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

S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 35 Africa / Gabon Evengue Lodge This small island makes a convenient entry or exit point to the park. A safe haven for birds, mammals and reptiles, the Mpivie River has a classic 'jungle' feel to it and is an excellent place for bird and crocodile viewing (Dwarf, Slender-snouted, and Nile Crocodiles occur along the river). The island is also the base for an interesting gorilla rehabilitation project, and the knowledgeable staff will share their experiences with guests. Akaka Tented Camp (dry season) A two hour spectacular boat trip from Loango Lodge, this camp is right at the riverside, overlooking papyrus swamps and high forest. Forest Elephants are frequently in the area along with many other species of animals including (with luck) groups of gorillas. Tassi Bush and Beach Camp (wet season) One hour’s drive from the main lodge this small camp is spread out along a beach ridge, with views of endless forest to the east and the Atlantic to the west. Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo, Red River Hog and Sitatunga are regularly sighted in this area and in the rainy season many animals regularly feed on the beach, including (occasionally) gorillas. Point St. Catherine Beach Camp Imagine miles and miles of empty beach – perfect for relaxing, taking extended walks, shell collecting or swimming in the sheltered bays. From October to February Leatherback Turtles come to the beach to nest, and from June to September Humpback Whales, Orca and Sperm Whales pass close to the shore with their calves. Lope National Park Lope National Park offers a wonderful patchwork of open savannah scenery and dense rainforest. It is particularly famous for its large numbers of Mandrills, other primates and bird sightings. The main lodge at Lope sits in a beautiful location high above the mighty Ogooue River, with air-conditioned en-suite chalets, but the highlight of a visit to Lope is a visit to the satellite camp of Mikongo - a research station for the study and habituation of gorillas which is run by the Zoological Society of London. Although gorilla-tracking as a specific activity has been suspended until more progress has been made with habituation, the highlight here is wonderful forest walks with knowledgeable local guides. Apart from about 50 local gorillas, other primate species which are regularly seen include Moustached, Putty-nosed and Crowned Monkey and Grey-cheeked mangebey. Other mammals that you are likely to encounter include Forest Elephants, Forest Buffalo, Red River Hogs, Red, Yellow-backed, and Blue Duiker, and perhaps Civets. There are many Leopards here too but they are hard to see. We recommend at least two nights here to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities. Ivindo National Park No trip to Gabon is complete without visiting Ivindo and the fabulous Langoue Bai. This vast swampy clearing in the primeval rainforest has been the feeding and drinking place for Forest Elephants, Forest Buffalo, Sitatunga, Western Lowland Gorillas, and other primates since time began… and it feels like it. The Bai itself is surrounded by towering forest and steep-sided hills, and behind the constant chattering of the birds and insects is the distant rumbling of waterfalls and eery call of the elephants from deep within the trees. This is a place that very few people have ever visited, and which was in fact only discovered two or three years ago. Here you are invited to live alongside researchers in their camp and observe the animals from platforms set up around the edge of the Bai. You may sometimes spend the night on the platform itself and there can be few more wonderful experiences than sitting at the Bai as the sun is setting watching the elephants bathing and the Sitatunga foraging, knowing that at first light this magical landscape will reveal more secrets. This truly is a unique experience to be found nowhere else on earth and despite the overnight train journey and forest trek to reach it, this is considered by most to be the highlight of their trip to Gabon. To fully appreciate this area we recommend three or four nights here. Sâo Tomé & Principe Off the coast of Gabon lies the Democratic Republic of Sâo Tomé and Principe, a handful of small islands and one of the smallest countries in the world. The two main islands are heavily forested and mountainous with idyllic palm-fringed beaches and mangrove swamps. Tourism is still limited to one resort on Principe so the islands are very much off the beaten track. The main draw for most visitors is the chance to relax and the unique flora and fauna, with many endemic species, including 26 endemic birds and 120 plants; among them some of the world’s rarest such as the Dwarf Olive Ibis, the Sâo Tomé Fiscal and Sâo Tomé Grosbeak. Itinerary Suggestions All of our itineraries to Gabon are tailor-made and we know the country well so please do call us to discuss the options. There are a couple of important factors to bear in mind when planning a trip to Gabon. Flights to Gabon are generally with SN Brussels accessing the country by flying into Douala (Cameroon), from where we will organise a light aircraft transfer to Port Gentil (Gabon) and then directly to Loango National Park. It is also possible to fly to Libreville with either Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca with an overnight stop) or Air France (via Paris). Your length of stay at certain locations may be determined by train schedules, and may involve overnight stops in Libreville. Don’t let this put you off – it is a truly wonderful country! Loango Special Day 1. Depart London for Loango via Douala Day 2. Loango Lodge, 2-nights Day 4. Tassi (October to April) or Akaka (May to September), 3-nights Day 7. Point St Catherine Beach Camp, 1-night Day 8. Evengue, 1-night Day 9. Depart Port Gentil for Douala & London Day 10. Arrive home Loango & Lope Combination Days 1 to 7. As ‘Loango Special’ Day 8. Evengue, 2-nights Day 10. Lope National Park, 2-nights Days 12 to 14. Mikongo, 3-nights Day 15. Port Gentil Day 16. Depart for Douala & London Day 17. Arrive home Highlights of Gabon Days 1 to 6. As ‘Loango Special’ Day 7. Evengue, 1-night Day 8. Langoue Bai, 4-nights Days 12 to 14. Lope National Park, 3-nights Day 15. Port Gentil Day 16. Depart for Douala & London Day 17. Arrive home Sâo Tomé and Principe add-ons are available for all our Gabon itineraries. Mikongo Forest Camp, Lope