The flagship of the Central African Republic is definitely Dzanga Sangha National Park, which is probably even one of the most beautiful parks in all of Africa. The park is known for its stunning deep rainforest, penetrated by the Sangha River. Dzanga Sangha is a superb place for anyone who is into wildlife and birding. Dzanga Sangha is located in the south of Central African Republic, close to the border with Congo-Brazzaville and Cameroon and is part of a trinational park. It can be accessed from Congo-Brazzaville or Cameroon through combining private or public transport with a combination of boat transfer. The easiest way to go to Dzanga Sangha is to go by plane from Bangui. Alternatively, one could also go overland by 4×4 from Bangui to Dzanga Sangha.

Dzanga Sangha offers a unique experience which is very different than your average safari in Africa. The park is home to many animals who seek refuge in the park far away from poacher and loggers. We can find many kinds of monkeys and antelopes such as duikers, bongos and sitatungas. Dzanga Sangha is also an excellent destination for gorilla tracking and has great guides and trackers. It sometimes only takes 30 minutes to find one of the three habituated gorilla groups.

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 clearing, accompanied by forest buffaloes, bongos, sitatungas, red river hogs, African grey parrots and even gorillas. It is also a great place for gorilla tracking, mangabey observation, pangolins and much more.

For this tour we will go overland, which takes about two days to get to the lodge and two days to get back.  Please, know that the itinerary is a rough indication on how the programme will look like, but it can change.

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.

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.

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 and 4: The long road to Doli Lodge from Bangui

For the coming two days we will drive to Doli Lodge. We will stop near Ngoto Forest where we will spend the night. Please, note that the road is in really bad conditions so the drive will be exhausting. We’ll arrive in the evening on the second day in Dzanga Sangha, where you’ll be brought to your lodge. 

Day 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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. 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 8 – 9 : Drive back to Bangui

Today we will drive back to Bangui after breakfast with overnight along the road. End of tour.

Day 10: Bangui

Buffer day in Bangui with optional activity such as Bangui City Tour a day trip to the Boali Falls from Bangui

Day 13: Flight back home

We will get you to the airport for your flight back home.

Includes:

– Full board accommodation in the park

– Transport

– All activities as described

– Park entrance fees

Doesn’t include:

– Accommodation in Bangui
– Airport transfer in Bangui
– Activities in Bangui
– Drinks
– Tips and gratuities

Have a look at some of our videos of our Dzanga Sangha trips!