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Safaris in Odzala-Kokoua National Park
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Odzala-Kokoua National Park guide
Overview
Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the northwest of the Republic of the Congo is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, first protected in 1935. Covering about 13,500 km², it is a mosaic of rainforest, forest clearings known as bais, rivers and patches of savannah, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since 2010 the park has been managed by African Parks in partnership with the Congolese government, with a strong focus on law enforcement, community development and low-impact tourism.
Wildlife
Odzala-Kokoua is one of the best places to see western lowland gorillas, and habituated groups can be tracked on foot. The park also protects forest elephants, which gather at the bais, as well as chimpanzee, forest buffalo, bongo, sitatunga, spotted hyena and many monkey species. Birdlife is exceptional.
Key wildlife
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: Jun–Sep. Also good: Dec–Mar.
Peak Good Quieter
The drier months, from about December to March and June to September, are generally best, although rain is possible at any time. Malaria is present, so speak to a travel clinic about prevention.
Getting There
International flights arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (BZV) in Brazzaville. The park is usually reached by charter flight to an airstrip in or near the park, as part of a pre-arranged trip.
Fees & Access
Entrance fees
Operators report park fees of about US$180 per person per night, made up of a park fee (about US$40), a conservation fee (about US$100) and a community fee (about US$40). Gorilla tracking is charged separately. Fees are usually included in fly-in safari packages.
These figures are not from an official published tariff, so confirm current rates when you book.
Gate hours
Pre-arranged visits only
Health
Malaria risk: High. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.
Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.
Safety and Advisories
Check your own government’s current travel advisory for the Republic of the Congo before making any plans. We do not give travel advice beyond what official advisories say.
Location
Where is Odzala-Kokoua National Park?
Good to know
Odzala-Kokoua National Park FAQs
Can you see gorillas in Odzala-Kokoua?
Yes. Odzala-Kokoua is one of the best places to track habituated western lowland gorillas on foot.
How much are Odzala-Kokoua park fees?
Operators report about US$180 per person per night in park, conservation and community fees, usually included in safari packages. Gorilla tracking is charged separately. Confirm current rates when you book.
What is a bai?
A bai is a natural clearing in the rainforest, often with mineral-rich water and soil, where forest elephants, buffalo and other animals gather.
When is the best time to visit Odzala-Kokoua?
The drier months, from about June to September and December to March, are generally best, although rain is possible all year.
How do you get to Odzala-Kokoua?
International flights arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (BZV) in Brazzaville. The park is usually reached by charter flight as part of a pre-arranged trip.
Is it safe to visit Odzala-Kokoua?
We do not give travel advice beyond what official advisories say. Check your own government’s current travel advisory for the Republic of the Congo before making any plans, and follow it.
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