DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
—°
Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage (Congo - Brazzaville)

Weather…

The Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage is part of the Help Congo project, located within the Conkouati-Douli National Park on the Atlantic coast of the Republic of the Congo. Established in 1989, the sanctuary was founded to rescue primates that fell victim to the illegal wildlife trade or poaching. The facility focuses on the rehabilitation and gradual reintroduction of western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees into protected forest sectors. Animals are socialized in cohorts to enhance their survival prospects in the wild once they reach maturity. The national park itself provides a diverse ecosystem, including mangroves, lagoons, and rainforests, which serve as the release sites for rehabilitated individuals. The project works closely with local communities to develop sustainable livelihoods as alternatives to the bushmeat trade. On-site educational programs raise awareness among the population regarding the conservation of these critically endangered great apes. The station serves as an international benchmark for successful primate repatriation into their natural habitat.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262727272624222324262626
Rain mm1451271451216721215102179149

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The dry season from June to September is the best time to visit, as trails are passable and the rehabilitation gorillas are more observable. In the rainy season access is harder and visibility in the dense rainforest is limited.
🌅
Best time of day
The gorillas are fed early morning and are most active then. Late morning they often retreat to shade; afternoons are quieter.
📜
Etiquette
Keep a minimum distance of 10 meters from the gorillas - this protects both you and the animals. Avoid direct eye contact and loud noises, as they may be perceived as a threat.
🎒
What to bring
Binoculars are useful for detailed observation of gorillas from a safe distance. Wellington boots are recommended as the rainforest floor is often wet and muddy.
🧭
Getting there
The orphanage is inside Conkouati-Douli National Park, which can only be visited with a permit and a guide. Access is via Dolisie, then by 4WD vehicle to the park entrance.
🦌
What to expect
The gorillas are in their acclimatisation phase and may be shy - a close encounter is not guaranteed. Allow plenty of time and follow the rangers' instructions for the best chance.

Geography

Coordinates
-3.95000, 11.45000

Facts

  • The Help Congo project was officially launched in the year 1989.
  • The associated national park covers an area of 504,950 hectares.
  • More than 50 primates have been successfully reintroduced to the wild.
  • The station is located approximately 15 kilometers from the Gabon border.
  • Coastal lagoons in the park act as natural barriers for the enclosures.
  • Western lowland gorillas can live up to 50 years in controlled environments.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Conkouati-Douli National ParkConkouati-Douli National Park5 km · NEExplore →
Mayombe MountainsMayombe Mountains70 km · SEExplore →
Tchimpounga Chimpanzee SanctuaryTchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary78 km · NWExplore →
Kouilou-Niari RiverKouilou-Niari River78 km · NWExplore →
Loango BayLoango Bay81 km · NWExplore →
BandaBanda81 km · NExplore →
Moho-Nord Offshore Oil FieldMoho-Nord Offshore Oil Field82 km · WExplore →
Loango Slave Trade PortLoango Slave Trade Port86 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 nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the Conkouati orphanage do?
It rescues and rehabilitates orphaned gorillas, usually victims of poaching.
Can you touch the gorillas?
No, direct contact is strictly prohibited for the protection of the animals.
Where is Conkouati located?
In the Conkouati-Douli National Park on the border with Gabon.
Is registration required?
Yes, visits must be coordinated in advance with the park management.
Are the animals released back into the wild?
The goal is gradual release into protected areas.
Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage: where is it located?
Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage is located in Congo - Brazzaville.
Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage: why is it worth visiting?
The Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage is part of the Help Congo project, located within the Conkouati-Douli National Park on the Atlantic coast of the Republic of the Congo.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Congo - Brazzaville →

Nature

Kouilou-Niari River — Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage (Congo - Brazzaville)
Kouilou-Niari River
The most significant river in southwestern Congo, flowing into the Atlantic.
🗺️
Lake Cayo
Lake Cayo is a small lake in south-western Congo.

More places

Conkouati-Douli National Park — Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage (Congo - Brazzaville)
Conkouati-Douli National Park
A diverse coastal park encompassing forests, lagoons, and the sea.
Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary — Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage (Congo - Brazzaville)
Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The largest chimpanzee orphanage in Africa, founded by the Jane Goodall Institute for rescued young animals.
Loango Bay — Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage (Congo - Brazzaville)
Loango Bay
A historical bay on the Atlantic coast with great ecological significance.
Loango Slave Trade Port — Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage (Congo - Brazzaville)
Loango Slave Trade Port
A historical site on the coast from which millions of people were shipped during the transatlantic slave trade.
Ma-Loango Royal Palace — Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage (Congo - Brazzaville)
Ma-Loango Royal Palace
The former seat of the kings of Loango in Diosso, now a museum dedicated to the history of the kingdom.
🗺️
Diosso Gorges
Spectacular red rock cliffs and erosion landscapes near the coast, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Congo.
Mayombe Banana Groves — Conkouati Gorilla Orphanage (Congo - Brazzaville)
Mayombe Banana Groves
In the humid valleys of the Mayombe mountains, bananas and plantains thrive under ideal conditions.
🗺️
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean shapes Congo's western coast and port access.