Group Adventure Travel

Join Africa Discovery's Cindi LaRaia to this amazing new destination, breaking ground in the rainforest of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo's remote north-west is one of Africa's oldest national parks. We will spend 3nts in each camp to get the full Odzala experience.

It is the Western Lowland Gorilla that occurs in Odzala and is found here at the highest densities so far recorded for the species. In the area of Ngaga Camp, Western Lowland Gorillas live in groups ranging in size from 10 to 25 individuals (average 16-17 animals), usually with one silverback, 5-7 adult females and a collection of sub-adults, babies and sometimes subordinate males. Other primates and animals to be seen in Congo

Then we head to the ZAMBEZI River in Zimbabwe. For the Mana Canoe and Walking Safari, truly the Adventure of a lifetime!

One of the most exciting ways to experience Africa, this safari is perfect for adventurous travelers, allowing guests the closest possible encounters with wildlife on one of the greatest rivers in Africa. This thrilling experience traverses the Mana Pools National Park, through the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi's shoreline, canoeing past more than a thousand hippo on the way!

We end our adventure in a tented luxury camp in the finest most prolific game rich area in Zimbabwe, staying at the gorgeous Somalisa Tented Camp. Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. Its stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain gives it breath taking views of the savannah plains.

COSTS based on 2012 rate:

$11,583.00 per person twin sharing as per itinerary below.
**pricing could possibly increase 8-10% for 2013 rates***

Additional costing for in-country Africa flights:
Scheduled flights:
Johannesburg/Brazzaville CONGO/Johannesburg approx $910.00 per person
Johannesburg/Vic Falls/Johannesburg approx $447.00 per person

ITINERARY SAMPLE

Day 1

On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, and after clearing customs & immigration, you will need to make your own way to the complimentary shuttle transfer to Peermont Metcourt.

The 3 star Peermont Metcourt Hotel offers stylish and comfortable rooms. Specifications include a comfortable, large ground floor reception area with enough space to accommodate large tour and convention groups with ease. There is also an express-styled deli for quick and convenient meals, a business centre with workstations and data connectivity for laptops, boardroom with state of the art facilities, and, all offer Wi-Fi internet access. The hotel also features the F.L.A.G Café and the 21° Cocktail Bar. The 248 bedrooms offer a variety of room configurations and amenities include LCD flat screen TV, satellite DSTV channels for all languages, tea and coffee stations, secure internet connections, laptop safe, working desk with business-convenient plug points. The hotel's clean and modern façade is complimented by a private and sheltered pool terrace, set in a beautifully landscaped garden, providing guests with food and beverage service throughout the day.

Day 2

This morning after check out procedures, you will take the complimentary shuttle transfer to O.R Tambo International Airport for your flight to Brazzaville Airport.

On arrival at Brazzaville Airport and after clearing customs & immigration, you will be met by a Wilderness Safaris representative who will assist you with the arrangements of your scheduled light aircraft transfer to Lango Camp for your 6 night Odzala Package.

Six Night Odzala Package, inclusive of all meals, all local drinks (premium imported alcoholic brands excluded), scheduled camp activities, National Park/Forest and gorilla/chimpanzee viewing permit fees and laundry.

CONGO - ODZALA - 2013

6 nights / 7 days

Join Wilderness Collection on a journey through the life filled African rainforest – along with the privilege and thrill of observing one of our closest relatives in the wild – the Western Lowland Gorilla.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Thursday – Lango Camp, Odzala-Kokoua National Park
In the early afternoon we depart by private charter from Brazzaville to M'boko Airstrip, Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The charter flight takes approximately two hours and includes a light packed lunch. On arrival at M'boko Airstrip, we are met by a Lango Camp guide who will transfer us by vehicle to Lango Camp – our home for the next three nights. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes through open savannah with views of the forest fringe and interior. Once at camp, we are given an opportunity to freshen up and settle in before embarking on our short afternoon activity which may consist of a walk around Lango Bai and the forest fringe and stream or perhaps a game drive.

Friday - Lango Camp, Odzala-Kokoua National Park
An early morning wake-up is followed by a light breakfast and coffee on the main deck, after which we embark on our first activity for the day. This could be a walk from camp through Lango Bai and down the clear, shallow waters of the Lango Stream to its confluence with the Lekoli River. A motorised pirogue will then head upstream for two hours (stopping en route for tea/coffee) until reaching the access point to Mbouebe Bai, where a short excursion on foot reaches a concealed hide from which activities at the bai can be observed. The return to camp includes a downstream portion of the river followed by a game drive through the savannah. Back in camp a hearty brunch and rest period awaits before we head out again later for the afternoon activity. An example of this would be a return game drive to the boat jetty followed by a pirogue trip downstream along the Lekoli River to its confluence with the larger Mambili River for sundowners. A night drive back to camp offers intriguing opportunities for seeing some of Odzala's more secretive nocturnal creatures.

