Lake Tele — Attraction in Likouala

I've had the great fortune of hiking to Lac Téle and swimming in its waters. The lake itself is quite big, although you can see the shore on all sides at all times. It is very shallow (or at least the first hundred feet are). We did not see the Mokele Mbembe or anything like it (not even crocodiles or snakes).

The lake is surrounded by a primary forest full of animals such as chimps and gorillas. They do not show themselves, however, because of the danger that humans present.

In the dry season, the forest is just that: very dry. There were only 3 spots that had water between the lake and Boha, the caretakers' village. I am told that the forest is a swamp in the wet season (we went in May). The trail that the villagers traverse often (they fish at the lake) is surrounded by trees and there are a multitude of little vines across the path that will trip you if you are not cautious.

There weren't any real pests except for (1) bees that would land on you for the salt you sweated out, and then sting you if you displeased them and (2) ants that, when you walked across their territory, would hop onto you and bite the hell out of you for daring to do so. I didn't notice mosquitos.

The villagers that escorted our group of 4 are easily the strongest and most resilient men I've ever met. They carried the food and packs with no problem and didn't hardly need water. What took us 5 days (there and back) takes them 13 hours.

Overall, it was an amazing, albeit very difficult, experience. It's not easy getting to Boha from Brazzaville and it's not easy getting to the lake from Boha (due to village politics as well as the terrain/lack of water). It's absolutely not a journey for the light of heart. If it is something that you want to attempt, know that it is an extremely...

I must fish this lake one day! imagine the new species of freshwater fish you might find, and the size of them! completely untouched by man this place is truly the last frontier, the bio diversity makes me drool. please republic of congo stop the killing and war so us westerners can bring you lots of...

easy walk to get here, just to I95 south until you reach the tall tree next to the river, from there walk until...