Why Go On A Congo Safari: A Comprehensive Guide

One country in Africa that is transforming the way people travel is the Republic of the Congo, which is not to be mistaken with the DRC. The Congo (or Congo-Brazzaville) has made it easier than ever before for tourists to explore the breathtaking equatorial rainforests of Africa.

The Congo Basin rainforests are a major center for biodiversity and have earned the nickname “the green lungs” of Earth. It is inhabited by about a hundred different kinds of mammals, including western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, buffalo, hippos, and the incredibly rare bongo antelope. Also, there are more than 400 bird species to see here, including the incredibly uncommon picathartes, enormous kingfishers, magnificent blue turacos, and African grey parrots.

An unforgettable chance to discover the many landscapes of the Congo awaits you on a safari through its pristine forests, savannahs, mineral-rich marshes, and rivers. This region is sometimes considered the last frontier of safaris. Embark on a safari in Congo and immerse yourself in the country’s rich biodiversity, animals, culture, history, and conservation efforts in some of the world’s most inaccessible regions.

Reason Why Go On A Congo Safari

1. See Western Lowland Gorillas In Their Pristine Natural Kingdom

Lowland Silverback Gorilla in the Republic of Congo

As one of the top tourist destinations in the Congo, Odzala-Kokoua National Park protects a large population of western lowland gorillas in an unspoiled primary rainforest covering 13,500 square kilometers (5,200 square miles).

One of a kind gorilla trekking safaris in the Congo allows you and your guide to skip the camp and head right into the jungle to search for the primates; on occasion, you may even be able to spot them within an hour. In contrast, other gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda and Rwanda necessitate a two- to five-hour mountain trip after a road transfer into the national parks.

Unlike in other nations, where you can only track gorillas for one day, a Congo safari gives you the chance to do so for three days in a row. Because of this, you may spend longer time with each gorilla family, allowing you to see and learn about their unique social dynamics and intriguing personality traits.

• Best place to see western lowland gorillas in the wild.
• Walk straight into the forest from camp and start tracking gorillas – no transfers to national parks needed.
• Hike on flatter terrain and lower altitude than in Rwanda and Uganda.
• Go trekking for three consecutive days – spend more time with gorillas.
• Learn about primate conservation with world-renowned researchers.

2. Explore An Extraordinary Tropical Rainforest On Foot

Tense encounter with a Silverback Mountain Gorilla in Rwanda

On foot safaris through the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, visitors can see chimpanzees, timid forest elephants and buffalo, more than 400 bird species, and, of course, gorilla trekking safaris. The Central Potto and other nocturnal primates can be followed on guided night hikes.

Even though a guided tour of a baï could become slightly muddy and wet, it’s one of the rare locations in Africa where you can safely stroll among forest streams and marshes. During the night, forest elephants are drawn to these wetland clearings, which also offer nutrient-rich water and pasture for other species like as bongo, forest buffalo, and large flocks of African grey parrots and green pigeons. Dzanga Baï offers the best forest elephant encounters in Africa and is a must-visit location for ecotourists.

• Go on guided forest walks for birdwatching and tracking the ‘Forest Five’ (forest elephant, forest buffalo, western lowland gorilla, bongo and giant forest hog).
• Head out on night walks in search of nocturnal forest animals like palm civets, galago and flickering fireflies.
• Swim in crystal-clear streams while watching monkeys and butterflies overhead.
• Spend time watching wildlife around a busy forest baï (wetland).

3. Traverse The Congo Basin By Boat & Kayak

An old acquaintance on the hunt – Spectacular wildlife on the Congo River

Navigate the Congo Basin in relative obscurity as you glide silently over its streams. As you stroll along the riverbanks, be on the lookout for forest elephants, antelope, buffalo, and charming monkeys.

• Enjoy boat cruises, the perfect way to witness the sunset over the forest on your Congo tour.
• Go kayaking to explore the riverbanks while enjoying the tranquillity of the water.

4. Meet The Forest’s Native Communities & Tribes

The life of Central African Republic Pygmies

Stop by several rural communities and soak up some local knowledge about life in the Congo Basin. Learn about the hunter-gatherers’ ways of life among the Ba’Aka by observing them as they go about their everyday lives in the rainforest. Cultural tourists will be in awe of these encounters during their safari in the Congo.

• Enjoy authentic interactions in local villages.
• Savour meaningful meetings with the Ba’Aka tribe while observing their survival techniques in the rainforest.

5. Discover The ‘Little Paris Of Africa’

BRAZZAVILLE: The Capital City of THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO.

Brazzaville, the capital of the Congo, is a charming French colonial city with vibrant fabric markets, colorful architecture, and an unusual French culture that visitors to the Congo may enjoy. The people who live there are kind and inviting, and they take great delight in maintaining the city in immaculate shape.

• Visit key attractions like the Poto-Poto Textile Market and Painting School, Marche Plateau Ville, St. Anne’s Basilica, and Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial.
• Meet the famous Sapeurs or La Sape – an abbreviation based on the phrase Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes (Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People) – a subculture centred in Brazzaville and Kinshasa.