Things to see and do in Akaka

Experience the wild unspoiled beaches of Petit Loango, where Nick Nichols shot the famous pictures of surfing hippos for his article in National Geographic.

During your stay at Akaka Bush Camp, you can head out into the forest or onto the river with one of our eco-guides. Go out in a kayak, or use one of the other boats to discover sights that might not be easily visible from the shore.

Activities in Akaka

Exciting expeditions

For those who are physically fit, we offer walking expeditions of several days’ duration from Akaka Bush Camp to Petit Loango and cycling tours along the beach to Tassi Savannah Camp during the dry season. Some have spotted the surfing hippos along the way, and if you do too, you are one of the lucky few!

During the wet season, wildlife can be difficult to spot in the rain-filled swamps but in the dry season from May until September the concentrations of particularly forest buffalo and forest elephant that migrate into the area are easily seen. You also have a good chance of spotting some smaller mammals like sitatunga, red river hogs, forest duikers, five species of monkey, or great apes who inhabit the area all year round. Crocodiles and manatees are found here too, but tend to keep their distance.

Bird life along the rivers is prolific. In the dry season, thousands of water birds – herons, storks, jacanas, pelicans, ibis and the rarely seen Hartlaub’s duck – love crowding together here in the drying pools. The forests of Akaka are full of different butterflies, and home to several rare bird species.

Other activities

• Jungle hikes
• Motor boat trips
• Kayaking excursions
• Overnight fly camp on Petit Loango beach
• Beach cycle tour to Tassi Savannah Camp