Mboko Lodge
Set at the intersection of savanna, forest, and river, Mboko provides a front-row seat to the staggering diversity of the Congolese ecosystem. Hyena prowl across open grasslands while monkeys tussle in the trees. Nearby waterways beckon with the promise of mesmerizing beauty and rare wildlife sightings. Every day at Mboko brings a new adventure.
Mboko features spacious, canvas-sided bungalows tucked away under the trees along the banks of a babbling brook, and a dining and lounge pavilion with commanding views over plains dotted with cathedral-like termite mounds. Dine on exquisitely prepared cuisine as thunderstorms dance along the horizon, or retreat to your porch and embrace the tranquility of the forest.
The Setting
Mboko Lodge is located in the southern half of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo, midway between Kamba’s private airstrip and the Lekoli River boat launch — departure point for explorations by kayak or motor cruiser. Our deck overlooking the gentle Likeni River is a peaceful spot to sip a drink — or to take a refreshing dip as birds flutter overhead.
Accommodations
Designed for comfort and contemplation, Mboko’s six double/twin chalets are set along the Likeni River, with screened-in porches tucked under the trees or verandas serenaded by the burbling water. Works by local artisans adorn the rooms, which are furnished with writing desks, mosquito-netted beds, and comfortable seating. En-suite bathrooms feature flush toilets and hot showers.
A large pavilion elevated above the savanna serves as the lodge’s social hub. Here you’ll find an open deck with a fire pit, a curio shop, a bar, and several areas for relaxed lounging. Festive meals center around a unique dining table carved from a slab of petrified wood.
Signature Moment
The boat’s motor hums quietly as you head upriver in the fading afternoon light, distant planets blinking into view, the treeline mirrored in the sun-dappled water. As you savor the last sips of your gin & tonic, fragrant with the local herb bulukutu, a shadow sweeps above the water in front of you, spreading wings a meter wide: a hammer-headed bat, seemingly guiding you back to the lodge where dinner awaits.
Experiences at Mboko
Experiences at Mboko
Meet Our People
Born in the village of Mbinda in the southern Republic of the Congo, Brice joined Kamba in 2015 as a head waiter and bartender, gradually working his way up the ladder to executive assistant. After a two-month management training course in South Africa, he was appointed Assistant Camp Manager and finally promoted to his current position. One of our true success stories, Brice credits his success to “teamwork, giving the best of yourself, respect for colleagues, and sharing knowledge, without forgetting the ability to listen.” Indeed, listening is what helped Brice learn English. “I had never studied English at school but learned it by myself using dictionaries and listening to songs in my free time. You must fight to achieve your goals.”
