Congo Brazzaville (the Republic of Congo/the Congo) boasts of its diverse natural wonders but it still features among the least explored destinations in Africa. It is a preferred destination in Africa that guarantees nature enthusiasts authentic wilderness experiences, especially if you are interested in western lowland gorilla encounters.
Tours to Congo Brazzaville are a perfect way to unearth the hidden wonders in this African country. The Congo Brazzaville tours are exceptional way to start your discovery journey to this Africa’s breathtaking landscapes also characterized by the vast savanna plains in the North Niari flooded forests to the scenic Rivers, the rugged mountains and lush Mayombe forests.
A 170 km long beach-dominated area set just along the Atlantic Coast also feature on the list of Congo Brazzaville’s natural endowments.
Location
The Congo Brazzaville lies in the Central-western side of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is found along the Western coast of Central Africa, and West of the Congo River just along the Equator. Brazzaville is the capital city in the Republic of Congo, and close to it is the bustling Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Republic of Congo straddles within four (4) terrestrial eco regions which include the Northwestern Congolian lowland forest, Atlantic Equatorial coastal forests, Western Congolian forest-savanna mosaic and Western Congolian swamp forests.
Tours to different destinations in the Congo Brazzaville often begin from the charming Brazzaville. From Brazzaville, guests have plenty to explore and experience including the Lesso Luna and the Congo River as well as different tourist sites within the heart of the city.
The Congo Western lowland gorilla tours
The Congo wild gorilla tours offer a remarkable opportunity for tourists to explore in depth the different behaviors of the Western lowland gorillas. In the Republic of Congo, Odzala-Kokoua National Park is an ideal destination for you to expect to explore on Western lowland gorilla trekking. The Western lowland gorillas are widely distributed across countries Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, DRC, and Central African Republic.
The Western lowland gorillas are unique from the rest of the sub species of gorillas considering their smaller sizes, the brown grey coats and wider skulls, and other features. A section of these apes also exist in the popular Bai in Nouabale –Ndoki National Park which protects over 100 Western lowland gorillas. There are also some rescued lowland gorillas (orphans) which are undergoing rehabilitation in the Lefini Reserve.
Overall, about 100,000 western lowland gorillas still survive on planet earth, and the most identified groups exist in the Ndzehi Forest in Ngaga Camo where 2 groups exist including Neptuno and Jupiter. In Odzala Kokoua National Park, about 7 groups with over 105 western lowland gorillas are open for trekking.
Western lowland gorilla trekking adventure can go for 2-6 hours and involves navigating via the lush forest and covers an hour for up close with a habituated gorilla family. The western lowland gorilla permits for Congo Brazzaville cost USD 350 to 450 per visitor.
There are several most captivating gorilla safari options awaiting you on Congo Brazzaville vacation including the epic 9 Days western lowland gorilla. This includes visiting destinations like Odzala-Kokoua National Park – and other hand the lowland gorillas, the protected area shelters other species of mammals including bongos, forest elephants, giant forest hogs, leopards, hippos and many others.
13-day inspirational western lowland gorilla trip. This may involve exploring the North-eastern destination in the Republic of the Congo plus several other tourist sites.
What to carry for your Western lowland gorilla trekking in Congo Brazzaville
Essentials to consider packing on Western lowland gorilla trekking in the Congo Brazzaville include waterproof hiking or walking boots, a backpack, a good camera, snacks, long-sleeved shirt, gardening gloves, waterproof rain jacket, bottled water, socks, a sweater, insect repellent, and first aid kit, etc.
Other exciting things to do in Congo Brazzaville
Odzala-Kokoua National Park tour
Explore Odzala-Kokoua National Park, a spectacular protected area in Congo Brazzaville most popular for its abundant wildlife. Odzala-Kokoua features among the ancient national parks on the African continent and occupies the land area of about 13,546 sq.km.
Odzala Kokou boasts of rich biodiversity inhabiting species such as buffaloes, forest elephants, and diverse primate species. Other than the lowland gorilla treks, a tour in Odzala-Kokoua National Park can also encompass exciting experiences like the guided hike and boat cruise/ride.
Some of the accommodation choices to stay after engaging in the different activities in Odzala-Kokoua National Park include Lango Camp, Mboko Camp and Ngaga Camp.
Visit Brazzaville city
Embark on a city excursion to unearth the wonders in Brazzaville capital. Explore the bustling markets, historic buildings which date back to the colonial era. On a city tour in Brazzaville, expect to visit several of the cultural landmarks including Poto-Poto, Basilique sainte-anne paintings.
Conkouati-Douli National Park –Congo
This is typically coastal national park also ideal for spotting sea turtles, western lowland gorillas, forest elephant and chimpanzees. Conkouati-Douli National Park is found in the Southwestern part of the Congo Brazzaville. It occupies an extensive area measuring up to 7955 sq.km, stretching towards the border with Gabon. It was officially gazette as a National Park in 1999 and is listed among the Ramsar sites as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Congo River
Congo Brazzaville tours also allow you explore the unique and rich ecosystem in the Congo River. You can embark of a boat ride down the Congo River.
Best time to go for a tour to Congo Brazzaville
The Congo Brazzaville is accessible all year round, thanks to the equatorial and consistent climatic conditions it experiences. At times, there is variation is weather and climatic conditions around the Northern and Southern part of the country.
The Southern part of the Congo lies close to Brazzaville and at times, daily temperatures can fall between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. During the dry season, the region can be a little cooler. To the further North, the area records typically wetter season and this falls between April and October.
Visitors with plans to explore the wonders of the Congo Brazzaville should take note of the 4 significant seasons. In case you intend to explore the Northern and Southern section of Congo Brazzaville, the most preferred time to travel to this spectacular country should be around the long dry months of the year. This is from May to September; whereas the Northern section records the dry season with the most preferred months being January and February.
The best months of the year with great sightings range from January to February –these are the short dry months of the year. They are ideal months for exploring the Northern part of Congo Brazzaville. The shorter wet season fall around March to April, while the Southern region is best explored around May to September –the longest dry months of the year. The longer wet months are recorded from October to December and during this period, the Southern region isn’t ideal for visiting.
Coleb Ataho