Léfini Faunal Reserve

The Léfini reserve covers a stretch of the Batéké plateau north of Brazzaville where sandy savanna is cut by forested river valleys, and it is one of the older protected areas in the country, gazetted in 1951. Western lowland gorillas orphaned by the bushmeat trade have been rehabilitated and released onto islands and into the forest here since the 1990s, and buffalo, antelope and hippo also use the reserve.

What you actually see

• The plateau savanna - sandy grassland cut by forested valleys.
• The released gorillas - orphaned animals rehabilitated and returned to the forest.
• The Léfini river - the water the reserve is named for and worked by boat.
• The 1951 designation - among the country's oldest protected areas.

When to go

June to September is the long dry season and the practical window. The rains make tracks difficult. Early and late in the day are best for wildlife.

Honest expectations

Gorilla viewing is at the sanctuary rather than in wild forest and access is controlled. Facilities are minimal and visits must be arranged. The road north is rough in stretches.

Nearby

Brazzaville is south, and the Batéké plateaus surround it.