Gabon is a wonderful country with magnificent coastlines, deep forests and it has an abundance of wildlife. It also lacks touristic infrastructure and safaris are often expensive. This is why we came up with a budget trip in which you’ll get to see the idyllic coastline where hippos roam the sand, followed by a forest expedition deep in Lopé National Park in search of mandrills and other unique animals. Oh, and did we mention there’s a jungle train as well? Plenty of exciting adventures during n this trip!
We have the perfect place to explore the green coastline and also to take the time to relax on the beach. Our spot is situated on the beach in front of the ocean and just next to the reserve, within walking distance of the elephants and other animals that frequent the area. The area is over 500.000 hectares and has a sandy plateau with hilly dunes, white beaches, Lake Eliwawanyé and several rivers, which attract tons of wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles and birds.
The reserve is mostly forest, some savanna, mangrove and swamp vegetation. The park is home to many mammals such as elephants, buffalos, gorillas, chimpanzees, mangabeys, colobus monkeys, leopards, duikers, and more. The beach also attracts leatherback turtles coming to nest, as the park is an excellent place for animals to hide from poachers.
We will meet up in Libreville at the marina where you will be picked up by our boat. After a scenic trip we’ll dive into the mangroves after which you’ll be brought to the campsite by car for 45 minutes. We offer simple, but correct, air-conditioned accommodation, and this in a fantastic scenery.
In the afternoon you can explore the area on foot or simply relax and enjoy the serenity. Later in the afternoon you will go on a safari by 4×4 and be on the lookout for animals such as elephants, buffalos, antelopes, a wild variety of birds and maybe even a chimpanzee! The next morning you can join the morning walk that will give you a different perspective to see the animals. After a hearty lunch you’ll go back to Libreville where you will be met by one of our guides who will help you on the train to Lopé National Park.
You will stay at a small basic guesthouse the first night. The next two days we will explore the park on foot and camp in the forest. As the forest is very dense, it is not easy to see animals. Our well trained guides and eco-guards will help us to look around and will spot many animals the untrained eye doesn’t see. Make sure to bring a good torch so we can also look for elusive nocturnal animals. On our last day we’ll take a safari vehicle ride to cover some more ground to see more of the park and finally we take a hike to Mount Brazza.
Hiking to the mountain takes about half a day and from the top you’ll have breathtaking views of the valley. Finally we will take the train back. Know that the train only runs a few times a week. If there is no train that day, we will either stay another night or arrange a car for an additional fee.
Lopé National Park is the oldest national park in Gabon and has over 485,000 ha of land. It is bordered by the Ogooué River and situated about 400 km from Libreville. Lopé consists mainly of monsoon forest and some savana. In 2007 Lopé NP was added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO.
We can find 400 bird species and many mammals, especially primates. Lopé is famous among animal enthusiasts for its large mandrill groups. And you can easily see groups of a few hundred mandrills. The largest collection ever recorded of all primate species in the world was a mandrill group of 1,350 individuals! The best time to see mandrills is from July to mid-September and it is common to see mandrills while visiting the park. We also find lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and various monkeys such as white-nosed monkeys and black colobus in the park.
Please note that the tour we offer is not affiliated with any of the hotels near the park and we use our own people for this expedition. Make sure you are in good health to walk in the forest and go up the mountain. Bring enough clothing, mosquito repellent, extra water and energy bars/fast sugars and good shoes. It is also best to bring your own sleeping mat and sheets. We can provide the tent, but you are free to bring your own. It is best to contact us before booking this trip so that we can discuss the details with you.
Price:
1 person: 3,290 usd
2 persons: 2,190 usd pp
Itinerary:
Day 1: Libreville to Wonga Wongue. Full board and safari activities.
Day 2: Wonga Wongue. Full board and safari activities.
Day 3: Jungle train departs from Libreville in the late afternoon. Arrival in the evening, local hotel. Meals not included. Accommodation included.
Day 4: Meeting the team and the first day of your jungle trek during which we will look for animals such as mandrills and gorillas. Camping in the woods, simple meals prepared at the campsite.
Day 5: Exploration on foot. Camping in the woods and simple meals prepared at the campsite.
Day 6: Exploration on foot. Camping in the woods and simple meals prepared at the campsite.
Day 7: Safari by 4 x 4 and hike to the top of Mount Brazza. Overnight in a local hotel. Dinner not included.
Including:
– Transport to Wonga Wongue from Libreville and back.
– Full board at our campsite in Wonga Wongue. Drinks at your own expense.
– Safari activities at Wonga Wongue and professional guidance.
– Train ticket to Lopé National Park and back, first class (if available).
– Accommodation on the night of arrival and the night of departure.
– Camping in Lopé National Park including meals.
– Guidance by a professional local guide and eco-rangers.
– Half day safari in a 4×4 vehicle.
– Hike to Mount Brazza.
Not included:
– Meals in the hotel/village at Lopé NP if you are not camping.
– Meals and drinks in Libreville.
– Meals and drinks on the train.
– Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks.
– Tips.
– Insurance.
Allow yourself 1 or 2 buffer days in Libreville in case the train is delayed.
Bring enough clothes, good walking shoes, enough socks, swimwear, light raincoat, backpack, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, flashlight, enough water and medicines. Make sure you have good insurance, because we are not responsible for any accidents.
Why choose Congo Voyages for this tour?
We are the only local agency with people who are actually on site, and apart from a “lost Belgian expat”, our team consists entirely of Congolese with years of experience in the field. We work closely with the authorities such as the Ministry of Tourism, ICCN, but also the military who help us to secure sensitive areas. Our tours will only take place if all safety conditions have been met and the necessary permissions have been granted and if we have been given the green light from the local authorities/chiefs if necessary.
Beware of (fake) travel agents who copy our itineraries and offer our tours for a lower price. Most of them are Ugandan, Rwandan and Spanish operators who have never been to Congo and recruit locals without knowledge of the field or a license on the internet to do their travels, often with disastrous results, with people being arrested or defrauded and put in jail. worst case no one even shows up.
