Congo Brazzaville Private Photographic Safari

Transcription

1 Congo Brazzaville Private Photographic Safari Recommended Months: December 9 days/8 nights)

2 Greg du Toit & ORYX Worldwide Photographic Expeditions are proud to present a carefully crafted expedition to one of Africa s wildest wildlife photographic destination; Congo Brazzaville. Home to some of the world s most coveted mammals and a spectacular wilderness. This is an idyllic destination for those with a sense of adventure and a love of wild, African Rain Forests. Your safari at a glance Tour Dates Tour Price Tour Size Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Recommended Month: December (9 Days/ 8 Nights) US$TBA per person in shared accommodation. Single supplement is US$ Limited to 6 Participants & Greg du Toit Arrival Brazzaville (Overnight Mikhael s Hotel) Brazzaville to Odzala (Overnight Wilderness Odzala) Odzala (Overnight Wilderness Odzala) Odzala (Overnight Wilderness Odzala) Odzala (Overnight Wilderness Odzala) Odzala (Overnight Wilderness Odzala) Odzala (Overnight Wilderness Odzala) Odzala to Brazzaville (Overnight Mikhael s Hotel) Brazzaville to Final destination of Choice Day 1: Arrival in Brazzaville Upon arrival in Brazzaville you will clear customs and passport control before meeting a Wilderness representative who will escort you to Mikhael s Hotel for your overnight stay. An elegant boutique hotel situated in downtown Brazzaville, Congo Republic s capital and business hub, Mikhael s Hotel contemporary interior and professional service make it the ideal destination for both corporate and leisure visitors. Overnight Mikhael s Hotel Day 2: Brazzaville to Odzala Your safari in detail At a time to be advised you will be collected by Wilderness safaris for your scheduled 6- night exploration of the celebrated Odzala. Odzala aims to use responsible lowland gorillaorientated tourism as a catalyst to spread the rainforest conservation message both globally

3 and locally. The Odzala experience is undertaken from two intimate, sensitively constructed camps that leave as light a footprint as possible and blend into this remote forest environment: Lango Camp, on the edge of the savannah and with access to the Lekoli and Mambili Rivers, and Ngaga Camp in the heart of a marantaceae forest. Each camp consists of six creatively designed guest rooms, taking inspiration from the designs of the local B'Aka Pygmy groups. Natural locally sourced materials are used extensively in the construction of the camps: sustainably harvested hardwoods, bamboo and raffia palm matting. In the case of Ngaga Camp, each of the guest rooms is raised 3-4m above the ground with a wraparound walkway allowing full appreciation of the forest canopy. The same use of natural materials is a feature of large comfortable hides at the bais where guests spend time waiting for and watching forest wildlife. Overnight Wilderness Odzala Day 3 to Day 7: Odzala The Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) is a surprising central African gem with seemingly endless pristine tropical forest and fingers of moist savannah covering its interior. Odzala- Kokoua National Park, in the Congo's remote north, is one of Africa's oldest national parks,

4 having been proclaimed by the French administration in It covers some square kilometers (1 360 million hectares) of pristine rainforest and is an integral part of both the Congo Basin and the TRIDOM Transfrontier Park overlapping Gabon, Congo and Central African Republic. Odzala is blessed as a result of encompassing numerous habitats, from dense primary forest-to-forest fringe, savannah, wide, languid rivers and forest bais and salines. The latter two are swampy, grassy areas that are dotted across the rainforest and offer a rare chance to catch a glimpse of the forest dwellers. Various mammal species come to the bais on a regular basis in order to access various elements from minerals and salts, to sedges and water-loving grasses to water. These bais range in size from less than a hectare to more than 10 hectares and represent the best chance of seeing forest wildlife. Viewing at the bais takes place from raised platform hides, or miradors, and requires patience. The bais we visit in Odzala-Kokoua are relatively small and as a result offer the opportunity for close-up viewing of various species. Viewing of birds and mammals in tropical forests anywhere in the world can be challenging. The dense environment and slow going through the undergrowth mean that a great guide with a comprehensive knowledge of behaviour and calls is essential to get the best sightings. Odzala has the highest number (11) of diurnal primates for any forest block in central Africa. Apart from Africa's highest concentration of western lowland gorilla and central Africa's highest density of chimpanzees, other fairly visible species include guereza colobus and

