Safari in Republic of Congo
    Republic of Congo flag

    Safari in Republic of Congo

    Central Africa
    3 regions
    7 parks

    The Republic of Congo's Odzala-Kokoua National Park offers extraordinary western lowland gorilla tracking in pristine rainforest. Nouabale-Ndoki National Park is one of the last truly wild places on Earth, with habituated gorilla groups and forest elephants.

    Parks
    7
    Visa
    See details
    Malaria
    High risk

    Republic of Congo Safari Regions Map

    Explore safari areas across Republic of Congo

    Safari Regions

    Republic of Congo Safari Regions

    Explore safari areas in Republic of Congo

    For the ultimate western lowland gorilla encounters, we believe the dry season from June to August offers the most comfortable trekking conditions and the best chances for sightings. However, the...

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect frequent, short downpours, especially in the afternoon. Temperatures remain warm and humid.

    The forest is lush and vibrant, offering excellent photographic opportunities. Birding is particularly good as resident birds are active.

    We love the dramatic skies and the feeling of having the rainforest almost to ourselves this time of year.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall continues, though it may start to lessen towards the end of the month. Humidity is high.

    The rains bring out insects and amphibians, creating a lively ecosystem. Mammal sightings can be good as animals seek out water sources.

    We find February offers a unique intimacy with the jungle, a time when the sounds of the forest are amplified by the moisture.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    March

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    The transition month sees rainfall decreasing, but expect lingering showers. The landscape is incredibly green.

    The post-rain greenery makes for stunning backdrops. Forest elephants and gorillas are active, and the birdlife is superb.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    April

    low

    Green Season

    This is the heart of the green season with significant rainfall, though often in intense bursts. Trails can be muddy.

    The rainforest is at its most verdant. It's a fantastic time for tracking gorillas and observing forest elephants, though movement might be slower due to the wet conditions.

    We recommend April for photographers seeking the ultimate lush rainforest aesthetic and fewer visitors.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    May

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall remains high, making the forest dense and humid. Expect daily showers.

    The abundance of water and vegetation supports abundant wildlife. Birding is excellent, and primate sightings are generally reliable.

    We love the feeling of being deep within a thriving, untouched ecosystem during May's heavy rains.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Rainfall significantly decreases, leading to drier conditions. Humidity drops, making it more comfortable.

    As water sources become more concentrated, wildlife viewing can improve. Gorillas and forest elephants are often easier to track.

    We find June to be an ideal balance, with drier trails and still-lush scenery for exceptional gorilla tracking.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    July

    moderate

    Dry Season

    This is typically the driest month, with minimal rainfall and lower humidity. Conditions are very comfortable.

    Excellent conditions for tracking primates and observing forest elephants. The drier forest floor makes movement easier for both animals and trackers.

    We strongly recommend July for the best chance of consistent gorilla sightings and comfortable trekking conditions.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    August

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Dry conditions persist, though occasional brief showers are possible. Humidity remains low.

    Prime time for wildlife viewing. The concentrated water sources attract a variety of animals, and primate tracking is at its peak.

    We love August for the sheer ease of movement through the forest and the high probability of incredible wildlife encounters.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season / Short Rains

    The dry season continues, but the first signs of the short rains may appear towards the end of the month. Conditions are still generally dry.

    Wildlife remains active and visible. Birding can be excellent as resident species are active.

    We think September offers a great transition, with the benefits of the dry season and the first hints of the forest reawakening.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    October

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect increasing rainfall, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Humidity starts to rise.

    The forest begins to green up again. It's a good time for birding and observing the forest's response to the returning moisture.

    We appreciate October for the dramatic weather patterns and the vibrant, renewed energy of the rainforest.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall is frequent, though usually not continuous. The air is warm and humid.

    The lush vegetation provides excellent cover for primates. The abundance of food means animals are generally well-fed and active.

    We find November offers a truly immersive jungle experience, with the sounds and smells of the rainforest at their most intense.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    December

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    Rainfall continues, marking the transition into the green season. Expect warm, humid conditions with regular showers.

    The forest is incredibly dense and alive. It's a beautiful time for tracking gorillas, though trails can be challenging.

    We love December for the sheer wildness and the feeling of exploring a truly untamed environment.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect frequent, short downpours, especially in the afternoon. Temperatures remain warm and humid.

    The forest is lush and vibrant, offering excellent photographic opportunities. Birding is particularly good as resident birds are active.

    We love the dramatic skies and the feeling of having the rainforest almost to ourselves this time of year.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall continues, though it may start to lessen towards the end of the month. Humidity is high.

    The rains bring out insects and amphibians, creating a lively ecosystem. Mammal sightings can be good as animals seek out water sources.

