Republic of Congo's Odzala-Kokoua

Odzala-Kokoua National Park protects 13,500 square kilometers of Congo Basin rainforest, one of Earth's last great wilderness areas. This massive park contains diverse ecosystems from dense rainforest to savanna clearings called 'bais' where wildlife congregates. The park harbors some of the highest densities of forest elephants and western lowland gorillas in Africa. The park supports an estimated 20,000 forest elephants and high densities of western lowland gorillas, along with chimpanzees, bongo, forest buffalo, and over 400 bird species. The bais provide extraordinary wildlife viewing as animals gather for minerals. Primary forests contain massive trees supporting incredible biodiversity, much still unknown to science. Conservation partnerships between government and African Parks have strengthened protection despite regional challenges. Research programs study forest elephants and great apes. Eco-tourism remains limited but provides crucial funding. Local Ba'Aka communities participate as guides and trackers, maintaining traditional forest knowledge. The park preserves vast intact forests crucial for global climate regulation.

Water Features

Rivers, streams, forest clearings

Ecosystem

This destination features a tropical rainforest ecosystem.