5 grey-cheeked mangabey. Agile mangabey, De Brazza's monkey, Allen's swamp monkey, crowned monkey, black and white colobus and putty-nosed monkey are all regularly seen in their preferred habitats. Forest elephant, a recently recognised full species, are also frequently observed both in savannah areas and forest fringe as well as along the Lekoli River. Charismatic forest buffalo is also abundant. Antelope diversity is equally exciting and includes bongo, sitatunga and black-fronted duiker. Red river hog, harnessed bushbuck, grey duiker and Peters' duiker are regularly seen in the M'boko and Lango areas while a number of other difficult-to-observe forest duiker species are occasionally encountered. Hippo occurs in the Lekoli River but is secretive and rare. Night drives can deliver spotted hyenas, golden cat and water chevrotain. Odzala also harbours 430 bird species including many specials such as Black Guineafowl, White-crested Tiger-heron, Congo Serpent-eagle, Vermiculated Fishing-Owl, Grey-headed Broadbill, Grey Parrot and Forest Swallow. Forest birding can be frustrating but persistence will be rewarded with jewels such as Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Gabon Woodpecker, Chestnut Wattle-eye and several understorey skulkers such as greenbuls, alethes and akalats. Activities

6 Exploring Odzala-Kokoua National Park with Wilderness Daily excursions from their two camps are designed to offer the widest possible range of habitats, species and experiences during your stay. Whilst the main focus at Ngaga Camp is the tracking of gorillas and gorilla research, Lango camp offers a completely different range of experiences. Lango Camp River Trips Lekoli and Mambili Rivers The Lekoli and Mambili Rivers in the Lango region offer one of the best chances to observe wildlife. We make use of motors attached to specialized aluminum swamp boats and traditional pirogues to travel against the stream whilst the most rewarding time is spent drifting silently downstream searching the beautiful forested banks for elephant, primates and birds. Although hippos do occur, their numbers are low. Crocodiles are represented by two harmless species, the Slender-snouted Crocodile and the African Dwarf Crocodile. Chimpanzees are regular in this area although it takes some luck to see them. Walking Safaris Exploring the Lango area on foot offers many great wildlife-viewing opportunities. The area s savannah, marsh, swamp forest and riverine forest are home to Forest Elephant and Forest Buffalo, both regularly encountered. Stalking quietly along forest trails can produce sightings of Red River Hog and shy forest birds. Monkeys are also often encountered and interestingly, the riverine and swamp forest is home to no less than eight monkey species.

7 Guereza Colobus, Grey-cheeked Mangabey and Putty-nosed Monkey are regularly seen. With a bit of luck one may encounter Crowned and Moustached Monkeys, De Brazza Monkey and Northern Talapoin. Walking is also the best way to study the fine detail of the forest insects, fungi, orchids, animal tracks and birds are all part of the show. A chorus of frogs, birds and insects whilst monkeys and other creatures hoot, scream and grunt in the background provides the soundtrack. Walking in the Lango area is adventurous as the area is very wet. Trails have been opened to allow access to the main areas, but one will always return to camp with wet shoes and some muddy smears as proof of one s adventure! Game viewing vehicles are used in the Lango area to access the regions diverse attractions. We use the vehicles to get to and from walking and boating areas. In the early mornings and late evenings a drive along the forest edge offers a different perspective of the landscape. Wildlife that is often seen along the forest edge includes Forest Elephant, Buffalo and Sitatunga. After a sundowner stop, we explore the savannah and forest, spotlighting in search of rarely seen and shy nocturnal creatures. Two species of Pangolin, Golden Cat, Serval, Leopard, Aardvark, Spotted Hyaena, Emin s Pouched Rat, Tree Civet and Mongoose are all possible. This is also a good time to search for some of the many owls that occur here, whilst both Long-tailed and Swamp Nightjars are common all year round. Ngaga Camp Gorilla Tracking Western Lowland Gorillas can be observed in two different ways: either through tracking habituated groups using the impressive skills of our expert local Mbeti trackers, or by patiently waiting on the edge of forest bais for family groups to forage on the sedges (waterloving grasses) there. While gorilla tracking is the main focus of Ngaga Camp, there are a range of other activities that highlight the other fascinating flora and fauna of the area. For full and detailed information on gorilla tracking, see the end of the document. Forest Trails

