Journey into the Congo: an Exploration of Odzala
Join a group of 8 conservationists as they travel deep into the heart of Odzala National Park in the Republic of Congo in search of the critically endangered Western Lowland Gorilla. Thanks to Odzala Discovery Camps, Congo Conservation Company and African Parks. Footage and photography by Adam Bannister, Tristan Dicks, Ale Olivieri, Vicky Kennedy, Adam Scott Kennedy, Tyler Davis, Jeremy Goss and Nikki Best. Produced and edited by Adam Bannister.
CLASSIC CONGO - Odzala Discovery Camps
Discover Western lowland gorillas, rainforests, savannah and riverine in one phenomenal 7-night adventure.
Odzala Discovery Camps - In the footsteps of the last great explorers
Outstanding adventure with minimal impact and tremendous discovery.
Odzala National Park - Congo
Sur les traces des gorilles de plaine
Ngaga Camp, Republic of Congo
We loved staying at this beautiful jungle lodge. Just six thatch-and-timber suites set in the middle of the rainforest, Ngaga Camp makes a truly tranquil base from which to explore the forest on guided nature walks and gorilla treks. As if all these advantages aren’t enough, the camp shares its emerald address with Odzala’s gorilla research team. Critically endangered, the western lowland gorillas are definitely the main attraction and getting to meet some of the researchers who are dedicated to studying them is very special. Like us, you’ll probably love the feel-good factor of knowing that every tourist dollar contributes to conserving both the great apes and their habitat. Next episode: we meet a Congo Community.
Western Lowland Gorillas, Ngaga, Odzala, Congo (Part 2)
A visit to the Neptuno Group of Western Lowland Gorillas near Wilderness Collection's Ngaga Camp at Odzala (Odzala-Kokoua National Park), Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville) on 17 May 2014. These gorillas were habituated by Dr Magda Bermejo and her colleagues. A party of ten British Naturetrek clients visited Ngaga and Lango camps.
Because of the effects of outbreaks of ebola on the population, the IUCN classification of the Western Lowland Gorilla is 'critically endangered'. There is no greater privilege in the world than seeing a group in the wild in the Congo.
Western Lowland Gorillas, Ngaga, Odzala, Congo (Part 1)
A visit to the Jupiter Group of Western Lowland Gorillas and a night walk near Wilderness Collection's Ngaga Camp at Odzala (Odzala-Kokoua National Park), Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville) on 16-17 May 2014. These gorillas were habituated by Dr Magda Bermejo and her colleagues. A party of ten British Naturetrek clients visited Ngaga and Lango camps.
Because of the effects of outbreaks of ebola on the population, the IUCN classification of the Western Lowland Gorilla is 'critically endangered'. There is no greater privilege in the world than seeing a group of gorillas in the wild in the Congo.
Filming was difficult through the thick vegetation. The camera was often at arms length and liable to shake. However, the footage shows the dense Marantaceae foliage, a major source of food for the gorillas, and the environment in which they live.
Amani Safaris Congo
Amani Safaris is a legally registered business with its headquarters in Goma in the east of The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Though Amani Safaris is primarily a tour company, it specializes in ecotours and socially aware tours in the eastern province of DRC.
Amani has always been guided by a philosophy of corporate social responsibility and understanding. As such, it works hard to bring together local communities and third parties, be they NGOs, travellers and tourists or commercial enterprises.
To do this, Amani taps into the network of local, national and international contacts it has made through the many community programs it has helped establish or been involved in over the years of operating in DRC.
As our guest you can tour Virunga National Park, the second oldest national park in the world and one of the most stunningly beautiful places on earth, trek to see endangered mountain gorillas and hike up Nyiragongo, an active volcano with the world's largest lava lake.
With more time, you can head south and visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park where you can view Grauer's gorillas, the larger, lowland-dwelling cousins of the mountain gorilla.
Our experienced guides and drivers will meet you in Goma, DRC or Gisenyi, Rwanda and make sure your trip is safe and the experience of a life time. If you also wish to travel in Rwanda or Uganda, we can make arrangements through our partner tour companies in those
countries. Amani Safaris will assist you in obtaining visas and permits and will also design a tailored program around your interests and travel requirements.
Gorilla Safari Republic of Congo Central African Republic
This video was made from 12 hours of tape taken during gorilla safaris in Republic of Congo and Central African Republic. This area of the world will never be on a list of ten places to see before you die. It is a very special place that few people will ever see in person. I may never get there again, but I'll forever be thankful for the experience and the knowledge that places like this still exist in our world.
Sermon to Park Guards, Garamba National Park
Morning Sermon in Lingala to Park Guards and Workers, Garamba National Park (Video by J Sidle; August 15, 2011).