Central African Republic

The Central African Republic may not strike many travellers as a tourist hotspot, and yet. It is home to some of the Congo Basin’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Hundreds of forest elephants are known to congregate in mineral and nutrient rich bais, joined by lowland gorillas and unique forest dwellers. Hogs and bongos, a myriad of birds, the beautiful Sengha river and mysteriously rich forest to walk through. Culturally, it is a country with a fascinating history of pygmy tribes and Bantu kings, their heritage still very much alive today. The CAR is not for the faint hearted, but as with most destinations far from the frequently beaten track, such journeys are often very rewarding and life-enriching.

Dzanga Bai “The Village of Elephants”

A mineral deposit deep within the forest that attracts hundred of elephants, groups of bongo, grey parrots and forest buffalo!

Gorilla Trekking with the By’aka

Trek through an unimaginable forest with the By’aka, the people of the forest, who will track and find wild lowland gorilla families!

There and back again...

Odysseia has, proudly, become an authority in the landscape of the Congo Basin, almost entirely due to very own French forest adventure and co-founder – Alice ‘tomb-raider’ Peretie. Jokes, she leaves the tombs intact. The feedback from our guests usually revolve around “it is from another world”, “it is unlike anything I have ever seen”, it is like I am seeing africa for the first time!” – and they couldn’t have said it better!
"Everything was incredible, given the remoteness and the style of adventure I think we really had a treat of a trip!! Expectations were far surpassed!"
"Andrew, as always incredibly funny, great with photographic advice, could probably learn more birds from Alice... no but seriously solid effort top notch guiding"
"Alice-words will not do you justice, from interpreting French, to logistics to making any request happen!! Just incredible, from the incredible photography tuition to the wonderful pep chats, the enthusiasm, the stories, the knowledge, the fun!! Can't wait to travel with you both again soon!"
"THE MOST EPIC ADVENTURE EVER"
"A massive thank you guys what a trip, what an adventure, can we go back?? I can't believe it's over already - I'm so sad but also so so happy it was truly a once in a lifetime experience that I will treasure!"

Who is this for?

Are you adventurous and relatively physically fit?

Have you seen a lot of Africa and want to see something different?

Are you interested in encounters with rare species such as gorillas, bongos, forest elephant and giant forest hogs?

Is the forest calling you?

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Founders thoughts…

For me, traveling to the Central African Republic and into the depths of Dzanga Sangha is one of the most humbling experiences in Africa. To sit quietly at Dzanga Bai and watch herds of forest elephants emerge from the rainforest, to witness the rare beauty of bongos and sitatungas stepping out into the light, feels like entering a hidden world. Trekking through dense jungle to spend time with western lowland gorillas is an encounter that leaves you speechless, while the sheer variety of birdlife—from vibrant hornbills to elusive forest specials—reminds me how rich and layered this ecosystem truly is. The Congo Basin is wild, raw, and deeply moving, and it is a place that continues to remind me why I fell in love with wilderness travel in the first place.