    We find February offers a unique intimacy with the jungle, a time when the sounds of the forest are amplified by the moisture.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    March

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    The transition month sees rainfall decreasing, but expect lingering showers. The landscape is incredibly green.

    The post-rain greenery makes for stunning backdrops. Forest elephants and gorillas are active, and the birdlife is superb.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    April

    low

    Green Season

    This is the heart of the green season with significant rainfall, though often in intense bursts. Trails can be muddy.

    The rainforest is at its most verdant. It's a fantastic time for tracking gorillas and observing forest elephants, though movement might be slower due to the wet conditions.

    We recommend April for photographers seeking the ultimate lush rainforest aesthetic and fewer visitors.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    May

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall remains high, making the forest dense and humid. Expect daily showers.

    The abundance of water and vegetation supports abundant wildlife. Birding is excellent, and primate sightings are generally reliable.

    We love the feeling of being deep within a thriving, untouched ecosystem during May's heavy rains.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Rainfall significantly decreases, leading to drier conditions. Humidity drops, making it more comfortable.

    As water sources become more concentrated, wildlife viewing can improve. Gorillas and forest elephants are often easier to track.

    We find June to be an ideal balance, with drier trails and still-lush scenery for exceptional gorilla tracking.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    July

    moderate

    Dry Season

    This is typically the driest month, with minimal rainfall and lower humidity. Conditions are very comfortable.

    Excellent conditions for tracking primates and observing forest elephants. The drier forest floor makes movement easier for both animals and trackers.

    We strongly recommend July for the best chance of consistent gorilla sightings and comfortable trekking conditions.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    August

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Dry conditions persist, though occasional brief showers are possible. Humidity remains low.

    Prime time for wildlife viewing. The concentrated water sources attract a variety of animals, and primate tracking is at its peak.

    We love August for the sheer ease of movement through the forest and the high probability of incredible wildlife encounters.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season / Short Rains

    The dry season continues, but the first signs of the short rains may appear towards the end of the month. Conditions are still generally dry.

    Wildlife remains active and visible. Birding can be excellent as resident species are active.

    We think September offers a great transition, with the benefits of the dry season and the first hints of the forest reawakening.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    October

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect increasing rainfall, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Humidity starts to rise.

    The forest begins to green up again. It's a good time for birding and observing the forest's response to the returning moisture.

    We appreciate October for the dramatic weather patterns and the vibrant, renewed energy of the rainforest.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall is frequent, though usually not continuous. The air is warm and humid.

    The lush vegetation provides excellent cover for primates. The abundance of food means animals are generally well-fed and active.

    We find November offers a truly immersive jungle experience, with the sounds and smells of the rainforest at their most intense.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    December

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    Rainfall continues, marking the transition into the green season. Expect warm, humid conditions with regular showers.

    The forest is incredibly dense and alive. It's a beautiful time for tracking gorillas, though trails can be challenging.

    We love December for the sheer wildness and the feeling of exploring a truly untamed environment.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect frequent, short downpours, especially in the afternoon. Temperatures remain warm and humid.

    The forest is lush and vibrant, offering excellent photographic opportunities. Birding is particularly good as resident birds are active.

    We love the dramatic skies and the feeling of having the rainforest almost to ourselves this time of year.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall continues, though it may start to lessen towards the end of the month. Humidity is high.

    The rains bring out insects and amphibians, creating a lively ecosystem. Mammal sightings can be good as animals seek out water sources.

    We find February offers a unique intimacy with the jungle, a time when the sounds of the forest are amplified by the moisture.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    March

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    The transition month sees rainfall decreasing, but expect lingering showers. The landscape is incredibly green.

    The post-rain greenery makes for stunning backdrops. Forest elephants and gorillas are active, and the birdlife is superb.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    April

    low

    Green Season

    This is the heart of the green season with significant rainfall, though often in intense bursts. Trails can be muddy.

    The rainforest is at its most verdant. It's a fantastic time for tracking gorillas and observing forest elephants, though movement might be slower due to the wet conditions.

    We recommend April for photographers seeking the ultimate lush rainforest aesthetic and fewer visitors.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    May

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall remains high, making the forest dense and humid. Expect daily showers.

    The abundance of water and vegetation supports abundant wildlife. Birding is excellent, and primate sightings are generally reliable.

    We love the feeling of being deep within a thriving, untouched ecosystem during May's heavy rains.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Rainfall significantly decreases, leading to drier conditions. Humidity drops, making it more comfortable.

    As water sources become more concentrated, wildlife viewing can improve. Gorillas and forest elephants are often easier to track.

    We find June to be an ideal balance, with drier trails and still-lush scenery for exceptional gorilla tracking.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    July

    moderate

    Dry Season

    This is typically the driest month, with minimal rainfall and lower humidity. Conditions are very comfortable.

