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ODZALA WILDERNESS CAMPS – ENHANCED ITINERARY

FACTSNgaga Camp and Lango Camp, the two Odzala Wilderness Camps are located in separate and distinct areas and are combined in a six night itinerary offering our guests exposure to very different habitats, ecosystems, wildlife species and experiences. Ngaga is located in a pristine primary rainforest on the western border of the Park, whilst Lango Camp is located in the core of Odzala-Kokoua National Park.

NGAGA CAMPWilderness CollectionA delightful Camp consisting of 6 rooms that rests in a glade within primary forest above the NgagaStream and within the home ranges of several groups of western lowland gorillas.

LOCATEDLocated in the Ndzehi Forest on the western boundary of Odzala-Kokoua National Park.Odzala-Kokoua National Park is situated in the north-west of the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville.

CAMP DESCRIPTIONNgaga Camp rests in a glade in the heart of pristine primary rainforest with each raised room offering views into the surrounding canopy.Dining room, lounge and bar area are all on raised decks at the crest of the glade looking into and above the primary rainforest. They are constructed from natural materials including locally woven raffia palm panels.A star deck and fire pit are placed on a dropped deck below the main area for after dinner relaxation while a separate deck is located at a natural swimming spot on the Ngaga Stream below camp.

GAME VIEWINGWestern Lowland Gorillas are the main species of wildlife searched for from Ngaga Camp and they are tracked on foot from the Camp itself. This species favours areas of marantaceae vegetation which is a staple food source but at intervals throughout the year the gorillas also seek out fruiting trees within the forest. Other primates such as Crowned and Moustached Monkeys can be encountered in the forest, while Central Chimpanzees are often heard and occasionally seen. Various forest duikers occur as well as some spectacular forest birds such as the very large Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, the Great Blue Turaco and a host of others.

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ACTIVITIESThe principal activity at Ngaga Camp is the tracking on foot of Western Lowland Gorillas. These excursions are led by a guide and skilled local tracker who are able to interpret and follow signs on the forest floor that can lead them to the chosen gorilla group for the day. Please note that although every effort is made, gorilla viewing is not guaranteed. Birding walks and night walks are possible as well for groups that are interested. Night walks may reveal rarely seen creatures such as the Central Potto, or one of the minute galago species. Viewing of forest wildlife such as the various primate species and also charismatic birds can require wading through streams, stalking through the forest undergrowth and patience. Cultural visits to nearby Ombo village, to learn more about sustainable forest lifestyles and how people make the most of all that Nature provides in such a remote location.

LANGO CAMPWilderness CollectionA beautiful 6-roomed camp nestled in dense gallery forest overlooking the productive Lango Bai and with access to the Lekoli River and the surrounding savannah.

LOCATEDLocated in the south central part of Odzala- Kokoua National Park.Odzala-Kokoua National Park is situated in the north-west of the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville.

CAMP DESCRIPTIONNestled in dense gallery forest with each room overlooking the productive Lango Bai.Dining room, lounge and bar area are all on raised decks overlooking the bai, and are constructed from natural materials such as locally woven raffia palm panels.Raised walkways wind through the forest and connect the rooms to the public areas.A star deck and fire pit are placed on a dropped deck overlooking the bai for after dinner relaxation and star-gazing.

GAME VIEWINGForest Buffalo and Western Sitatunga are regular visitors to the bai and can be seen at any time of the day. Forest Elephant and Spotted Hyaena are also regular visitors but are more typically seen after dark. Nocturnal visitors to the bai include the rare Bongo, Leopard and Red River Hog. Harnessed Bushbuck and various forest duiker species can be encountered nearby and Guereza Colobus monkeys are frequently seen in camp. Other primates, such as Grey-cheeked Mangabey and Putty-nosed Monkey are commonly seen nearby, while Chimpanzees are regularly heard from camp.Hippo occur at low densities in the Lekoli River and Serval are occasionally seen in the savannah areas. Crocodiles are represented by two harmless species, the Slender-snouted Crocodile and the African Dwarf Crocodile.


