Gabon - Africa's last paradise

The best time to travel to Gabon is in the dry season from June to September or from the end of December to the beginning of March in the so-called short dry period. During this time, the roads can be traveled easily and the vegetation, which is not yet as dense, allows you to spot animals better on safari. If you want to observe the turtles laying their eggs on the beaches, it is best to travel to Gabon from the end of December to the beginning of January. The months between late September and mid-December are characterized by a lot of rainfall, with vegetation bursting with shades of green. As some roads become impassable, a safari can also become a 4x4 adventure.

Welcome to Gabon. The country is located on the west coast of Central Africa, pretty much on the Equator. Neighboring countries include Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, as well as Congo. Due to the difficult climatic conditions, only a few roads lead through the country. In addition, it is very sparsely populated with 4-6 people per square meter - most of the 1.2 million people are concentrated in the cities. Little is known about the country itself, which is exactly what makes Gabon so charming - a real jungle adventure country.

After landing at the international airport, you will be picked up by a member of our partner agency and be transported to your hotel. The capital, Libreville, attracts visitors with its museums and numerous art collections and urban life. Far away from the usual tourist crowds, you will go on a discovery tour. Use the free time and discover the African city. Our tip: Visit the church of St. Michel with its famous carvings.

Libreville Airport - Hotel Libreville (Oceane): about 5 minutes / about 2 km

Libreville Airport - Hotel Libreville drive: about 10 minutes / about 4 km

1 night with breakfast included in Libreville, Gabon

Spend the morning as you wish. Use the time to go to the beach, for example, before you head to the train station at 4 p.m. and start your Gabon adventure. Since passenger trains in Gabon only run at night, the train only starts moving slowly at 4:50 p.m. and takes you towards Lope National Park, which you will reach at about 1 a.m. The trip offers unique insights into the tropical landscape of Gabon and the simple way of life of the population. Between June and July you will have the opportunity to see forest elephants, buffalo, mandrills and other exotic animals.

From the train station you will go to your hotel.

Libreville - Lope National Park train ride: approx. 8 hours

3 nights with breakfast included in Lope National Park, Gabon

Lope National Park is the oldest of the country's 13 national parks and, since 2007, Gabon's first and only UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site. The region has fascinated people who have migrated along the Ogooué River from the coast to the interior since the Stone Age. Here, dry savannah meets the humid rainforest in a very confined space, giving the region its unique charm. The more than 1,800 rock paintings are considered the highlight of the park. The African forest elephant calls this incomparable natural landscape its home. In addition, the park is home to exceptionally colored mammals - the mandrils. With their striking blue-red coloring on the face and buttocks, they provide a colorful contrast to the green surroundings. Lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and leopards also roam the African bush here.

Today you will visit the national park again and get to know it actively during a hike on Mount Brazza. The mountain was named after explorer Savorgnan de Brazza - the first European to set foot on Gabon's soil in 1857. On the trails you will hike for about two hours passing, among other places, a pond at the foot of the mountain, which attracts numerous birds. Late in the evening, a transfer will take you to the train station, where you will take a seat on the train bound for Ndjole.

Today you will reach the town of Ndjole at 4 a.m. in the early morning. Take a breather after arriving at the hotel until your trip continues after breakfast, around 8 a.m., towards Lambaréné.

The town of about 20,000 inhabitants is located in the middle of a rainforest and only a few kilometers south of the Equator. The world-famous Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer founded his first hospital here in 1924, which is still in operation. To this day, unlike state institutions, the hospital also cares for destitute people. You will visit the hospital and today's museum, Schweitzer's former house and the beautiful surroundings.

Ndjole - Lambaréné: approx. 2 hours / approx. 126 km

1 night stay with full board in Lambaréné, Gabon

After breakfast we will take a speedboat to Omboue along the Ogooue River. The trip takes about 5 hours. Enjoy the untouched landscapes on the banks of the Ogooue. After about two hours, you will reach Omboue and drive from here to the Iguela Lagoon. You will cross the lagoon by 4x4 vehicle and continue to Louri Lagoon, where you can observe forest elephants, buffalos and other animals on the beach.

1 night with full board in Loango National Park, Gabon.

After a leisurely breakfast, explore Loango Park on foot and by boat. The ecosystem in Loango is one of the most complex in the world, as beach, rainforest and Congolese forest meet here - a true mosaic of landscapes. On the pristine beaches, sea turtles bury their eggs in the sand between October and January. Between July and September, whales and dolphins cavort off the coast. But the ultimate highlight in the park are the elephants, buffalos and hippos bathing in the waves and ridding themselves of "pests" - a sight that not so many guests have enjoyed to date, since the country only opened its borders to tourism not long ago. In the lagoons of the national park you can also see numerous exotic birds. Hippos, crocodiles, forest buffaloes, monkeys and lots of other animals can be seen. Of course, the lowland gorillas and chimpanzees are also at home here. Today you will also visit the park's recently opened gorilla project, where the critically endangered Western lowland gorillas are habituated. Watch the rangers work here and dare to ask some questions you always wanted answered.

