Doli Lodge, which means elephant in the Sango language, is a converted logging lodge, consisting of 8 wooden bungalows, built from local materials on stilts, overlooking the Sangha River. Whilst each room has an en-suite toilet with a shower and (erratic!) hot water (this is intermittent as heated via solar panels), this is a simple lodge, but perfect for trips into the forest and the only option from which to base yourself in the region.

The bar and restaurant are right on the banks of the river itself and the food (unsurprisingly fish tends to dominate the menu) is good considering the lodge is effectively in the middle of nowhere. Service is friendly if a little slow and whilst the laundry service is efficient it is not that cheap – but having said that it is a welcome luxury.Nearby is the Dzanga Sangha “Welcome Centre”, which provides good, if a little tired looking, displays of Dzanga Sangha, what it has to offer and some of its history.

However, watching the sunset across the river as the fishermen glide past on their pirogues offers the percect backdrop as you enjoy a very welcome cold beer after the heat of the day.