The Chinko Nature Reserve is located in the east of Central African Republic and is named after the Chinko River. The park has been managed by African Parks since 2014 and has since then seen great improvements after having suffered horribly from poaching and violence in the past few decades. The park is now thriving again and there are many species which can be observed. There is a small camp in the park which can be reached by chartered flight and from where you can explore the park or go fishing for the Goliath Tiger Fish. For this trip we will use a private chartered plane from Bangui. Please, know that the itinerary is a rough indication on how the programme will look like, but it can change. Allow yourself a few buffer days in Bangui just to be sure.
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 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: Private charter to Chinko
The plane will come fetch you after breakfast, after which you will be flown into Chinko Camp, the other side of the country. Here you will stay in sturdy army tents for the coming days and enjoy full-board accommodation. Thanks to a solar-powered fridge you can also enjoy ice-cold drinks!
Day 2 to 7: Exploration of Chinko Reserve and daily fishing for Goliath tigerfish
You will be staying in the heart of Africa, deep in the rainforest where you will explore a region very few people have ever been to before, even the locals. You will get deep insight in everything you want to know about the jungle and everyday you’ll go into the forest in the search for mammals, birds and butterflies besides fishing if desired. You will be in excellent hands with the local guides who will teach you everything they know about the forest. We will spend most of our time fishing for Goliath Tiger Fish and others. Every night we’ll light up a campfire and grill some fish or meat and gaze at the stars.
Day 8: Flight back to Bangui
Today we fly back to Bangui.
Contact us if you want to know more about this tour.
Includes:
– Full board accommodation in the park
– All activities as described
– Park entrance fees
Doesn’t include:
– Accommodation in Bangui
– Airport transfer in Bangui
– Activities in Bangui
– Drinks
– Tips and gratuities
About Chinko Nature Reserve:
Chinko Nature Reserve is a protected area in the east of the Central African Republic of almost 6 million hectares (17.600 km2) which is managed by African Parks together with the government of the Central African Republic in 2014. Before it was a hunting reserves which was rich in buffalos, elephants and lions which dramatically decreased due to cattle herding, poaching, wildfires and ivory trade. In 2002 almost all animals were wiped out, until the first safari operators came in 2005 building guest rooms, airstrips and training staff such as rangers.
The park is located 610 meter above sea level and is on a volcanic plateau and is rich in plants and wildlife which can be found all over the area. The Chinko River basin consists mostly of wooded savannah and Congolese rainforest. We can find several primates such as gorillas and also elephants, buffaloes, antelopes such as bongo and duikers, pangolins, African wild dogs, leopards, lions, warthogs, giant forest hogs and others. The park also boasts a wild variety of birds such as bee eaters, buzzards, hoopoes, guinea fowls, hornbills, fish eagles, turacos, kingfishers, sunbirds and secretary birds.
