Embark on a journey to the untouched forests of Central Africa.
If Africa’s mysterious tropical forests captivate you, then our Central African Republic safari is designed for you. Spanning three countries, this vast region is home to sparsely populated Bantu tribes and nomadic Ba’aka pygmies, offering a truly immersive experience for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Located in the northern Congo Basin, Dzanga-Sangha Reserve teems with remarkable wildlife: large populations of Forest Elephants, Lowland Gorillas, and 16 primate species, including the striking De Brazza’s Monkey with its unique white beard. Birdwatchers will delight in the hundreds of bird species here, while the reserve’s reptiles and frogs enrich its biodiversity. Guests have the unique opportunity to visit a Ba’aka pygmy village and even accompany them into the forest for a traditional hunt, gaining insight into their plant knowledge and forest lifestyle.
Conservation efforts:
Our lodge works closely with the Ba’aka on conservation efforts, particularly protecting pangolins and other small animals from the bushmeat trade. Over the next few days, you’ll visit the renowned Dzanga Bai, track Lowland Gorillas, and experience the forest through the eyes of the Ba’aka, making this safari an unforgettable journey into the heart of the African wilderness.
| Starts in Bangui | Ends in Bangui | Duration: 8 Days | Available to book as private guided safari |
Highlights:
Bai Hokou: Western Lowland Gorilla trekking.
Dzanga Bai: A large, mineral-rich clearing in the middle of the rainforest where forest elephants gather in large numbers to indulge in drinking the mineral rich waters that bubble up from the ground.
Ba’aka Net Hunters: You will have the opportunity to visit the local Ba’aka village and learn all about this ancient tribe of forest people and their connection to the forest.
Agile Mangabey Monkey trekking: This group of habituated monkeys has more than 150 members and their fascinating behaviour is part of a long term study in the region.
Top Mammals:
Western Lowland Gorillas, Agile Mangabey Monkey, Black Bellied Pangolin, African Palm Civet, Forest Elephants, Potto, Red River Hog, Bongo
Top birds:
Frazer’s Eagle Owl, Vermiculated Fishing Owl, Grey-necked Rock fowl.
Itinerary summary
| Day 1 | Bangui |
| Day 2 | Bai Hokou |
| Day 3 | Dzanga Bai |
| Day 4 | Ba’aka net hunters |
| Day 5 | Waterfall trekking |
| Day 6 | Dzanga Bai and Saline tour |
| Day 7 | Day at leisure with optional activities |
| Day 8 | Departure |
Optional Activities: Birding, Butterfly watching, Hikes in the Forest surrounding the lodge
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bangui. The tour begins in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. From the airport we will head down to Dzanga Sangha for the first night at your Lodge and your base for the next 7 nights. If time permits, we will venture out in the afternoon to visit the only habituated Black-Bellied Pangolin in the world. A short afternoon sundowner cruise on the Sangha River is the perfect ending to the day.
Day 2: Bai Hokou. Today after breakfast we will be doing the Gorilla tracking. We will head down to Bai Hokou where you will spend time tracking a group of Western Lowland Gorillas. Western Lowland Gorillas can be distinguished by their slightly smaller size, brown-grey coats and auburn chests. They also have wider skulls with more pronounced brow ridges and smaller ears. Dzanga Sangha and its neighbours in Congo Nouabale-Ndoki National Park and Odzala-Kokoua National Park are the only places in the world where you can find habituated Lowland Gorillas.
Day 3: Dzanga Bai. Today we will visit Dzanga Bai which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dzanga Bai is a large mineral rich clearing in the middle of the rainforest . Here Forest Elephants gather in large numbers to indulge in drinking the mineral rich waters in this Bai. The interaction between so many different groups of Forest Elephants ensure that no one can ever get bored here. Look out for othershy forest creatures like Bongo, Giant Forest Hog, Red River Hog, Sitatunga and Forest Buffalos.
Day 4: Ba’aka Net Hunters. Today we will spend some time with Ba’aka net hunters as they go about their daily hunter-gatherer lifestyle. It is fascinating to see how well adapted the Ba’aka are in the forest while you may find it overwhelming and almost intimidating. You will be shown several of their medicinal plants while the hunt goes along in the background. Their excited cheers will alert us if they do catch something.
Day 5: River Activities and Trekking. This morning, we will be heading upriver by boat to hike to a series of waterfalls in the area. These will take us through the best examples of prime rainforest that you would ever see. Apart from the amazingly beautiful waterfalls, you will see some of the most spectacular trees imaginable. Climbing to the top of the falls will provide vistas over the canopy of the forest. Look out for the extremely rare and endangered Grey-necked Rock fowl! In the evening you may do a night walk near the lodge, hoping to find some of the more elusive nocturnal animals such as Potto, Thomas’s Galago, Tree Pangolin, African Palm Civet, Frazer’s Eagle Owl, Vermiculated Fishing Owl and several more.
Day 6: Dzanga Bai and Saline tour. We head back into the park today, doing the saline walk around a series of clearings in the forest. The chance of finding Buffaloes, Elephants and several Monkey species on this trek is good. We will also visit a group of habituated monkeys called Agile Mangabey and spend some time photographing their interesting antics.
This group of habituated monkeys has over 150 members and their fascinating behaviour is part of a long-term study in the region.
Day 7: Day at leisure with optional activities. This is our extra day for optional activities. These include Gorilla tracking, visits to the Dzanga Bai, Birding, Butterfly Watching or just relaxing or walking on the several hikes that have been laid out in the forest around the lodge. (Certain activities on this day are not included in the total tour cost).
Day 8: Departure. Today we take a charter flight back to Bangui where you will get your departure flight home.
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” just returned from my first trip with Nick Buys and Nature Travel Africa. One thing for sure is that it won’t be my last! The 16 day trip to Rwanda and Kruger National Park did not disappoint. In fact, it was one of the most incredible and memorable travel experience that I have had.”
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