Gorilla Trekking in the Congo Basin
This week-long intrepid adventure through Odzala-Kokoua National Park travels between Ngaga, Lango and Mboko lodges, with two western lowland gorilla tracking experiences at its core. Activities include guided rainforest exploration, kayaking into remote forest clearings, night safaris, river cruises and time spent moving between savanna and riverine landscapes deep within the Congo Basin.
Trip highlights
- Track western lowland gorillas with expert local guides
- Explore Odzala's rainforest ecosystems on forest walks
- Kayak through waterways to reach Lango Lodge
- Visit local villages near the national park, such as Mbomo and Ombo
- Spot wildlife on river cruises and savanna walks around Mboko Lodge
- Take guided night excursions to see nocturnal creatures and starry skies
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–4
Welcome to Ngaga Lodge
Ngaga Lodge lies deep within the rainforest of Odzala-Kokoua National Park and serves as the base for encountering western lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Over four days, you’ll participate in two guided gorilla tracking experiences, each led by expert trackers and accompanied by detailed briefings. You’ll forge your way through forests, marshes and rivers in search of the creatures. Time between tracking excursions can range from relaxing in the beautiful surroundings of the camp to guided forest explorations, night walks, sundowners or visits to nearby villages, all offering an immersive introduction to the Congo Basin’s ecosystem.
Make it mine
On foot
After dark
Beyond the forest
Guided forest explorations
Join your guide for immersive walks through the rainforest surrounding the lodge, learning to read animal prints, plants and subtle signs of wildlife along the way. These explorations focus on zooming in on the forest ecosystem itself, from towering trees to medicinal plants, with routes and pacing adapted to your interests and the conditions on the day.
Nocturnal excursions around camp
As darkness falls, head out on a guided night walk to experience the forest in a completely different way. Using torchlight, you’ll explore the area around Ngaga Lodge while listening for nocturnal activity and learning how the rhythms of the rainforest change after sunset.
Visits to nearby villages
Visiting one of the nearby local villages offers you the chance to spend time in local communities near the national park. Accompanied by a guide, these visits offer insight into daily life on the forest edge and how people live alongside Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Days 4-6
Wetland life at Lango Lodge
You’ll arrive at Lango Lodge by kayak along the Lekoli River, looking out for wildlife along its banks – an apt introduction to your time in this watery landscape. Defined by wetlands, streams and swampy bai (forest clearings), you’ll get up close with this delicate ecosystem on guided walks and wades through the landscape, home to elusive bongo antelope, elephants, buffalo and thousands of colourful birds.
Make it mine
In the wetlands
Among the trees
As the light fades
Bai walks and wetland exploration
Set out on guided walks through swampy forest clearings and shallow streams, moving carefully through the bai environment. On these outings, your guide will help you understand this fragile ecosystem by tracking signs of wildlife and observing birds and animals drawn to the open, waterlogged landscape.
Guided forest walks
Exploring the forest surrounding Lango Lodge on foot with an experienced guide, you will learn to read animal tracks, identify plants and discover how wildlife move through the forest. These slow walks offer a mindful way to understand how the rainforest and wetlands intersect, with routes adapted to the conditions and each traveller’s interests and abilities.
Sundowners overlooking the clearing
As evening approaches, gather on the lodge’s stunning wraparound deck overlooking the forest clearing that surrounds it to watch the landscape change as light fades to evening. With a drink in hand, observe birds returning to roost and listen for the sounds of the forest shifting from day into dusk.
Days 6-8
Riverside relaxation at Mboko Lodge
Mboko Lodge sits where the forest meets the savanna, set along the Lékéni River as it threads into a network of winding waterways that criss-cross the bush. This is Odzala National Park’s wide-open chapter: early morning walking safaris at first light, forest and riverbank exploration with your guide and late-afternoon river cruises with a new view around every bend. Back at camp, Mboko’s extraordinary river deck offers a front-row perch for birdlife, butterflies and passing monkeys, plus quiet crystal streams for a dip or toe-splash.
Make it mine
On the river
In the water
At the lodge
Cruising the Lékéni River
Explore the Lékéni River by boat, following its winding channels through savanna and gallery forest. River cruises offer a slower, observational experience, with opportunities to watch birds along the banks, scan the water’s edge for wildlife taking a drink and appreciate how the river shapes this part of Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Swimming in wild forest streams
Near Mboko Lodge, clear streams and calm river sections provide rare opportunities to swim in a natural setting. These refreshing dips form part of the lodge’s more relaxed rhythm – a tactile way to connect with the landscape by soothing tired feet after walks or going for a full dip, surrounded by savanna and forest.
Wildlife and drinks on the river deck
Mboko Lodge’s long wooden deck sits directly above the Lékéni River, overlooking sandbanks, open savanna and gallery forest. Settle into one of the lounge chairs facing across the river for drinks or a snack and watch birds, butterflies and monkeys move along the water as the light softens.
We enjoyed the trip of a lifetime Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and then going on Safari in Kenya. Our travel designer, David Drayton curated the most amazing trip for us. David was just wonderful to work with. He is professional, knowledgeable, and his passion for Africa is palpable. David chose the most incredible accommodations, activities and experiences for…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
