Lango Camp | Odzala-Kokoua National Park

The place

I wake up to the sound of whirring wings accompanied by screeching – a flock of African grey parrots announcing their arrival at the nutrient-rich bai, a marshy forest clearing, for a mineral splash. Although we’d left the canvas panel open so we’d see wildlife as soon as we opened our eyes, this demands a closer look. Fortunately, a tray of steaming coffee and breakfast snacks makes the transition from horizontal to vertical a little easier. Leaving my partner slumbering, I grab my camera and take endless photos of this wonderful spectacle of nature, trying to capture the sun rising behind a bai all but covered in a field of fluttering grey.

I wake up to the sound of whirring wings accompanied by screeching – a flock of African grey parrots announcing their arrival at the nutrient-rich bai, a marshy forest clearing, for a mineral splash. Although we’d left the canvas panel open so we’d see wildlife as soon as we opened our eyes, this demands a closer look.

Fortunately, a tray of steaming coffee and breakfast snacks makes the transition from horizontal to vertical a little easier. Leaving my partner slumbering, I grab my camera and take endless photos of this wonderful spectacle of nature, trying to capture the sun rising behind a bai all but covered in a field of fluttering grey.

The room

As I return to our cottage to change for breakfast, I admire how it blends effortlessly into the surrounding forest. Inspired by the designs of the local Ba’Aka pygmy people, it’s made in the traditional Congolese style from sustainable materials such as hardwood, bamboo and locally-woven raffia palm. Elevated on a platform, it has sweeping views over the forest and into the bai, giving it the feel of a treetop hide. I find my partner seated outside on the 360-degree wraparound deck, gazing into the forest with a pair of binoculars. We agree to meet for breakfast, and I take a leisurely shower in the en-suite bathroom. Walking along the wooden walkway to the main dining, lounge and bar area – which is open to the endless views of forest and savannah – I surprise an African green pigeon, which flies off into the blue sky. As I sit down, I let out the breath of air I didn’t know I’d been holding and smile at my partner. I feel as free and open as my surroundings.

As I return to our cottage to change for breakfast, I admire how it blends effortlessly into the surrounding forest. Inspired by the designs of the local Ba’Aka pygmy people, it’s made in the traditional Congolese style from sustainable materials such as hardwood, bamboo and locally-woven raffia palm. Elevated on a platform, it has sweeping views over the forest and into the bai, giving it the feel of a treetop hide.

I find my partner seated outside on the 360-degree wraparound deck, gazing into the forest with a pair of binoculars. We agree to meet for breakfast, and I take a leisurely shower in the en-suite bathroom. Walking along the wooden walkway to the main dining, lounge and bar area – which is open to the endless views of forest and savannah – I surprise an African green pigeon, which flies off into the blue sky. As I sit down, I let out the breath of air I didn’t know I’d been holding and smile at my partner. I feel as free and open as my surroundings.

What sets it apart

We love the sense of remoteness, space and freedom created by Lango Camp’s unspoiled natural surroundings. Even though the journey from Brazzaville was not at all strenuous, few others venture this far into the Congo rainforest, so we have all the benefits of seclusion and uninterrupted wildlife sightings, along with exceptional, personalised service. With its swampland, river and surrounding savannah and forest areas, Lango Camp offers much to explore, which we’ve done on several game drives. By far our personal highlight, though, was alternately wading and walking through the Lango bai and savannah, often in waist-deep water, as our guide told us about the harmless dwarf and slender-snouted crocodile found here! Navigating the Lekoli River on a traditional pirogue was equally thrilling, especially when we spotted both forest elephant and harnessed bushbuck amid the trees. That day ended with private sundowners on the jetty at the river’s edge, and segued into stargazing from the camp’s firepit, with the melodious sounds of the forest accompanying the crackling of the fire. With its vast landscape and limited visitor numbers, Lango Camp ensures an intimate, carefree and ultimately relaxing stay.

We love the sense of remoteness, space and freedom created by Lango Camp’s unspoiled natural surroundings. Even though the journey from Brazzaville was not at all strenuous, few others venture this far into the Congo rainforest, so we have all the benefits of seclusion and uninterrupted wildlife sightings, along with exceptional, personalised service.

With its swampland, river and surrounding savannah and forest areas, Lango Camp offers much to explore, which we’ve done on several game drives. By far our personal highlight, though, was alternately wading and walking through the Lango bai and savannah, often in waist-deep water, as our guide told us about the harmless dwarf and slender-snouted crocodile found here!

Navigating the Lekoli River on a traditional pirogue was equally thrilling, especially when we spotted both forest elephant and harnessed bushbuck amid the trees. That day ended with private sundowners on the jetty at the river’s edge, and segued into stargazing from the camp’s firepit, with the melodious sounds of the forest accompanying the crackling of the fire.

With its vast landscape and limited visitor numbers, Lango Camp ensures an intimate, carefree and ultimately relaxing stay.

At a glance

Exclusive camp in Odzala-Kokoua National Park with six comfortable guest cottages elevated above the forest, with sweeping views into the marshy bai.
Unrivalled forest location, flexible activities, private dining available and opportunities to explore the unique rainforest and bais.
Game drives, forest and marsh walks, boat safaris, kayaking, pirogue excursions and stargazing.
Children aged 15 and above are welcome.

Exclusive camp in Odzala-Kokoua National Park with six comfortable guest cottages elevated above the forest, with sweeping views into the marshy bai.
Unrivalled forest location, flexible activities, private dining available and opportunities to explore the unique rainforest and bais.
Game drives, forest and marsh walks, boat safaris, kayaking, pirogue excursions and stargazing.
Children aged 15 and above are welcome.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.