    Excellent conditions for tracking primates and observing forest elephants. The drier forest floor makes movement easier for both animals and trackers.

    We strongly recommend July for the best chance of consistent gorilla sightings and comfortable trekking conditions.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    August

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Dry conditions persist, though occasional brief showers are possible. Humidity remains low.

    Prime time for wildlife viewing. The concentrated water sources attract a variety of animals, and primate tracking is at its peak.

    We love August for the sheer ease of movement through the forest and the high probability of incredible wildlife encounters.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season / Short Rains

    The dry season continues, but the first signs of the short rains may appear towards the end of the month. Conditions are still generally dry.

    Wildlife remains active and visible. Birding can be excellent as resident species are active.

    We think September offers a great transition, with the benefits of the dry season and the first hints of the forest reawakening.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    October

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect increasing rainfall, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Humidity starts to rise.

    The forest begins to green up again. It's a good time for birding and observing the forest's response to the returning moisture.

    We appreciate October for the dramatic weather patterns and the vibrant, renewed energy of the rainforest.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall is frequent, though usually not continuous. The air is warm and humid.

    The lush vegetation provides excellent cover for primates. The abundance of food means animals are generally well-fed and active.

    We find November offers a truly immersive jungle experience, with the sounds and smells of the rainforest at their most intense.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    December

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    Rainfall continues, marking the transition into the green season. Expect warm, humid conditions with regular showers.

    The forest is incredibly dense and alive. It's a beautiful time for tracking gorillas, though trails can be challenging.

    We love December for the sheer wildness and the feeling of exploring a truly untamed environment.

    Odzala-Kokoua National Park
    Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

    120 species recorded in Republic of Congo9 threatened

    Book Safari Experiences in Republic of Congo

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Republic of Congo

    More details

    Visa Requirements for Republic of Congo

    Check if you need a visa to visit Republic of Congo

    Health & Vaccinations for Republic of Congo

    Loading health information for Republic of Congo...

    Venturing into the Republic of Congo's wild heart is an extraordinary privilege, and with careful health preparation and a reputable safari operator, it is a remarkably safe and rewarding journey. We emphasize adherence to vaccination schedules and robust malaria prevention, allowing you to focus on the unparalleled rainforest and its incredible inhabitants.

    Vaccinations

    Yellow Fever - Absolutely mandatory. You'll need proof of vaccination for entry, and we recommend carrying your Yellow Fever certificate with you at all times.
    Routine Vaccinations - Ensure your MMR, DTP, and Polio vaccinations are up-to-date according to your national health guidelines.
    Hepatitis A & B - We strongly recommend these, especially given the remote nature of the safari camps and potential for exposure.
    Typhoid - Another key recommendation, particularly if you plan to eat outside of your lodge or in local markets.
    Rabies - While not mandatory, we advise considering this if you anticipate any close contact with wildlife, particularly during gorilla trekking, or are spending extended time in remote areas.

    Visa Requirements

    We find that most nationalities require a visa for the Republic of Congo, and it's imperative to obtain this well in advance of your trip. You'll likely need an invitation letter from your safari operator, so coordinate closely with them on the application process. We always advise checking the latest requirements with your nearest Congolese embassy or consulate.

    Malaria

    Malaria is a significant risk throughout the Republic of Congo, including the pristine rainforests of Odzala-Kokoua and Nouabale-Ndoki. We cannot stress enough the importance of taking a prescribed antimalarial prophylaxis-your doctor can advise on the best option for you. Additionally, always use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets provided by your lodge. We've found these measures to be highly effective in minimizing risk.

    Travel Insurance

    We consider comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical evacuation, to be non-negotiable for a safari to the Republic of Congo. Given the extreme remoteness of places like Nouabale-Ndoki, a medical emergency would almost certainly require air evacuation, which is incredibly costly without proper cover. Ensure your policy specifically covers adventure travel and the activities you plan to undertake, such as gorilla trekking, and has a high coverage limit for medical expenses.

    Emergency Numbers

    fire: 118
    police: 117
    ambulance: 119

    Travel Advisory

    While the Republic of Congo offers unparalleled wilderness experiences, particularly with its western lowland gorillas and forest elephants, we advise a pragmatic approach to safety. The safari areas, such as Odzala-Kokoua and Nouabale-Ndoki, are incredibly remote and generally very safe within the confines of reputable lodge operations. We always travel with trusted operators who prioritize guest safety and logistics, and their expertise is invaluable. Outside of these protected areas, particularly in urban centers like Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire, petty crime can occur, and we recommend exercising standard precautions: avoid walking alone at night, do not display valuables, and be aware of your surroundings. Political stability has improved, but we always stay informed of current events through our embassy. Your biggest 'danger' will likely be a missed flight connection, not a security incident within the safari bubble.

    Planning & reference

    Other Safari Countries in Central Africa