1-11 June 2027, dates flexible to suit the group. 10 days (plus an optional extra day in Brazzaville). Maximum group size 5.
Only five people can come on this trip with me. It is very much an exploratory visit to one of the least-visited wildernesses on earth, to witness primeval nature and spend time with the indigenous inhabitants of the forests, the BaAka. Should the group be interested, we could extend the trip across into the Central African Republic and the fabled Dzanga-Sangha National Park.
At the heart of the Congo rainforest, Nouabalé-Ndoki is a window on an undisturbed ecosystem, from endangered large mammals to endemic butterflies. Its nerve centre is Bomassa, a lively village of a few hundred people beside the Park HQ, where hornbills and small monkeys visit the fruiting trees. Wali Baï, a little forest clearing less than an hour’s walk from Bomassa, is the perfect place to watch elephants from a small raised platform, alongside buffaloes. At the much larger Mbeli Baï, elephants submerge themselves to feed on minerals while groups of gorillas feed on floating plants. Mondika is one of the best places to see habituated western lowland gorillas, such as the groups of Buka, Mététélé and the famous Kingo. (Park description quoted on source, credited to the Wildlife Conservation Society.)
A 10-day gorilla and rainforest expedition. The route is Brazzaville – Nouabalé-Ndoki – Brazzaville. This is very much a provisional itinerary: the expedition takes us far off the beaten track and will be a voyage of exploration.
Optional extra day – Brazzaville: flights tend to arrive in the evening, so if you’d like a day to acclimatise and see the sights, come a day early and I’ll very happily show you around, including meeting the Sapeurs.
Day 1 – Arrival in Brazzaville
Arrival at Maya-Maya International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Trip briefing and introduction to the Congo Basin ecosystems. Overnight in Brazzaville.
Day 2 – Drive to Ouesso
Scenic drive to Ouesso, capital of the Sangha region, with lunch at Oyo, the president’s city. Dinner and overnight at the Onanga Hotel, Ouesso.
Day 3 – Transfer to Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
Scenic drive into the rainforest, arriving at the WCS base camp. Lunch by the Sangha River, an introduction to Congo Basin biodiversity, the Lih Ngolio Ba’aka traditional dance group, and dinner by the river. Overnight at the WCS base.
Day 4 – Wildlife observation at Wali Baï
Early departure to the observation platform to watch wildlife gather in the clearing. Possible sightings: forest elephants, forest buffalo, and leopards (very rare). Overnight on the Wali Baï platform.
Day 5 – Transfer to Mondika
Early departure to Bomassa, breakfast in the village, transfer to Djeke base, then a two-hour walk to Mondika. Briefing; lunch and/or dinner at camp. Possible sightings: forest elephants and western lowland gorillas. Overnight at Mondika camp.
Day 6 – Gorilla trekking
Gorilla visit; lunch and dinner at camp. Overnight at Mondika camp.
Day 7 – To be confirmed
Day 8 – Return to Ouesso
Morning forest walk, then by vehicle back to Ouesso. Lunch and dinner in Ouesso, a cultural walk in the city or a relaxing evening. Overnight at the Onanga Hotel.
Day 9 – Return to Brazzaville
Scenic drive back to Brazzaville.
Day 10 – Fly home
£3,000 per person