Saturday - Lango Camp, Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Wake up early for a light breakfast and coffee before setting off on the morning activity. Today this may begin with a game drive to the boat jetty at the confluence of the Likeni Stream and Lekoli River and then a pirogue trip down the Lekoli River in search of primates, Forest Buffalo and other species, before returning to camp on foot through Lango Bai. The trip along the river offers great opportunities for birding and mammals, while the walk can provide excellent viewing of buffalo, Red River Hogs, a number of primate species and even Bongo. Our return to camp is greeted by an appetising brunch and some downtime before heading out again in the afternoon. This afternoon we may head back to the boat jetty and take a pirogue trip upstream along the Lekoli River enjoying sundowners and perhaps some catch-and-release fishing before returning to camp on a night drive, searching for species such as Spotted Hyaena, Golden Cat and even Water Chevrotain.

Sunday - Ngaga Camp
This morning, after an early wake-up and breakfast we head away from the savannah in air-conditioned land cruisers to the south-western corner of the Park to spend time at Dzebe Bai some two and half hours' drive from Lango. Having walked about a kilometre through the forest to access the bai, we spend midday in the hide waiting for secretive forest animals to appear in the clearing; there's a chance of viewing unhabituated gorillas here, as well as species such as Black-fronted Duiker, Guereza Colobus monkey and perhaps even Chimpanzee. We enjoy a packed lunch in the hide at the bai and in the late afternoon, as activity at the bai subsides, we will return north towards Ngaga Camp. On arrival at Ngaga Camp, we will be met by the staff and given an opportunity to settle in. Before dinner, the group will receive an extensive briefing on Western Lowland Gorillas, including the research project in the area, conservation of the species, their biology and ecology and of course what to expect when tracking the habituated groups of the area.

Monday –Ngaga Camp
This morning, after an early wake-up and light breakfast we depart on foot with our guide and tracker on our first gorilla tracking excursion. Using the expert skills of the trackers we start at the point where the group chosen to be monitored for that day slept the night before and follow their tracks as they move through the forest until we find them. While home range sizes are relatively small, the gorillas can move quite quickly through thick forest undergrowth and during a 2-5 hour tracking excursion (including time spent observing the gorillas) we may cover between 5 and 8 kilometres. After this exhilarating experience we return to camp to freshen up and enjoy a brunch before spending the middle of the day at leisure. In the afternoon after a light tea we will enjoy a guided forest walk in search of birds and primates as well as forest duiker and, if time allows, visit the Gorilla Tracking Academy run by Dr Magda Bermejo and German Illera. Here we will learn about the comprehensive training of local community trackers from all over west-central Africa and how this plays a role in gorilla conservation.

Tuesday –Ngaga Camp
This morning after another early wake-up and light breakfast we set out again on foot for our second gorilla tracking excursion. Our expert trackers will again follow the obscure tracks and sign of the group through the forest until we find the group and enjoy another fascinating experience watching them resting and foraging. Returning to camp, we freshen up and enjoy brunch and a siesta. The afternoon sees us out on the forest trails in search of the birds and mammals of the area, returning to camp to enjoy a sundowner on the main deck overlooking the forest canopy and Ngaga Stream.

Day 8

Wednesday – Brazzaville
We have a far more leisurely start this morning, leaving after breakfast for M'boko airstrip (a drive of 2.5 hours) to meet our private charter flight back to Brazzaville. We will land in Brazzaville in the afternoon in plenty of time for any onward flights.

On arrival at Brazzaville Airport you will connect to your onward flight to O.R. Tambo Airport.

On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, and after clearing customs & immigration, you will need to make your own way to the complimentary shuttle transfer to Peermont Metcourt.

Day 9

This morning after check out procedures, you will take the complimentary shuttle transfer to O.R Tambo International Airport for your flight to Victoria Falls Airport.

On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport and after clearing customs & immigration, you will be met by a Wilderness Safaris representative who will assist you with the arrangements of your scheduled light aircraft transfer to Mana Canoe & Walking Trail.

MANA CANOE TRAIL

A Trails Exploration - 3 nights / 4 days

Canoeing safari complemented by fully serviced dome tent Adventurer camping along the fertile floodplains of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park.

One of the most exciting ways to experience Africa, this safari is perfect for adventurous travelers, allowing guests the closest possible encounters with wildlife on one of the greatest rivers in Africa. This thrilling experience traverses the Mana Pools National Park, through the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi's shoreline, canoeing past more than a thousand hippo on the way! Each night is spent camping on the banks of the Zambezi River, finishing 65km(40 miles) downstream and many adventures away from the start. Encounters with animals, whether on canoe or on foot, are up close and awe-inspiring. The Trail is for reasonably fit guests and is led by an experienced guide. Support vehicles and staff set up a fully catered & serviced camp each day prior to arrival. This camping safari offers a unique adventure for the traveller seeking an iconic African safari and an opportunity to enjoy one of the wildest stretches of the lower Zambezi River and the game that depends on its life giving waters and ensures a back to nature experience.

By means of lively campfires, hurricane lanterns and a warm atmosphere permeating the camp (and its simplicity), Adventurer camping brings the guest closer to nature. Such camps are specifically outfitted to create that sense of wilderness with a clear emphasis on essential camp comforts and maximum wilderness experience.

