Odzala-Kokoua National Park Safaris

Gorillas in misty forests, elephants in hidden bais — discover the soulful wilderness of Odzala-Kokoua.

High Season

July to August

Size

Approx 13,600 square kilometres

Altitude

350 – 800 metres

above sea level

Odzala-Kokoua National Park Safari Holidays

Congo’s Rainforest Heart, Alive with Giants

In the north-west of the Republic of Congo, Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring wildernesses. Known for its vast swathes of untouched rainforest, shimmering bais, and remarkable wildlife, it offers experiences few travellers will ever encounter.

This is where gorilla tracking meets forest elephant encounters, where adventure feels raw, and where nature still reigns supreme.

Why Visit Odzala-Kokoua National Park?

Odzala-Kokoua is one of the oldest national parks in Africa, established in 1935, and today it forms part of the Sangha Trinational UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a stronghold for western lowland gorillas and a sanctuary for elephants, buffalo, and a staggering array of primates and birds.

The park’s landscapes are mesmerising. Swampy clearings known as bais act as natural stages, drawing wildlife out of the dense rainforest. Here, visitors can quietly observe elephants, buffalo, and antelope feeding and socialising in scenes that feel almost prehistoric. The Lekoli and Mambili rivers weave through the park, offering serene canoe journeys beneath cathedral-like forest canopies.

What sets Odzala apart is its intimacy. Unlike open savannah safaris where wildlife is spotted from vehicles, here you explore on foot, by canoe, or from raised viewing platforms. It’s an adventure for the senses — hearing gorillas before you see them, feeling the humid air heavy with the scent of orchids, and watching shafts of light break through the canopy.



Beyond its natural beauty, Odzala is also a beacon of conservation. Managed in partnership with African Parks, it is a model for protecting fragile ecosystems while involving local communities. Travelling here means contributing directly to one of the most ambitious conservation projects in Central Africa.

Wildlife and Nature

Odzala-Kokoua is a sanctuary where nature feels untamed and elemental. The rainforest stretches endlessly, a sea of emerald broken only by rivers and clearings. The air is alive with sound: cicadas humming, hornbills calling, and branches cracking under the weight of moving primates.

The park is home to around 20% of the world’s remaining western lowland gorillas. Gorilla trekking here is a profound experience: led by expert trackers, you venture into the forest to observe family groups foraging, playing, or resting. To watch a silverback surveying his domain or hear the soft grunts of juveniles at play is unforgettable.

Forest elephants are another highlight, often seen in the bais where they gather for minerals. They are smaller and more secretive than their savannah cousins, but Odzala offers some of the best opportunities to see them behaving naturally. Alongside them come forest buffalo, sitatunga, bongo antelope, and giant forest hogs.

The diversity of primates is staggering — chimpanzees, mangabeys, guenons, and colobus monkeys are all found here. Each species adds its own energy and voice to the forest. Birdlife is equally spectacular, with more than 440 recorded species, from great blue turacos to Congo serpent eagles.

Seasonal shifts bring fresh highlights. Fruiting trees attract gorillas and chimpanzees in larger numbers, while the wet seasons see flocks of African grey parrots gathering dramatically at bais. Conservationists and researchers are active in the park, and guests can often learn directly about projects to safeguard gorillas, elephants, and the ecosystem as a whole.

Unlike more traditional safari landscapes, Odzala’s experiences are visceral. You smell the earth after rain, hear gorillas before you glimpse them, and feel immersed in an environment that has changed little in thousands of years. For photographers, this raw authenticity offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to capture wildlife in truly wild settings.

Best Time to Visit Odzala-Kokoua

Odzala can be visited year-round, but the experience shifts dramatically with the seasons.

The main dry season (June–September) is considered the best time to travel. Trails are firmer, making trekking easier, and wildlife congregates more predictably around bais and rivers.

Humidity is lower, and photography is excellent, with clearer skies and golden light streaming through the canopy.

A shorter dry period (December–February) also offers superb conditions. With fewer visitors than the main dry season, this time is ideal for those seeking exclusivity.

Fruiting cycles often coincide with this period, drawing gorilla families closer.

The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) transform the park into a lush, green paradise. Though trekking becomes muddier and more physically demanding, this is when birdlife flourishes and the rainforest feels particularly alive.

Dramatic mist, swollen rivers, and vibrant greenery create an atmospheric backdrop for photography.

Special wildlife events include the spectacular gatherings of African grey parrots at bais during wetter months and heightened gorilla activity around fruiting trees.

Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best conditions for photography, when soft light filters through mist and wildlife emerges from the forest.

Practical travellers should be prepared for humidity year-round, with waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and protection for electronics.

Access can be slower in the rains, but the rewards are immense: each season brings a different mood and magic to Odzala.

Safari Experiences in Odzala-Kokoua

Odzala is not about watching from a distance — it’s about stepping directly into the rainforest and experiencing it through all your senses. From gorilla encounters to river journeys, the park offers adventures that feel raw, authentic, and unforgettable.

