The Congo Basin

Tucked deep in the southwest of the Central African Republic far from any city or town, Dzanga-Sangha is one of those “off the map” places and worth every effort to reach. The walk to Dzanga Bai alone is unforgettable: a trail through dense forest, across shallow rivers, ending at a vast, open clearing where forest elephants, bongo, sitatunga, and other elusive species gather in plain sight. Guided treks take you through the jungle to find Western Lowland gorillas or help pangolin researchers track one of the world’s rarest mammals. You can also walk with the Ba’aka (pygmy people), learning their traditional hunting methods and forest knowledge passed down over centuries. For a region that once had no tourist infrastructure, the emergence of small, eco-minded lodges has made it possible to stay comfortably while exploring one of the wildest places on earth.

Brazzaville is colorful, expressive, and full of heart. Set on the banks of the Congo River, the city blends its French colonial history with vibrant local culture. There are open-air markets and tiled murals, contemporary art spaces, and the iconic Sapeurs, known as the ‘Dandies of the Congo’. They call their club the “Society of Ambiance Makers and Elegant People”. Local members are dressed to the nines expressing their personal sense of fashion from the 19th century to contemporary runway styles. It’s worth a visit not just as a stopover, but as a reminder of the creativity and resilience that thrive at the edges of the wild.

Three remote camps, Ngaga, Lango, and Mboko, provide access to different corners of the Republic of Congo, each with its own rhythm. At Ngaga, you’re surrounded by butterflies, birdsong, and habituated gorilla families. At Lango, you move through flooded bais on foot or by kayak, immersed in a waterlogged wonderland. And at Mboko, you can walk, boat, or just sit and watch the forest meet the savanna over morning coffee or evening sundowners. Together, these lodges form a rare network of comfort and purpose—anchored in conservation, local partnership, and low-impact travel.

Odzala offers a diversity of ways to immerse yourself in nature. One day you’re tracking gorillas through thick undergrowth, the next you’re paddling a narrow river flanked by ancient trees, surrounded by bird calls. It’s a patchwork of forest, savanna, and swamp, all networked together with trails used by elephants, chimps, and the occasional leopard. There’s no “typical day” here—only the deep sense that you’re somewhere few have gone, guided by those who know the land best.