations are integral to the conservation of the natural symbiosis between the rainforest, local people and wildlife in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.

Seasons

Odzala-Kokoua National Park is open year-round. The climate is tropical, with a relatively heavy rainfall during certain periods of the year. The average minimum temperature is 68°F, while the average maximum temperature is 90°C.

Wildlife

Odzala-Kokoua is home to approximately 100 mammal species, including one of the continent’s most diverse primate populations, over 4,500 plant species, and 400 species of birds. This vast and truly wild region, with its wide range of landscapes and habitat, is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Forest elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, bongos, forest buffalo, giant forest hogs and hippos live alongside the greatest density of western lowland gorillas in Africa. Along with the great apes, Odzala-Kokoua is home to the rare Angolan talapoin, mangabeys, De Brazza’s monkey, and many other arboreal primates.

Activities

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Kayak on the Lekoli River on your way to your rainforest camp.

Take a wet and wild walk through the bais as you explore the rainforest.
Trek through the forest and learn about the incredible flora and fauna. Keep your eyes out for the many primate species, the rare bongo, and the magnificent forest elephants.
Head deep into the jungle to track the western lowland gorillas.
Visit the local village.