It felt like stepping back into the good old days, heading toward a place still shrouded in mystery, a place few had seen. That feeling of diving into the unknown, guided only by your own imagination, is a rare and precious thrill. In a world where most corners have already been photographed, tagged, mapped, and shared a million times, finding a truly untouched place, hidden far beyond the beaten tracks of mass tourism, is almost unheard of and all the more worth chasing.
For as long as I can remember, the Congo has been the ultimate dream, a place every wildlife photographer in Africa hopes to reach someday. Most people don’t realize there are actually two Congos: two different countries, two very different stories. One is marked by danger and unrest; the other is a hidden gem, incredibly safe and brimming with some of the last truly wild places on Earth. I wrote about it here.
Our hotel overlooked the Congo River, offering a view of the bustling capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This vivid contrast highlighted the distinctiveness of these neighboring countries. Our day in Brazzaville was peaceful and enriching, filled with insights into its history and vibrant culture. The city streets buzzed with life, surprisingly free of heavy police and military presence, a rarity in African countries, solidifying its reputation as one of the safest cities on the continent.
The next morning, a quiet excitement filled the VIP lounge as we waited for our plane to finish refueling. Even the aircraft was painted in the spirit of the Congo. We boarded alongside our guides and camp staff, all eager to return to the magical rainforests of the Congo Basin. Founded in 1935, the Republic of the Congo is a vast expanse of untouched forests, savannahs, rivers, and bais, with only 75 kilometers of road crossing 1.4 million hectares. This transboundary park stretches across Gabon, Congo, and Cameroon, and is known as the “left lung of the world.” Soaring over such a boundless, untouched wilderness was an experience beyond anything words could capture.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear this would be no ordinary trip; it felt like stepping into a five-star adventure at the edge of the world. None of us had ever been so far off the grid, miles and miles from anywhere, with not another soul in sight. As we drove into the wild, untouched forest, our excitement built. The hidden camp was simple yet refined, tucked perfectly into the landscape. It felt like we’d landed in the middle of a real-life Swiss Family Robinson tale.
We met at first light. Trekking through the thick, tangled heart of the primeval Congo rainforest was like stepping into another world, dense, humid, and alive with sound. Each step forward was a challenge, navigating slippery roots, towering ferns, and a canopy so thick at times it dimmed the daylight. Our trekker moved with quiet precision, reading subtle signs, broken branches, faint prints in the mud, and distant rustling that hinted at the presence of the elusive western lowland gorillas. The air was electric with anticipation, every rustle setting our hearts racing. Then, almost without warning, we found them majestic, powerful, and peaceful in their hidden realm. Time seemed to stand still as we watched them, completely immersed in one of the most humbling encounters with nature we had ever experienced.
All the effort, the mud, the strain, it faded into stillness, replaced by the profound realization of just how connected we are to the wild world we so rarely touch. But beneath the wonder was a more profound truth: these majestic creatures and their fragile rainforest home are under constant threat. Witnessing them in the wild wasn’t just a privilege, it was a call to protect what remains before it slips beyond our reach.
It’s easy to settle for the curated, the packaged version of discovery, and capture trophy photos, but the real magic lives in the hard-to-reach places. Beyond the crowds and polished viewpoints, there are still corners of the world that breathe wild and free; you just have to fight to find them. It takes longer. It demands patience, stubborn curiosity, and a willingness to dig deeper. But something inside me refuses to give up on the effort these special itineraries and places require. To never stop exploring is to accept that the journey will sometimes be uncomfortable and uncertain, but it’s in that raw, unfiltered experience where the world still feels vast and wonder is still real.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika amidst lush rainforests is Malale, renowned for its remarkable chimpanzee population. The dense foliage and serene surroundings create a perfect sanctuary, allowing these intelligent primates to thrive undisturbed in their natural habitat. Unlike the well-trodden paths of Uganda, which has become a more commercialized and accessible destination, Malale remains a hidden treasure, often overlooked and rarely featured in photo safaris. This seclusion only adds to its allure, offering an authentic and intimate experience for those fortunate enough to discover it – JOIN US NEXT YEAR