Odzala-Kokoua National Park
In the heart of the Congo Basin, Earth’s second-largest rainforest, Odzala-Kokoua is a vital sanctuary for the Critically Endangered western lowland gorilla, forest elephant and other countless species.
photo credit Jonas Abana
Experience Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Spanning 1.3 million hectares, Odzala-Kokoua is a mosaic of swamp forest, savannah-forest landscapes and a maze of river systems. Its standout feature, the nutrient-rich forest clearings known as baïs, serve as common congregation spots for wildlife seeking nourishment.
Among its diverse inhabitants are the iconic, but Critically Endangered, western lowland gorillas, along with secretive forest elephant, forest-adapted hyaenas, bongos, a plethora of other mammals and over 440 bird species.
Odzala-Kokoua beckons as a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike! Track gorilla through the dense equatorial forest or explore the terrain on foot or by boat, accompanied by knowledgeable local guides who unveil its hidden treasures. With its rich diversity of plant life, fungi, and wildlife, the park – which is a UNESCO World Heritage site for ecological value – captivates those who cherish the wonders of nature.
Gorilla Trekking
Led by expert guides, gorilla trekking is an unforgettable experience, as you witness intimate details of the primates’ daily lives. Trekking starts from camp and is done in small groups of up to 4 guests.
Available For: Ngaga Lodge (Kamba), Imbalanga from 2025
Hiding in the Baïs
Observe wildlife and their interactions from strategically placed hides scenically overlooking the nutrient-rich clearings known as “baïs.”
Available For: Imbalanga, Kamba Lodges, Day Visitors
Forest Walks
Embark on a guided forest walk, following ancient elephant pathways, as local guides reveal the secrets of their homeland, unveiling wildlife tracks, micro-organisms, and traditional uses of vegetation. Be prepared to get muddy!
Available For: Imbalanga, Kamba Lodges
Boating
Boating is the primary mode of transport in Odzala, offering a sense of freedom and exclusivity. Navigate tranquil rivers and lush mangroves, spotting unique wildlife like the West African slender-snouted crocodile.
Available For: Imbalanga, Kamba Lodges
Baï Camping
Experience the rainforest’s nighttime enchantment with rough camping on the baï platforms or forest floor. Infra-red lights reveal secretive wildlife, while nature’s ambiance sings you to sleep.
Available For: Imbalanga
Where We Are
In the heart of the Congo Basin in the north-west of Congo-Brazzaville, 800 km (9-hour drive) from Brazzaville and 200 km (2-hour drive) from Ouesso.
Getting Here
4×4 drive is recommended for road travel through the Eastern Gate. Charter flights can be booked from Brazzaville to Ouesso. Private charter flights can be booked to the Kamba lodges.
Diversity and Density
Home to incredible biodiversity: approximately 7,500 forest elephant, 7,200 western lowland gorillas, 110 mammal and over 440 bird species.
The Weather
January/February and June to September is prime for wildlife viewing. Rain is more prevalent mid-March to May and October to mid-December, offering lush landscapes and vibrant birdlife.
Where We Are
In the heart of the Congo Basin in the north-west of Congo-Brazzaville, 800 km (9-hour drive) from Brazzaville and 200 km (2-hour drive) from Ouesso.
Getting Here
4×4 drive is recommended for road travel through the Eastern Gate. Charter flights can be booked from Brazzaville to Ouesso. Private charter flights can be booked to the Kamba lodges.
Diversity and Density
Home to incredible biodiversity: approximately 7,500 forest elephant, 7,200 western lowland gorillas, 110 mammal and over 440 bird species.
The Weather
January/February and June to September is prime for wildlife viewing and weather conditions. Rain is more prevalent mid-March to May and October to mid-December, offering lush landscapes and vibrant birdlife.
Where to Stay
From the beautiful park-managed Camp Imbalanga – with an option of either catered or self-catered – to luxurious privately-operated lodges, there is something for everyone.
Visiting Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of the best ways to support communities, wildlife conservation and the long-term success of Africa’s wild areas. Choose from the different accommodation options available below and enjoy a spectacular wildlife experience.
Camp Imbalanga
Imbalanga is a tented eco-camp found hidden in and amongst the towering trees of the equatorial forest, close to Baï Imbalanga where one can patiently observe wild western lowland gorillas.
Ngaga Lodge
Hidden in a dense, nearly inaccessible forest, Ngaga is one of Africa’s most remarkable lodges, offering the rare opportunity to visit western lowland gorillas in a habitat barely touched by humanity.
Lango Lodge
Suspended above a baï where elephant, buffalo, and other wildlife come to bathe, feed, and socialise, the lodge offers arresting views and unparalleled access to a pristine ecosystem.
Mboko Lodge
Set at the intersection of savannah, forest, and river, Mboko features spacious, canvas-sided bungalows tucked away under the trees along the banks of a babbling brook.
Camp Imbalanga
Imbalanga is a tented eco-camp found hidden in and amongst the towering trees of the equatorial forest, close to Baï Imbalanga where one can patiently observe wild western lowland gorillas.
Ngaga Lodge
Hidden in a dense, nearly inaccessible forest, Ngaga is one of Africa’s most remarkable lodges, offering the rare opportunity to visit western lowland gorillas in a habitat barely touched by humanity.
Lango Lodge
Suspended above a baï where elephant, buffalo, and other wildlife come to bathe, feed, and socialise, the lodge offers arresting views and unparalleled access to a pristine ecosystem.
Mboko Lodge
Set at the intersection of savannah, forest, and river, Mboko provides a front-row seat to the staggering diversity of the Congolese ecosystem. Mboko features spacious, canvas-sided bungalows tucked away under the trees along the banks of a babbling brook.
About Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is Congo-Brazzaville’s largest protected area and is managed by African Parks on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Congo. Found within the massive and critical Congo Basin – known as the largest carbon sink in the world – the park is a biological hotspot with exceptional biodiversity that shelters two major river sources: the Mambili which feeds the mighty Congo River, and the Lekoli.
Aside from forest elephant and buffalo, there are healthy populations of bongo antelope, sitatunga, bushbuck, giant forest hog and red river hog, and numerous antelope species from the large yellow-backed duiker to the tiny Bates’s pygmy antelope. Odzala is the only place in the region where spotted hyaena can still be found. The western lowland gorilla and chimpanzee are amongst the most well-known primates, but other noteworthy species include black and white colobus, rare De Brazza’s monkey and the agile mangabey.