• Gorilla Trekking in the Rainforest: The highlight of any visit, gorilla trekking takes you deep into the forest to meet habituated groups. Observing their interactions up close — a silverback asserting his dominance, mothers nursing infants, or playful juveniles — is one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife experiences.
• Forest Walks Across the Bais: Raised platforms and boardwalks allow guests to watch elephants, buffalo, and antelope in mineral-rich bais. The experience is intimate, with wildlife often just metres away, set against the lush drama of the forest.
• Canoeing the Lekoli and Mambili Rivers: Drift silently beneath towering trees, spotting kingfishers, otters, and primates on the banks. The serenity of canoeing through rainforest waterways is a unique perspective, offering both relaxation and discovery.
• Night Walks in the Forest: After dark, the rainforest transforms. Torchlight reveals nocturnal primates, glowing fungi, and the eerie calls of tree frogs. For adventurous travellers, night walks provide a sense of mystery and wonder.
• Cultural Encounters with the Ba’Aka People: Meet the Ba’Aka, one of the indigenous communities of the Congo Basin. Through storytelling, music, and guided foraging walks, they share deep knowledge of the forest and its rhythms, enriching the safari experience with cultural depth.
• Birding Adventures: With over 440 species, Odzala is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Guided excursions reveal turacos, bee-eaters, hornbills, and more, each adding colour and movement to the forest. Photographers can capture rare species framed by shafts of rainforest light.

Where to Stay in Odzala-Kokoua

Odzala-Kokoua National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, all set within or just outside the park boundaries. These typically include:

• Eco-Luxury Lodges: Spacious chalets or suites designed with natural materials, often perched on the edges of bais or rivers. Private decks, gourmet dining, and sustainable practices blend comfort with wilderness immersion.
• Tented Camps: Classic safari canvas set-ups bring guests close to the forest’s sounds and atmosphere. Expect comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms, and the romance of lantern-lit evenings under rainforest skies.
• Boutique Bush Retreats: Small and intimate, these retreats emphasise authenticity and personalised hosting. Ideal for travellers who want a balance of comfort, seclusion, and a strong connection to the natural environment.
• Treehouse Stays: Some camps elevate guests into the canopy, offering magical views and birdlife at eye level. Sleeping surrounded by forest sounds creates a one-of-a-kind experience.

At Awake in the Wild, we work only with lodges and camps that meet our ethical and sustainability standards. Whether you’re looking for solar-powered luxury or a simple campfire safari experience, we’ll match you to the perfect base. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we’re able to arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

A Selection of our Odzala-Kokoua Safari Accommodation

We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options — from rustic eco-camps and authentic bush lodges to stylish tented retreats with breathtaking views. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we can arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

Average Weather and Climate in Odzala-Kokoua

The park’s equatorial climate means high humidity and warmth year-round, with two distinct dry and wet seasons.

During the main dry season (June–September), days average 27–30°C, humidity is lower, and conditions are more comfortable for trekking. Nights cool to around 18–20°C, offering relief from daytime warmth. Wildlife sightings are at their peak, with animals concentrating around bais and rivers.

The shorter dry spell (December–February) is similarly rewarding, with excellent gorilla and elephant activity and fewer visitors than the mid-year season. Photography conditions are superb, with soft morning mists and clear afternoon light.

The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) bring tropical downpours that transform the park into a lush green wonderland. Though trails become muddier and trekking more challenging, birdlife thrives, and the rainforest atmosphere is at its most intense.

Scenery shifts dramatically between seasons — from drier, more open paths in the dry months to misty, saturated greenery in the rains. The forest feels alive in different ways, offering unique photographic opportunities at any time of year.



Whichever season you choose, Odzala delivers atmosphere and intimacy, rewarding travellers willing to embrace its wild and ever-changing moods.

Combine with Other Destinations

Odzala-Kokoua is easily combined with other jewels of the Congo Basin. Lango Bai and Ngaga Camp offer gorilla trekking and bai experiences within the same park complex, creating a seamless circuit of river, swamp, and forest safaris.

Beyond Odzala, travellers can extend into Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, famous for Mbeli Bai and chimpanzee tracking, or cross into Dzanga-Sangha in the Central African Republic, where forest elephants gather dramatically at Dzanga Bai.

Gabon’s Loango National Park, where rainforest meets ocean, is another fascinating extension.

With Brazzaville as the main gateway, Odzala can also be paired with East or Southern African safaris for travellers seeking contrast between rainforest intimacy and savannah drama.

Speak to us about crafting your perfect itinerary.

Travelling from the UK to Odzala-Kokoua

There are no direct flights from London to Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo’s capital. Travellers typically connect via Paris, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or Casablanca, with total journey times of around 11–14 hours.

From Brazzaville, guests take a chartered light aircraft or a combination of domestic flight and scenic road transfer into Odzala. Flying over endless rainforest canopy before landing near camp is an unforgettable introduction to the park.

UK passport holders require a visa for entry to the Republic of Congo, which must be arranged in advance. Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Malaria prophylaxis and routine vaccinations are recommended. Awake in the Wild provides full support with visas, health advice, and travel arrangements.



From international flights to lodge transfers, we handle every logistical detail, ensuring your journey is smooth, safe, and focused entirely on the safari experience.

Discover the Wild, Your Way: Tailor Your Odzala-Kokoua Safari with Us

In Odzala, every moment is extraordinary — a gorilla’s chest-beat echoing through the forest, elephants wading silently into a bai, parrots rising in noisy clouds against the canopy. This is the Congo Basin at its most intimate and powerful, a safari that moves both heart and spirit.



Talk to us about the experiences you’ve always dreamed of. We’ll match you with handpicked lodges, expert local guides, and authentic adventures that bring Odzala-Kokoua National Park to life.

Speak to one of our safari specialists today — call us or fill out our quick enquiry form, and let’s start planning your tailor-made adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions