The Congo basin
“Odzala-Kokoua National Park offers an exhilarating safari adventure deep in the heart of the Congo Basin’s untouched rainforest. Here, you’ll find yourself perched high in elevated treehouses, waiting in awe to spot wild Western lowland gorillas as they move through mineral-rich clearings called baïs. Beyond gorillas, the park bursts with life—from elusive forest elephants and striking bongos to a kaleidoscope of vibrant bird species. Your days will be filled with heart-pounding forest walks, tranquil river kayaking, and thrilling game drives across a fascinating mosaic of jungle, savanna, and wetlands. Staying at dreamy lodges like Lango and Mboko elevates the experience, immersing you in the sounds and rhythms of this primeval wilderness. This is a safari for the bold and curious -offering an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime connection with one of Africa’s most wild and biodiverse frontiers.”
for the bold & curiousWelcome to the jungle
Become part of the privileged few to explore one of Earth’s last wild frontiers.
“A journey into the Congo Basin is a transformative plunge into one of the world’s wildest and most remote rainforests. Second in size only to the Amazon, this vast expanse covers around 3 million square kilometers and shelters over 400 mammal species, including the critically endangered Western Lowland Gorilla, along with thousands of bird and plants species. Remarkably, despite its immense biodiversity, the Congo Basin receives very few outside visitors, preserving its raw, untouched wilderness like few places on Earth”
“Kamba’s trio of Congo lodges: Ngaga, Lango, and Mboko - each offers a distinct immersion into one of Africa’s last true wilderness frontiers, making a circuit through all three a cinematic narrative of rainforest enchantment, baï drama, and savanna allure.
Perched deep within Ndzehi Forest, Ngaga Lodge is the gateway to primate magic, its stilted bungalows floating among ancient trees where the calls of western lowland gorillas echo at dawn. Here, sunlight filters through emerald canopy and every step is a brush with the primal rhythms of the Congo Basin.
In contrast, Lango Lodge rises above an open baï, a lush marshy clearing that draws herds of forest elephant, buffalo, and dazzling flocks of green pigeons to drink and bathe as guests look on from their wrap-around decks—a daily wildlife pantomime set to the calls of the forest.
Then, at Mboko Lodge, grassy savannas and lazy river bends fan out, blending adventure and tranquility where open plains meet gallery forests. The lodge’s riverfront pavilions offer front-row seats to Congo’s shifting moods: sunrise walks spotting bushbuck across dew-laden grass, kayaking down hidden waterways, and sundowners under storms that crackle across endless sky.
Each property is artfully attuned to its setting. To travel to all three isn’t simply to stay at different lodges, but to move through parallel worlds: tracking gorillas in shadowed forest, wading with elephants through shimmering baïs, and gliding by boat on glassy rivers past herds on the savanna’s edge. For the experiential traveler, it’s a journey through the rare, authentic and the otherworldly. ”
Ngaga Lodge
-
Location: Situated in the Ndzehi Forest just outside Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo, surrounded by pristine rainforest and overlooking a stream.
Accommodation: The lodge has six hand-built bungalows (double or twin beds), each with a wraparound deck, private en-suite bathroom (hot shower, flush toilet), screened windows for airflow, and mosquito netting.
Design: Local materials such as raffia palm panels are used; bungalows are raised for canopy views and privacy.
Social Spaces: Central viewing deck, open-air dining area and lounge, and a fire pit for communal gatherings; no Wi-Fi, emphasizing a retreat into nature.
Guest Capacity: Maximum 12 guests, delivering an intimate and exclusive atmosphere.
Amenities: Laundry service, airport transfers, breakfast included, and international, locally inspired cuisine.
-
Gorilla Trekking: Track Western Lowland Gorillas with expert guides directly from the lodge, including encounters with habituated groups overseen by resident primatologists.
Forest Exploration: Guided walks and night safaris reveal a wealth of birds, butterflies, primates, and other unique wildlife.
Local Community Visits: Learn about sustainable forest lifestyles at the nearby Ombo village and interact with local communities.
Canopy and Stream Experiences: Relax in the forest, sip drinks in the stream, and cool off at natural spots integrated into the camp’s design.
