Nests for the Night
Mboko is the main lodge of the Odzala circuit, located closest to the park’s airstrip located. It’s on a savannah frequented by forest elephants and buffalo, with views of the Lékéni River from the main area’s deck. Pathways lead you through a scattering of termite mounds to six thatched-roof chalets, dotted along the tree-lined river’s edge.
The Secret Sauce
Mboko is the launch pad for the ultimate nature walk. If you’ve got your lucky socks on, a forest walk may mean bumping into some of the area’s chimpanzees. But they’re kind of private primates, so you might only see evidence of their presence, like cracked-open nuts. Your guide will teach you about the small things that make up the big tangle of life here and identify bird calls, from whistling parrots to hornbill cries.
One more Thing
Being so close to the river, kayaking is another epic adventure here (possibly en route to Lango Lodge). There’s a boat, too, and a sunset cruise is the perfect way to wrap up the day. Sip a zesty gin and tonic as you float down the river, the sky changing colour and flocks of green pigeons passing overhead. Climbing out of the boat back at Mboko, you may be met by a greeting party of flickering fireflies – magical.
