Safari
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences operates three camps in the northern parts of The Republic of Congo in and around the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Lango is a luxurious camp in a breathtaking setting, sandwiched between tropical rainforest and wetland in the southern section of the national park. The unique location offers the chance to explore the pristine forest in total seclusion, on game drives, pirogue trips and forest walks. The remarkable environment will enthral you at every turn, and the unusual wildlife simply feels like an added bonus. It's certainly a tourism venture with many challenges, but one that definitely deserves support.
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The main area of camp lies on the edge of the forest, overlooking a marshy floodplain or bai. Both the lounge and dining room are built using the impressive local thatching technique that combines walls and ceiling with one continuous weave of raffia, and the warm, earthy colours are complimented by plush cream sofas. Separating the lounge and dining is an expansive wooden viewing platform that extends down a few steps to a semi-circular fire deck, complete with padded camp chairs and a 180 degree view of the bai (swamp-like forest clearing).
The six dome-shaped rooms are built from sustainably-sourced wood and raffia. Roll-up canvas flaps lead from the front deck into the bedroom, where you'll find double or twin beds encompassed by a large mosquito net. Directly behind the bed's headboard is a sink, and behind that is the ensuite bathroom, in which a hot shower and a toilet are surrounded by a beaten brass shield. Each also has an impressive wrap-around verandah, elevated three or four meters off the forest floor.
Several activities are available at Lango and the guides will often combine them so that you can not only access the most stunning areas, but also maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. Because of the terrain (thick forest and marshy rivers), walking plays an important role, so expect to get at least your feet wet as you wade through the bai and shallow streams in search of buffalo, elephant, a myriad of birds and two harmless species of crocodile - the slender-snouted and the African Dwarf. Walking in the forest yields sightings of a variety of primates, including mangabeys, colobus and putty-nosed monkeys and sometimes, chimpanzees. You can also explore the Lekoli River by boat, kayak or on a traditional pirogue and game drives provide yet more opportunities for wildlife spotting. If you're looking for a bit of local culture, head to nearby Mbomo village.
The marsh (known locally as a "bai") in front of camp attracts forest elephants and buffalo and harnessed bushbuck, enabling fabulous deck-chair game viewing of some rarely-seen forest inhabitants.
Keep an eye out for the huge flocks of African grey parrots and green pigeons that are drawn to the area's mudflats. They make an impressive and colourful avian spectacle.
Most activities at Lango involve wading through rivers and streams so prepare to get your feet wet – and bring some extra socks!
The Time + Tide Foundation is dedicated to preserving natural environments and supporting nearby communities, and guests contribute to sustainability purely by visiting their hotels. The foundation focuses on community and school-based learning, female empowerment, health, and wildlife conservation. Through initiatives like student sponsorship, it aims to ensure the long-term prosperity of wildlife economies and foster positive social change in Time + Tide communities.
A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
Boat, walk and trek with lowland gorilla in this luxuriant rainforest of astounding biodiversity.
