Congo Bongo is an arcade platform game with an isometric perspective, similar to Donkey Kong. The player controls a safari hunter searching for an ape named Bongo , who set the hunter's tent on fire. The game consists of four one-screen stages, with objectives to jump on platforms and reach the top.
The player must avoid various animals that try to stop them, such as large gorillas throwing coconuts or other hazards. The hero has no offensive abilities and can only jump or avoid enemy attacks. Each stage may contain obstacles or hazardous spots that would kill off the main character.