Congo Gorilla Photo Tour

This extraordinary adventure offers the rare opportunity to track endangered Western Lowland Gorillas, spending intimate moments observing wild families deep in the untouched rainforests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park. We will explore Africa’s most pristine rainforests, immersing ourselves in the heart of the Congo Basin — a remote and biodiverse ecosystem teeming with unique wildlife and rich natural beauty.

We will also encounter forest elephants, buffalo, sitatungas, and other elusive animals that gather in forest clearings (bais) and waterways. We will enjoy guided walks and kayak journeys through open forest clearings, where secret wildlife gatherings and hidden ecological wonders await discovery. This safari promises extraordinary opportunities to capture close-up images of gorillas and rare rainforest species, making it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in one of Africa’s last truly wild frontiers.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Brazzaville

Arrival to Brazzaville. Land in Republic of Congo’s capital and overnight to prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 – Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Private charter flight from Brazzaville to Mboko airstrip in Odzala-Kokoua National Park (approx. 2 hour flight). Safari drive (2-3 hours) through the park’s savanna and rainforest to our home for the next five nights, Ngaga Lodge. We prepare to set off on foot early in the morning in search of Western Lowland Gorillas.

Day 3-6 – Ngaga Lodge

Ngaga is home to a Western Lowland Gorilla research team who has spent the past few decades in the forest navigating its trails and understanding its rhythms. We will track Western lowland gorillas in the closed-canopy forests around the lodge over the next four days (four gorilla tracks included). Get to know the forest and all its inhabitants by way of guided forest walks, night walks, village visits, and enjoy spectacular sundowners.

Day 7-8 – Lango Lodge

We enjoy breakfast and one last venture into Ngaga’s pristine rainforest before transferring to Mboko Lodge (approx. 2 hour drive). After lunch, we set off on kayaks down the Lekoli River to Lango Bai. We finish the journey on foot and arrive in time for a refreshing sundowner. Lango Lodge is situated on the edge of Lango Baï and our home for the next two nights. During our time at Lango, we will traverse the baï, Lekoli River, and surrounding areas on long and short walks.

Day 9 – Brazzaville

Depart after breakfast on a game drive through the savanna to Mboko airstrip. We fly back to Brazzaville to explore the city’s culture and shopping and have one last night in Brazzaville.

Day 10 – Flight Home

Return flight to the UK.

PRICE

PRICE: US$ 17, 350/ GBP£ 13, 450
  
What is included in the tour cost:

• call prior to your departure, with John Haskew, to run through preparations, kit and ensure you are ready to start photographing before arriving
• Meeting on arrival at Brazzaville and transfer to hotel on the first night
• Bed and breakfast at the hotel on the first night 
• All road transfers and internal flights in Congo
• Full board accommodation for the duration of the stay in Congo
• House wines, beers, local spirits and soft drinks
• Park fees
• Community fees
• Experienced, qualified local guide

Not included in the tour cost:

• International flights to Brazzaville
• Republic of Congo Visa
• Personal travel and health insurance

GALLERY

A selection of images and moments captured on this tour. Please click to enlarge the image.