8 The terra firma forests of the Ngaga area offer a completely different walking experience to the swampy forest area at Lango. Relaxed walks along the well-maintained trail system are great for birding; Guereza Colobus and Crowned Monkeys are regularly seen. Many Chimpanzees are also found here, their noisy screams and hoots are often heard and their nesting sites abound in their favored resting areas. It takes some luck, however, to glimpse our closest relatives in the thick forest. Forest Squirrels, elaborately built termite castles, spectacular butterflies and cool forest streams all make walking here an incredible nature experience. Night Walks The Ngaga area has a much lower density of Forest Elephant and Buffalo than Lango and it is therefore safe to venture out at night on foot in search of the forest s most secretive inhabitants. Nocturnal primates are well represented. Along with the more familiar Galagos, two really bizarre and unique creatures can possibly be spotted: the Potto and the Angwantibo. These slow-moving prosimians are tricky to find, but once located often offer really good viewing as they cling motionlessly to a branch. Shy Forest Duikers, Palm Civets and Tree Pangolins can also be encountered. Africa s largest bat, the Hammer Bat, whose resounding calls are unmistakable, can normally be found by scanning the canopy within the calling area. A number of owls occur in this part of the forest, the Red-chested Owlet being the most viewed. Presentations Our resident guides and research team offer regular, informal discussions or presentations on the Gorilla Research Project, the area s wildlife and unique creatures, our conservation efforts in the region and the challenges faced in conserving viable forest ecosystems in Africa. Stream Pool After a hot day s gorilla tracking, the ultimate cool-off experience can be had in the clear, fresh waters of Ngaga Stream. A short, shaded stroll from the camp brings one to an idyllic stream where natural pools wash away the rigours of a day in the jungle. Perhaps with a refreshing cold drink... Baï Day Trip Bais, or salines, are swampy, grassy areas that are dotted across the rainforest and which offer a rare chance to catch a glimpse beyond the green curtain into the lives of the forest dwellers. Various mammal species come to the bais on a regular basis in order to access elements from minerals and salts, to sedges and water-loving grasses to water. The bais we visit in Odzala-Kokoua are relatively small and as a result offer the opportunity for close up viewing of various species. Activity at the bais varies greatly, depending on the availability of

9 forest fruit at the time. During periods of heavy fruiting, a Baï visit is not generally recommended for those in search of wildlife. At other times Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Colobus Monkey and other shy species visit the bais almost daily. An ongoing monitoring programme is in place at the bais in our area of operation to help us to understand and plan for visits to the bais. Gorilla Tracking and Research Project There are two species of gorilla found in Africa: the Western Gorilla gorilla gorilla and the Eastern Gorilla gorilla beringei. The Eastern Gorilla consists of two subspecies: the well known Mountain Gorilla G. b. beringei of Uganda and Rwanda, and the Eastern Lowland Gorilla G. b. graueri of the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both of these subspecies are considered Endangered. The Western Gorilla also consists of two subspecies: the Western Lowland Gorilla G. g. gorilla principally of Congo (Brazzaville) and Gabon, and the little-known Cross River Gorilla G. g. diehli of the border region between Cameroon and Nigeria. Both of these subspecies are considered Critically Endangered as a result of commercial bushmeat hunting, disease epidemics and habitat loss. The very slow rate of reproduction accentuates all these effects. 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 animals), usually with one silverback, maybe 5 to 7 adult females and then a collection of subadults, babies and sometimes-subordinate males. In this high-density area, home range size is between just less than 4 square kilometers and just over 8 square kilometers (average 5 to 6 square kilometers or 2 square miles). Movements within the home range depend on seasonal utilization of key food types. Staple foods for example include leaves, shoots and plant material, but the seasonal availability of fruit is crucial in the diet and influences group foraging movements. Born at 2 kg (4.5 lb.), female Western Lowland Gorillas will grow to

