Discover Congo Basin
The Congo Basin is the beating green heart of Africa — the world’s second-largest rainforest, home to western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongos and chimpanzees across the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic.
This is frontier safari at its most raw and rewarding: tracking gorillas through steamy jungle, watching elephants gather in forest clearings, and journeying where few travellers ever go.
Weather Through the Year
Congo BasinBar height = monthly rainfall (mm) · gold = best time to visit (driest) · number on top = avg high (°C / °F)
The Three Countries of the Congo Basin
Our rainforest expeditions span three neighbouring countries, each offering a different window into the worlds second-largest rainforest.
The Chalo View
“It’s going to be hard to adjust to everyday life after spending the last 20 days deep in the heart of Africa…
- where hundreds of grey parrots swarmed a forest clearing that was already swarming with forest elephants and a herd of bongos,
- where a black-bellied pangolin was the FIRST ever sighting of an African animal for a member of our flock,
- where the forest people played drums under water and revealed to us many secrets of their jungle home,
- where we tramped for long kms through primary rainforests to meet plumed guinea fowls and a very naughty elephant named Pablo!
- where the silverbacks were massive, their chest muscles rippling as they beat impossibly intricate rhythms onto their chests,
- where we slithered over mossy rocks to look for picathartes (unsuccessfully), but where some of us saw Congo clawless otters instead!
- where bonobos made nests and put on a full Cirque de Soleil-like acrobatic show,
- where the bright smiles of the countless little children on shore tugged at our hearts every single day and showed us the true meaning of happiness,
- where a storied river demonstrated why it still holds such timeless appeal to explorers and adventurers and romantics alike…
We were deep in the Congo Basin, sailing on the Congo. It was our second Chalo Africa voyage, but certainly not our last…”
— Sangeeta Sahaya
Where to Stay in Congo Basin
Our Congo Basin Safari Collection for 2026 and 2027
The Chalo Difference
Expert Guidance
Decades of experience crafting Congo Basin’s most intricate safari journeys.
Tailored for You
Every itinerary built around your vision, pace, and preferences.
Insured by Berkshire Hathaway
Your safari investment, professionally protected.
Sustainable Travel
Conservation-first. Community-led. Every journey gives back.
When to visit Congo Basin
The main dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer the best forest access and wildlife viewing. The equatorial climate is warm and humid year-round.
Start PlanningCompare the Congo Basin with the rest of Africa
Weighing the Congo Basin against somewhere else? Our guide to African safari destinations sets out every country we work in side by side — what each is best for, when to go, how long to allow and what a trip starts at.