Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Odzala-Kokoua National Park is part of the vast Congo Basin, home to the second-largest expanse of rainforest in the world after the Amazon. This green expanse, covering more than 13,000 km² in the north of the Republic of Congo, is covered with trees nestled on and between steep hills, sheltering astonishing biodiversity.

Difficult to observe within the dense vegetation, wildlife becomes more visible where the forest opens onto “bais”, clearings characteristic of tropical Africa. It is in these marshy areas that animals gather in search of water and food; elephants, buffalo, giant forest hogs, primates and various birds converge here in a remarkable display of biodiversity.

To observe the park's true jewel, however, one must enter the jungle itself, wild and mysterious. It is here, at its heart, that western lowland gorillas make their home; the park shelters the largest population of the species in the world. Typically made up of 10 to 25 individuals, families find here the leaves, shoots and fruit that make up their diet. Approaching respectfully, the silverback may allow you to observe their daily life.