Birding Tours and Safaris in Republic of Congo

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Birding Tours and Safaris in Republic of Congo

The Republic of Congo also known as the Congo Brazzaville encompasses an extraordinary diversity of birds and wildlife habitats including one of the largest continuous stretches of intact rainforest in Central Africa, forming the world’s second-largest rainforest, herds of rare forest elephants, the precious western lowland gorillas, a number of unique antelopes and primate species, and a magnificent range of vegetation. The preservation of these resources is essential to the survival of the local communities, ecosystems, and the world at large. Congo-Brazzaville has, therefore, become a focal point of conservation efforts. , the country is home to over 700 bird species nearly 4oo species have been recorded in Odzala kokoua national park unlike other less-visited areas like Conkouati-Douli national park, Ntokoua-Pikounda national park, Ougoue lekiti national park and Nouabale-Ndoki national park this makes the Republic of Congo one of the richest forest blocks in west-central Africa for birds. The diverse array of pristine habitats is the reason for such high numbers of species, especially the forest areas which host some 250 resident species. The forests also present the most challenging birding and it is here more than anywhere where the services of a skilled guide are required.

Key species

Some of the key species to look out for include Plumed Guineafowl, Hartlaub’s duck, Cassin’s Malimbe, Bare-cheeked Trogon, Blue Malkoha, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Black Bee-eaters, Blue-throated Roller, African River Martin, Congo sand Martin, Braza’s Martin, Congo sunbird, Jameson’s Antpecker, Black-chinned weaver, Loango weaver, bob tailed weaver, Lesser kestrel, Corncrake some of the species are threatened and critically endangered.

Best time for Birding in Congo Brazzaville

The dry spell from May to September is regarded as the best time for birding in the Republic of Congo; travelers can easily combine their birding tour with western lowland gorilla trekking in Odzala kokoua national park.