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ACTIVITIESActivities from Lango Camp focus on the bai itself, associated salines, the Lekoli River and surrounding savannah. Most activities are a combination of walking and boating, while some driving is included in other activities. We access Lango Bai and adjacent forests, as well as the nearby savannah on foot, while boating on the Lekoli River is done in a variety of craft ranging from aluminium boats, to motorised traditional pirogues and even kayaks with which we explore the river’s flat waters. Viewing of forest wildlife such as the various primate species and also charismatic birds can require wading through streams and bais, stalking through the undergrowth and waiting patiently at locations such as the salines. Cultural visits to Mbomo village (en route to / from Ngaga) to witness and participate in village life.

ACCOMMODATIONNumber of rooms: Six rooms in total consisting of:

6 x twin-bedded rooms.Both camps can accommodate 12 guests.

ROOM DETAILSRooms raised 3-4 meters above the ground.Each room has a 360 degree wraparound viewing walkway.En-suite bathroom with shower.Flush toilet.Mosquito net.Environmentally friendly soaps and shampoos are supplied in each room.Fans and power points in each room (no air-conditioning)

LANGO & NGAGA CAMP FACTSSEASONS / CHILD POLICY

One rate all year.Children of 15 years and older can be accommodated at Lango and Ngaga Camps – adult rates apply. Children are accommodated on all activities.

ELECTRICITY & WATERElectricity is provided by solar energy with a back-up generator if required.Video and camera batteries as well as laptops can be charged in guest rooms or in the main area.

DRINKS POLICYAll drinks are included in the nightly tariff, with the exception of premium wines and champagnes, and premium liqueurs and spirits.

LAUNDRY POLICYLaundry is done daily and is included in the nightly tariff

EXTRAS PAYMENTTips/gratuities can be settled on check-out. Payment can only be made in cash (US Dollars, British Sterling or Euro).

FLYING TIMESTo/from Brazzaville and Mboko airstrip: 2 hours, or 3 hours if a fuel stop is required.


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AIRSTRIP DETAILSMboko airstrip is located approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Lango Camp and 3 hours from Ngaga Camp.Airstrip coordinates: N 0° 35’ 57.97” E°014 52’ 19.76”Length: 1.3km grass airstrip.

6-NIGHT PROGRAME COMBINING LANGO & NGAGA CAMPSA six-night itinerary combining both Ngaga and Lango Camps has been designed to enable our guests to experience a wide variety of ecosystems, habitats, activities and wildlife sightings.

DAY 1: NGAGA CAMP, NDZEHI CONCESSIONDepart Brazzaville at 08h30 for private charter flight to Mboko airstrip with a light packed lunch en routeArrive at Mboko in the late morning and enjoy a three- to four-hour savannah and forest drive to Ngaga Camp.Depending on time of arrival, have afternoon tea and freshen up before undertaking a short guided walk in the forest area around Ngaga to acclimatise and search for wildlife.Comprehensive gorilla briefing. Dinner in camp.

DAY 2: NGAGA CAMP – Suggested itinerary; can vary depending on local conditions on the day

Early wake-up and light breakfast.Set out again on foot into the surrounding forest, part of the group for gorilla tracking and part for a forest walk.Return to camp to freshen up and enjoy brunch and a midday siesta.In the afternoon we enjoy a change of pace during a walk out on the forest trails in search of the birds and mammals of the area or a cultural visit to nearby Ombo village. Return to camp to enjoy a sundowner on the main deck.Dinner in camp.

DAY 3: NGAGA CAMP – Suggested itinerary; can vary depending on local conditions on the day

This morning, after another early wake-up and light breakfast, we set out again on foot for gorilla tracking excursions and forest walks.Return to camp to freshen up and enjoy brunch and a midday siesta.This afternoon another walk out on the forest trails gives more opportunities for birding and potential views of the small mammals in the area.Return to camp to enjoy a sundowner on the main deck.Dinner in camp.


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DAY 4: LANGO CAMP, ODZALA-KOKOUA NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast in Camp, leave for a three- to four-hour forest and savannah drive to Lango Camp passing through Mbomo Village on the edge of the National Park.Having settled into Lango Camp guests then enjoy lunch and a first afternoon activity, which could be a walk in the bai.

DAY 5: LANGO CAMPEarly morning wake-up is followed by a light breakfast and coffee on the main deck overlooking Lango Bai.Embark on your first activity for the day – perhaps a more expanded walk down Lango bai to bird-rich mineral licks, or into gallery forest and savannah fringe.Return to camp for a relaxing brunch and midday rest period.Head out again on your afternoon activity perhaps followed by a night drive back to camp.Dinner in camp.

DAY 6: LANGO CAMPWake up early for a light breakfast and coffee before setting off on the morning activity.Today this may begin with a savannah drive to the boat jetty for boat trip down the Lekoli River, returning to camp on foot through Lango Bai.

Return to camp for brunch and some downtime before heading out again in the afternoon.The afternoon activity will depend on local wildlife movements and could take the form of a walking excursion in the Lango area, or perhaps further afield at a site like Mbouebe Bai. Return to camp on a night drive.Dinner in camp

DAY 7: BRAZZAVILLEAfter an early breakfast we depart from Lango Camp at 06h30 to head for Mboko airstrip (a drive of 45 minutes) for the private charter flight back to Brazzaville which will departat 07h30, to arrive in Brazzaville at 10h30. NB This means that guests can only connect with international flights departing from Brazzaville after 13h00.

Please Note: Activities described above are an example of what might happen from day to day. Local climatic and other conditions occasionally dictate changes to this in order for our guests to have the best possible chances of seeing desirable species. Adaptations to these activities can also be made on request where this is required for specialised group bookings. Each group of guests has two opportunities to track gorillas.


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Deep in the dense Congo rainforest, there exists a place where time and space seem to be suspended. A place so exotic and unspoiled, a rainforest so remote and reviving, that it seems both timeless and serenely apart from the spinning world we call home.

Odzala’s two camps, Lango and Ngaga, in and adjacent to Republic of Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park, have been designed by South African-based LIFE Interiors + Architecture + Creative Direction as eco-havens in the rainforest, allowing precious proximity to western lowland gorillas, numerous other primates and forest elephant and buffalo – and the pristine rainforest they call home. At the same time, the designs express an expeditionary experience of pioneering adventure and considered conservation in the wild.

Sensing the respectful light-handed approach that was required in the design, and wishing to express Wilderness and Sabine Plattner’s principles for sustainable, sensible and sensitive development, Maira Koutsoudakis and her team at LIFE created a subtle conceptual design that touches lightly on the earth, sustainably blends into the remote forest environment and is made of materials that are born from, and will return to, the earth.

CONCEPT: AFRICAN HAIKULIFE adopted the analogy of the haiku poem as its starting point for the design of the Odzala camps – as an example of the elegance of brevity and the simple, meaningful gesture; the humility of the frugal footprint. This is the genius of haiku: using an economy of words to paint a multi-tiered painting, without “telling all”. In brevity, natural resources and time are seen as finite and precious, and the necessity for longevity echoes the necessity for the conservation effort. This effort is expressed through the elegant, subtly sophisticated green design, which is sustainable, conservation-centred, commercially viable, and centres on community development and cultural celebration, in a model of authentic ecotourism – with soul.

ARCHITECTURESensing the vertical nature of the rainforest’s grand totemic trees and in order to make the most of the spiritual experience of the staggering arboreal elevation, LIFE chose to elevate the camps, stilting them on raised platforms with elevated walkways linking the hive-like tree-houses and main areas. Not only aimed at guest comfort, the elevation is also luxurious and is intended to allow visitors to experience the canopy from the same perspective as the gorillas and other primates, as a welcome sanctuary from the dense undergrowth, gracefully elevated above the ground whilst hovering, ethereally, below the cool rainforest canopy.

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While sharing many features of design and layout, LIFE has given each of the two camps a unique feel that owes much to their very different surroundings and habitats. Each consists of six tree-houses and associated main areas, inspired by the traditional designs of the regional B’Aka Pygmy groups and traditional, global rainforest cultures.

