Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is located in the northwestern part of the Republic … Continue reading "Odzala-Kokoua National Park"
Northwestern part of the Republic of the Congo
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is located in the northwestern part of the Republic of the Congo, deep within the Congo Basin rainforest. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most important protected rainforests and covers a vast area of dense tropical jungle, rivers, swamps, and forest clearings known as “bais.”
The park is famous for its western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, chimpanzees, and many other rare rainforest species. These animals are often seen in the mineral-rich forest clearings, where wildlife gathers to feed and drink.
Odzala-Kokoua is also known for its incredible biodiversity, including hundreds of bird species, primates, and unique forest mammals. Because of its remote and untouched nature, it offers a true wilderness experience with limited human disturbance.
Wildlife highlights
Last updated: June 13, 2026
Yes, most travellers require a visa to enter Republic of the Congo, which must be arranged in advance.
It is known for its untouched rainforest, gorilla trekking, and exclusive safari experiences in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Bwindi’s gorillas in Uganda live in a high altitude rain forest, while the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda live in a bamboo forest. These habitats result in some behavioral differences and definitely result in different hiking and viewing differences. Budget issues often impact whether our guests visit both parks and only one. If time and budget permit, we recommend that our guests view in both parks.
Trekking can be done during the dry (June to September and December to February) or rainy seasons (March to May and October to November). The rainy season does make trekking more challenging, so it’s often recommended to trek during the dry season. One of the benefits when trekking during the rainy season is that accommodation at lodges and hotels are at discounted rates.
No, it’s not possible because these Mountain gorillas can’t survive in captivity. They are only found in mountainous areas and only in Africa
Although mountain gorillas are big, muscular creatures, they are described to be intelligent, affectionate and gentle. They are calm vegetarians who are dedicated to their group members. The gorillas spend most of their time interacting, feeding, playing and aggressive in case there is an intruder in the family. They welcome humans only if they are peaceful but if danger is sensed, they may be harmful.
NO, Gorilla Permits are not refundable. In an emergency we can try to resell the Permits for you, but there is no guarantee that we will be abl to do so.
Once you have confirmed the final itinerary with us, you will be asked to pay a deposit of 40%. Gorilla permits must be paid for in full at the time of booking. Note that availability of accommodation and permits is not guaranteed until officially confirmed by GoExplore Safaris.
Accommodation, permit and activity reservations will be made as soon as payment has been received on our account. For your convenience, the balance payment of 60% should be settled 45 days before the start of your safari.
We accept payment by VISA credit card (please include 5% service charge) and bank transfer in either dollars or Euros to our bank account in Uganda. Please note that all bank charges are at the expense of the client.
The Gorilla tracking safaris can be done in Uganda (the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park), Rwanda (Parc National des Volcans or Volcanoes National Park) and Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC (Virunga Mountains park called the Parc National des Virunga).
The minimum age for a gorilla tour is 15 Years old. Please get in touch if your kids want to track gorillas and are between 10 - 15 Years. You will need to write a letter of taking full responsibility for them during the activity.
The plight of Africa’s mountain gorillas really came about in the 1960s predominantly through the work of Dian Fossey. A lot of the work she did, through extensive studies and research, launched Africa’s mountain gorillas to fame. Reasons for trekking mountain gorillas varies from person to person and there may be a few people who can’t even give you a valid reason why they are so interested in it. However, whether you have a reason or not, gorilla trekking remains one of the most stirring and rewarding wildlife experiences there is.
Explore itineraries that visit this park.
Your Safari/trip Includes