Discover the Odzala-Kokoua Park

If this extension is added to an upstream cruise, the programme below will be added at the end of the cruise. If this extension is added to a downstream cruise, the programme below will be added at the beginning of the cruise.

The Odzala-Kokoua National Park, located in the heart of the Congo Basin, is a vast and diverse wilderness covering some 13,500 square kilometres. Created in 1935, it is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and is a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife, particularly the critically endangered Western Lowland Gorilla, which is found here in some of the highest densities in the world. The park is also home to other important species, including forest elephants, chimpanzees and a variety of antelopes such as the sitatunga.

Day 1 – Imbalanga Baï

We leave Oyo in the morning by car for a 4-hour drive to Imbalanga or from Ouesso. After lunch in camp prepared by our cook, we walk to the observation platform about 500m from the camp. Situated to the north-east of Odzala Park, the Imbalanga bay is a favourite spot for gorillas because of its abundance of cyperaceae and grasses, which they love. From our platform, if they are there, we can observe them. The young are playing, the females are feeding and others are resting. The largest gorillas can measure up to 1.70 metres. Other animals such as colobus, duiker and sitatunga can also be seen.

• Overnight in camp.

Day 2 – Moba Pool

After breakfast at the camp, the morning continues with a guided walk along the trails frequented by the gorillas, accompanied by the specialized team in charge of their habituation. This immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of the behavior of these great apes, their social organization, and the scientific and conservation work carried out in the field. During the walk, participants learn to recognize tracks, nests, droppings, and other signs left by the gorillas, with the possibility of spotting them in their natural environment.

After lunch, we depart for Moba Pool (1.5 hours by Jeep). This small, round clearing in the forest shelters a pond where forest elephants like to go to cool off and absorb minerals from the rich soil. It is also possible to observe bongos, bush pigs, or gorillas on the platform.

10:00 – 12:00 Guided walk on the gorilla trails

14h30 Departure for Moba pool (1h30 by car and 15mn walk)

17:30 departure for Imbalanga camp, arriving around 19:00

• Overnight at the camp.

Day 3 – The Mambili River and Lokoué camp

We get up early in the morning. After a cup of coffee, we make our way to the Moba Pool platform to observe. After breakfast on the platform, we continue our exploration on foot for a 2-3 hour hike through the rainforest to reach the Mambili River. We then board a motorboat to reach the Lokoué camp, where we have the chance to observe elephants, buffalo, monitor lizards, gavials and birds. After a refreshing dip in the river and a picnic lunch, we return quietly to the Imbalanga camp.

4:45 Leave the camp for the 1h30 drive to Moba Pool + 15-minute walk

6-8:30 Platform viewing and breakfast

8:30-11:30 Botanical and forest observation walk to the Mambili River

11:30-13 Boat trip on the Mambili River. Observation en route. If we are lucky: elephants, buffalo, monitor lizards, false gharial, birds (kingfisher, eagle).

13-14 Lunch and rest on the Lokoué platform. Possibility of swimming in the river.

15 Return to Camp Imbalanga (1h30 navigation and 1h30 drive).

• Overnight in camp.

Day 4 – Return

Morning transfer by car to Ouesso (approx. 2 hours), then return flight to Brazzaville or Oyo.

Lunch on your own