Ngaga Camp | Odzala-Kokoua National Park

The place

We’d come to Ngaga Camp for the chance to track the Congo’s western lowland gorilla, and learn more about the pioneering conservation that began here in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Our luxury Congo safari lodge is set within a clearing, all but hidden by the dense rainforest canopy, which shelters the steamy jungle and its rampant, teeming life. Ngaga Camp retains a remote, exclusive feel, with just six rooms raised over a glade, overlooking the surrounding canopy. We’re guided to the spacious, open-to-the-elements lounge, bar and dining area, where a welcome drink awaits. We look into the belly of the jungle and breathe in its distinctively fresh, almost pungent air. It’s enough to simply have arrived.

We’d come to Ngaga Camp for the chance to track the Congo’s western lowland gorilla, and learn more about the pioneering conservation that began here in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Our luxury Congo safari lodge is set within a clearing, all but hidden by the dense rainforest canopy, which shelters the steamy jungle and its rampant, teeming life.

Ngaga Camp retains a remote, exclusive feel, with just six rooms raised over a glade, overlooking the surrounding canopy. We’re guided to the spacious, open-to-the-elements lounge, bar and dining area, where a welcome drink awaits. We look into the belly of the jungle and breathe in its distinctively fresh, almost pungent air. It’s enough to simply have arrived.

The room

A raised, wooden walkway leads from the main area of the lodge to our chalet, and the manager tell us that this allows us to experience the canopy from the perspective of the great gorilla. We glance at each other and I laugh, imagining us swinging from our room to the dining hall! Our chalet is built in same style as traditional Congolese houses, crafted from rattan poles and leaves. With its raised platform set between the trees, I can’t decide if it’s more like a beehive or a treehouse, although its thatched, dome-like shape and palatial interior suggest the former. Like the rest of the lodge, our suite has a traditional, African feel, with the use of bamboo, raffia palm panels and even a tree-trunk table. With a high roof and earthy décor, a sense of soaring space mirrors the ever-growing forest, and wooden floors stretch all the way from the open shower just behind our oversized bed through to the private viewing deck. Here, we can indulge in more of this magical landscape, while hoping to catch a glimpse of its many primates.

A raised, wooden walkway leads from the main area of the lodge to our chalet, and the manager tell us that this allows us to experience the canopy from the perspective of the great gorilla. We glance at each other and I laugh, imagining us swinging from our room to the dining hall!

Our chalet is built in same style as traditional Congolese houses, crafted from rattan poles and leaves. With its raised platform set between the trees, I can’t decide if it’s more like a beehive or a treehouse, although its thatched, dome-like shape and palatial interior suggest the former.

Like the rest of the lodge, our suite has a traditional, African feel, with the use of bamboo, raffia palm panels and even a tree-trunk table. With a high roof and earthy décor, a sense of soaring space mirrors the ever-growing forest, and wooden floors stretch all the way from the open shower just behind our oversized bed through to the private viewing deck. Here, we can indulge in more of this magical landscape, while hoping to catch a glimpse of its many primates.

What sets it apart

Just outside of Odzala-Kokoua National Park on the private Ndzehi Concession, Ngaga Camp seems to be as much a part of the forest as the wildlife that inhabits it. The forest location, and the care taken to establish raised walkways and platforms to mimic the perspective the gorilla might have over the canopy, set the scene for our most unforgettable activity yet – tracking Congo’s western lowland gorilla. Although this was most certainly the highlight of our trip, the passion every guide has for the area and its delicate ecosystem was contagious. We were swept away by their excitement when we started understanding the delicate balance between plants, birds and mammals, as well as that between humans and the forest. With a research centre stationed at Ngaga Camp, the lodge is actively involved in the understanding and conservation of western lowland gorilla and chimpanzee, and the interaction between these two species, as well as that between gorilla and humans. Much like the local communities that learn about the importance of conservation through the efforts of Ngaga Camp, we left with a deeper understanding of the value of the forest and its wildlife.

Just outside of Odzala-Kokoua National Park on the private Ndzehi Concession, Ngaga Camp seems to be as much a part of the forest as the wildlife that inhabits it. The forest location, and the care taken to establish raised walkways and platforms to mimic the perspective the gorilla might have over the canopy, set the scene for our most unforgettable activity yet – tracking Congo’s western lowland gorilla.

Although this was most certainly the highlight of our trip, the passion every guide has for the area and its delicate ecosystem was contagious. We were swept away by their excitement when we started understanding the delicate balance between plants, birds and mammals, as well as that between humans and the forest.

With a research centre stationed at Ngaga Camp, the lodge is actively involved in the understanding and conservation of western lowland gorilla and chimpanzee, and the interaction between these two species, as well as that between gorilla and humans. Much like the local communities that learn about the importance of conservation through the efforts of Ngaga Camp, we left with a deeper understanding of the value of the forest and its wildlife.

At a glance

Luxury safari lodge with six traditionally-built chalets, an open-sided dining room, bar and lounge with firepit, all built on raised decks looking into the rainforest. A river deck on Ngaga Stream allows guests to enjoy evening drinks and cool off.
Private concession, gorilla-protection hotspot, private dining available and opportunities to explore the unique rainforest and bais and go gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking (permits an additional cost), forest walks, night walks, bird-and-insects walks, birdwatching and cultural visits.
Children aged 15 and above are welcome.

Luxury safari lodge with six traditionally-built chalets, an open-sided dining room, bar and lounge with firepit, all built on raised decks looking into the rainforest. A river deck on Ngaga Stream allows guests to enjoy evening drinks and cool off.
Private concession, gorilla-protection hotspot, private dining available and opportunities to explore the unique rainforest and bais and go gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking (permits an additional cost), forest walks, night walks, bird-and-insects walks, birdwatching and cultural visits.
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.