Our arrival at Congo Bongo was two days before New Year's Eve and we stayed just over a week. The experience was quite pleasant and despite some rain our small group (2 adults and 4 teens) had a wonderful time. We used a GPS to navigate our way out of San Jose and were very glad to have it!

We rented the 'Big House' which, like everything on the website, was just as described. Efficient, well laid out and open to the jungle experience that is the appeal of Congo Bongo. The staff were helpful and always available when needed. We needed to make some changes to our reservation after booking months in advance and Daan was cooperative, fair and always pleasant to deal with.

We were greeted on our first night with a nice bottle of wine and a couple of coconuts and given a quick tour. He helped make arrangements for a local outings, fresh fish and even assisted us with some lost luggage. The other staff were super courteous and friendly and we found them very respectful of our privacy and solitude. Even the pets were a treat! Our only regret was not being able to speak better Spanish to them!

The house itself was roomy yet cozy and we enjoyed preparing meals and just 'hanging out'. We liked sitting around the large dining table in the comfortable rockers surrounded by the beauty and the sounds of the rain forest. At night the haunting calls of the nearby howler monkeys was exciting. We experienced daytime visits right by the house from both sloths and howlers and were thrilled by both. The openness and airiness of the homes is a huge part of the appeal.

The surrounding grounds and pathways are well laid out and beautifully landscaped; much attention to detail! Daily laundry service was a pleasant and welcome surprise. Daan also provide us with a USB stick for wireless internet.

There was a variety of local pulperias with a decent selection of grocery items. The best we found was El Duende Gourmet in Playa Chiquita (nice selection of cheese, wine) but the stores in Puerto Viejo or Manzanillo are okay as well.

The beach is just incredible; a beautiful, quiet crescent beach perfect for relaxing and dreaming. The strong waves and tides made us cautious while swimming but we were in the warm water almost every day. The walk from the houses is on a rather rustic trail (about 10 minutes from the Big House) through the rain forest but for us it was part of the charm and appeal. We were on holiday after all and we enjoyed every step. From the beach the trip to Manzanillo is only about 5 minutes. Many local restaurants are available there and in Playa Chiquita and Puerto Viejo as well. We had some wonderful dining experiences in all three.

While at Congo Bongo we toured the Manzanillo Nacional Park with Omar (recommended by Daan and a great guide), visited the Jaguar Rescue Center and the ChocoRart organic cacao farm nearby. We had a rental SUV and did a rainy day 'self guided' driving tour to BriBri and Sixaolo on the Panamanian border.

If you look over the detailed website thoroughly you should find it to be a very accurate description of what to expect at Congo Bongo. It's rustic but charming and in an amazing jungle setting with an incredible private beach just minutes away from your doorstep. We really enjoyed our stay and exploring the sights and meeting the people of the east coast of Coast Rica.

Two thumbs up for Congo Bongo!

We cannot say enough good things about our experience at Congo Bongo! We stayed in Dream House and it's name does not lie! Daan (the owner) and the staff are very friendly and helpful without being the least bit intrusive. The property and walk to the beach are inspired with stunning, old growth trees and lovely plants plus all the wildlife spotting that one could hope for. The beach itself was lovely and usually we were the only ones on it. There is a lot to do in Manzanillo and surrounds including some wonderful restaurants. If you have kids there are plenty of things to do to keep them busy in the surrounding area. We loved everything about Congo Bongo and cannot wait to return.

Wonderful. My niece and i celebrated my sister's 60th birthday at the Root House. The houses are exactly as they look in the pictures. Very well done, very clean and very unique. The first night was a bit unsettling with the howler monkeys "howling" and the tree frogs. After that I fell in love with the place. Hummingbirds all over the place. We had early morning and late afternoon visits from the Toucans, three different kinds. We saw monkeys everyday. The walk to the beach thru the jungle was lovely. Omar Cook, a local guide, took us on a tour of the Gandoca-Manzanillo refuge. He is very knowledgable as well as entertaining. I would suggest renting bicycles to get around. Daan has done a great job, very helpful always available but does allow you privacy. Ernesto and Mariol were wonderful. Jose the night security guard was very nice and added a sense of security to those not used to the jungle and you are in the "jungle". Loved it would recommend it to anyone.

I am quite shocked about the review below as it is in total contrast to our experience. If their house was wet it was probably because it had rained before. After all it was the rainy season. Bugs, you would expect them in the rainforest and come prepared. The boardwalk to the beach got a bit slippery after the rain but Ernesto had warned us so we walked carefully. And if you heard noises during the night on your deck it was probably some curious animal.

With a view to get away from the cold and the hassle of Christmas, we decided to go for something totally different. We succeeded to perfection. Congo Bongo, Palm House, was all we expected. Daan, Marisol, Ernesto and José are the nicest people and always helpful. Anything we asked for was provided immediately, coconuts, lemons, the freshest fish, wine, you name it, I could go on forever. Daan organised a trip through the forest with Omar a local with a vast knowledge and a deep love of his country, who showed us amazing things. The beach is lovely and wild and the water warm.
I am 63 years old, overweight and hate nothing more than camping and roughing it, but I never felt uncomfortable or even threatened. The house was spotlessly clean, the bedrooms have safes and can be locked and there were no bugs in it as long as you kept the doors shut. The shower was a little uncooperative at times but with a little perseverence and following instructions it was beautifully hot. The furniture, bed included is really comfortable and from the patio you saw an amazing variety of wildlife, including a great big owl on our first evening, howler monkeys, sloths and beautiful birds, who all minded their own business.
I wish I was still there.