Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the thriving paradise of the Congo basin.
Republic Congo Safari
Perched on the equator in Central Africa lies the Republic Congo, lso knows as Congo-Brazzaville, not to be confused with the much larger neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo. Here lies a world like no other, where all the beauty of Africa meets to create a unique landscape that is home to a stunning range of flora and fauna.
Until gaining its independence in August 1960, Congo-Brazzaville was under French colonial rule, the evidence of which still lingers in some of its architecture. The country is rich in oil, which has long been its primary source of industry and revenue.
However, the eco-tourism industry has been growing in recent times, with the support of the Congolese community. Far more valuable than oil is Congo-Brazzaville’s extraordinary natural riches.
These include the world’s second largest rainforest, herds of rare forest elephants, the precious western lowland gorillas, a number of unique antelope and primate species, and a magnificent range of vegetation. The preservation of these resources is essential to the survival of the local communities, ecosystems and the world at large. Congo-Brazzaville has, therefore, become a focal point of conservation efforts.
Odzala National Park
In the north-west of the Republic Congo Brazzaville is the Odzala National Park. This park is one of the oldest in Africa, recognised by the government in 1935.
The park is under the combined management of Sabine Plattner African Charities (SACP) and the Congo Conservation Company (CCC). The park spans approximately 13 500 square kilometres and encompasses the all-important Congo Basin.
This is the sedimentary drainage basin of the great Congo River, one of the largest rivers in Africa, second only to the Nile. The rainforest of the Congo Basin is said to be one of the earth’s two lungs, a counterpart to the Amazon Rainforest. The forest acts as a massive carbon sink, storing carbon dioxide in its vegetation and soil. It is thus an absolutely vital part of the earth’s survival. As well as being a source of life and growth, the Congo Basin is home to a wide range of wildlife. It boasts approximately 100 mammal species (including 11 different primate species), 700 fish species and 1000 bird species. Many of the animals found in the Basin are endangered, such as the African forest elephants and the bongo antelope.
Especially important is the area’s population of the precious western lowland gorillas, which are being further monitored thanks to recently established research facilities in the park. The SACP and the CCC are working to preserve the area, which has long been threatened by forestry and mining industries, and well as poaching and climate change.