Lango Lodge

The main area of camp lies on the edge of the forest, overlooking a marshy floodplain or bai. Both the lounge and dining room are built using the impressive local thatching technique that combines walls and ceiling with one continuous weave of raffia, and the warm, earthy colours are complimented by plush cream sofas. Separating the lounge and dining is an expansive wooden viewing platform that extends down a few steps to a semi-circular fire deck, complete with padded camp chairs and a 180 degree view of the bai (swamp-like forest clearing).

The six dome-shaped rooms are built from sustainably-sourced wood and raffia. Roll-up canvas flaps lead from the front deck into the bedroom, where you'll find double or twin beds encompassed by a large mosquito net. Directly behind the bed's headboard is a sink, and behind that is the ensuite bathroom, in which a hot shower and a toilet are surrounded by a beaten brass shield. Each also has an impressive wrap-around verandah, elevated three or four meters off the forest floor.

Several activities are available at Lango and the guides will often combine them so that you can not only access the most stunning areas, but also maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. Because of the terrain (thick forest and marshy rivers), walking plays an important role, so expect to get at least your feet wet as you wade through the bai and shallow streams in search of buffalo, elephant, a myriad of birds and two harmless species of crocodile - the slender-snouted and the African Dwarf. Walking in the forest yields sightings of a variety of primates, including mangabeys, colobus and putty-nosed monkeys and sometimes, chimpanzees. You can also explore the Lekoli River by boat, kayak or on a traditional pirogue and game drives provide yet more opportunities for wildlife spotting. If you're looking for a bit of local culture, head to nearby Mbomo village.