For our third expedition to the peaceful Republic of The Congo (NOT to its neighbour the DRC) we will head deep into the little visited Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
Only 5 people can come on this trip with me and it is very much an exploratory visit to one of the least visited wildernesses on earth to witness primeval nature and spend time with the indigenous inhabitants of the forests – the BaAka (formerly known as pygmies). The date is flexible depending on the groups requirements
Cost £3000 email [email protected] to enquire about joining
- should the group be interested we could extend the trip crossing over into The Central African Republic and the fabled Dzanga-Sangha National Park
“At the heart of the Congo rainforest, Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park is a stunning window on an undisturbed ecosystem, harboring a wonderful biodiversity, from endangered large mammals to endemic butterflies.
The nerve center of the Park is the village of Bomassa, a vibrant village of a few hundred inhabitants. Adjacent to the village is the picturesque Park HQ, above which hornbills and small monkeys come to enjoy the fruiting trees.
Wali Baï, a charming little forest clearing, and the perfect place to watch elephants who love gathering there, is accessible on foot in less than an hour from Bomassa. From a small, elevated viewing platform surrounded by lush vegetation, you can observe them rubbing shoulders with buffaloes, spraying water, feeding, or measuring their strength between males.
Much more imposing, the clearing of Mbeli Baï is a peaceful crossroads for many species that come to feed, drink, or rest. Elephants submerge themselves in the water to feed on the minerals they find at the bottom of the water, while groups of gorillas interact quietly, the younger ones playing, the older ones gobbling up Hydrocharis, delicious floating plants.
Mondika is, by far, one of the best possible places to have the chance to see habituated western lowland gorillas. Whether it is Buka, Mététélé, or the famous Kingo, these groups welcome human interest with curiosity and kindness, in the midst of dense vegetation where other fantastic species of animals, birds and insects are bound to be seen.”
Wildlife & conservation society
10-Day Congo Gorilla & Rainforest Expedition
Provisional Itinerary
Route : Brazzaville – – Nouabalé-Ndoki – Brazzaville
1/ Optional full day in Brazzaville visiting the sights and meeting the Sapeurs (flights tend to arrive in the evening so if you would like a day to acclimatize and see the sights please come a day early and i will very happily show you around)
Day 1 – Arrival in Brazzaville
- Arrival at Maya-Maya International Airport
- Transfer to hotel
- Trip briefing and introduction to Congo Basin ecosystems
Overnight: Brazzaville
Day 2 – Drive to Ouesso (Northern Congo)
- Scenic drive to Ouesso, capital of the Sangha region
- Lunch at Oyo, the RoC Président’s city
- Stay at Onanga Hotel and dinner
Overnight: Ouesso
Day 3 – Transfer to Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
- Scenic drive into the rainforest with possible sightseeing
- Arrival at WCS base camp
Activities:
- Lunch by the Sangha River
- Introduction to Congo Basin biodiversity
- Lih Ngolio Ba’aka traditional dance group
- Diner by the Sangha River
Overnight: WCS base
Day 4 – Wildlife Observation at Wali Bai
- Early departure to observation platform
- Watch wildlife gathering at the forest clearing
Possible wildlife:
- Forest elephants
- Forest buffalo
- Leopards (very rare)
Monitoring is supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Overnight: Wali Bai platform
Day 5 – Transfer to Mondika
- Early departure to Bomassa
- Breakfast in the village
- Transfer to Djeke base
- 2-hour walk to Mondika
- Briefing
- Lunch and/or dinner at camp
Possible wildlife:
- Forest elephants
- Western lowland gorillas
Overnight: Mondika camp
Day 6 – Gorilla trecking
Activities:
- Gorilla visit
- Lunch and dinner at camp
Overnight : Mondika camp
Day 7 – TBC
Day 8– Return to Ouesso
- Morning forest walk
- Transfer back to Ouesso by vehicle
- Lunch & dinner in Ouesso
- Stay at Onanga Hotel
- Cultural walk in the city or relaxing evening
Overnight: Ouesso
Day 9 – Return to Brazzaville
- Scenic drive back to Brazzaville
Day 10
fly home
Please note this is very much a provisional itinerary – this expedition takes us far from the beaten track and will very much be a voyage of exploration.
The £3000 cost does not include accommodation or main meals in Brazzaville – the city is sleepy and extremely safe, hotels can be found for £30- £300 a night or so (i stay at Mikhael’s Hotel) and meals vary enormously in price depending on if you want an expensive western style restaurant or local fare. But once we leave Brazzaville everything will be included
