AFRICA | GABON 85 Point St. Catherine Beach Camp MID The endless empty beach here is perfect for relaxing, taking extended walks, shell collecting or swimming in the sheltered bays. From October to February leatherback turtles come ashore to nest, and from June to September humpback, orca and sperm whales pass close to the shore with their calves. A remote experience! For a really remote experience and to fully appreciate the park's diversity you need to head to one of these three excellent bush camps - Akaka, Tassi or Point St. Catherine - where accommodation is in tents raised on platforms - each with their own palm- shaded covers, bathroom, toilet and bucket shower. Evengue Lodge MID A visit to this small island lodge is a must as it is the base for an interesting gorilla rehabilitation project. A safe haven for birds, mammals and reptiles, the nearby 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 all occur along the river). Lope National Park Lope National Park is a wonderful patchwork of open savannah and dense rainforest and is particularly famous for its large numbers of mandrills. It is also home to western lowland gorillas, moustached, putty- nosed and crowned monkey and grey- cheeked mangabey. Other mammals here 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. Lope Hotel MID The Lope Hotel sits in a beautiful location high above the mighty Ogooue River, with air- conditioned en- suite chalets. Its wooden bungalows provide the perfect place to explore the surrounding savannah and forests. Mikongo Conservation Centre MID A visit to Mikongo is the highlight of any visit to Lope. This simple research station for the study and habituation of gorillas is run by the Zoological Society of London. Although gorilla- tracking as a specifi c activity has been suspended until more progress has been made with habituation, the highlight here is wonderful forest walks with knowledgeable local guides. Sâo Tomé & Principe Off the coast of Gabon lies the Democratic Republic of Sâo Tomé and Principe, 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. The main draw for most visitors is the chance to relax and discover the unique fl ora and fauna, including 26 endemic birds and 120 plants; amongst them some of the world's rarest such as the dwarf olive ibis, the Sâo Tomé fi scal and Sâo Tomé grosbeak. Bom Bom Island Resort HIGH This is a haven of luxury and calm, offering the ultimate in comfortable and secluded accommodation. Each bungalow has its own veranda with wonderful views across the green palm fronds and the bay. Activities here include hiking, birdwatching, whale-watching, diving and snorkelling. ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Libreville, via Paris. Meridien Hotel, 1- night Day 2 Evengue Island, Evengue Lodge, 1- night. Visit the gorilla project ( BLD) Day 3 Loango, Loango Lodge, 1- night. Boat ride along the Mpivie River ( BLD) Day 4 Loango, Akaka/ Tassi Bush Camps, 3- nights. Wildlife viewing and photography ( BLD) Day 7 Loango, Point St. Catherine Beach Camp, 1- night. Relax and walk along the beach ( BLD) Day 8 Loango, 1- night, Loango Lodge ( BLD) Day 9 Return to the UK ( via Libreville and Paris) Day 10 Arrive UK AFRICA'S LAST EDEN This is Gabon at its best, seen at a relaxed place and staying at beautiful lodges and camps. The wildlife viewing opportunities are exceptional and with very few people visiting this part of the world you are assured an exclusive experience. GROUP TOUR Departure dates Thursdays, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 4395 ( Jan - Feb, Jul - Sept, Dec), £ 3745 ( Mar - May), £ 4095 ( June, Oct - Nov) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, one nights hotel accommodation and seven nights in camps and lodges, guided activities GABON LIBREVILLE LOANGO NATIONAL PARK Fact! The Evengue Lodge Gorilla Rehabilitation Project provides insight into the western lowland gorilla and what is threatening their existence in the wild. They split time between a semi- captive environment and the forest. Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com

Europe Vast oceans, dense forests, river deltas and mountain strongholds are all home to a rich fl ora, plus many animals and birds. The diversity of Europe is refl ected in our itineraries and a new awareness of the preservation of nature in many European destinations has created some exciting and exceptional value wildlife viewing opportunities.