African Adventure Safaris
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - rainforest expedition
15-29 April 2013 - 15 days)
Facts
From - To:
Highlights
Bangui - Bangui
Gorilla Trekking in the Congo Basin with max. 3 people
Dzanga-Sangha Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Price:
3.990 EUR
(incl. 330 EUR Gorilla permit)
Second-largest rain forest in the world
Unique species such as Bongo, Sitatunga, Forest Elephant
Group size:
max 8 people
Acc. type:
Fully accommodated
Fishing for Goliath Tigerfish
Net-hunting with the Ba'aka
Pirogue trip on the Sangha River
Overview
Deep in the rainforest of the northern Congo basin lies Africa’s Eden: Dzanga-Sangha National Park and
Special Reserve, one of the most beautiful regions in Africa and a unique sanctuary for thousands of
amazing species. Chimpanzee, Lowland Gorilla, Forest Elephant and Forest Buffalo are found here as
well as seldom seen antelope such as Sitatunga and Bongo. The birding in this area is phe nomenal with
specials such as Picathartes and, recently discovered in this area, Green-Backed Pitta.
On this rainforest expedition to the Central African Republic, wildlife specialist Anthony Washford will
take you into this world-renowned region, which is situated in the south-western tip of the country.
Dzanga-Sangha, bordered by Congo’s Nouabalé-Ndoki NP to the east and Cameroon’s Lobéké NP to the
west, is covered in thick rain forest and hosts a stunning diversity of species. This large protected area,
stretching across three countries and making up the second-largest rainforest in the world, has been
proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 thanks to governmental efforts, the WWF and
concerned individuals. It is now dedicated to the conservation of its unique and fascinating forest, wild
life as well as to maintaining the traditions and integrity of the local communities.
No visit to this amazing forest would be complete without a visit to the local Ba’aka hunter-gatherers
and the Sangha fishermen. These communities live within the Sangha Special Reserve and benefit from
tourism as it provides protection of their livelihood and employment. They are able to practice
traditional hunting and fishing methods as well as to harvest local materials for use in everyday life from
within the forest reserve. We will take this opportunity to interact with the Ba’aka people and
participate in their net hunting with drums, allowing us a unique insight into one of the oldest of the
African cultures with a people who have inhabited the Central African rainforest for millennia.
Accommodation on this trip will be provided by the rustic Sangha Lodge, situated right on the banks of
the Sangha River, a major tributary of the Congo River. It has a relaxed atmosphere and provides
beautiful vistas of the sun setting over the river. Sangha Lodge is situated within a forest reserve
bordering on Dzanga-Sangha National Park, which makes it an ideal base for our rainforest expedition.
The lodge and 10,000 ha reserve are managed by Rod Cassidy, who is a long term campaigner for the
preservation of forests world-wide. The wildlife viewing is excellent and will also allow us to do some
nocturnal spotting, either on foot in the area or from a pirogue on the river. Goliath Tiger Fish also occur
in the River, and we will spend a day fishing and relaxing with hope of catching one of these monsters
(growing up to 40kg, these Tigers make ours in the south look like minnows!).
Sangha Lodge can be reached in one day from Bangui. It will take about 14 hours, all going well and
without any hassles, so the first day is a long transfer. Like most of Central Africa, the political climate in
CAR varies, so, if conditions dictate, we will fly into Bayanga (the closest village to Sangha) at an extra
charge of 250 Euro per person. The overnight stop in Bangui on the first and last night is only for
convenience. As usual, we will go straight to the bush!
The price for the trip is 3 990 Euro p. Person.
The trip includes a professional guide, transfers, meals as indicated, park entry fees and excursions,
including the gorilla permit. Not included in the price are flights, visas, drinks and gratuities.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC SHOWING DZANGA-SANGHA N.P. IN THE SOUTH-WEST CORNER
DAY 1 (April 15th):
Arrive in Bangui, check into our hotel and meet the rest of the group. Dinner tonight will be in a local
restaurant (own expense).
DAY 2 (April 16th):
Travelling through some amazing scenery and numerous local villages, we will arrive at Sangha Lodge in
the evening . Situated on the banks of the Sangha River, the lodge is in a perfect location for our
numerous excursions into the national park and surrounding forest reserve. This evening we will enjoy a
hearty meal and get better acquainted.
(B,L,D)
DAY 3 (April 17th):
Today we will walk within the Sangha Special Reserve through a myriad of forest trails in search of the
elusive wildlife of the Central African rainforest. There are many species of birds and mammals unique
to this region as well as some incredible landscape within the forest, and most of the day will be spent
exploring this region.
(B,L,D)
DAY 4 (April 18th):
An early start today, we will visit the renowned Sangha Bai situated within Dzanga-Sangha National Park.
This area is a clearing in the forest hosting a saline site where many of the forest animals gather in order
to feed on the salt deposits. Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo, Sitatunga and Bongo as well as a myriad of
bird species such as African Grey Parrot are often attracted to this region.
(B,L,D)
BONGO
SITATUNGA
DAY 5 (April 19th):
Today will be spent walking in the Sangha National Park through various saline sites in the reserve which
attract some of the forest species. We will also be in search of the Agile Mangaby, one of the many
primate species to be found within the protected area.
(B,L,D)
DAY 6 (April 20th ):
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip, today will be dedicated to the trekking of the Lowland
Gorillas, one of the major attractions of the national park. There are two groups of habituated gorillas in
the reserve and, depending on availability of permits, some of the group may trek the gorillas on day 5.
(B,L,D)
DAY 7 (April 21st):
A leisurely day today, we will spend the day fishing for Goliath Tiger Fish and the many other species
which are present in the Sangha River. Those who wish to can also spend the day walking in the forest
within the Special Reserve.
(B,L,D)
GOLIATH TIGER FISH
DAY 8 (April 22nd):
One of the traditional Ba’aka ways of hunting is with the use of a net. Most of the village participate in
this form of hunting where game is driven through the forest by drums into a net. Today we will
accompany the Ba’aka on a hunt, participate in cooking the catch as well as various forest treats at the
end of the day.
(B,L,D)
DAY 9 (April 23rd):
Today we will return to Sangha Bai saline site offering us further game viewing opportunities in the
forest glade.
(B,L,D)
DAY 10 (April 24th):
Today we will explore the Sangha Special Reserve area further on foot and spend most of the day hiking
in this incredible forest reserve. In the late afternoon we will take to the water and spend some time
spotlighting in the evening along the river banks.
(B,L,D)
DAY 11 (April 25th):
This morning will be dedicated to walking in the forests to the site of a beautiful waterfall. This area
supports many rare bird species and is a nesting site for Picathartes, one of Central Africa’s most elusive
birds.
(B,L,D)
DAY 12 (April 26th):
Today we will explore the forest reserve and partake in a night walk in the vicinity of the lodge in searc h
of some of the more elusive nocturnal animals.
(B,L,D)
DAY 13 (April 27th):
Today is our final day in the forest reserve and we will explore parts of the forest together with the
Ba’aka learning about some of the traditional uses and medicinal properties of plants in their forest
home. Tonight we will be treated to traditional dancing by these fascinating people, have a farewell
meal and enjoy our last night in the forest. We will say goodbye to our hosts and the staff at Sangha Bai
in grand style!
(B,L,D)
DAY 14 (April 28th):
Departing early, today we transfer back to Bangui and enjoy a meal together at a local restaurant (own
expense).
(B, L).
DAY 15 (April 29th):
After breakfast we depart for the airport and bid farewell to our new-found friends.
(B).