Let Us Customize the Perfect Congo Safari for You
You can find some of our recommended places to visit below. Contact us today or call 303-778-1089 to learn more about how we are able to customize the perfect Congo safari just for you!
Brazzaville
Brazzaville is the Republic of Congo’s capital city. Situated on the bank of the mighty Congo River, it holds the opportunity for fascinating city tours. Take in the Poto Poto market where you will find amazing textile shopping, visit areas of local and historical interest such as St. Anne’s Basilica and the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial, try local restaurants or meet up with the Sapeurs or La Sape, a slang abbreviation based on the French word sape, meaning ‘attire.’ This refers to the Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes (Society for Creators of Ambiance and Elegant People), a subculture centered on the cities of Brazzaville and Kinshasa but gaining popularity throughout Central and West Africa. Travelers can spend time with the Sapeurs, learning their rules of elegance through parades, dance and walks through town.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Odzaka-Kokoua National Park is situated in one of the world’s largest tropical rainforests second only to the Amazon. It is an ecological wonderland that is home to critically endangered western lowland gorillas, elusive forest elephants and more than 440 bird species. One of Africa’s oldest national parks, Odzala-Kokoua was created in 1935 and received its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation in 1977. Covering more than 5,200 square miles, Odzala-Kokoua is nestled in the heart of the Congo Basin, which spans more than three quarters of a million miles across six countries, accounting for a staggering 18% of the world’s remaining rainforest. The Congo Basin is an irreplaceable source of clean water, food and shelter for more than 75 million people in Central Africa.
The top highlight of a visit to Odzala-Kokoua National Park for many guests is the experience of trekking to see western lowland gorillas in the dense Congo rainforest. Myriad other activities are available throughout the park allowing visitors to explore the pristine wilderness of giant forests, saline baïs (natural, often swampy clearings in the forest with large deposits of minerals) and twisting rivers; discover adventures on the river including swimming, boat trips and sundowner cruises; seek chimpanzee encounters, sightings of bongo, elusive forest elephant and beautiful butterflies; meet with gorilla researchers and help to gather field data; bushwalks; village visits and more.
Odzala-Kokoua sees only a few hundred visitors each year, making it an incredibly exclusive destination.
Contact us or call 303-778-1089 to speak with a Journey Specialist about where to go on your Republic of Congo safari!
When to Visit
The climate in the Congo Basin is equatorial, with relatively heavy rainfall during certain periods of the year (see below). The average minimum temperature is 68ºF, while the average maximum temperature is 90ºF. There are two rainy seasons, and two drier seasons, each offering a different experience for travelers.
The Congo Basin’s drier season (it is a rainforest, after all) runs from December through February and again from June to September. Limited rainfall during the dry seasons can make the air relatively hazy, but humidity levels are lower than they are during the wet seasons. Due to the bountiful ripe fruits, gorillas often feed in the trees, which makes it easier to observe their behavior and interactions. The different wildlife is normally easier to observe in the baïs, as they get closer to the water during the dry season. We recommend that our travelers visit during one of the dry seasons to maximize their wildlife viewing opportunities.
The wet season runs from March through May and again from September through November. Light and vibrant skies from equatorial storms during the rainy season are often highly appreciated by photographers.
Contact us or call 303-778-1089 to speak with a Journey Specialist about when to go on your Republic of Congo safari!