ROOMSUsing fast-growing and pliable indigenous saplings and locally woven raffia palm roofing panels, together with sustainably-sourced indigenous Wenge and golden Bilinga solid timbers, the tree-houses are hut-like in shape with elegant, arched roofs to aid in the run-off of rainwater and the natural cooling of the internal spaces. Natural lighting and ventilation has been subtly addressed via the inclusion of a clearstory panel in the ceiling while a mesh skirt along the bottom creates the impression of a floating roof and walls, whilst promoting needed natural ventilation. The effect is linear, vertical and extremely energy efficient.

Inside, the detailing is an exercise in restrained luxury with no excess space, but sophisticated and intricate traditional design details.

MAIN AREASThe two communal areas follow the spirit of the tree-house design, but differ in both scale and spatial array. At Lango Camp, the main area is split into two angled volumes – one a dining and the other a lounging space – with a curved outdoor area opening out to celebrate the vast views of the saline and its meandering wildlife.

At the more densely forested and steeper sloped Ngaga Camp, the communal area is sited at the higher part of the camp glade: from the lounge, dining area and fire deck mystical vistas of the misty horizon line above and through the forest canopy can be enjoyed, with glimpses of the tree-houses nestled into their wild, forest surrounds below.

INTERIORSBeyond LIFE’s architecture, the interiors of the two camps are in a similar spirit, but vary in palette. Lango is the lighter camp and here LIFE choose subtle, earthy tones. At Ngaga, in the depths of the forest, they used a darker Wenge wood that the locals call Panga Panga, teamed with cool browns and foresty teal greens.

The interior design of the camps centres on a ‘collapsible campaign’ and ‘expeditionary explorer aesthetic’ with maps, beaten brass, travellers’ trunks and antique metallic detailing adding to the effect, straddling both the past and the timeless present moment.

The haiku concept again finds expression in the simplicity and brevity of furniture and objects; fewer, yet stronger, gestures relay more visual information and speak of a lighthanded approach. Whilst furniture is eclectic and a mix of local and imports, comfort – after a day’s exploration – is key.


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THE 4CS AND DESIGN: COMMERCE, CONSERVATION, COMMUNITY AND CULTURE An important aspect of all Wilderness camps are the “4Cs” of Commerce, Conservation, Community and Culture, and all designs need to conform to the philosophy championing this purpose.

On the commercial, community and cultural front, the LIFE design team commissioned local Congolese craftsmen and artisans to create both structural and interior elements for the camps. A number of communities and villages adjacent to Odzala-Kokoua National Park were commissioned to create raffia roof panels as part of our collective community involvement and job-creation effort in the Odzala tree-houses. Added to this was the creation of round-edged dining tables, sculptural servers, as well as utilitarian objects showcasing their weaving craftsmanship, promoting cultural celebration and job creation. LIFE has also curated a gallery of sorts in each of the Odzala camps, where traditional pygmy artefacts, Congolese high craft and unique utilitarian objets are celebrated and displayed on elevated plinths, simultaneously adding punctuations of adornment, cultural information and a sense of celebration and ownership for the local community.

This is a place for the cultural tourist; no generic homogeneity here, this is anti-global aesthetic, anti-‘could be anywhere’, excavating the unique character of this special place. This is not a hotel in the bush – rather, it is a light but very authentic experience in the wild.

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATIONThis vast region of the Congo Basin contains the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, surpassed only by the Amazon and is especially species-rich. Although the region is far less impacted by commercial logging than other tropical rainforests of the world, there is no doubt that the same pressures that affect conservation in the Amazon or the rainforests of south east Asia are relevant in Congo too. With this in mind, LIFE sought to complement the crucial conservation efforts of Sabine Plattner and Wilderness, for the wildlife and the rainforest of Congo’s Odzala Wilderness Camps, by espousing a philosophy of green, sustainable, earth-friendly design, which is essentially high-performance design. These green building principles centre on increasing the efficiency of the units and their use of energy, water and materials by reducing the building’s impact on human health and the environment through better siting, better design, local sourcing, construction, operation, maintenance and removal – the complete building life cycle. It is the architecturalisation of nature and the naturalisation of architecture. Only materials with appropriate provenance, Forestry Stewardship Council approval, sustainably logged timbers and community-created raffia roofing, timber flooring and environmentally sensitive materials form a part of the structures and interiors of these pristine projects.


