Kamba African Rainforest Experiences
Congo
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences
Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
2012
Hotel General Manager
Kristina Plattner, PhD: Managing Director – Strategy, Sales, Marketing
Hotel Positioning
Eco-Luxury Lodges
Development strategy
Kamba’s development strategy focuses on pioneering eco-tourism in the Congo Basin by facilitating access to our sustainable eco-luxury accommodations, offering unique wilderness experiences including intimate research-based gorilla tracking, increasing global awareness, and operating the region’s first hospitality & guide training academy to empower local communities. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, Kamba aims to drive both environmental conservation and socio-economic growth, while supporting scientific research of critically endangered species, ultimately positioning the Congo as a premier eco-tourism destination.
Cayo Levantado Resort
History and Story
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences, originally known as Congo Conservation Company (CCC), was founded by Sabine Plattner in 2012, whose lifelong love of forests led her to the Republic of the Congo. On a visit to Mbomo, a village outside Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Sabine recognized the residents’ urgent need for better health care, education, and economic opportunity. She partnered with a local primatologist who had established the nearby Ngaga Research Station studying dense populations of wild western lowland gorillas. Research at Ngaga found a new approach with support of Sabine Plattner, and later Kamba , joining communities, science and tourism on the grounds of conservation. By introducing three gorilla families for tourism led by the primatologists team, and CCC establishing Ngaga Lodge then adding Lango Lodge and Mboko Lodge within Odzala-Kokoua National Park, an incredibly unique and important destination was created. Together – community, research and tourism are working towards a stronger future for the Republic of Congo and all its inhabitants.
Date renovation
Lango Lodge, all wooden walkways and main deck restored in 2021
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Kamba’s strengths lie in its exclusive access to one of Africa’s last untouched ecosystems within Odzala-Kokoua National Park, offering an unparalleled, immersive eco-tourism experience through our all-inclusive Journeys. Our guests forge deep connections with nature while indulging in the comforts of our 3 eco-luxury lodges, where exceptional service and exquisite cuisine elevate the experience.
Location
Kamba operates three lodges within the peaceful Republic of the Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park (13,500 sq.km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity. The park’s lush old-growth rainforest is home to over 4,400 plant species and 100+ mammal species, with thrilling sightings of Western Lowland Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Forest Elephants, Bongo, and more.
Key sites/activities in the area
Ngaga Lodge, located in the Ndzehi Concession near Odzala, offers Gorilla Tracking, Forest Ecology Walks, Nocturnal Safaris, and cultural visits to nearby villages. Lango Lodge, on the edge of Lango Baï in Odzala, attracts diverse wildlife and offers kayaking and guided walks through baïs and forests. Mboko Lodge, at the crossroads of savanna, forest, and river, provides walking, boating, and kayaking adventures through the Congo Basin’s rich habitats.
Fun Facts
In the local language, Kamba means « Elephant, » and in the Ba’aka language, it means « Leader, » reflecting guidance and stewardship, core values of our mission in the Congo Basin.
Children Corner
Ages 15+
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Number of suites:
• Ngaga Lodge: 6 Suites
• Lango Lodge: 6 Suites
• Mboko Lodge: 6 Suites
can only be visited as a circuit
Number of Luxury rooms:
• All rooms are Luxury rooms
Number of rooms, (keys) in all:
• 18 rooms between 3 lodges
RESTAURANTS & BARS
All-inclusive meals & local drinks, including house wines and select spirits. Each of Kamba’s three lodges features a dining room, lounge, and bar area on raised platforms, as well as a star deck and fire pit adjacent to the main living/dining area for pre-dinner drinks at sunset. Mboko Lodge features a river deck and screened-in parlour located along the Likeni River for post-walk swims, sundowners, private dining, or special occasions. Dine on exquisitely prepared cuisine by local chefs who prepare international dishes with Congolese flavours from the forest.
Wellness
Upon request, restorative massage treatments are offered at Mboko Lodge to relieve tired muscles from days of adventure. Enjoy the serenity of a relaxing massage with spa products inspired by the surrounding forest in the Mboko Massage Room. Massages are provided by local community women who are part of our development program and receive regular training.
Corporate and celebration events
Tailored itineraries for:
● Team Building Journeys
● Wedding Engagements
● Anniversary Celebrations
● Honeymoons
Extra Notable Features
● Guests experience intimate wildlife encounters on foot, by kayak, and by boat with rare species like Western Lowland Gorillas, Forest Elephants, and Bongos in a habitat barely touched by humanity.
● Kamba’s lodges, the only private concessions within the Republic of Congo’s vast national parks, offer exclusive access to one of Africa’s last pristine ecosystems.
● With departures limited to 12 guests, Kamba ensures a highly personalised and intimate experience.
● Guests enjoy a diverse range of activities across three distinct biomes, showcasing the Congo Basin’s rich biodiversity.
● Witness on-site scientific research at Ngaga, led by world-renowned primatologists working to protect threatened species.
Hotel and restaurants awards
TripAdvisor Best of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023; Rolls Royce Preferred Partner Award 2024
Number of employees
114