10 around 70 kg (150 lb.) in weight, while the much larger males might reach 180 kg (390 lb.) and stand 1.8 meters (6 feet) in height. Gorilla Tracking As a result of the work done by gorilla researchers Dr Magda Bermejo and German Illera, a number of habituated groups can be tracked and observed in the area around Ngaga Camp. In this extended 30 square kilometer (11.5 square mile) area there are no fewer than seven groups totaling 105 individual gorillas. Our guests usually access two of these groups while a third is observed primarily for research purposes. Other groups are also seen on a regular basis. Given that Ngaga Camp is situated at an overlap between the home ranges of three different gorilla groups and close to another three, tracking expeditions do not cover enormous distances and can range in length from 1 to 8 kilometers (0.5 to 5 miles) over undulating country. The undergrowth can be thick, however, and including the time spent with a gorilla group, excursions can last between 2 and 7 hours. Gorilla viewing protocol is based on the guidelines issued by the IUCN for great ape viewing and is very similar to that of Rwanda/Uganda. Protocols are designed specifically to limit behavioral impact and also potential disease transmission from humans to gorillas. They are critical for gorilla conservation. Minimum age for gorilla viewing is 15 years this is for reasons of safety, but also for possible disease transmission, with children under this age more prone to infection. Maximum proximity to gorillas is 7 meters (22 feet). It is not permitted to approach more closely and we typically view the animals at meters (32-50 feet). Maximum viewing duration of any group is one hour per day. Each group is only visited once per day. Maximum number of guests per gorilla tracking excursion is 4. Guests that display cold, flu or other respiratory tract symptoms will not be allowed to track gorillas. No food is permitted on gorilla tracking excursions, nor is smoking allowed. Hand washing facilities are provided at Ngaga Camp prior to gorilla tracking. While gorilla sightings and encounters are very reliable, viewing is dependent on variables such as weather and tracking conditions. Overnight Wilderness Odzala Day 8: Odzala to Brazzaville After our final morning exploration and breakfast, we will depart back on scheduled aircraft

11 back to Brazzaville for your overnights stay. Overnight Mikhael s Hotel Day 9: Brazzaville to Final Destination of Choice At a time to be advised (depending on your international flight) you will be transferred back to the international airport for your flight to your final destination of choice. Financial Arrangements The fee for the Congo Brazzaville Private Photographic Safari is US$TBA per person sharing (see below). A single supplement of US$TBA will be charged if you wish to have single supplement. GENERAL INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS General Cost Includes: Ground transportation (M boko airstrip to Lango Camp and return; Lango Camp to Ngaga Camp and return); Internal flights (Brazzaville to M boko airstrip and return); Accommodation (full board basis) as per itinerary: 3 nights Lango Camp, 3 nights Ngaga Camp; All meals staying at Wilderness Odzala; Gratuities/Tipping; All local drinks (excludes premium imported brands and champagne); Laundry at camps excluding smalls due to cultural beliefs; Dinner and lunch in Brazzaville. Accommodation in Brazzaville; and Breakfast in Brazzaville. Activities: LANGO CAMP Guided walking; Game drives; Boat cruises; Motorized pirogue trips; Park & forest visits; Kayaks.

12 NGAGA CAMP Daily tracking of habituated gorilla groups, guided forest walks General Cost Excludes: International air travel to/from Brazzaville (including any possible airport taxes on departure); Visas; Any excursions in Brazzaville not mentioned in the itinerary; and A fully comprehensive travel insurance policy valid from the date of itinerary confirmation (all guests travelling to Odzala must be covered by such a policy) IMPORTANT: Rates are per person sharing and are based upon group tariffs; if the safari does not have sufficient registration (a minimum of 3 paying participants), a small party supplement will have to be charged. Also, costs are subject to major foreign exchange fluctuations and unforeseen increases in expedition related costs and may have to be adjusted as a result. Furthermore, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances; please be aware, however, that we will attempt to stick as close to the original program as possible. Finally, accommodations and flights are subject to availability at the time of booking. LUGGAGE: Luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is restricted to 20 kg (44 lb.) per person travelling in Botswana. Only soft bags will be accepted no wheels, frames or rigid structures can be transported, as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft. The maximum dimensions of the soft bags, which can be accommodated, are as follows: 25 cm (10 inches) wide x 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long. Should your guest require a bag, we do have a supply of soft canvas carryall bags at a reasonable cost. These bags are ideal for use on light aircraft and are the correct dimensions. Please keep in mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25 cm high (10 inches), so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment. A collapsible-wheeled luggage frame/trolley (separate to the bag) is allowed, as long as basic dimensions are similar to that of the bag. These limits are applicable to guests travelling on a seat rate basis so may differ if guests have booked a private charter option in which case the maximum's depend on the type of aircraft and the number of passengers booked.

13 TIPPING: As noted above, gratuities for local guides, trackers, lodge staff, butlers etc are included on this tour. PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like assistance or advice in this regard, kindly contact the Oryx office. FLIGHTS: As our guests come from all over the planet we do not include international flights to and from your home in our tour prices. IMPORTANT: DO NOT book your international flights until you have consulted the Oryx office for confirmation on the status of the tour.. Photo credits: All images by Odzala Wilderness Safaris ORYX Worldwide Photographic Expeditions Division of Rockjumper Birding Tours CC reg 2001/059480/23 PO Box 13972, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202, South Africa Tel: Fax: