13 Days Bongo hunting in Tala Tala, Republic of Congo

Bongo Hunting in the Republic of the Congo!!

The phrase alone has a magical feel of mystery and stepping into the unknown!!

This hunting safari is for the handful of hunters who are committed to harvesting a trophy Bongo, one of Africa’s most sought-after trophies. 

Safari Day Fees for this Bongo hunt = US 42000 (See details below for secondary pricing, travel costs, permits etc.).

Congo offers an African hunting safari, which is very hard to match and, in fact, features the second largest undisturbed equatorial forest on the African continent.

Why consider Bongo Hunting Safari?

A Bongo is one of the toughest large antelope hunts to experience, in some very trying conditions. A Bongo hunt requires not only physical endurance, but the expertise to outsmart and track this cautious antelope.

This Bongo hunt is sure to top your experiences of any other African safari, purely because it is one of the toughest and most challenging hunts of them all. Bongos make fantastic full mounts for those hunters having the space in their trophy rooms, and not many hunters have bragging rights to harvesting this incredible trophy in the Republic of the Congo.

The Republic of Congo Hunting Concession (Tala Tala)

The Tala Tala concession is situated approximately three hours by road transfer from the city of Ouesso.

The entire concession is more than 600 000 acres, all free-range, in size. This Bongo hunting safari will take place in 80 000 acres, covered by true, rainy forests.

Besides the mythical Bongo, the forest is home to Forest Sitatunga and Dwarf Buffalo. A variety of Duiker species are available to hunt, especially the Yellow-Duiker which is prized amongst collectors.  

Hunting in Congo is highly regulated in terms of Quota!!

1 x Hunter 1 x Professional Hunter

***** Observers welcome at a total cost of US$ 7000

The Republic of the Congo (Previously also Zaire)

The Republic of Congo is also known as Congo, or Brazzaville. Congo is surrounded by five countries namely Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and to the south, by the Angolan exclave of Cabina.

On the southwest border, Congo borders the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Congo is the fourth largest oil producer in the Gulf of Guinea which provides the country with a degree of prosperity. Congo was established on the 28^th of November 1958 and gained independence from France in 1960.

The name Congo is derived of the “Kingdom of Kongo,” which was a Bantu kingdom based at the mouth of the Congo River when European setters first arrived during the 15^th century.

Hunting in Congo: Seasons and Weather

The official hunting season in Congo is from May to October, which is the dry season. Hunting in Congo is challenging as the country experiences extremely high humidity throughout the year, with most hunting areas receiving a significant amount of rainfall, in fact Congo experiences remarkably high humidity throughout the year, with most areas receiving significant rainfall, on average between 1600mm and 2000mm.

Challenges when Bongo Hunting

Congo experiences high humidity levels all year around. You will need to be prepared for a hot and humid climate. The forest vegetation is thick, and when walking, you will be constantly bending and stooping while navigating pathways.

Hunters can count on the fact that they will get wet and muddy and will need to pack accordingly. You will need specialized gear customized for tropical conditions, being lightweight and moisture resistant, along with an excellent quality pair of boots.

In the forest, while walking and tracking you will always be in the shade, but on the positive side you may one of very few who see Gorillas and exotic wildlife that only Congo has to offer.

Bongo Hunting Methods in Congo

Bongo hunts are conducted in the rainy and dense forests with the assistance of the Baka (also known as Pygmies).

The Baka people have a close relationship to the forests and are traditional hunter gatherers. The Pygmies of Congo have lived in and protected the rainforests for many generations.

The Baka will assist you, while making use of their hounds, to track and stalk your trophy Bongo. Once on the tracks of a large bull, the hounds will be set off into the forest. It is going to be a challenge to keep up with the Pygmies as they race through the jungle floor…

An alternative Bongo hunting method is to set a high blind, (also referred to as a Machan”) which is built either near a water source, or facing an artificial “salt lick” where Bongos and other antelope will be drawn to the salt.

In some rare instances, Bongo hunting also takes place at night with the use of artificial light.

Congo Hunting and the Safari Travel Schedule

Day 1: Your international flight will see you landing in Brazzaville and transferring to your hotel of choice.

Brazzaville has many wonderful hotels and restaurants offering a variety of excellent cuisine choices. Brazzaville also has an array of options for tourists to visit, so it may be a consideration to arrive a few days earlier or extend your stay following the Bongo hunt to take in some of the local attractions.

Day 2: Transfer from your hotel in Brazzaville to the airport for your domestic flight to Ouesso. Transfer to the hunting lodge from Ouesso will take approximately three hours.

Days 3 to 15 will be full days Bongo hunting.

Day 16: Transfer by road back to Ouesso, taking the domestic flight back to Brazzaville. Depending on the departure time of your flight from Brazzaville, you may need again to overnight.

Additional Animals available to hunt on this 13-day safari: (Note: Trophy fees in Euro’s)

• Forest Sitatunga (4500 €)
• Yellow-Back Duiker (3000 €)
• Red River Hog (2500 €)
• Bates Pygmy Antelope (1500 €)
• White-Bellied or Gabon Duiker (1500 €)
• Black-Fronted Duiker (1500 €)
• Ogilby’s Duiker (1500 €)
• Bay Duiker (1000 €)
• Peter’s Duiker (1000 €)
• Forest Dwarf Buffalo (5000 €)

The Safari Hunting Price Includes: (US$ 42 000)

• Transfer to the hunting area from Ouesso Airport and assistance on arrival.
• Transporting while on safari in a 4 x 4 hunting vehicle.
• Organization of the hunt on a one-on-one basis, with English speaking, licensed and experienced guide.
• A team of trackers, skinners, camp staff, helpers, and porters.
• All Government fees and taxes for the 13-day Congo hunting safari.
• Full board, accommodation, and drinks at the hunting lodge.

The Hunting Safari Excludes:  (US$ 42 000)/ Additional costs Euros)

• Airfare and travel costs to Brazzaville (Congo)
• Pre and post safari accommodation in Brazzaville.
• Domestic flights from Brazzaville to Ouesso and return (+- 450 € per person)
• Bongo trophy fee of 6000 €
• Local community development and improvement tax (calculated at 15% of trophy fees).
• Bongo hunting permit (2500 € and includes rifle rental with ammunitions as Congo does not allow for the importation of firearms for sport shooting)
• Forwarding of trophies to Brazzaville, dip and pack, issuing of veterinary certificates and relevant export documents (2500 € per hunter)
• International freight and shipping costs from Congo to their final destination.
• Insurance costs, visa fees and gratuities (at your discretion)

Additional Considerations when Bongo Hunting in Congo

** Local authorities have the power to modify trophy fees without notice

** Trophy fees are due if an animal is wounded and lost. Double trophy fee applies to  

    females are juvenile animals.

** If you are wanting to hunt any of the additional animals which are available, due to strict quota regulations, advise Cyrus at the time of booking the hunt.

For further information, contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris or message Cyrus directly using the icons provided. To check availability, insert preferred dates in “Request to Book:”, Cyrus will revert.