Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
One of Africa’s oldest parks, protected since 1935, the 13,500 sq.km. (5,230 sq.m.) Odzala-Kokoua National Park is home to a captivating variety of flora and fauna. The lush landscape includes old-growth rainforest and harbors more than 4,400 plant species and 100-plus mammal species. The most thrilling sightings include Western Lowland Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo, Spotted Hyena, and Bongo. Because Kamba runs the only private lodges in Odzala, you’ll be among the only visitors in an area more than twice the size of Florida’s Everglades National Park.
Odzala at a glance
Wildlife
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of Africa’s most extraordinary rainforest wildlife destinations, renowned for its habituated Western Lowland Gorillas and exceptional biodiversity. The ancient forests, rivers, and forest baïs shelter Forest Elephants, Forest Buffalo, Bongos, Chimpanzees, Red River Hogs, Sitatunga, and an incredible diversity of birds. Guided walks, river explorations, and immersive rainforest experiences offer a rare opportunity to discover the hidden wildlife of the Congo Basin.
Vegetation & Terrain
Odzala-Kokoua National Park protects one of the largest intact landscapes of the Congo Basin, where ancient rainforest meets open forest baïs, wetlands, and winding river systems. A rich mosaic of dense evergreen forest, swamp forests, mineral-rich clearings, and pristine waterways creates a remarkable variety of habitats supporting exceptional biodiversity. Explored on foot and by water, the landscape reveals towering trees, hidden streams, elephant trails, and untouched wilderness at every turn, offering one of Africa’s most immersive rainforest experiences.
Tap Here To Enquire
Plan Your Journey to Masai Mara
Ameliya is a Luxury Safari Outfitter, and we seek to deliver the finest wildlife experience combined with world class hospitality. Our luxury Masai Mara safari starts at USD $1000 per person per night all inclusive. Help us plan your next luxury trip to Masai Mara today.
Things to do in Odzala
Western Lowland Gorilla Tracking
Forest Baï Exploration
Rainforest Walks
River Exploration & Kayaking
Bird Watching
Nocturnal Forest Walks
Conservation Experiences
Mother Odzala
Affectionately known as Mother Odzala, Odzala-Kokoua National Park has long been regarded as the life-giving heart of the Congo Basin. The name reflects its role as a place that sustains an extraordinary web of life—feeding Forest Elephants in its mineral-rich baïs, sheltering one of the world’s largest populations of Western Lowland Gorillas, and protecting ecosystems that have flourished for millions of years.
A journey through Mother Odzala is unlike any other safari. Track habituated gorillas on foot, walk among forest wildlife in legendary baïs, and explore pristine rivers that weave through one of Africa’s last great wildernesses. Combined with pioneering conservation, exceptional guiding, and intimate luxury lodges, Mother Odzala offers one of the continent’s most exclusive and immersive rainforest experiences.
Explore Luxury Safari Itineraries
While these itineraries have been thoughtfully designed to showcase the very best of Odzala-Kokoua’s Western Lowland Gorillas, rainforest exploration, forest baïs, and wildlife encounters, we understand that every traveller is unique. Each journey can be fully tailored around your interests, pace, comfort, and preferred style of exploration. Whether you wish to focus on gorilla tracking, wildlife photography, birding, conservation, or combine multiple Kamba lodges across the Congo Basin, every itinerary is carefully crafted to create a truly personalised luxury rainforest experience.
How to reach Odzala
AIR
The gateway to Odzala-Kokoua National Park is Maya-Maya International Airport (BZV) in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. International travellers can connect through major hubs including Paris, Addis Ababa, Casablanca, and Kigali before arriving in Brazzaville. From here, guests continue their journey into the Congo Basin aboard Kamba’s private charter aircraft to Mboko Airstrip, located within Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Kamba operates scheduled flights between Brazzaville and Mboko Airstrip every Monday and Thursday, with the flight departing Brazzaville at approximately 1:00 PM and taking around 2 hours. The return flight from Odzala departs at approximately 9:00 AM, arriving in Brazzaville around 11:00 AM. From Mboko Airstrip, guests are seamlessly transferred to Mboko, Lango, and Ngaga Lodges by a combination of vehicle, boat, kayak, and walking trails depending on the lodge.
Private charter flights can also be arranged for guests requiring additional flexibility outside the scheduled flight days.
SAFARI ACCOMMODATIONS IN ODZALA
NGAGA LODGE
MKOBO LODGE
LANGO LODGE
The Ameliya Difference
Frequently Asked Questions
The main gateway to the Republic of Congo is Maya-Maya International Airport (BZV) in Brazzaville, the country’s capital. International travellers can connect through major hubs including Paris, Addis Ababa, Casablanca, and Johannesburg before arriving in Brazzaville. From here, guests continue their journey into the heart of the Congo Basin aboard Kamba Africa’s scheduled charter flights to Mboko Airstrip, located within Odzala-Kokoua National Park. These flights operate on fixed departure days and provide seamless access to Kamba’s three wilderness lodges — Mboko, Lango, and Ngaga.
The best time to visit Odzala-Kokoua National Park is generally during the drier months from June to September, when forest trails are easier to navigate, gorilla tracking conditions are more favourable, and wildlife gathers more frequently around forest baïs. The wetter seasons transform the rainforest into a vibrant green landscape, offering excellent birding, photography, and dramatic rainforest scenery. As with any tropical rainforest, rainfall is possible throughout the year and forms an essential part of the Congo Basin ecosystem.
Yes, the Republic of Congo is considered safe for travellers visiting Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Guests travel through a carefully managed wilderness environment with experienced guides, professional lodge teams, and seamless private transfers arranged throughout the journey. Like any remote expedition destination, travel requires following local guidance, respecting wildlife protocols, and staying with experienced guides during all activities. The isolated nature of Odzala means that every aspect of the journey is carefully planned and professionally operated.
Although they share a similar name and border the Congo River, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are two separate countries.
The Republic of Congo is home to Odzala-Kokoua National Park, one of Africa’s oldest national parks and one of the most important rainforest conservation landscapes in the Congo Basin. It is renowned for Western Lowland Gorillas, Forest Elephants, forest baïs, and immersive rainforest experiences.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a much larger country and is famous for destinations such as Virunga National Park, home to Mountain Gorillas, and the vast forests of the Congo Basin.
For Kamba Africa journeys, guests are travelling to the Republic of Congo, specifically Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended for an Odzala journey, as many experiences are conducted on foot through rainforest terrain. Gorilla tracking and forest walks may involve uneven ground, muddy trails, streams, and walking for several hours depending on wildlife movements. Guests do not need to be highly athletic, but should be comfortable walking at a relaxed pace in warm, humid conditions. Good footwear, hydration, and a willingness to embrace the rainforest environment are more important than high levels of fitness.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Most travellers require a visa before arrival, and requirements can vary. Guests should check the latest entry regulations based on their passport before travelling. Ameliya Safaris assists with destination guidance and pre-travel preparation to ensure a smooth arrival experience.
Yes. All rainforest walks in Odzala-Kokoua National Park are conducted with experienced naturalists and trackers who understand the landscape, wildlife behaviour, and forest conditions. Walking safaris are one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Congo Basin, allowing guests to discover gorillas, elephants, birds, plants, and hidden rainforest life from within the ecosystem. Trails can be muddy, uneven, and humid, so sturdy closed-toe footwear and appropriate clothing are essential. Guests are always guided on safe wildlife distances and responsible behaviour throughout their journey.
Book an Ameliya Experience
From the moment you start planning your journey with Ameliya, we’re with you every step of the way, fine-tuning the itinerary according to your level of comfort, and booking accommodations to suit your level of exclusivity. While the remote team handles your bookings, transfers, and viewing arrangements, our ground team is by your side, 24×7, for anything you may need, from start to finish.
Ready to take the next step?