Conservation Insights: Observe primate research activities led by renowned scientists and local conservationists.
Wellness: Foot and body massage available upon request, inspired by the surrounding forest.
Other Activities: Birdwatching, butterfly spotting, hiking, guided forest and nocturnal walks
forest intimacy
Lango Lodge
-
Location: Perched on the edge of Lango Baï in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo.
Setting: Elevated above a marshy clearing ("baï"), where forest elephants, buffalo, bongos, and a variety of birds gather daily.
Rooms: Six hand-built chalets (double/twin), set 3–4 meters above ground for panoramic views, each with wraparound decks and screened windows.
Bed size: Each chalet can be configured with double or twin beds, mosquito netting, plush bedding, and rustic yet stylish décor.
Amenities: En-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, private balconies, walkways connecting each chalet, open-air dining and lounge areas, bar, and fire pit. Laundry service and airport transfers are available.
Communal spaces: Viewing pavilion with fire pit for watching wildlife, bar and dining area, all designed for optimal wildlife viewing and relaxation.
Capacity: Maximum 12 guests, promoting intimacy and exclusivity.
Sustainability: Locally sourced building materials, solar energy, responsible tourism model focused on conservation
-
Wildlife Viewing: The lodge’s position above the baï provides front-row viewing of elephants, forest buffalo, bongos, giant forest hogs, and flocks of African Grey Parrots and Green Pigeons.
Guided Walks: Explore the baï, streams, and gallery forests on foot, often wading through marshes and following elephant trails for exceptional close wildlife encounters.
Birdwatching: The baï attracts spectacular birdlife, making Lango a favorite for bird enthusiasts.
River Activities: Kayaking and canoeing along the Lekoli River, with boat and wetland hikes revealing a pristine ecosystem.
Night Adventures: Guided nocturnal walks reveal the secretive creatures of the rainforest after dark.
Wellness: Relaxing massages and time at the fire pit, with staff attention to recovery and comfort after daily adventures.
Community and Conservation: Opportunities to learn about local community projects and conservation efforts as part of the Kamba vision.
Cuisine: Dining on locally sourced ingredients with views and sounds of the Congo wilderness
watery spectacle
Mboko Lodge
-
Location: Set at the confluence of savanna, tropical forest, and the Likeni River in the southern half of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo.
Setting: Bungalows positioned along the Likeni River and under trees, offering views of open grassland, waterways, and abundant wildlife.
Rooms: Six spacious double/twin chalets with mosquito-netted beds, writing desks, comfortable seating, works by local artisans, and private screened-in porches or verandas directly overlooking the river or forest.
Bed size: Each chalet has either a double or twin bed configuration, furnished for comfort and relaxation.
Amenities: En-suite bathroom with hot shower and flush toilet, eco-friendly toiletries, ceiling fans, European plugs, in-room safes, and environmentally responsible design.
Communal Spaces: Elevated dining pavilion with panoramic savanna views, open lounge, bar, fire pit, star deck, river deck, and screened parlor for relaxation, sundowners, and swims after guided walks.
Capacity: Maximum of 12 guests, maintaining privacy and exclusivity.
Cuisine: Meals feature local ingredients, with storm-watching and firelit gatherings for an immersive atmosphere.
-
Walking Safaris: Guided walking safaris through savanna, rainforests, and along rivers, following wildlife trails and exploring diverse biomes.
Boating and Kayaking: Kayak or boat on the Lekoli and Likeni Rivers to spot wildlife such as forest buffalo, elephants, chimpanzees, and rare birds.
River Deck Activities: Swim or enjoy cocktails while watching birds and monkeys from the river deck, or relax to the sounds of the water.
Night Drives: Look for spotted hyena or nocturnal wildlife on guided night drives across the grasslands.
Wildlife: Regular visits by forest buffalo, harnessed bushbuck, elusive forest elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, birds, butterflies, and even rare hippos and chimpanzees.
Wellness: Yoga mats and mindfulness practice available in each room; massages and wellness services on request.
Star Deck: Pre-dinner drinks and sunset watching from the lodge’s star deck, often with dramatic lightning storms.