Hosting some of Africa's least exploited rain forests and coastal sanctuaries, conservationists regard Gabon as one of the last pockets of wilderness in Africa. Michael Fay, a research scientist with the Wildlife Conservation Society and the National Geographic Society, walked from the eastern edge of Congo to the western edge of Gabon during 1999 and 2000 - a 456-day trip past a stunning range of animals and animal habitats. After he finished this epic “megatransect,” he had this to say: "Blue seas, white sand, elephants, whales, sea turtles, monkeys, bush pigs, unbelievable scenery," he said, “Gabon has it all. It has everything that everyone ever dreams about in paradise, as far as I’m concerned.”
In September 2002, Gabon's President, El Hadj Omar Bongo, partly as a result of Fay’s eye-opening journey, announced the creation of 13 new national parks in the mostly forest-covered country. These parks cover three million hectares, which represents 10 percent of Gabon's total surface area. As a percentage of total land mass, this will be the largest park system in the world.
Now we offer tours to three of these national parks: Lopé, Ivindo, and Loango. The variety of wildlife is amazing and includes gorillas and mandrills, hippos and elephants, and a huge diversity of rainforest birds, insects and plants. This is truly one of the “last pockets of wilderness in Africa!”
Tour Itinerary
Day 1- Friday: Meet/Assistance at the airport and transfer to hotel Tropicana. Day-use room and breakfast. Evening transfer to the train station for a departure at 21hr30, arrival 02hr00, transfer to Lopé hotel. Includes: (D);
Day 2 - Saturday: Morning safari by 4 wheel drive car in the savannas looking for elephants, buffalos, red river hogs, antelopes such as sitatunga or yellow back duiker. In the afternoon, walk in the forest looking for footprints of animals, following the tracks of primates and others species. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 3 - Sunday: Morning safari by dugout canoe on the Ogooué River and visit of the site of ancient rock engravings. In the afternoon safari by 4 wheels drive car into the forest galleries. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 4 - Monday: Morning walk into the forest and relaxing afternoon at the swimming pool. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 5 - Tuesday: Last safari in the morning into the savannas by 4 wheel drive car. Departure by train to Moanda (14h00/17h00). Transfer to Lekedi Park in Bakoumba .Situated south of Moanda and Franceville, Parc de la Lékédi is the successful result of an astonishing conversion project. Bakoumba the place with the longest mono-cable way in the world (76km) became in some years a "nature" town. On 14.000ha has been set up: fish culture, breading of wild animals, ecotourism, mushroom production, roof tiles, pottery, weaving of raffia. Platforms for observation of the animals, the ties of the railway used as fence posts, and most spectacular, a 30m high bridge of 360m long overlooking the canopy where a colony of mandrills is living. On a small island on the lake, a program to reinsert chimpanzees has been set up and can be visited. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 6 - Wednesday: Visit the different areas of Lékédi Park, especially a walkway over the canopy allowing the observation of mandrills and chimps. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 7 - Thursday: In the morning visit of the park and after lunch, excursion to the liana bridge and the waterfalls of Poubara – Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Libreville. Meet and transfer to the Tropicana hotel. Includes: (B), (L);
Day 8 - Friday: Transfer to the airport for a flight to Omboué at 07h00. Transfer by boat on the Fernand Vaz lagoon to Petit Evengue Island. Visit of the island and discovery of the forest, savannas, and lagoon and meet the researchers in charge of the re-insertion of a gorilla family, easy to observe. Night in Petit Evengue. During the night in Petit Evengue you can hear an incredible concert of different animals;
Day 9 - Saturday: Visit of Mission St Anne of the Fernand Vaz. You will see the special iron church made by Gustave Eiffel (The Tour Eiffel Creator), then you will cross the lagoon to reach the coast . Picnic on the wild beaches and drive by 4 wheel drive car to Loango Lodge – Overnight. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 10 - Sunday: Safari in the Loango NP looking for elephants, buffalos, antelopes, hippopotamus, monkeys and birds. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 11 - Monday: Transfer to Omboué and flight back to Libreville. End of the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your international flight. Includes: (B), (L).
Accommodation:
Tropicana: is a simple and small hotel located on the beach and not far from the airport. Rooms with shower/toilets and air conditioning, good restaurant;
Lope Hotel: Charming place on the banks of the river with wooden bungalows and swimming pool . Comfortable rooms with shower / toilet and air conditioning;
Lekedi Park: Simple rooms with shower/toilets, airco, restaurant, tennis, swimming pool;
Loango Lodge: Recently rebuilt, this comfortable and charming lodge offers 10 bungalows with toilets and shower, hot water, air conditioning. Meals served in the lagoon restaurant.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
This is a sample itinerary. Please inquire about our several other Gabon itineraries!
Price includes: all transfers, transports, domestic flights, accommodation, meals (except in Libreville and in the train), excursions, guides in the park an entry fees.
Price doesn’t include: international airfare, passport and visa fees, travel insurance (required), soft and alcoholic beverages, personal purchases, or airport departure fees.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Gabon
Ecotourism
National Parks
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