Photographer’s Odzala
A Bespoke Photography Expedition Exploring the Gorilla Forests of Ngaga and the Wildlife-Rich Bais of Lango in Odzala
Locations
Brazzaville
Brazzaville
Brazzaville, the vibrant capital of the Republic of Congo, sits along the banks of the mighty Congo River. Blending lively markets, colonial heritage and a relaxed riverside atmosphere, the city offers a fascinating introduction to the country. It also serves as a gateway to the pristine rainforests and extraordinary wildlife of Congo’s remote wilderness.
Ndzehi Concession
Ndzehi Concession
Ndzehi Concession is a remote wilderness area within the greater Odzala landscape, where dense rainforest, open savannahs and forest clearings create a rich habitat for Congo’s extraordinary wildlife. Explore this pristine wilderness in search of Western Lowland Gorillas, Forest Elephants, forest buffalo and diverse primates, guided by expert trackers. Far from conventional safari routes, Ndzehi offers an intimate immersion in one of Central Africa’s most untouched ecosystems.
Lango Bai
Lango Bai
Lango Bai is one of Odzala-Kokoua’s most remarkable wildlife viewing sites, where a large forest clearing draws elephants and other wildlife from the surrounding rainforest. Set deep within the Congo Basin, the bai offers an exceptional opportunity to observe Forest Elephants in their natural environment, alongside buffalo, sitatunga and diverse birdlife. With its pristine setting and intimate encounters, Lango Bai provides a rare glimpse into the hidden world of Central Africa’s rainforest.
Experience Highlights
Explore the ancient rainforests of the Congo Basin on an immersive photography expedition through Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Photograph habituated Western Lowland Gorillas in the Ndzehi Forest, encounter Forest Elephants at the wildlife-rich baïs of Lango, and discover the rivers and open landscapes around Mboko. With expert naturalists and exceptional wildlife encounters, this journey offers a rare opportunity to capture the beauty and conservation story of one of Africa’s last great rainforests.
- A curated wildlife photography expedition through Odzala-Kokoua and the Congo Basin.
- Two dedicated gorilla tracking permits for photographing Western Lowland Gorillas at Ngaga.
- Photograph Forest Elephants, Forest Buffalo, Bongos and other wildlife at Lango Baï.
- Explore Mboko’s rainforest, rivers and savannah with expert naturalists and trackers.
- Discover Odzala’s exceptional primates, forest mammals and rainforest birdlife.
- Stay at intimate wilderness lodges offering immersive access to Congo’s pristine rainforest.
Rates
Rates start from USD $15,820 per person
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- All meals, tea, coffee, and evening refreshments at the wilderness lodges
- Services of an experienced private naturalist guide and expert local trackers throughout the expedition
- Kamba Africa scheduled charter flights between Brazzaville and Odzala-Kokoua National Park
- All private road, boat, and kayak transfers between destinations and lodges
- Two Western Lowland Gorilla tracking permits at Ngaga Lodge
- Guided wildlife walks and photographic explorations in the Ndzehi Concession and Lango Baï
- Expert-guided forest walks, birdwatching, and wildlife photography experiences throughout the journey
- All applicable national park entrance fees, conservation fees, and permits
- 5% Ameliya Conservation Commitment Levy for this itinerary
Exclusions
- Flights, visa fees, laundry, packed beverages, and alcoholic drinks
- Camera fees, if levied by the government
- Any additional activities or personal expenses, including tips
- Any increase in National Park fees or government taxes, payable by the guest
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
- Tax as applicable for Indian Citizens
Accommodation
Ndzehi Concession
Ngaga Lodge
Named after the local term for gorilla, Ngaga Lodge offers one of Africa’s most intimate great ape experiences deep within the pristine forests of the Congo Basin. Located in the Ndzehi Forest on the edge of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, the lodge provides exclusive access to habituated Western Lowland Gorillas and the ancient rainforest they call home.
Designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, Ngaga offers a rare opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and rhythms of one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems.
