Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Republic of the Congo / Mbomo / Kamba Ngaga Lodge
Kamba Ngaga Lodge
Mbomo, Cuvette-Ouest Department, Republic of the Congo · Independent · Grand Luxury
Nestled deep in the Ndzehi Concession, Ngaga Lodge offers a rare and intimate opportunity to encounter western lowland gorillas in a pristine habitat barely touched by humanity. With just six thatched bungalows, it provides a sense of supreme isolation and exclusive access to the heart of the Congo Basin's biodiversity.
- 6 rooms
- Opened 2012
About Kamba Ngaga Lodge
- Originally a gorilla research camp established by primatologists Magdalena Bermejo, sometimes called the 'Jane Goodall of western lowland gorillas,' and German Illera.
- It became a luxury lodge in 2012 as the first property of the Congo Conservation Company, its six thatched bungalows raised 3-4 metres on stilts.
- It sits on the Ndzehi Concession at the edge of the UNESCO-listed Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Congo Basin, the world's second-largest rainforest.
History
Originally established as a gorilla research camp by primatologists Magdalena Bermejo and German Illera, Ngaga became a luxury lodge in 2012 as the first property of the Congo Conservation Company. The lodge was designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and conservation tourism, providing a sustainable economic model for the Ndzehi Concession. It remains a key base for long-term gorilla habituation and community engagement with the nearby villages of Mbomo and Ombo.
Restaurants and bars
- Open-air lounge and dining area — Bar
Experiences
- Sundowners in the Forest — Drinks at chairs set in a forest stream after an afternoon walk, with the guide preparing gin & tonics.
- Gorilla tracking — Guided gorilla tracking; three habituated Western Lowland Gorilla groups within walking distance of the lodge.
- Canopy Walks — Guided canopy walk 70m long with 7 platforms 9–11m above the forest floor; afternoon and nocturnal visits.
- Night walks and night drives — Guided night safaris and night walks revealing the rainforest's night sounds, movement and wildlife.
- Forest walks — Intimate guided walks through the Congolese rainforest showing its flora and fauna.
- Village visits — Visits to Mbomo and Ombo villages near the lodge; subject to availability and must be arranged in advance.
Amenities
- Guided gorilla tracking expeditions
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets
- Wraparound viewing decks overlooking the forest canopy
- Open-air lounge and dining area
- Star deck and fire pit for evening gatherings
- Eco-friendly design using locally woven raffia palm panels
- All-inclusive
Open Kamba Ngaga Lodge in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.