Ngaga Lodge
Hidden in a dense, nearly inaccessible forest, Ngaga is one of Africa’s most remarkable lodges, offering the rare opportunity to visit gorillas in a habitat barely touched by humanity. The experience will leave you with unforgettable wildlife encounters, a deep connection with nature, and a sense of supreme isolation. The Ndzehi Concession, a forested area just outside Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo, is home to numerous families of Western Lowland Gorilla, as well as the research team that has studied their behavior for decades, led by renowned primatologist Magdalena Bermejo. Ngaga is about a two-hour drive on dirt roads from our private airstrip at Mboko, through savanna and rainforest biomes and past the small village of Mbomo.
With just six thatch-roofed bungalows nestled among the trees, plus a viewing deck, dining area, and lounge overlooking the forest canopy, Ngaga promises privacy and exclusivity. Even in the primal solitude of this intact ecosystem, you’ll enjoy stylish accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and warm hospitality.
A viewing deck built high among the towering trees provides a perch for watching monkeys and birds as you sip your morning coffee, warmed by a crackling fire. The open-air lounge and dining area is the site of delicious meals and relaxed gatherings amid the sounds of the forest.
Hand-built in local style, Ngaga’s six double/twin bungalows feature en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, mosquito-netted beds, and wraparound decks overlooking the trees. Screened windows ensure a steady breeze and allow you to fall asleep to the sounds of birds, frogs, monkeys, and insects — the symphony of the forest.
Gorilla Tracking
Observe the families of Western Lowland Gorilla that live in the forest surrounding Ngaga Lodge as they climb trees to feast on ripened fruit, swing from branches, and communicate with hoots and howls. Each encounter with these primates so like ourselves is fascinating and life-changing.
Nature Walks
Our intimate guided walks reveal the splendor of the Congolese rainforest, fostering a deeper understanding of this precious ecosystem and the flora and fauna it shelters. Hear the sounds of the forest, smell the dewy humidity, and feel connected to something greater than yourself.
Village Visits
Meet the community. Mbomo and Ombo villages, both located near Ngaga Lodge, provide an opportunity to meet some of the people who have lived in the Congo Basin for generations. Learn about the challenges and rewards of life in the forest and share your own experience in the outside world.
Night Drives & Night Walks
Step into the mysteries of the forest after dark. On foot, listen for insects and watch the flickering light of fireflies. In a vehicle, look for the reflection of shining eyes in the treetops. Notice how alive the forest is, no matter the time of day.
Sundowners in the Forest
After an afternoon walk through the woods surrounding the lodge, spotting butterflies, birds, and hooting monkeys, you come across a group of chairs set in a stream. You kick off your shoes and cool your feet in the shallow water while the guide prepares a batch of gin & tonics.
