London – Addis Ababa – Brazzaville
Check into London Heathrow for your flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where you will connect with your onward flight to Brazzaville. You will be met upon arrival, and be transferred by charter flight and then by car to Ngaga Camp.
Located just on the outskirts of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Ngaga Camp is beautifully positioned overlooking an open glade and surrounded by primary forest. During your stay, skilled local trackers will lead you through the forest in search of habituated gorillas, using their experience to decipher barely visible tracks and signs.
Western lowland gorillas share the forest with other primates such as crowned and moustached monkeys and central chimpanzees, as well as forest duikers and a host of colourful birds. You’ll be able to encounter some of the more shy, nocturnal species on night forest walks, and make a visit to the nearby Ombo village to get an insight into life in this remote region.
Stay: Three nights in a luxury forest room at Ngaga Camp – full board
This morning you have the option of an additional gorilla trek before being transferred by car to Lango Camp, which sits inside the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The marshy bai in front of the property attracts a variety of species, including flocks of African green pigeons and African grey parrots as well as herds of forest buffalo, making for some wonderful sightings at your doorstep. Putty-nosed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, leopard, red river hog and western sitatunga can also be seen, whilst hippos are frequently drawn to the Lekoli River.
Like Mboko, activities at Lango are a combination of driving, walking and boating. This allows guests to access some of the most beautiful and wildlife rich areas of the concession. A highlight of a stay here is exploring the Lekoli and Mambili rivers by motorboat, kayak or traditional pirogue, but don’t miss out on the opportunity to wade through the streams and marshes on foot.
Stay: Two nights in a luxury forest room at Lango Camp – full board
Today you will be transferred to your final camp. Located on the banks of the Lekoli River, Mboko is enclosed by both meadow-like savannah and tropical rainforest where you can expect to see creatures like forest elephant, spotted hyena, colobus monkeys, grey parrots and bock.
Peer through the gallery forest to observe the antics of resident putty-nose monkeys, or take leisurely cruises along the river – perfect for spotting wildlife along the banks. Knowledgeable guides will also show you region’s smaller species – the insects and butterflies – as well vivid displays of flowers. In the evening, you can make your way to the camp’s ‘star deck’ where you can unwind under a dazzling African sky.
Stay: Two nights in a river room at Mboko Camp – full board
Brazzaville
Your wilderness adventure comes to an end, and your final night in the Congo will be spent in the charismatic capital – Brazzaville. Your hotel is located in the city’s business district within walking distance of attractions like St. Anne’s Basilica. You can make use of the hotel’s wonderful facilities which includes a spa, wellness centre and outdoor swimming pool with a superb river view.
Stay: One night in a double room at the Radisson Blu Hotel – bed & breakfast
Brazzaville – Addis Ababa – London
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight via Addis Ababa.
It simply does not get any better
- VC, India, 2013
