What to do in Odzala

A verdant tangle of wildlife-brimming forest, shimmering waterways and some of the most amazing gorilla-trekking territory in the world, Odzala is a real gem. The park is a sanctuary for dozens of endangered species, including one of Africa's most diverse collections of primates, which you'll discover while exploring this piece of the Congo Basin on foot. You'll leave in the early light, led by your experienced guide across the delightfully flat terrain, walking straight into the forest to find a family of western lowland gorilla. Spend a memorable hour with these smaller relatives of the mountain gorilla, watching as they tumble along the forest floor, snack on insects and groom each other. An already intimate experience is made even more so by the size of the group, which can only go up to six people. Depending on which lodge you're staying at, you may have the chance to meet gorilla researchers, see camera trap footage and explore the forest on a night walk. While the rainforests of Africa are almost perpetually damp, but the best and least rainy time to go is between May and September.

Odzala may not be a destination often bandied about in travel magazines but it happens to be an oasis for a variety of endangered species and spectacular flora. Criss-crossed by ribbons of flowing rivers, a boat trip is one of the best ways to discover the landscape. Joined by a seasoned local guide, you'll take to the water, passing through dense forest, sunlit clearings and keeping watch for the plentiful wildlife. The Congo Basin plays host to over 400 species of birdlife, from the elusive Great Blue Turaco to large palm-nut vultures. Some of the most predator-free waterways in Africa, you're bound to spot members of the 'Forest Five' ambling through the trees and drinking along the banks. These include western lowland gorilla, forest elephant and buffalo, bongo and the giant forest hog. The scenery is sublime and the photography is amazing, and you'll enjoy the best of both on a boat cruise. Time it just right and you'll witness the sun setting beautifully over the trees. The most pleasant time to visit the forest is in the least rainy months, from May to September.

As far as you can get from the beaten track, the forests of Odzala are lush and home to over 100 species of mammal and 400 species of birdlife, best explored on foot. Head off with a private guide, who knows this forest like their own home, to explore groves of palms and towering trees, cross stretches of savannah, and walk beside quiet streams, keeping your eyes peeled for the 'Forest Five' - bongo, western lowland gorilla, forest elephant and buffalo, and the giant forest hog. Have your camera and binos at the ready to capture these creatures in action and, depending on the time of day, enjoy a cooling dip in the stream or sit with your feet in the water as you sip on a sundowner.

As if Odzala wasn't unique enough, it also provides marshy clearings amongst the thick rainforest, the perfect place to explore on foot. An experienced guide will lead the way, calling out trivia about the history and heritage of the area, its wildlife and its people. The bais are where most of Odzala's wildlife gathers, including eye catching flocks of green pigeons and vultures atop leafy palms, herds of forest buffalo and forest elephant foraging for minerals, and pint-sized red river hogs rolling in the mud. Be prepared to get more than a little mucky and wet, crossing the bai to explore a tiny island and seeing species you've never encountered before, closer than you would ever expect. Your boots will surely need drying by the fire, but trust us, it'll be more than worth it.

The densely-forested Odzala is divided by a tapestry of rivers, which are gloriously predator-free. Explore the landscape at your leisure - and at bush pig level - from a kayak, your seasoned guide leading you along the water. As you row along, listen out for the flutter of a green pigeon, call of a colobus monkey and the gentle plod of a forest elephant as they amble down to the banks to drink and cool off in the mud. Depending on the time of day, you could stop for a dip in the stream or sit on the banks for a sundowner.

The forests of Odzala are a true mystery, from the remarkable lack of predators to the marshy, sunlit bais where wildlife gathers in droves. After sunset, the mystery deepens as a cast of nocturnal creatures replace the daytime ones and your senses come alive as you try and spot as many as you can. With your guide leading the way, turn your eyes to the canopy to spy on lurking palm civets and species of bush baby, their great round eyes glowing in the dark. Tune your ears into the cracks and calls of the forest, including the plentiful birdlife and enjoy the moments of silence, led only by the light of a firefly. Return to camp to enjoy a warming drink and swap stories round the fire.

While it may be the surreal biodiversity of Odzala's wildlife and landscapes that has you longing to visit, few know the forest as well as the people who have called it home for generations. Spend a few hours visiting the villages of Mbomo or Ombo, where you'll learn about life in Odzala, join in with the day's activities and meet members of the community. Your guide will share the history of this nation as you tour the village.