The entire safari is guided and hosted by a professional and passionate river guide, who shares in-depth knowledge of the lower Zambezi ecosystem with the guests, to present a seamless, well-rounded experience. Years of experience in the field and a depth of understanding of animal behaviour and the environment will leave you with a sense of complete wonder. Our guides are also skilled photographers and can assist you in taking away amazing wildlife photographs. They are also available to lead private safaris and specialist trips.

Guests are transferred to Ruckomechi by air from Victoria Falls or Harare, or road/boat transfer from Lusaka (at an additional cost), arriving at around midday. At approximately 14h00, after meeting the guide and going through a thorough safety briefing, canoeists start paddling downstream in sturdy Canadian canoes to our mobile camp in the Mana Pools National Park. The camp will have already been set up in advance and the first afternoon of paddling covers about 10 to 11 kilometres (6.2 to 6.8 miles). This is a relatively easy distance to cover in the time available (partly because we always paddle downstream) and gives canoeists a chance to familiarize themselves with the canoes and the various paddle strokes required.

Day 10

Canoeists are woken just before dawn each day with tea/coffee and biscuits and get onto the water just before sunrise. This is a magical time on the river as the water is usually calm and the peace and tranquility is amazing. After paddling for usually about 2 hours, we beach the canoes on the bank of the Zambezi River and set out for a game walk. The guide chooses a suitable area, based on his knowledge of the area and game movements and we take a few hours to explore on foot, and unravel some of the intricacies of the bush. After returning to the canoes, and a light snack, we continue canoeing to a suitable lunch spot, arriving around mid-day. Lunch is carried in the canoes and usually consists of a salad, bread and cold meats. We normally rest up in the shade for a while or take another short walk before moving on and arriving at the next camp at dusk. The camp and guest luggage is moved each day by the camp staff and all that is required to be done by participants is to enjoy a hot shower under the stars, and a cold drink, followed by dinner. The daily distances covered from one camp to the next are around 20 to 25 kilometers(12 to 16 miles) and the daily routine will vary according to wildlife movement.

Day 12

After breakfast by the river, guests will either be transferred by Land Rover or a walk to the nearby Chikwenya airstrip for the flight out (the flight is at an additional cost). We highly recommend that you drive back to Ruckomechi for an additional few nights, where guests can enjoy the wonderful Zambezi Valley by extensive game drive, adding significantly to the overall experience.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL SAFARI NOTES

Private safari options: Tailored Explorations are available on flexible dates, accommodation and itineraries, for groups of up to eight guests. These are also ideal for families or for small groups from four guests.

Camp description: Wilderness Explorations remote campsites on this itinerary provide 3m x 3m(9.84 ft x 9.84 ft) dome tents, designed for comfort in remote wilderness areas. Cotton linen and bedrolls (with duvets) with a lantern complement the atmosphere in this pristine and wild area. Separate short-drop toilet and shower 'bathrooms' with old-style bucket showers create simple serviced comfort.

Exclusive experience: Each campsite within the Mana Pools National Park is reserved for the exclusive use of our guests and while on the river or on foot on its banks we enjoy the wild expanse mostly to ourselves. An over-night at Ruckomechi camp either before or after the three night canoe trail we will most likely meet other independent travellers.

Local air connection onto the safari: If arrival is planned for the day of the safari's departure, please ensure that arrival is around noon and no later than 13h00. The air transfers into and out of Mana Pools are quoted separately to the canoe trail.

Private air charters: Guests can charter from Kariba, Harare etc to Ruckomechi airstrip from where they will be transferred to the river for the start of the Trail.

International air connections leaving the safari: Please ensure that if you have an early departure flight that your scheduled light aircraft transfer is booked to depart from Chikwenya airstrip.

Flashlights/ torches: Please ensure that a minimum 2-D cell flashlight is brought on safari, with spare batteries. Head lamps are also useful. Wilderness Explorations does not supply flashlights.

Camera battery charging facilities: Unfortunately no charging facilities are available on the canoe safari, due to the remoteness of the area.

Dietary requirements and special occasions: Due to remote locality of Wilderness Explorations camps, please ensure that full dietary requirements and special occasions are advised at the time of your booking confirmation.

At a time to be advised by the camp management, you will be transferred from Chiwenya Airstrip to the appropriate airstrip for your scheduled/private light aircraft transfer to Somalisa Camp.

Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. Its stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain gives it breath taking views of the savannah plains. Somalisa having only 12 beds has been designed as an environmentally low impact camp.There are 6 elegantly furnished canvas tents with en suite bathrooms, flush toilet and romantic alfresco bush shower. The décor echoes of an old era, from colonial to the ancient tribes of Africa. Facilities include main Area with library, sitting area, dining table, a swimming pool, platform overlooking a pan 3km from camp. The lounge and dining area is at the forefront of the camp, tucked under a soaring canopy of trees. Wide and well-traversed Elephant paths make up the paths connecting your room to the main area. Delicious cuisine is prepared in traditional style, balancing organic produce with gourmet dishes. Activities include guided walks, game drives and spot lighting as well as game viewing from hides.

Day 15

At a time to be advised by the camp management, you will be transferred from Somalisa Camp to the appropriate airstrip for your scheduled/private light aircraft transfer to Victoria Falls Airport.