Odzala Discovery Camps, Republic of Congo

Seven Nights for Two, Three Discovery Camps

www.odzala.com

In Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), close to the geographical “Heart of Africa“, is a near-mythical place of astounding biodiversity. Odzala is a place few people have ever had the chance to visit.

There are two countries in Africa with almost the same name, directly next to one another on the map and separated by the mighty river that shares their name. Similar as they sound, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo – also called Congo-Brazzaville – are in fact quite different.

Congo-Brazzaville is a green treasure of pure nature. The Congo Basin is home to the second largest rainforest in the world and is where Odzala is located. Odzala-Kokoua National Park helps protect one of the most beautiful and intact rainforests on our planet. More than 500 different wildlife species are at home here, in addition to thousands of plants.

Republic of Congo is a former French colony on the northern bank of the Congo River. Its modern history began with the late 19^th century explorations of Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, after whom the capital is still named. Despite significant oil wealth, Congo initially had a troubled time as an independent nation but is now a calm, stable and rapidly developing country of some 4.5 million people, which plays a leading role in African affairs and is investing more of its oil wealth in development and infrastructure.

Many traces of French colonial rule remain, but Congo is forging a new identity for itself. The people are invariably friendly and welcoming, and look forward to their tourism sector growing. With past troubles now firmly behind them, the future looks bright for the people of Congo.

Tourism is a relatively new, but growing, sector in Congo. Odzala Discovery Camps is delighted to have an opportunity to contribute to the nascent eco-tourism industry of Congo as they firmly believe that low-impact wildlife tourism contributes to global awareness, local sustainable development and protection of Congo’s invaluable rainforests.

By visiting Odzala you will not only be helping pioneer Odzala as a destination but helping develop a new business sector in Congo and diversifying the economy away from petrochemicals. It is their hope that by hosting you in this wilderness wonderland, you will become advocates for rainforest and primate conservation and will use your experiences in Odzala to help inform the personal and business choices you make once you return home.

Odzala Discovery Camps is proud to be able to offer a unique, life-changing opportunity to visit the forests of the Congo Basin, in safety and comfort.

Experience the ultimate safari adventure as you explore the towering forests, crystal-clear streams and expansive open savannah of north-west Congo: track western lowland gorillas through pristine rainforest and discover a mosaic of grasslands and waterways as you search out unique birds and wildlife. This is a safari like no other, and today, it is finally within reach (if you are ready for it).

Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo’s remote north-west is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, having been proclaimed by the French administration in 1935. It is 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 receives some 1 500 mm of rain annually, mainly during the two wet seasons. Permanent rivers are a primary feature, with the Lekoli and Kokoua rivers flowing into the Park’s major channel, the Mambili.

Bais, or salines, are major features of this rainforest. These swampy, grassy areas are dotted across the rainforest and offer a rare chance to catch a glimpse beyond the ‘green curtain’ into the lives of the forest dwellers. Various mammal species come to the bais on a regular basis in order to access various elements, from water to minerals and salts to sedges and water-loving grasses to water.

You’ll have a seven night circuit, departing from Brazzaville, between three Odzala Discovery Camps. You’ll spend three nights in Ngaga Camp, two nights in Mboko Camp and two nights in Lango Camp. Daily guided activities, including 2 gorilla permits, 1 boat cruise, 1 kayak safari, daily guided forest walks. Three meals per day, house wines, beers, spirits, water and soft drinks (excluding connoisseur wine and champagne). Trips depart on a Thursday and return to Brazzaville on a Thursday.