1 night with full board at Loango National Park, Gabon

Due to its diversity, a tour into the national park is worthwhile again today. Start with a safari that goes to the Tassi Camp, which is also your accommodation for tonight. From here you can enjoy the view all the way to the ocean.

The park is located on the Atlantic coast and is one of 13 national parks in the country. It covers an area of about 1,550 square kilometers - the huge protected area has remained largely untouched by mankind until today.

1 night including full board at Loango National Park, Gabon

After breakfast, you will embark on the next safari, which will take you to the Iguela Lagoon. The lagoon is located not far from the slightly smaller coastal reserve Petit Loango. Here, too, lagoon, bushes, coastal strip, rainforest and mangroves shake hands. Experience these contrasts. In the evening, you will visit the Louri Lagoon and then drive back to Loango Lodge - your accommodation for the day.

1 night including full board in Loango National Park, Gabon

After breakfast, start your return journey in a 4x4 vehicle to Port Gentil - Gabon's economic capital.

Upon arrival, take the transfer to the airport and fly back to Libreville (flight time: 30 minutes, arrival at 5:20 p.m.). In the evening, you will take your flight back to your home country.

Hotel Oceane, Libreville, Gabon

The hotel is located close to the beach and not far from the international airport in Libreville. An outdoor pool provides appropriate cooling on hot days. The air-conditioned rooms have a private bathroom with a shower and a bathtub. Some of the rooms have sea and garden views. The in-house restaurant serves Vietnamese cuisine.

Or

Hotel Onomo, Libreville, Gabon.

Located a 12-minute walk from the beach and not far from the airport. Rooms feature amenities like flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, private toilet/shower and a safe. A beautiful garden surrounds the hotel grounds.

Lope Hotel, Lope National Park, Gabon.

Featuring a garden and a terrace with a lounge for all guests, this lovely hotel sits just above the Ogooue River. Relax at the bar and enjoy a fresh dip in the on-site pool.

All rooms have a terrace and air conditioning.

Albert Schweitzer Hospital Guestrooms, Lambarene, Gabon

Located on the grounds of Albert Schweitzer Hospital, the guest rooms were renovated some time ago.

While the rooms do not have air conditioning, they are built to allow a fresh breeze through the mosquito netted windows.

Loango Lodge, Loango National Park, Gabon

This beautiful lodge overlooks the river in the national park. The area is known for pristine, lush landscapes and exotic inhabitants such as gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, buffalo and leopards. The seven bungalows have a private terrace, air-conditioning, mini-bar, toilet and shower; some of them have a direct view of the river. In addition, the lodge has three suites that include personalized service. Many activities can be booked at the reception.

Tassi Camp, Loango National Park, Gabon

Tassi Camp is perfect for exploring Loango Park. It is very simply furnished, but still has all the amenities. The Meru tents are set on wooden platforms and are equipped with comfortable beds, basic shower/toilet and a private terrace. The tents are sufficiently spaced apart so that you can enjoy your privacy.

Included

• 10 nights in the mentioned accommodations or similar:
  • 1 night at Hotel Oceane or Onomo with breakfast in a standard room in Libreville.
  • 3 nights at the Lope Hotel with breakfast in a standard room in Lope National Park
  • 1 night with full-board in a standard room at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital Guestrooms in Lambaréné
  • 1 night at Loango Lodge, full board included, in a standard room in Loango National Park
  • 3 nights at the Akaka Tended Camp (June to September) or Loango Lodge with full board in a standard room in Loango National Park
  • 1 overnight at Loango Lodge with full board in a standard room in Loango National Park
• Transfer in 4x4 jeep, speedboat and train
• Port Gentil - Libreville domestic flights
• English-speaking guide from day 1 - day 6 and for all activities at Loango National Park
• Trained guide for Mandrill Safari in Lope National Park (June - August)
• Excursions and entrance fees to Loango NP, Lope NP
• Entrance to the gorilla project
• The starting price is valid in the travel period 15.12.22 - 30.04.23, 01.06.23 - 15.08.23 & 16.08.23 - 30.09.23

Not included

• International flights
• Optional excursions (sightseeing, entrance fees etc.)
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the scope of services
• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips
• Travel protection
• PCR test, if still required
• Visa, entry and/or exit fees, if required

Services & Notes

• There may be changes to excursions as they are adjusted to local conditions and weather
• Travel with a travel bag or backpack and not a hard-sided suitcase
• Check with your tropical medicine doctor regarding any vaccinations (e.g. yellow fever)
• Expenses with tips etc. should be calculated with approx. 300 EUR additionally.
• We recommend that you bring a shower cap, flashlight, sunscreen, long and short clothing and dark clothing for the rainforest.