2 safari lodges
    Western Congo Basin, Republic of Congo
    Very Quiet
    Malaria: High

    Safari in Parc national d'Odzala-Kokoua

    Odzala-Kokoua is one of Africa's oldest national parks and a true jewel of the Congo Basin, renowned for its dense rainforests and unique 'bais' (forest clearings) that attract large concentrations of forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, and various antelope species. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for intimate encounters with these elusive forest creatures, making it a prime destination for adventurous wildlife enthusiasts seeking a different kind of safari.

    Best timeJune to September and December to February. These are the dry seasons, making forest trails easier to navigate and improving wildlife viewing, especially around the bais (forest clearings).
    Species
    69
    Big Five
    3/5
    Lodges
    2
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Parc national d'Odzala-Kokoua Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    The African Big 5

    3 of 5 found in Parc national d'Odzala-Kokoua

    Lion
    Elephant
    Buffalo
    Leopard
    Rhino

    Recent sightings at Parc national d'Odzala-Kokoua

    Sign in to report

    69 species recorded in Parc national d'Odzala-Kokoua5 threatened

    Safari Activities

    Things to do in Parc national d'Odzala-Kokoua

    Book Safari Experiences in Parc national d'Odzala-Kokoua

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Parc national d'Odzala-Kokoua

    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
    Planning & reference

    Odzala offers an unparalleled immersion into the heart of Africa's rainforest, where the air hums with unseen life and the scent of damp earth is ever-present. The intimate encounters with Western Lowland Gorillas are profoundly moving, a truly wild experience that feels both ancient and incredibly vital. We love the raw, untamed beauty of this place, a true frontier safari for the adventurous spirit.

    Gate Times

    Access to Parc national d'Odzala-Kokoua is intrinsically linked to your lodge booking and the chartered flights they arrange. There are no traditional park gates with fixed opening and closing hours. Gorilla trekking permits are secured well in advance through your chosen lodge, and daily activities are scheduled around these permits and the forest conditions. We recommend confirming all timings directly with your safari operator.

    Tipping

    We recommend budgeting for tips in USD, as it is widely accepted. For your main guide and tracker, a good guideline is $15-20 per guest per day. Lodge staff can be tipped collectively via a central box, perhaps $10-15 per guest per day. Always tip discreetly and personally thank those who have made your experience special; it is a gesture of appreciation for their hard work in such a remote environment.

    Dress Code

    The dense forest environment demands practical attire. We recommend long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in neutral colours-greens, browns, and greys are ideal-to protect against insects, thorns, and scratches. Lightweight, quick-drying fabrics are essential given the humidity. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are non-negotiable, and a good quality rain jacket and waterproof trousers are a must-have for unexpected downpours.

    Photography

    Photography in the forest is challenging but incredibly rewarding. We strongly advise against using flash, especially during gorilla encounters, as it can disturb the animals. For gorillas, a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) and a camera that performs well at high ISOs (3200-6400+) are crucial due to the low light. Drones are strictly prohibited without specific, rarely granted, permits. Always protect your gear from moisture with waterproof bags or covers.

    Etiquette

    When tracking gorillas, absolute quiet is paramount. Follow your guide's instructions precisely, maintain the recommended distance, and avoid sudden movements. We ask that you refrain from eating or drinking near the gorillas. In camp, respect the peaceful atmosphere and the privacy of other guests. Always stay on designated trails during forest walks to minimize your impact on this pristine environment.

    What to Bring

    Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
    Lightweight waterproof rain jacket and trousers
    Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers (neutral colours)
    Strong insect repellent (DEET recommended)
    Wide-brimmed hat or cap
    Personal first-aid kit (including anti-malarials and any personal medications)
    Binoculars
    Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
    Headlamp or small flashlight
    Power bank for charging electronics
    Small waterproof daypack
    Quick-drying towel

    Temperature

    24.79°C

    77°F · Range: 20.7–30.58°C

    Rainfall

    47.2 mm

    Light rain · 8.8 rainy days

    Humidity

    77.4%

    Sunshine

    10.1 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    2.9 m/s

    10.4 km/h

    Based on 5 years of weather data · Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

    Parc national d'Odzala-Kokoua Reviews