Odzala is blessed with numerous habitats, which range from dense primary forest to forest fringe, savannah, wide, languid rivers and forest bais and salines. As a result, species diversity is high and the rivers and bais in particular allow the ‘green curtain’ of the forest to be pulled back and allow our guests an insight into this spectacular ecosystem.
This vast, wild region, with its wide range of landscapes, is home to an incredible diversity of life. It holds globally significant populations of Western Lowland Gorilla and Forest Elephant as well as a plethora of other species: 430 bird species and more than 100 mammal species of which around 50 are classified as medium- or large-sized. It has the highest number (11) of diurnal primates for any forest block in central Africa, as well as central Africa’s highest density of Chimpanzees.
Other species include Forest Buffalo, Leopard, Bongo, Giant Forest Hog and Hippo. Clouds of spectacular butterflies are characteristic of the region. The trees are spectacular: ancient giants well over 50 metres tall emerge from the canopy, delicate orchids cling to the branches, while the forest floor is littered with an incredible array of pods, fruits, flowers and fungi.
Odzala-Kokoua holds one of the most biologically complex faunal systems in Central Africa. Species density is shaped by high resource stratification, low human presence, and consistent rainfall patterns across much of the year.
1. Primates
The park supports over 11 documented primate species. The most studied are the western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), with multiple habituated groups around Ngaga Camp.
Daily foraging ranges span 2 to 4 kilometers, primarily within Marantaceae corridors.
Other common primates include the central chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes), which remains unhabituated and elusive, and the black colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, and De Brazza’s monkey.
Their activity is concentrated along fruiting pathways and secondary forest edges.
2. Large Game
Forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) use the park’s bai systems extensively, especially during the late dry season. Their movement is primarily nocturnal and often undetected without camera traps or thermal surveys.
Forest buffalo, sitatunga, and red river hogs are frequently observed in swamp margins. These species prefer mineral-rich zones and avoid high-canopy forest during peak daylight hours.
Leopard presence is confirmed through spoor and camera trap data, though sightings remain infrequent due to their cryptic behaviour and low vocalisation rate.
3. Specialised Forest Species
Odzala holds viable populations of bongo antelope, especially in the park’s eastern blocks. This species requires an undisturbed forest with access to natural salt licks and is highly sensitive to hunting pressure.
Smaller ungulates such as blue duikers, bay duikers, and water chevrotains are widespread. Their detection, however, relies on nocturnal surveys and ground-level audio trapping.
4. Birds
Over 440 species of birds have been recorded. Notables include the Congo serpent eagle, African green broadbill, and various hornbill species, including the black-casqued wattled hornbill. Seasonal migrants from the Sahel appear during the minor dry season.
Mixed-species flocks, a hallmark of mature rainforest avifauna, are commonly observed in transition zones and light gaps. These often include sunbirds, greenbuls, and forest starlings.
5. Reptiles and Amphibians
Confirmed herpetofauna includes dwarf crocodiles, Gaboon vipers, African forest turtles, and numerous frog species in the families Hyperoliidae and Arthroleptidae. Amphibians tend to concentrate near ephemeral pools and decaying tree hollows.
Reptile activity peaks during humid afternoons, especially in areas with partial canopy opening.