Odzala Kokoua National Park
Odzala Kokoua National Park is nestled in the heart of the largest tropical rainforest in Africa and it is home to many critically endangered wildlife species like Western lowland gorillas, forest elephant’s okapis, and many bird species (450) of which some are endemic to Odzala Kokoua National Park. The park is one of the highlights for visitors coming to do Congo Safaris and Congo tours. Covering an area of 13546 km2 Odzala national park is also one of Africas oldest national parks having been gazetted in the year of 1935 and later receiving a biosphere reserve status in 1977. Odzala Kokoua National Park is a true cocktail for those seeking to enjoy the pristine rainforests, savannah grasslands, swamps and rivers with the unique.
Odzala Kokoua National Park and the Congo Basin
The Congo Basin spans more than two million square kilometers across six countries and accounts for 18% of the world’s remaining rainforest. Humans have occupied the area for over 50,000 years, yet it is still one of the most biologically diverse and species-rich areas on the planet, while the basin delivers clean water, food and shelter to more than 75 million people.
Odzala Kokoua National Park is the Congo Basin an important biodiverse area that is covering more than two million square kilometres across 6 countries like Central African Republic, Dr Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Cameroon. The congo Basin account for 18% of the world’s remaining rainforest cover. The area has been inhabited by humans for over 50,000 years. The Governments of Congo and Central African Republic signed an agreement with African Park a private company to manage this key wildlife park since 2010.
What to do in Odzala Kokoua National Park.
On top of spectacular wildlife viewing, there are many other activities that guests can take part while in Odzala National Park on their Congo tour. Here are things one can do on their Congo tour to Odzala National Park.
- Nature walk in Odzala National park
Most destinations on your congo tour will get chances of seeing different primate species, bird’s species as you dive into the jungle. With the help of an experience site guide you will learn more about the forest and the eco-system.
- Meet the rare gorillas
Africa parks has carried out 2 park surveys each year since 2010 and figures suggest a stable increase in the number of Western lowland gorillas and forest elephants
- River boat tours.
On a wooden canoe, guests have a chance to explore your surrounding by boat since it gives an interesting view of an African tropical forest. You will pass We first through a swampy, flood-prone forest and later penetrate in a vast open swamp, before plunging into the small, narrower raffia channels. Those who are interested may assist in the collection of Raffia wine and taste it. This beautiful excursion takes place either early in the morning or in the afternoon starting at 3 pm.
- Meet the Ba`aka People
Ba`aka people have inhabited the tropical rain forests of Central African for 100s of years they will hand in hand with the forest ecosystem and have taken care of these forests for generations. The Ba àka people have continued to resist modernization and prefer to live their simple ways of life hunting and gathering wild fruits. You will have a chance to visit the Ba`aka people or even have an overnight stay camping in their communities.
What is the best time to visit Odzala Kokoua National Park
The best time to visit Congo is during the dry season which lasts from May to September because roads are easily navigable compared to the rainy season when roads tend to flood and animals tend to hide.
Please note that Odzala National Park has two dry seasons in two different parts of the park. In the southern sector in the dry season is from April to October on the other hand in the northern sector is dry from December to February.
How to get to Odzala Kokoua National Park
Getting to the Odzala Kokoua National park is usually by air usually on a private chatter from Brazzaville airport to Odzala airstrip or by road to the southern park entry in Mbomo village.)
Where to stay in Odzala Kokoua National Park.
There aren’t many accommodation options around Odzala National Park tourists coming for Congo tours usually to stay at one of the park’s three Odzala Discovery Camps managed by Congo Conservation Company, all of which offer a unique, life-changing opportunity to visit the forests of the Congo Basin in safety and comfort.
