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Western Lowland Gorilla, Gabon
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Up and coming as Africa's next big destination for eco-tourism, travellers to Gabon will relish a certain sense of discovery as they explore new destinations that are still far off the beaten track. The earliest inhabitants of this country were Pygmy peoples, and it was colonised in the 15 th century by the French, who founded the town of Franceville. Over the centuries it was exploited by the French for its rich natural resources, initially timber but now also offshore oil and minerals such as manganese and iron. As a result, it is one of Africa's wealthier countries, and is proud of its cultural heritage and the good state in which it has managed to preserve its pristine rain forest and wonderfully rich biodiversity.
Gabon's travel regions have been created in order to make navigation through the country's sights easier. There are the Estuary Region, the Haut Ogooue Region, the Moyen Ogooue Region, the Ngounie Region and the Ogooue Maritime Region. The Eastern sector of the country is its most remote, but also has some of its most rewarding destinations for those intrepid enough to seek out the game reserve of Reserve de la Lope, and witness its elephants, buffaloes and many birds, while the Ivindo National Park is the habitat for western lowland gorillas and forest elephants. Within this extraordinary park exists a unique opportunity to see, at Langoue Bai, the dense tropical habitat of these rare forest animals in their own environment. There is a WCS-built research camp here which invites visitors to stay near the hub of the forest's wildlife in order to fully appreciate this very special place. It has been created to fully respect the habitat of these creatures, and is designed, composting toilets and all, to minimise the intrusion of human beings into their world. The colonial town of Franceville is the largest town here if you need to stock up on supplies while again en route.
The coastal Loango National Park is probably Gabon's most varied, and most astonishing. It is apparently here that hippos surf, while a variety of whales and dolphins inhabit the seas, elephants stroll along beaches of white sand, and the savannah and lagoon form the backdrop for a number of wonderful eco-tourist experiences. Facilities are extremely good, featuring luxury ecolodge-type accommodation and lots of tours on offer to ensure you don't miss a species.
Other parks include Akanda, the mountainous Monts Birougou, Mayumba, Minkebe and the beautiful beaches and Mangroves of Pongara. Meanwhile, the capital city, Libreville, offers perhaps a welcome respite from the jungle or a contrast at least, with its snazzy boulevards, high-rise hotels and smart restaurants.
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Western Lowland Gorilla, Gabon
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Up and coming as Africa's next big destination for eco-tourism, travellers to Gabon will relish a certain sense of discovery as they explore new destinations that are still far off the beaten track. The earliest inhabitants of this country were Pygmy peoples, and it was colonised in the 15 th century by the French, who founded the town of Franceville. Over the centuries it was exploited by the French for its rich natural resources, initially timber but now also offshore oil and minerals such as manganese and iron. As a result, it is one of Africa's wealthier countries, and is proud of its cultural heritage and the good state in which it has managed to preserve its pristine rain forest and wonderfully rich biodiversity.
Gabon's travel regions have been created in order to make navigation through the country's sights easier. There are the Estuary Region, the Haut Ogooue Region, the Moyen Ogooue Region, the Ngounie Region and the Ogooue Maritime Region. The Eastern sector of the country is its most remote, but also has some of its most rewarding destinations for those intrepid enough to seek out the game reserve of Reserve de la Lope, and witness its elephants, buffaloes and many birds, while the Ivindo National Park is the habitat for western lowland gorillas and forest elephants. Within this extraordinary park exists a unique opportunity to see, at Langoue Bai, the dense tropical habitat of these rare forest animals in their own environment. There is a WCS-built research camp here which invites visitors to stay near the hub of the forest's wildlife in order to fully appreciate this very special place. It has been created to fully respect the habitat of these creatures, and is designed, composting toilets and all, to minimise the intrusion of human beings into their world. The colonial town of Franceville is the largest town here if you need to stock up on supplies while again en route.
The coastal Loango National Park is probably Gabon's most varied, and most astonishing. It is apparently here that hippos surf, while a variety of whales and dolphins inhabit the seas, elephants stroll along beaches of white sand, and the savannah and lagoon form the backdrop for a number of wonderful eco-tourist experiences. Facilities are extremely good, featuring luxury ecolodge-type accommodation and lots of tours on offer to ensure you don't miss a species.
Other parks include Akanda, the mountainous Monts Birougou, Mayumba, Minkebe and the beautiful beaches and Mangroves of Pongara. Meanwhile, the capital city, Libreville, offers perhaps a welcome respite from the jungle or a contrast at least, with its snazzy boulevards, high-rise hotels and smart restaurants.