In the heart of the Congo Basin, Earth’s second-largest rainforest, Odzala-Kokoua is a vital sanctuary for the critically endangered western lowland gorilla, forest elephant and other countless species. Spanning over 1.3 million hectares, Odzala-Kokoua is a mosaic of swamp forest, savannah-forest landscapes and a maze of river systems.
In 2002, after the loss of an estimated 5000 gorillas to Ebola, Magdalena Bermejo famous Spanish primatologist, was asked to come to Odzala by the local community so she could continue conducting her research. She then began creating a community projects to help both the gorillas and the people in nearby villages. The gorilla hunters turned their guns down to become local gorilla trackers.
With support from Sabine Plattner African Charities, the development of the nearby village Mbomo had begun, with plans for a community center, Internet and educational enrichment creating over 150 jobs for the local community.
Odzala Discovery Camps: Ngaga Camp is the research site of Bermejo while other sites on the reserve have become a destination for small group on foot safaris run by Congo Conservation Company.
Assignment was shot for Elle Magazine in partnership with Odzala National Park and the kind support of @leicacamerafrance and @leica_fotografie_international
