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Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary

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Animal habitat
—°1
Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)

Weather…

The Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Sanctuaire de Gorilles de Lossi) in the Republic of the Congo is a globally recognized example of community-based conservation. Located in the Cuvette-Ouest Department, it was initiated in the late 1990s to protect the Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in its natural habitat. What makes Lossi unique is the active involvement of the local population in the management and protection of the animals, which has reduced poaching and strengthened environmental awareness. The area gained scientific prominence through long-term studies on gorilla social structures but was also severely impacted by Ebola outbreaks in the early 2000s, which decimated the population. Since then, the sanctuary has served as an important center for research on the recovery of primate populations following epidemics. The landscape consists of dense tropical rainforest and riverine systems hosting immense biodiversity. For ecotourism, Lossi gives a rare opportunity to observe gorillas in an environment where conservation and local community development go hand in hand.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252625252525252525242425
Rain mm83120185164157864784166231206153

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The dry season from June to September features the best conditions for gorilla trekking as trails are less muddy. During this time, gorillas are more frequently found at lower elevations.
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Best time of day
Encounters start early in the morning when gorillas wake from their night nests. Plan an early departure to make use of the cooler morning hours for the hike.
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Etiquette
Keep a safety distance of at least seven metres from the gorillas to avoid stressing the animals. Flash photography is not allowed and if you have any symptoms of illness, you may not visit the group.
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What to bring
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential for the often steep and slippery trails. Long trousers and long-sleeved tops protect against nettles and insect bites.
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Getting there
The sanctuary is located in northern Republic of Congo and is reachable only with a 4x4 vehicle and a guide. Travel typically goes via the town of Ouesso or directly from Brazzaville.
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What to expect
The search for the gorillas may take several hours as they move daily through dense forest. Trust the trackers and enjoy the hike as part of the experience.

Geography

Coordinates
0.00000, 14.80000

Facts

  • The first sanctuary in Congo managed by local communities.
  • Inhabited by the Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).
  • Scientific focus is on researching the aftermath of Ebola outbreaks.
  • Founded in 1994 as a cooperation between researchers and villagers.
  • Located near the town of Mbomo in the northwest of the country.
  • Offers guided primate-watching tours for ecotourists.
  • Part of a larger ecosystem bordering the Odzala-Kokoua National Park.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

EtoumbiEtoumbi11 km · NExplore →
KelléKellé34 km · SExplore →
Odzala Forest Elephant PathOdzala Forest Elephant Path55 km · EExplore →
Abala Cattle RanchesAbala Cattle Ranches85 km · NWExplore →
Odzala-Kokoua National ParkOdzala-Kokoua National Park86 km · EExplore →
MakouaMakoua92 km · NExplore →
EwoEwo94 km · WExplore →
NgokoNgoko104 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (1)

yousef Alsagir 🏛 museum

A remote art gallery exhibiting expressive works inspired by the pristine surrounding wilderness and the nearby sanctuary.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you see gorillas in the Lossi Sanctuary?
Yes, it is one of the best places in the world to observe lowland gorillas in the wild.
Do you need a guide?
An official guide is mandatory for access to the sanctuary.
How is the arrival?
Arrival is usually by 4WD vehicle via Mbomo.
When is the best time to visit?
During the dry season from June to September, the paths are more passable.
Is there accommodation?
Simple lodges or camping options are available nearby.
Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary: where is it located?
Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary is located in Congo - Brazzaville.
Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Jul.
Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary: why is it worth visiting?
The Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Sanctuaire de Gorilles de Lossi) in the Republic of the Congo is a globally recognized example of community-based conservation.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Ouésso — Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Ouésso
Ouésso is a market town in northern Congo on the Sangha River and the center of the Sangha region.
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Sembe
Sembé is a border town in Sangha in northern Congo.
Souanké — Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Souanké
Souanké is a town in Sangha in northern Congo.
Etoumbi — Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Etoumbi
Etoumbi is a small town in Cuvette-Ouest in north-western Congo.
Kellé — Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Kellé
Kellé is a town in Cuvette-Ouest in north-western Congo.

History & landmarks

Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park — Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
A pristine forest wilderness in northern Congo, famous for having never been logged and its extraordinarily naïve wildlife.

Nature

Sangha River — Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Sangha River
An important river in the north, flowing through dense rainforest.

More places

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Mount Berongou
The highest point in the Republic of the Congo, located in the rugged north.
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Sangha Cocoa Plantations
Plantations located in the rainforests of the Sangha region, producing high-quality cocoa for export.
Mount Ngouadi — Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Mount Ngouadi
A peak in the far north of Congo, near the Cameroon border, composed of very ancient Precambrian rock.
Ouésso Palm Oil Plantations — Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Ouésso Palm Oil Plantations
Large-scale oil palm cultivation areas in the north of the country, vital for local supply and trade.
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Mount Nabemba
Mount Nabemba is the highest mountain in the Republic of the Congo, reaching an elevation of 1,020 meters in the remote north.
Mbeli Bai Observation Point — Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Mbeli Bai Observation Point
A natural forest clearing in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, famous for observing gorillas and forest elephants.
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park — Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
An untouched northern rainforest, part of the Sangha Tri-National World Heritage.
Port of Impfondo — Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Port of Impfondo
A remote river port on the Oubangui, vital for supplying the northeast region.