Dzanga Sangha is a magnificent park located in the extreme south of the Central African Republic. It got famous when BBC Africa introduced it in one of their episodes on Congo. It is known for gorilla tracking and for superb elephant viewing from a platform near the Dzanga Bai. You can go to Dzanga Sangha National Park overland by 4×4 coming from Bangui. It is two days of traveling overland and our agency can arrange you a good car with a driver from Bangui. Most people hire a charter plane through our agency and fly from Bangui to Dzanga Sangha. You can also cross overland coming from Cameroon, which is a little more complicated, but we can also assist in coming overland by car and boat. Dzanga Sangha is one of the most diverse parks of Central Africa and offers a unique experience, which is completely different from your usual safari. You will go deep into the rainforest of Central Africa and get introduced to magnificent creatures such as bush elephants, forest buffaloes, African gray parrots, bongos, agile mangabeys and gorillas. It’s also an excellent opportunity to get to know the Ba’ka tribe and join their activities starting from Bayanga.
The park is one of the ultimate experiences for any serious mammal enthusiasts and birders as many animals who seek refuge in the park. One of the highlights of the park is the Dzanga Bai where we can witness 50 up to 150 forest elephants who come to feed on the mineral rich soil of the clearance, accompanied by forest buffaloes, bongos, sitatungas, red river hogs, African gray parrots and even gorillas. It is also a great place for gorilla tracking, mangabey observation, pangolins and much more.
For this tour we will use a private chartered flight as it is the fastest means of getting to the lodge. It is also possible to go overland, but it takes two days in each direction. Kindly go to our overland itinerary. Please, know that the itinerary is a rough indication on how the programme will look like, but it can change.
It is VERY IMPORTANT to add at least one buffer day before your travel in case your flight is delayed and also add at least one buffer day after the safari so you definitely not miss your flight back. We are not responsible for you missing any transfer flights due to bad planning.
Please know that this expedition includes a lot of walking through dense rainforest. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker, but know that sometimes we do need to walk for a few hours, take off our shoes to go through a shallow stream and that you will have to be on your guard to not trip. During your travel you will encounter wildlife and have unique experiences such as gorilla tracking or seeing buffaloes and elephants. Know that wild animals are unpredictable and you have to take precautions and behave in a responsible way.
Day 1: Flight to Bangui
We will pick you up at the airport and help you to your hotel.
Day 2: Bangui
Today you will have a buffer day in Bangui with optional day tour such as a city tour of Bangui, a visit to the Boali Waterfalls or even a cooking workshop.
Day 3: Flight to Dzanga Sangha from Bangui
Today you’ll take your charter flight to Dzanga Sangha, where you will stay for your first night at the lodge. If possible we will go on a small hike in the premises and a short sundowner tour on the Sangha River.
Day 4: Gorilla Tracking
Gorilla tracking of a group of habituated western lowland gorillas in Bai Hokou. The duration depends on how long we’ll have to walk to find the gorillas. We typically spend around one hour around them. You are obliged to be vaccinated against covid and you will have to take a rapid antigen test before going on this tour.
Day 5: Dzanga Bai
Dzanga Bai is a large clearing in the middle of the forest and the soil is rich in minerals. It attracts 50 to 150 elephants who visit the bai each day. We can also observe bongo, giant forest hog, red river hog, sitatunga, forest buffaloes and even gorillas who come to the edge of the bai. We will spend the day on the platform giving you enough opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography.
Day 6: Agile Mangabey Tracking and night walk
We will spend more time in the park in search of more mammals and we will also visit a group of habituated agil mangabeys with over 150 members.
Day 7: Ba’aka Net hunting
We will go out with a group of Ba’aka net hunters, which is a really fascinating experience in the middle of the forest. It is very overwhelming to be in the middle of their calls and see them flashing around you while on the hunt for animals such as duikers.
Day 8: River exploration
We will go on a boat on the river and visit a few waterfalls while exploring the rainforest. On top of the waterfalls you’ll have an awesome view over the canopy. In here we will also be on the lookout for grey-necked rock fowl. In the night we will do a night walk in search of elusive animals such as potto, Thomas’ galago, pangolin, civet, owls and more.
Day 9: Free day
Today you have a free day to enjoy the calmth and peace of the camp or you can also book additional activities such as gorilla tracking, going to the bai or cultural activities at an additional cost.
Day 10: Back to Bangui
After breakfast we’ll fly back to Bangui. End of tour.
Day 11: Bangui
Today you will have a buffer day in Bangui with optional day tour such as a city tour of Bangui, a visit to the Boali Waterfalls or even a cooking workshop.
Day 12: Flight back home
We’ll bring you to the airport for your flight back.
Includes:
– Full board accommodation in the park
– All activities as described
– Park entrance fees
Doesn’t include:
– Accommodation in Bangui
– Airport transfer in Bangu
– Activities in Bangui
– Chartered flight (8.000 euro to 10.000 euro for a round trip)
– Drinks
– Tips and gratuities
Have a look at some of our videos of our Dzanga Sangha trips!