SUGGESTED OUTLINE THAT VARIES ACCORDING TO CLIENTS’ INTERESTS AND FITNESS LEVELS

Day 1 | Thursday

                   Airport assistance at Maya Maya

                   Odzala Charter Flight: departs Brazzaville at 1pm, arrives Odzala at 3pm

                   Schedule charter (Let L-410) flight to Odzala (2 hours), landing strip Mboko airstrip

                   Road transfer from airstrip to Ngaga Camp (about 2½ hour drive through the Odzala-Kokoua National Park)

                   Meet the gorilla research team followed by dinner

                   Overnight Ngaga Camp in a luxury en-suite forest room

Day 2 | Friday

                        Gorilla trek in the morning

                        Lunch at Ngaga camp

                        Afternoon relax followed by a forest walk for bird watching and discovery of forest life and river sundowners

                        Overnight Ngaga Camp in a luxury en-suite forest room

Day 3 | Saturday

                        Gorilla trek in the morning

                        Lunch at Ngaga camp

                        Afternoon time with the gorilla research team, forest walk and a night walk to view nocturnal forest life

                        Overnight Ngaga Camp in a luxury en-suite forest room

Day 4 | Sunday

                        Relaxed morning in camp. Optional 3rd gorilla trek at an extra cost of US$285 per person.

                        Road transfer through Mbomo village (Sunday village life) and the Odzala-Kakoua National Park

                        Arrive at Mboko Camp for lunch followed by late afternoon river cruise and sundowners

                        Overnight Mboko Camp in an en-suite river room

Day 5 | Monday

                        Guided morning kayak on the Lekoli River followed by walk upstream to the Lango bai.

                        Lunch at Lango Camp

                        Afternoon relax followed by forest walk or time to take a dip in the Lango bai

                        Overnight Lango Camp in a luxury en-suite forest room

Day 6 | Tuesday

                        Guided morning adventure walk

                        Lunch at Lango Camp

                        Afternoon relax followed by forest and bai walk or bird watching from the camp deck

                        Evening camera trap presentation – what has been around camouflaged in the forest?

                        Overnight Lango Camp in a luxury en-suite forest room

Day 7 | Wednesday

                        Guided morning walk to bird hide to watch the African grey parrots in the bai

                        Game drive transfer followed by raised wooden path walk through swamp

                        Lunch at Mboko Camp

                        Afternoon river cruise on the Lekoli River or adventure walk in the Likeni River

                        Overnight Mboko Camp in an en-suite river room

Day 8 | Thursday

                        Breakfast at Mboko Camp

                        Odzala Charter Flight: departs Odzala at 9am, arrives Brazzaville at 11am

                        Connect with onward flight or stay in Brazzaville

All visitors to Odzala are required to first visit Brazzaville to complete immigration and customs formalities. Clients are required to obtain a letter of invitation (LOI) well in advance of their travels to the Congo. Congo Conservation Company assists guests with this important document.

THE KRCB AUCTION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

Return scheduled charter flight from Maya-Maya Airport, Brazzaville to Mboko airstrip, Odzala-Kokoua National Park on Thursdays.

Road transfers between camps and airstrip.

Airport meets and greets in Brazzaville and full airport assistance on arrival and departure.

Laundry and internet access (Wi-Fi available in all camps).

THE KRCB AUCTION EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

                        Airfare from and to your destination to Brazzaville

                        Congo letter of invitation fee and all 3rd party fees including Medical Evacuation, Community Fees and Park fees.

                        Visa

                        Gratuities and all items of a personal nature at Odzala Discovery Camps.

                        Night, pre- or post, as required at Radisson Blu or alternative hotel in Brazzaville (can be booked by Odzala for you).

                        Return transfers to and from Brazzaville hotel and Maya-Maya Airport.

                        Meals and activities while in Brazzaville.

BREAKDOWN OF COSTS:

                        Medical evacuation - US$ 10 per person per night

                        Community fee - US$ 25 per person per night

                        Park and concession fees - US$ 20 per person per night

                        Letter of invitation - US$ 50 per person

                        Visa - US$ 50 per person

                        Night at Radisson Blu including return transfers from Maya-Maya Airport and Radisson Blu – US$ 300 per room

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

                        Discovery Package is valid for 2 Adults (above the age of 15) sharing.

                        The package is valid for a set itinerary only. Departing Thursday to Thursday.

                        The package is only valid on dates with other confirmed travelers (Please, contact reservations discovery@odzala.com for a selection of dates).

                        Voucher will be valid until 31 May 2018.