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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMSBoth in its arrival to and exit from the camps, the purification, heating and treatment of water – a finite, precious resource even in the rainforest – has been addressed through the filter of green design and becomes part of the interactive guest journey: a journey of information, education and inspiration.

Likewise, photovoltaic and alternate sources of energy and the focus on natural ventilation in clearstory windows, positioning of apertures and solar-powered lighting and ventilation are given the same level of design as the front-of-house areas: a new concept of good, green design.

Green building is based on creating harmony. This harmony has to exist between a structure and its natural environment, by developing energy-efficient solutions focused on the best use of water, energy, materials and waste in the complete life cycle of a building.

CONCLUSIONThe Odzala project is so extreme in its distance and its difficulty that the approach had to be light-handed and humble. The practical needs led to the necessity of a light touch. These challenges were viewed in an aesthetic and spiritually enlightened way.

After all, you can call something small and simple or you can call it haiku.

ABOUT THE TEAMMaira, together with the multi-award winning LIFE Interiors + Architecture + Creative Direction team, who are behind the extraordinary interiors at North Island in the Seychelles, are renowned for the design of organic, nature-inspired leisure lodges in exotic locations, such as the award-winning Mombo in the Okavango Delta, Damaraland Camp and the remote Serra Cafema in the Namibian Desert amongst others, for Wilderness.

LIFE INTERIORS + ARCHITECTURE + CREATIVE DIRECTION - PROJECT TEAM: Maira Koutsoudakis, John Koutsoudakis, Tony Pereira, Elita van Graan, Marcelle Jaggard, Chantelle Scheepers.


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THE WILDLIFE AND ECOLOGY OF REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND ODZALA-KOKOUA NATIONAL PARK

Equatorial forest covers much of the Republic of Congo’s landscape, stretching from the Massif de Chaillu and Mayombe forests in the south to enormous tracts of primary forest in the north. These forests form part of the larger Congo Basin, a region that spans six countries and contains a quarter of the world’s tropical forests. Congo’s forests have not always covered their current area, but have naturally expanded and contracted over long periods of time and with ice ages and droughts.

Countrywide, more than 400 mammal species, 1 000 bird species, 700 fish and nearly 10 000 plant species, of which 3 000 are found nowhere else have been recorded. The country’s remote northern forests harbour the highest known gorilla densities, including an estimated 125 000 western lowland gorillas. A recent census by Wildlife Conservation Society also revealed that unexpectedly large numbers of great apes are alive and well in these remote northern forests. The news effectively doubled the estimated worldwide population of western lowland gorillas. Other large mammals include forest elephants, forest buffalo and the largest and most elusive of forest antelope, the bongo.

The forests of the Congo have long been a source of food and shelter for hunter-gatherer societies, who have been hunting duikers, bush pigs, monkeys, and other mammals for generations. Animal products such as skins, horns, feathers, and bones play important roles in cultural and religious ceremonies. However, as human populations grow and their natural resource base continues to shrink due to industrial exploitation, they seek access into formerly remote areas. Increasingly, roads crisscross the forest, and urban societies are putting down new roots there. As a result, many of the region’s large mammals, such as forest elephants, western gorillas, and chimpanzees, have become endangered.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park (PNOK) in north-western Congo is a vast green wilderness and one of Africa’s oldest national parks. It covers some 13 600 square kilometres (1.360 million hectares) of pristine rainforest and is an integral part of both the Congo Basin and the TRIDOM Transfrontier Park overlapping Gabon, Congo and Cameroon.

Covered in forests, rivers, marshes and swamps, the Park is blessed with some 1 500 mm of rain annually, which falls mainly during the two wet seasons. Permanent rivers are a primary feature of Odzala-Kokoua, with the Lekoli and Kokoua rivers flowing into the Park’s major channel, the Mambili. In some places, the Mambili is up to 100 metres wide between densely forested banks; it then flows into the great Congo River.