Amenities
- Six forest chalets
- Elevated walkways
- Open-air dining area, lounge and bar
- Rainforest walks and forest walks
- Expert naturalists guides and guided gorilla tracking
- Birdwatching and immersive rainforest experiences
Lango Baí
Lango Lodge
Set beside the legendary Lango Baï in the heart of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Lango Lodge offers one of the most immersive and exclusive rainforest experiences in Africa. Surrounded by pristine Congo Basin wilderness, the lodge overlooks a mineral-rich forest clearing where Forest Elephants, Forest Buffalo, Bongos, and other wildlife emerge from the surrounding rainforest. Built to harmonise with its environment, Lango combines understated luxury with exceptional access to one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
Amenities
- Elegant forest chalets
- Elevated viewing decks overlooking Lango Bai
- Open-air dining area, lounge and bar
- Private dining expeiences
- Expert naturalists guides and guided forest walks
- Bai exploration
- Kayaking
- Birdwatching and immersive rainforest experiences
Day- Wise Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrival in Brazzaville
Arrive in Brazzaville, the gateway to your journey into the Congo Basin. After completing arrival formalities, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening before beginning your rainforest photography expedition. This time allows you to rest and prepare for the wilderness experiences ahead.
Day 02 - Ndzehi Concession
Into the Forests of Odzala – Journey to Ngaga Lodge
After breakfast, board Kamba Africa’s scheduled charter flight to Odzala Airstrip (approximately 2 hours). From the airstrip, continue by 4×4 through the remote landscapes of the Congo Basin towards Ngaga Lodge (approximately 3.5 hours).
As you enter the Ndzehi Forest, the landscape transforms into an untouched rainforest wilderness. Arrive at Ngaga Lodge, settle into your forest surroundings, and prepare for the unforgettable gorilla photography experiences ahead.
Day 03-04 - Ndzehi Concession
These two days are dedicated to immersive photography experiences in the ancient forests of the Ndzehi Concession, as you venture deep into the rainforest in search of habituated Western Lowland Gorillas. Accompanied by expert trackers and naturalists, spend time observing these remarkable great apes in their natural habitat, capturing intimate moments of their behaviour, interactions, and movements through the forest.
With two dedicated gorilla tracking permits, photographers have the opportunity to focus on creating meaningful images while gaining a deeper understanding of one of Africa’s most fascinating primates. Beyond gorillas, the rainforest reveals a rich diversity of life, from colourful birds and smaller primates to the intricate details of the Congo Basin ecosystem.
Day 05- Lango Bai
After breakfast, depart Ngaga Lodge and travel deeper into the wilderness of Odzala towards Lango Lodge. The journey offers a changing perspective of the Congo Basin, moving through dense rainforest landscapes towards the famous Lango Baï.
Arrive at Lango Lodge, beautifully positioned overlooking this wildlife-rich forest clearing. Settle into your surroundings and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of one of Africa’s most unique wilderness settings.
Day 06-08 - Lango Baï
These two days are dedicated to exploring the legendary Lango Baï, one of Odzala-Kokoua National Park’s most remarkable wildlife habitats. Guided by expert naturalists, walk through this unique forest clearing where wildlife emerges from the surrounding rainforest to gather in the mineral-rich soils.
Enjoy exceptional photographic opportunities with Forest Elephants, Bongos, Forest Buffalo, Red River Hogs, Sitatunga, and other rainforest species as they move through this extraordinary landscape. The changing light, misty mornings, and untouched wilderness setting create endless opportunities to capture the atmosphere and wildlife of the Congo Basin.
Day 09 - Brazzaville
After breakfast, transfer back to Odzala Airstrip for your scheduled charter flight to Brazzaville (approximately 2 hours). Continue with your onward international journey, carrying unforgettable memories and a remarkable collection of images from one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.
Activites
Canopy Walks
Nature Walks
Gorilla Tracking
Kayaking
Enquire Now
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- 50% need to be paid at the time of booking, 25% is due 120 days prior to the trip start date and 25% 90 days prior.
- The preferred mode of payment is Bank Wire. All card transactions will incur a 3.5% service fee.
- Rates are subject to change and are not applicable for Christmas/New Years. Rates are valid for 2024 only. Rates for 2025 will incur a 10% hike.
- Any changes in government taxes and park/conservancy fees have to be borne by the guests.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honoured.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- 50% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 120 days prior to the tour start dates. Between 90-120 days, 35% is refunded.
- No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 90 days of the trip start date. Amendment in dates within 90 days from arrival is treated as a cancellation.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- All refunds are processed minus bank charges.
