National park · Republic of the Congo
Odzala‑Kokoua National ParkParc national Odzala‑Kokoua
Visit Odzala‑Kokoua for gorilla tracking: book a lodge package (incl. charter flight) for 4–5 nights, go in dry season (Dec–Mar, Jun–Sep) and budget entry fee ~check per adult.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
13,500 km² (5,212 sq mi)5,212 sq mi (13,500 km²)
approximate
Established
1935
Best months
Jun–Aug, Dec
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Sort the visa before the flight
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- Central Africa ↗Sort the visa before the flight: none of the seven countries reliably issues tourist visas on arrival to Western passports, and e-visas here are tied to named airports.
- Central Africa ↗Carry the original yellow fever vaccination certificate in your hand luggage; health desks at every Central African airport ask for it, and a missing card can mean refusal or a jab at the desk.
- Central Africa ↗Before booking anything in or near the DRC, read the WHO Ebola situation page and your own government's health notice: the 2026 outbreak brought quarantine and boarding rules for people who have been in the DRC.
- Republic of the Congo ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport with the Congolese authorities or embassy before booking; do not confuse them with the DRC's rules.
- Republic of the Congo ↗Book a travel-clinic visit several weeks ahead: malaria prevention is needed everywhere in Congo-Brazzaville, including the two big cities.
- Republic of the Congo ↗Do not photograph government buildings, the presidential palace, security forces, bridges or airports.
At a glance
- Country
- Republic of the Congo
- Area
- 13,500 km² (5,212 sq mi)5,212 sq mi (13,500 km²)
- Approximate area 13,500 km²; boundaries differ between sources (check).
- Established
- 1935
- Best months
- Jun–Aug, Dec
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Brazzaville
Odzala‑Kokoua National Park protects a vast Congo Basin rainforest, home to habituated western lowland gorilla groups, large forest‑elephant bais and over 440 bird species, making it a premier wildlife destination in the Republic of the Congo.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 2023Listed as UNESCO site.
Size and age
13,500 km² (5,212 sq mi)5,212 sq mi (13,500 km²) · national park since 1935
Approximate area 13,500 km²; boundaries differ between sources (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Brazzaville.
Why go
- Western lowland gorilla habituation camps allow close observation of critically endangered gorillas.
- Large forest elephant bais provide spectacular wildlife viewing.
- High bird diversity with over 440 species, including massive parrot roosts.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarCaution
- AprAvoid
- MayAvoid
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepCaution
- OctCaution
- NovCaution
- DecBest
- JanDry, cooler.
- FebDry, good for trekking.
- MarStart of wet season, trails muddy.
- AprHeavy rains.
- MayWet season.
- JunDry, wildlife active.
- JulDry, good for gorilla tracking.
- AugDry, stable conditions.
- SepTransition to wet, occasional storms.
- OctWet season begins.
- NovWet, trails slippery.
- DecDry, peak wildlife viewing.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western lowland gorilla (habituated groups)All year · Tracking requires permit; limited groups per day. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Forest elephants at baisJun–Mar · Best visibility in dry months. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds (parrots, hornbills, etc.)Mar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla habituation camps | Ngaga, Lango, Mboko camps – central bases for gorilla tracking and elephant bais. | Lodge‑based, guide required. |
| Elephant bais | Seasonal clearings where forest elephants gather for water. | Guided walks from camps. |
| Birdwatching areas | Riverine forest and canopy zones with high bird activity. | Guided walks or 4x4 tours. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate centre of park; exact lodge locations from lodge websites.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult) | Free | person | Exact fee not published; check with lodge. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Mandatory for all wildlife tracking and off‑camp treks.
- Camping
- Only in designated camp areas; no wild camping.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use camp stoves only.
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permission.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste; park enforces strict anti‑litter rules.
Where to stay
In the park
Ngaga, Lango, Mboko camps
Eco‑lodges with basic rooms, meals, and guided activities.
Near the park
Brazzaville
Hotels for pre‑/post‑park stay; 2‑night recommended.
Safety
Malaria medium
Road conditions high
Wildlife encounters medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Camp areas reachable by 4x4; trails are uneven and not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Stay at lodges managed by African Parks, supporting anti‑poaching and community projects.
- Avoid single‑use plastics; use refillable water bottles.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Odzala‑Kokoua National Park?
Entry fees are not published separately; most visitors pay the fee as part of a lodge package (check with the lodge for exact amount).
What are the best hikes in Odzala‑Kokoua National Park?
Guided gorilla tracking, elephant bai walks, and birdwatching treks are the main hikes; all require a guide and are arranged through the camps.
When is the best time to visit Odzala‑Kokoua National Park?
Dry season months Dec–Mar and Jun–Sep offer the best wildlife viewing and trail conditions.
How do I get to the park from Brazzaville?
Take the twice‑weekly 2‑hour charter flight or endure a 16‑hour rough‑road drive; the flight is recommended.
Are there any restrictions on photography?
Flash photography is prohibited near wildlife; drones are not allowed without special permission.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Odzala‑Kokoua National Park
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