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The north of the Park has dense forest covering many steep-sloped hills. In the west, a major escarpment runs roughly north-south from which the altitude drops 350 metres into a low swampy forest towards neighbouring Gabon. The southern part of the Park is characterised by pockets of savannah dotted with forest islands, bisected by the rivers and their associated gallery forests.

A major feature is the occurrence of “bais” or salines. These are swampy, grassy clearings in the otherwise dense forest that forest wildlife visit on a regular basis in order to drink, feed on sedges and grasses, and obtain minerals and salts.

This vast and truly wild region, with its wide range of landscapes and habitat, is home to an incredible diversity of life. Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo, Leopard, Bongo, Giant Forest Hog and Hippopotamus live alongside the greatest density of Western Lowland Gorilla in Africa, the highest numbers of Chimpanzee yet recorded for any central African forest block, and a further nine diurnal and five nocturnal primates. Clouds of spectacular butterflies are characteristic of the region, whilst close to 440 bird species have been recorded here. The trees are spectacular: ancient giants well over 50 metres tall emerge from the canopy, delicate orchids cling to the branches and the forest floor is littered with an incredible array of pods, fruits, flowers and fungi.

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ODZALA WILDERNESS CAMPSDaily excursions from our two camps are designed to offer the widest possible range of habitats, species and experiences during your stay. Whilst the main focus at Ngaga Camp is the tracking of gorillas, Lango camp offers a completely different range of experiences.

NGAGA CAMPGORILLA TRACKING As a result of the work done by gorilla researchers Dr Magda Bermejo and German Illera, habituated gorilla groups can be tracked and observed in the area around Ngaga Camp. In the extended area there are no fewer than seven groups totalling 105 individual gorillas.

Two of these groups are able to be accessed by our guests. Tracking takes place on foot with one of our guides and a skilled local tracker, with tracking excursions departing from camp and following the tracks and sign of the animals until they are located. Please note that although every effort is made, gorilla viewing is not guaranteed.

Given that Ngaga Camp is situated at the overlap between the home ranges of these three groups, tracking expeditions do not cover enormous distances and can range in length from 1 to 8 kilometres (0.5 to 5 miles) over undulating country. The undergrowth can be thick, however, and including the time spent with a gorilla group, excursions can last between 2 and 7 hours.

Gorilla viewing protocol is based on the guidelines issued by the IUCN for great ape viewing and is very similar to that of Rwanda/Uganda. Protocols are designed specifically to limit behavioural impact and also potential disease transmission from humans to gorillas. They are critical for gorilla conservation.

Minimum age for gorilla viewing is 15 years – this is for reasons of safety, but also for possible disease transmission, with children under this age more prone to infection.Maximum proximity to gorillas is 7 metres (22 feet). It is not permitted to approach more closely and we typically view the animals at 10-15 metres (32-50 feet).Maximum viewing duration of any group is one hour per day. Each group is only visited once per day. Each group of guests has two opportunities to track gorillas.Maximum number of guests per gorilla tracking excursion is 4.Guests that display cold, flu or other respiratory tract symptoms will not be allowed to track gorillas.No food is permitted on gorilla tracking excursions, nor is smoking allowed. Hand washing facilities are provided at Ngaga Camp prior to gorilla tracking.While gorilla sightings and encounters are very reliable, viewing is dependent on variables such as weather and tracking conditions.While gorilla tracking is the main focus of Ngaga Camp, there are a range of other activities that highlight the other fascinating flora and fauna of the area.

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WALKING – NDZEHI FOREST TRAILSThe terra firma primary rainforests of the Ngaga area offer a completely different walking experience to the swampy forest area at Lango. Relaxed walks along the well-maintained trail system are great for birding and finding some of the spectacular forest species. Guereza Colobus and Crowned Monkeys are regularly seen while other species also occur. The density of Chimpanzee in the area is very high with nest sites being regularly seen while tracking gorillas. The noisy screams and hoots of this species are often heard while in the forest, or even from Ngaga Camp itself, but it requires some good fortune to glimpse our closest relatives in the thick forest. Forest Squirrels, elaborately-built termite castles, spectacular butterflies and cool forest streams all make walking here an incredible nature experience.

