Take your adventures to the next level and set forth on a journey of discovery in the heart of the African continent - the Congo Basin, the second largest rainforest on Earth. Few visitors have ventured to this remote and pristine wilderness where time seems to stand still. Explore the vital ecosystems and astonishing biodiversity of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo, and Central African Republic’s Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve on a one-of-a-kind adventure.
DAY ONE | BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Join a small group of intrepid travelers and explore a tapestry of rainforest, savanna, swamps, and waterways by boat, kayak, 4x4 vehicles, and on foot. Along the way connect with local cultures, learn about vital conservation tactics, and enjoy a front row seat to some of the most awe-inspiring animal encounters in Africa.
Sit in wonder with a group of foraging Western lowland gorillas, watchhuge flocks of African grey parrots gather from far and wide for their morning “social hour”, and observe critically endangered forest elephants part the mist as they emerge from the trees to greet each other among the glades.
Your adventures by day are complemented by luxury at night - with scrumptious meals, and private forest chalets for a comfortable rest.
Rest and recover from your international flight at the
beautiful Radisson Blu. With scenic views of the Congo River, enjoy a peaceful evening at leisure.
OVERNIGHT: Radisson Blu M'Bamou Palace Hotel
DAY TWO, THREE & FOUR | BRAZZAVILLE TO ODZALA-KOKOUA NATIONAL PARK
Meet your fellow travelers and expedition manager at a welcome breakfast. Then fly by bush plane to the remote Odzala-Kokoua National Park, renowned for its population of critically endangered Western lowland gorillas, where you will meet the gorilla research team and catch a first glimpse of the magic of the rainforest.
The next two days, set out early in search of gorillas, guided by an expert tracker. On each trek, once you find the primates, spend an enchanting hour watching the family's interactions. In the afternoons, enjoy educational walks for an up-close look at forest life large and small, then wind down the day with river "sundowners”.
OVERNIGHT: Ngaga Camp (3 nights)
DAY SEVEN & EIGHT | ODZALA-KOKOUA NATIONAL PARK
Indulge in breakfast overlooking the bai followed by a Scenic drive and then a short trek along a wooden path amidst the trees to Mboko Camp, where the rainforest meets the savanna. Explore the environment on foot or rest your feet and relish the scenery on an afternoon river cruise complete with "sundowners" aboard.
OVERNIGHT: Mboko Camp (1 night).
DAYS EIGHT TO TWELVE | DZANGA-SANGHA SPECIAL RESERVE, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
After a short bush flight, a boat awaits to carry us up the Sangha River to our home for the next four nights. Geographically located in the heart of Africa, there are few places more magical than Dzanga-Sangha. Start your adventures with a walk to Dzanga Bai, known as the "Village of Elephants".
Witness elephant mud baths - an educational as well as entertaining scene! The next day, enjoy a forest walk made lively by net hunting with the Ba'Aka, a community of hunter-gatherers. Then meet researchers of The Pangolin Project for insights into the conservation of the world's most trafficked animal. Conclude with a hike among some of Africa's oldest and tallest trees in the Valley of the Giants.
OVERNIGHT: Sangha Lodge (4 nights).
DAY TWELVE | ODZALA-KOKOUA NATIONAL PARK
Wake up to the rustle of the rainforest before embarking on a journey by boat and plane back to Mboko Camp for a final night where we recount our adventures together by the glow of the camp fire.
OVERNIGHT: Mboko Camp (1 night).
DAY THIRTEEN | BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO
A morning flight returns us to Brazzaville where we celebrate our journey with a farewell lunch overlooking the Congo River. This afternoon, enjoy an optional city tour; or simply relax and freshen up for your international flight in your day room at the Radisson Blu, before being transferred to the airport.
OVERNIGHT: Radisson Blu M'Bamou Palace Hotel
EXPEDITION INFORMATION
Capacity: This expedition is limited to 10 guests
Two Dates: September June 14 - 26, 2023 & June 28 – July 10, 2023
Price Per Person:
Physical Requirements: All travelers must be in good health and prepared for travel in places without medical facilities.Participants must be able to climb into and out of private aircraft, safari vehicles, and boats un-aided. Also, they must be able to climb up and down stairs without a railing. They should be capable of walking up to 5 miles at an easy pace sometimes over uneven, rough terrain and be able to withstand hard riding four-wheel-drive vehicles that travel over dirt roads and sometimes rough, bumpy ground. Those choosing to participate in gorilla trekking should be prepared to hike 3-4 hours through rain forest in heat and humidity to reach the gorillas. In general, you will most enjoy the opportunities this expedition has to offer if you are willing to dispense with a few Western amenities and travel with flexibility and a spirit of adventure.
Luggage Requirements: In accordance with the private aircraft specifications and safety measures, each passenger is allowed one standard checked bag and one carry-on bag with a combined maximum weight limit of 33 pounds.
Private Air: This is a light aircraft in commuter configuration. The flight schedule may include unscheduled stops due to factors such as weather or fuel availability beyond the crew’s control. Flight schedules can also change at any time should security or other issues arise. We urge travelers to remainflexible in the face of such possibilities. The type, model, and registration of the
aircraft can also change. Our goal is always passenger safety, security, and comfort aloft.
Cost Includes: All accommodations, meals, primate tracking permits, guide fees, park fees, community fees, tour transfers, and private air travel as indicated in the detailed itinerary; the services of an experienced air crew and flight crew; services of expedition staff and local guides; all group activities and excursions; drinking water (bottled water not always available), coffee and tea throughout the journey; local brand alcoholic beverages at group meals, and where permitted by local law. Limited laundry, where available, at two-night stays or more; all airport departure taxes; all gratuities during group activities
and for the expedition staff; porterage of one soft-sided checked bag; medical evacuation insurance ($100,000) and Medical/Sickness ($25,000 per incident) for covered reasons; 30-day MedjetAssist membership; letter of invitation to Republic of the Congo; Central African Republic access fee.
Cost Does Not Include: International air to and from Brazzaville and any other commercial ights that are not part of the program; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance; porterage of carry-on luggage; items of a personal nature such as curios, spa and room service expenses, minibar charges, and express laundry services; premium brand drinks; communication costs; costs of obtaining passports, visas, or other travel documents; inoculation fees; Covid-19 testing (if required); extra beverages, meals, or gratuities when not with the group; extra tours and activities.
Deposit and Final Payment: A deposit of $8,300 per person, payable by credit card or check to Bushtracks Expeditions Trust, a completed Reservation Form and a signed Participation Agreement is required to confirm your registration. Final payment is due 98 days before departure, upon receipt of invoice, and is payable by check or wire transfer only. For your protection, fund will be placed in a trust account and be used exclusively, until the day of departure, to fund deposits and final payments to
suppliers that are required to secure your place on the expedition. Dates, schedules, program details and costs, given in good faith, and based on information available and in force in April 2022 are subject to change and revision.
