|
GABON-THE BIG MAMMALS - 12 Day
|
Focusing on the big mammals found in Gabon, there will be chances to see elephants, buffalo, sitatunga, and sometimes gorilla on this trip as well as all the other wildlife in the area!
Includes: All trips are full board on safari, except Libreville and on the train, bedding supplied on camp nights, domestic flights
Excludes: Visas, tips, drinks, items of personal nature, items not specified, insurance, flights to / from Libreville (we have good fares - please enquire). |
|
ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Monday - Arrive Libreville, connect to flight to Gamba at 07hr45. Transfer to Sette Cama Lodge by boat. After lunch, safari by vehicle into the park.
Day 2 - Tuesday - Excursion by vehicle / foot / boat through the park, where it is possible to see elephants, buffalo, sitatunga and sometimes gorillas etc on the beach. Overnight Sette Cama.
Day 3 - Wednesday - Full day in the area, returning to lodge for the night.
Day 4 - Thursday - Visit the lagoons, and the villages in the area, as well as excursions on the beach.
Day 5 - Friday - Return to Gamba for flight to Libreville at 17hr00. Dinner at Tropicana. Evening train to Lope 21hr30 - 02hr00. Lope Hotel.
Day 6 - Saturday - Morning to relax around the pool, afternoon game drive into Lope Park.
Day 7 - Sunday - Morning safari by 4-wheel drive in the savannas to look for elephants, buffalos, red river hogs, different types of antelopes such as the sitatunga or the yellow back duiker. Afternoon, walk in the forest, looking for traces of animals and birds ( footprints, nests) and following the tracks of primates and other species.
Day 8 - Monday - Transfer by road to Mikongo, a camp deep in the forest in Lope Reserve. Whilst here we will walk with the ECOFAC guides and researchers, looking for gorillas, mandrills and the many other primate and bird species here ( Picathartes being a sought after resident species ), as well as other mammals - elephant, buffalo, forest hog etc. Note - this is THICK forest, and sightings of game are often close and fleeting!! All travel is on foot. Mikongo - as above.
Day 9 - Tuesday - Full day walking in forest.
Day 10 - Wednesday - Morning walks, lunch at Mikongo - transfer back to Lope Lodge for overnight.
Day 11 - Thursday - Morning boat trip on the river, to view ancient rock engravings. Afternoon train to Libreville 16hr00 - 20hr30. Overnight Tropicana.
Day 12 -Friday - Morning free, transfer to airport.
|
GABON'S SECRET-LANGOUE BAI & LOANGO - 13 Day
|
The recent discovery of a new Bai ( a clearing in the forest where animals come out to drink and make use of the mineral salts ) at Langoue allows us the chance to view game from raised platforms ( 'miradors' ) above the forest , and to liase with the researchers , a lot like to two well know areas in Congo, Odzala and Ndoki.
The recent investment in a quality lodge at Loango allows us access to some prime areas , where game is often viewed on the beach, as well as to an island where gorillas are being habituated, some extensive lagoon systems (and fishing), as well as off shore activities such as whale watching, and turtle nesting areas in season. |
|
This trip can be run for a maximum of 6 guests due to the limited accommodation at Langoue.
ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Sunday - Arrive Libreville, met, transfer to the Tropicana for overnight BB. Tropicana, small, simple hotel, situated on the beach not far from the airport. Rooms with shower/WC and aircon. Straw huts on the beach and a good restaurant.
Day 2 - Monday - Flight to Omboue at 0730 (INCL). Transfer to Ye Tsanou Lodge at Iguela, in the Loango National Park. En route visit island of Petit Evengu . Visit of the island Western Lowland Gorillas are being studied. In the afternoon travel by boat via the Mpivie River to the lodge Ye Tsanou-Loango Lodge at Iguela, recently renovated, 10 comfortable bungalows, nicely decorated with shower/WC, aircon and fans. A splendid restaurant, overlooking the lagoon, with terrace, bar and dining room.
Day 3 - Tuesday - Excursion by vehicle through the park to Tassi, (or the camp at Akaka) where it is possible to see elephants, buffalo, sitatunga and sometimes gorillas etc on the beach. Overnight Lodge. Full Board.
Day 4 - Wednesday - As above.
Day 5 - Thursday - Visit the lagoons, and the villages in the area, as well as excursions on the beach. Overnight Ye Tsanou Loango lodge. Note: the program for these days is flexible, and could include kayaking, visits to local villages and islands etc as well as above.
Day 6 - Friday - Return to Omboue for flight to Libreville. (INCL) We transfer across the lagoon from Libreville to Ekwata, a beach resort with simple clean airconditioned rooms right on the beach. The food here is incredible - and the atmosophere is like a large family, with an open bar and lots of activities. This is a good place to relax after the rigours of the trip, and prepare for the next section - we'll also do some walks in the reserve, looking for primates, birds etc, elephant and other animals. Chance for some fishing and walks on wild beaches.
Day 7 - Saturday - Full day in the area.
Day 8 - Sunday - By boat back to Libreville for the evening train to Ivindo - a fairly rough trip, but exciting, which arrives early in the morning on Monday.
Day 9 - Monday - Met by WCS staff, and a breakfast and briefing before the three hour 4x4 trip to roadhead, followed by a 3 hour hike to the Camp at Langoue.The is a HARD hike, especially the first hour - and, you will have to carry your own pack (excess gear can be left in Libreville). Porters carry in the food etc and other gear needed. This is SIMPLE accommodation - shared tents with bedding, and shared shower or wash in the river and toilet. Chance to meet the research team tonight.
Day 10-12: Tues/Thur - Our days activities will consist of early breakfast before the one hour walk through the forest to Langoue Bai, where we will spend the day observing wildlife from the raised platforms with picnic lunch. In the evening, return to camp.
Day 13 - Friday - Walk and vehicle back to Ivindo, before our charter arrives to collect us. Evening flights out of Libreville tonight.
|
Reservations and Enquiries |
|
|