WALKING – NIGHT WALKSThe Ngaga area has a much lower density of Forest Elephant and Buffalo than Lango and it is therefore safe to venture out at night on foot in search of the forest’s most secretive inhabitants. Nocturnal primates are well represented. Along with the more familiar Galagos, two really bizarre and unique creatures can possibly be spotted: the Potto and the Angwantibo. These slow-moving prosimians are tricky to find, but once located often offer really good viewing as they cling motionlessly to a branch. Shy Forest Duikers, Palm Civets and Tree Pangolins are also occasionally encountered. Africa’s largest bat, the Hammer Bat, whose resounding calls are

unmistakeable, can normally be found by scanning the canopy within the calling area. A number of owls occur in this part of the forest, the Redchested Owlet being the most commonly seen.

PRESENTATIONSOur resident guides and research team offer regular, informal discussions on the Gorilla Research Project, the area’s wildlife and unique creatures, our conservation efforts in the region and the challenges faced in conserving viable forest ecosystems in Africa.

SWIMMING – NGAGA STREAMAfter a hot day’s gorilla tracking, the clear, cool and fresh waters of the Ngaga Stream below camp offer a blissful experience. A short, shaded stroll from the camp brings one to an idyllic stream where lying in the shallow natural pools washes away the rigours of a day in the jungle. We have built a comfortable wooden deck on the edge of the stream to provide an alternate place to spend the middle of the day, either cooling off or enjoying watching the forest birdlife.


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LANGO CAMPBOATING – LEKOLI RIVERThe Lekoli River in the Lango region offers one of the best chances to observe the wildlife of the forest since visibility here is greater than within the canopy. We make use of motorised aluminium boats and traditional pirogues to travel against the river currents whilst the most rewarding time is spent drifting silently downstream searching the beautiful forested banks for Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo, primate species like Putty-nosed Monkey and de Brazza’s Monkey and birds. Although Hippo do occur, their numbers are low and they are seldom seen. Bongo antelope are an exciting possible sighting. Crocodiles are represented by two harmless species, the Slender-snouted Crocodile and the African Dwarf Crocodile. Chimpanzees are regular in this area although more often heard than seen.

WALKING – LANGO BAI, GALLERY FOREST, SAVANNAH FRINGEExploring the Lango area on foot offers many great wildlife viewing opportunities. The area’s savannah, marsh, swamp forest and riverine forest are home to Forest Elephant and Forest Buffalo, both of which are regularly encountered. Stalking quietly along forest trails can produce sightings of Red River Hog and shy forest birds. Monkeys are also often encountered and interestingly, the riverine and swamp forest is home to no less than eight monkey species. Guereza Colobus, Grey-cheeked Mangabey and Putty-nosed Monkey are regularly seen. With a bit of luck one may encounter Crowned and Moustached Monkeys, De Brazza’s Monkey and Northern Talapoin.

Walking is also the best way to study the fine detail of the forest – insects, fungi, orchids, animal tracks and birds are all part of the show. The soundtrack is provided by a chorus of frogs, birds and insects whilst monkeys and other creatures hoot, scream and grunt in the background. Walking in the Lango area is adventurous as the area is very wet. Trails have been opened to allow access to the main areas, but one often returns to camp with wet and muddy shoes and even other parts of your clothing as proof of the adventure!

DRIVING – MBOKO AND LANGO SAVANNAHGame viewing vehicles are used in the Lango area primarily to access the region’s diverse attractions rather than for game viewing. We use the vehicles to get to and from walking and boating areas. In the early mornings and late evenings a drive along the forest edge offers a different perspective of the landscape. Wildlife that is often seen along the forest edge includes Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo and Western Sitatunga. After a sundowner stop, we continue to explore the savannah and forest edge, spotlighting in search of rarely seen and shy nocturnal creatures. Some of the elusive species that can be encountered with a bit of luck include Spotted Hyaena, Aardvark, Leopard, Golden Cat, Emin’s Pouched Rat, Palm Civet and two species of Pangolin. This is also a good time to search for some of the many owls that occur here, whilst both Long-tailed and Swamp Nightjars are common all year round.


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