Mboko Lodge is the home of adventure. A safari experience of unparalleled intimacy, our guided walks reveal the splendor of the Congolese Basin and its pristine rainforests. Quiet, reverent, and unhurried, they foster a deeper understanding of this precious ecosystem and the flora and fauna it shelters. Hear the sounds of the forest, smell the dewy humidity, and feel connected to something greater than yourself. Behold birds with breathtaking plumage and plants so rare they haven’t been named yet. Each walk promises something different — it is up to fickle nature to decide. But each usually ends in a delicious home-cooked meal or a delightful round of sundowners in a one-of-a-kind setting. During your time at Mboko Lodge, you will have the chance to see an incredible array of wildlife: *Forest Buffalo *Harnessed Bushbuck *Forest Elephant (elusive) *Spotted Hyena (elusive) *Bongo (rare) *Western Sitatunga *Black and White (Guereza) Colobus Monkeys *Grey-cheeked Mangabey *Putty-nosed Monkey *De Brazza's Monkey (elusive) *Chimpanzee (rare) *Slender-snouted crocodile (rare) *Dwarf crocodile (rare) *Hippo (rare) *Rich in bird life

Dip your paddle into the pristine waterways of the Congo Basin and explore the wilderness from a new angle. As you drift along, keep your eyes open (and camera poised) for cavorting monkeys, colorful birds, and elephants, buffalo, and antelope grazing on the banks. Allow the beauty and tranquility of your surroundings to soothe your soul. From the boat launch just outside Mboko Lodge, you’ll explore the gentle Lekoli River and its byways and baïs along with your guide. No experience is required; a dry bag is recommended to protect your camera and other gear.

Explore the river environment from the comfort of an open-air motor skiff, cruising the winding waterways and contemplating its astounding biodiversity: elephants, water buffalo, monkeys, birds, insects, and innumerable trees and plants. Morning cruises place you at the heart of the awakening jungle; afternoon cruises are capped by the gossamer grandeur of an African sunset. River cruises depart from the boat launch located just outside of Mboko Lodge. Our skiffs are simple but comfortable and engineered to allow us to explore the Lekoli River and its tributaries, backwaters, and baïs, while minimizing our impact on the environment.

Get wet and dirty by exploring the river on foot at your own pace.

The aging termite mounds are the calling card of Mboko and fleck the landscape.

The Lekoli River in the Lango region offers one of the best chances to observe the wildlife of the forest since visibility here is greater than within the canopy.

We make use of motorised aluminium boats and traditional pirogues to travel against the river currents whilst the most rewarding time is spent drifting silently downstream searching the beautiful forested banks for Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo, primate species like Putty-nosed Monkey and de Brazza’s Monkey and birds.

Although Hippo do occur, their numbers are low and they are seldom seen.

Bongo antelope are an exciting possible sighting. Crocodiles are represented by two harmless species, the Slender-snouted Crocodile and the African Dwarf Crocodile. Chimpanzees are regular in this area although more often heard than seen.

Exploring the Lango and Mboko areas on foot offer many great wildlife viewing opportunities. The area’s savannah, marsh, swamp forest and riverine forest are home to Forest Elephant and Forest Buffalo, both of which are regularly encountered. Stalking quietly along forest trails can produce sightings of Red River Hog and shy forest birds. Monkeys are also often encountered and interestingly, the riverine and swamp forest is home to no less than eight monkey species. Guereza Colobus, Grey-cheeked Mangabey and Putty-nosed Monkey are regularly seen. With a bit of luck one may encounter Crowned and Moustached Monkeys, De Brazza’s Monkey and Northern Talapoin.

Walking is also the best way to study the ne detail of the forest – insects, fungi, orchids, animal tracks and birds are all part of the show. The soundtrack is provided by a chorus of frogs, birds and insects whilst monkeys and other creatures hoot, scream and grunt in the background. Walking in the Lango area is adventurous as the area is very wet. Trails have been opened to allow access to the main areas, but one often returns to camp with wet and muddy shoes and even other parts of your clothing as proof of the adventure!

Game viewing vehicles are used in the Lango and Mboko areas primarily to access the region’s diverse attractions rather than for game viewing. We use the vehicles to get to and from walking and boating activities.

In the early mornings and late evenings a drive along the forest edge offers a different perspective of the landscape. Wildlife that is often seen along the forest edge includes Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo and Western Sitatunga.

After a sundowner stop, we continue to explore the savannah and forest edge, spotlighting in search of rarely seen and shy nocturnal creatures. Some of the elusive species that can be encountered with a bit of luck include Spotted Hyaena, Aardvark, Leopard, Golden Cat, Emin’s Pouched Rat, Palm Civet and two species of Pangolin. This is also a good time to search for some of the many owls that occur here, whilst both Long-tailed and Swamp Nightjars are common all year round.

The perfect place to end a forest or adventure walk is our river deck at Mboko Camp. Replete with comfortable chairs and a view of the surrounding wildlife, guests can swim, relax or enjoy a cold beverage here.