Congo and Central Africa wildlife holiday
Typically trips are expertly guided by a leading specialist with a good knowledge of the area to be visited. Inevitably, wildlife is the main focus of attention however, the aim will be to incorporate all other aspects of the natural world in an attempt to be as broad-minded as possible. A local guide may often accompany trips.
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
This pioneering tour allows a few select travellers the chance to experience authentic Central Africa, with our host Jean-Pierre staying in simple eco-lodges used to generate income to support the parks in which they operate. This particular tour works closely with both the Wildlife Conservation Society and the World Wildlife Fund as the money from this tour (£25 per person) goes to supporting the researchers with whom you spend time and whose job it is to monitor and improve the long term survival of many the areas fragile wildlife. By travelling to this remote region, you are directly funding their work. The research taking place is ongoing and money raised from tourism and park fees is used to allow the researchers to continue their work. Monitoring the population of the gorillas and elephants is continuous. The annual report from WWF and WCS is their data come to fruition.
We travel in groups no larger than 8 paying clients, not only to minimise our impact on the area, but also to allow for a much more personal interaction with your hosts. Finally, we are based mainly in only two very different lodges over a longer period of time to allow you the chance to experience the destination that much more, without the need for constantly moving around. Go slow travel!
Community
You will be hosted by the local Ba’Aka community, indigenous people who will act as your guides for much of your time here, opening up a small, but steady stream of income from tourism in an area that needs alternative employment to that of logging and bushmeat, the two most significant factors in the depletion of wildlife.
The lodges are a combination of local and regionally owned properties. The staff are all local (given the location, there’s no one else around!) and this provides work for communities previously involved in the logging industry. Food is fresh fish caught from the river, fruits found in the forest and vegetables grown on sight. Given the obvious logistics of travelling in such a remote and humid destination, some food is imported (from Brazzaville!)
This is an area that is still very much developing in terms of tourism infrastructure so high-yield, low impact tourism is vital if a sustainable system is to be put in place and the wildlife and communities in the region are to see real long term benefits. Our small group tours aim to do just that. One of the lodges in which we stay is a converted timber camp and the staff here are now involved in tourism as guides and lodge staff instead of the illegal timber trade. By establishing an eco-tourism model here (local guides, expert leaders) we open up an income stream in an area which sees few benefits from tourism elsewhere in the country.
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