Africa / Central Africa Recalling the days of the great adventurers and explorers Gabon is a very different and unique destination for serious natural history lovers looking for something new and a little out of the ordinary. Gabon takes you into the legendary rainforests of central Africa. This peaceful and prosperous country has some extraordinary landscapes (rainforest, mighty rivers, coastal lagoons, beaches and savannah) which contain a magnificent array of mammals, birds and reptiles. The major highlight is the Western Lowland Gorilla population but there are also significant populations of chimpanzees and other primates, Forest Buffalo, Congo Sitatunga, Hippopotamus, Leopard and numerous smaller species. Gabon should also be on the list for bird enthusiasts as there are over 680 recorded species with new discoveries still being made. Offshore, the coast is a major breeding ground for Humpback Whales and the empty beaches are world-renowned nesting sites for turtles. Highlights July • The start of whale-watching season off the coast of Gabon (until mid October). • Big game congregates in the Akaka wetlands area of Loango National Park from now until September. • July and August are the best times for viewing ‘super groups' of Mandrills in Lope National Park. Other than the large groupings of Gelada Baboons in Ethiopia, this is the largest known grouping of primates anywhere in the world. September • Big game on the beaches and savannah around Tassi in Loango National Park is seen from now until July. October • The best time for viewing large mammals on the beaches of Gabon is from now until May. November • Leatherback Turtles come ashore to nest on Gabon's beaches until the end of March. Other sightings at this time of year include Olive Ridley, Green, and Hawksbill Turtles. Climate Gabon has a tropical climate with high humidity year round. There are two dry seasons: December to January and May to September, but rainfall in the other months follows a tropical pattern of downpours followed by sunshine. Most wildlife can be viewed year round and the wetter months are in fact better for some wildlife-viewing such as animals on the beach and the savannah. S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 33 Ogooue River, Lope Humpback Whale

F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982 Gabon 34 This prosperous and stable country in central West Africa is a “must” for any serious wildlife enthusiast. Thirteen new national parks now protect a huge range of wildlife including sizeable populations of Western Lowland Gorillas, Forest Elephants, Chimpanzees, Monkeys, Forest Buffalo and much more. Low visitor numbers, unique wildlife viewing and pristine wilderness areas make this a true paradise for the wildlife enthusiast, although visitors should remember that with parks in their infancy, transportation and infrastructure are still developing and a spirit of adventure is needed. The itineraries are fully flexible and all are tailor made. Not all the parks are easily accessible yet and currently we recommend visiting one or more of the following areas. Loango National Park In this scenic 1550 square kilometre mosaic of primal forests, grassy savannahs, empty beaches and mangrove lagoons, Operation Loango manages the National Park through economically sustainable protection. You can experience a wild beauty that no longer exists along the rest of coastal western Africa and know that by doing so you are helping to preserve one of the last great wilderness areas on earth. Loango is so diverse that at least a week is recommended in the park, split between the camps and lodges we show below. Loango Lodge This is a luxurious and exclusive hideout surrounded by spectacular views of the lagoon, savannah and forests and it is a comfortable base from which to explore the park. Activities within the park vary depending on the time of year. On offer are forest, savannah and beach walks, game drives, whale watching (July to October), kayaking, turtle walks (October to February) boat trips, beach cycling and beach barbeques. Satellite Camps in Loango To experience the full diversity of Loango we suggest you head further into the park to one or more of the following bush camps where accommodation is in tents raised on platforms - each with their own palm shaded covers, bathroom, toilet and bucket shower. Loango Lodge, Loango Elephants