Gorilla and hippo observation at the Lesio Louna Sanctuary
SAFETY
The reserve is located to the north of Brazzaville, in a very safe area, a 3-hour drive from the capital.
LEVEL
Accessible to all
Observation is carried out from a motorboat
Gorilla and hippo observation at the Lesio Louna Sanctuary
1 DAY
Discover one of Congo’s most remarkable wildlife experiences — gorilla observation in the Lesio Louna Reserve, a protected sanctuary located just a few hours north of Brazzaville. This reserve is a haven for the conservation of western lowland gorillas, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness these majestic primates in their natural habitat.
A Sanctuary for Gorillas and nature lovers
Lesio Louna is managed in partnership with the Gorilla Protection Project (Projet Protection des Gorilles – PPG), dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing orphaned gorillas back into the wild. Here, visitors can see how conservation and ecotourism work hand in hand to protect endangered species and their forest environment.
The reserve’s landscapes are stunning — a mosaic of lush tropical forest, wide savannas, and winding rivers. The contrast of green hills and open valleys creates a serene backdrop for observing wildlife, including monkeys, antelopes, colorful birds, and of course, the gorillas themselves.
From Brazzaville, we drive for 2 hours 15 minutes on a tarmac road before taking a hilly track for 45 minutes that takes us through magnificent landscapes of hills covered in savannah. The road to Lesio Louna is absolutely amazing!
The Gorilla experience
Your visit begins with a guided tour led by local conservation experts who share insights about gorilla behavior, forest ecology, and ongoing research. The highlight is a boat trip on the Léfini River, where you can approach the forested islands that serve as semi-wild habitats for rehabilitated gorillas.
From your pirogue, you may observe gorillas foraging, climbing, or interacting in their family groups. The experience is peaceful and deeply moving — a chance to connect with one of our closest relatives in a completely natural setting.
The Western Lowland Gorilla is a species with a strong presence in the Republic of Congo, but is always difficult to see. In the magnificent landscape of this reserve, you can easily observe them without disturbing them.
As we drift along the river, we come across a group of hippos.
Timetable:
-9am: Departure from Brazzaville for Gorilla Observation at Lesio Louna
-12.30pm: arrival Lesio-Louna reserve (Abio site)
-12:30-13:00: lunch on site
-13:00-16:30: Visit to the gorillas and hippo observation aboard an aluminium boat.
-16:30-19:30: Return to Brazzaville
Why visit Lesio Louna ?
Observe rehabilitated western lowland gorillas in a protected setting.
Learn about Congo’s leading conservation project.
Enjoy breathtaking scenery of forest, savanna, and rivers.
Support eco-friendly and community-based tourism.
Gorilla and hippo watching at the Lesio-Louna Sanctuary
1 DAY
Discover one of Congo’s most remarkable wildlife experiences — gorilla observation in the Lesio Louna Reserve, a protected sanctuary located just a few hours north of Brazzaville. This reserve is a haven for the conservation of western lowland gorillas, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness these majestic primates in their natural habitat.
A Sanctuary for Gorillas and nature lovers
Lesio Louna is managed in partnership with the Gorilla Protection Project (Projet Protection des Gorilles – PPG), dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing orphaned gorillas back into the wild. Here, visitors can see how conservation and ecotourism work hand in hand to protect endangered species and their forest environment.
The reserve’s landscapes are stunning — a mosaic of lush tropical forest, wide savannas, and winding rivers. The contrast of green hills and open valleys creates a serene backdrop for observing wildlife, including monkeys, antelopes, colorful birds, and of course, the gorillas themselves.
From Brazzaville, we drive for 2 hours 15 minutes on a tarmac road before taking a hilly track for 45 minutes that takes us through magnificent landscapes of hills covered in savannah. The road to Lesio Louna is absolutely amazing!
The Gorilla experience
Your visit begins with a guided tour led by local conservation experts who share insights about gorilla behavior, forest ecology, and ongoing research. The highlight is a boat trip on the Léfini River, where you can approach the forested islands that serve as semi-wild habitats for rehabilitated gorillas.
From your pirogue, you may observe gorillas foraging, climbing, or interacting in their family groups. The experience is peaceful and deeply moving — a chance to connect with one of our closest relatives in a completely natural setting.
The Western Lowland Gorilla is a species with a strong presence in the Republic of Congo, but is always difficult to see. In the magnificent landscape of this reserve, you can easily observe them without disturbing them.
As we drift along the river, we come across a group of hippos.
Timetable:
-9am: Departure from Brazzaville
-12.30pm: arrival Lesio-Louna reserve (Abio site)
-12:30-13:00: lunch on site
-13:00-16:30: Visit to the gorillas and hippo observation aboard an aluminium boat.
-16:30-19:30: Return to Brazzaville
Why visit Lesio Louna ?
Observe rehabilitated western lowland gorillas in a protected setting.
Learn about Congo’s leading conservation project.
Enjoy breathtaking scenery of forest, savanna, and rivers.
Support eco-friendly and community-based tourism.
SAFETY
The reserve is located to the north of Brazzaville, in a very safe area, a 3-hour drive from the capital.
LEVEL
Accessible to all
Observation is carried out from a motorboat
