Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, one of the three regions that make up the Sangha River Basin Tri-National Protected Area, spans the Sangha and Likouala provinces in the northeastern Republic of the Congo. Human settlements are sparse around the park, allowing its rich natural environment to thrive.
Within this park, you can find bongos—antelope with distinctive brown-and-white stripes—as well as forest elephants (African forest elephants), chimpanzees, and numerous gorillas. Over 300 bird species inhabit the area, and the flora includes more than 1,000 species, including rare mahogany trees. Nouabalé-Ndoki, together with Dzanga-Ndoki National Park and the Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve in the Central African Republic, was established to protect the forest elephants that move freely across the three regions.
Inside Nouabalé-Ndoki lies a special area known as “Mbeli Bai,” where visitors can observe gorillas closely in their natural habitat.
Name: Sangha River Basin Tri-National Protected Area — Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
Location: Northeastern Republic of the Congo (Sangha and Likouala provinces)
Official/Related Site: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1380
Access to Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
To reach Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, one of the sites in the Sangha River Basin World Heritage Area, travelers can first fly to Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo. From there, take a domestic flight to the town of Ouesso, located near the World Heritage area. From Ouesso, travel north along the Sangha River by motor canoe for about six hours to reach the park. Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Sangha River, part of this unique World Heritage site, along the way.
Top 2 Recommended Highlights of Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
Gorillas
When visiting Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, it’s best to join a reliable guided tour designed for travelers unfamiliar with the area. Tours typically begin with an electric canoe ride into the park. You can enjoy trekking through the jungle while observing the rich variety of flora and fauna, eventually reaching the base camp. Evenings are spent dining and conversing amid tranquil rural scenery.
The next day, you’ll visit “Mbeli Bai,” the park’s main attraction. This 3-square-kilometer area is home to over 180 gorillas, offering powerful, up-close encounters. In and around Mbeli Bai, you can also observe various primates, such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, crowned guenons, and gray-cheeked mangabeys. Unlike some other tourist destinations where close contact with gorillas is permitted, direct contact is strictly prohibited here to protect the animals. This area is one of the rare places in the world where so many gorillas coexist. Please follow all tour rules during your visit.
Wildlife
In addition to gorillas, Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park is teeming with other wildlife. The area’s rich birdlife makes it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. Among the 300-plus bird species, you can find parrots, hornbills, owls, and eagles.
Other notable species include the dwarf forest buffalo, bongos with impressive horns, large blue duikers (a type of antelope), and leopards. Of course, the park’s iconic mammal—the forest elephant—can also be seen here. Some tours may even allow visitors to meet members of the forest research team working in Nouabalé-Ndoki, offering fascinating insights into the park’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
◎ Summary
Tours of Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park provide an immersive experience of wildlife in a protected environment. When selecting a tour, make sure it is organized by a trustworthy and reputable group. Getting recommendations through nature or wildlife conservation organizations is also a great option.