With its 270.000 square kilometres metres, 80 % being covered by rain forests, and its thousands of kilometres of river, lagoons and lakes, Gabon is an Eden for nature tourism. The population of about 1.200.000 inhabitants are mainly concentrated in towns and most areas, of difficult access, have a low density of human occupancy.

The two small islands Sao Tome and Principe are located 300km west from Libreville. This young republic was a Portuguese colony till 1975 and has kept a specific charm due to the architecture, the mixing of Latin and African blood, the diversity of its landscape from tropical beaches to high volcanic mountains. The main interests there are cultural, bird life, humid mountain forests and trekking.

We have set up some excellent itineraries for groups of 2 - 8 people , each of which concentrates on a particular interest group - birds, mammals etc. They are set up to take advantage of the train times - the new rail route across the country, the Transgabonais, is a reliable and cost effective way of travel, and is an experience in itself, travelling through the forests and across the rivers.

Iguela Reserve - 300km east-south Libreville on the coast. A mosaic of savannahs, Forests, lagoons and ocean, housing hundreds of elephants, buffalos, antelope, apes, crocos, and turtles in season. The lagoon is one of the best places for big game fishing of tarpons, red snappers, and barracudas also. Adventure and bivouac trips are organised. Extentions possible toPetit Loango sanctuary with mammals on the beaches. 10 rustical bungalows with shower and toilets. No A/C. Access: by plane to Omboue', then 4WD vehicle.

Loango - Situated between the Nkomi and Ndogo lagoons, Loango is the jewel of Africa's western coast.

Park Highlights:

Gorillas and elephants on the beach: Loango offers tourists breathtaking panoramas with elephant, buffalo, hippo, gorilla and leopard venturing on the white beachfront, a unique sight in the world.

Whales: The largest concentration and variety of whales and dolphins after South Africa. Humpback Whales and even Killer Whales are often easily observed.

Wilderness beaches: The area has over 100 kilometers of uninhabited coast. This is the most beautiful spot on Africa's western coast where forests, savannas, wetlands, lagoons and ocean come together.

Sport fishing: Loango is internationally renowned as a site for tarpon of record size, as well as many other large sea fish.

International status:Previously classified as a faunal reserve, the zone is acknowledged by IUCN as a critical site for conservation. Loango is a Ramsar site and has recently been proposed as a World Heritage Site.

Lopi - At the heart of Gabon on the Ogoouï river, a patchwork of savanna and forest.

Park Highlights:

Gorilla observation: The international reputation of the Lopï stems from the scientific research done there in the last 20 years on gorillas and chimpanzees. In October 2001, the Mikongo camp opened to develop international tourism aimed at the observation of gorillas in the forest.

Landscapes witness the past: The oldest signs of human presence in forested Central Africa, dating from 400,000 years ago, have been found near the Lopï. The rock engravings of the Lopï are among the oldest in Central Africa. The magnificent Lopï landscapes were made famous by de Brazza. Exploring the Offouï. The trip down the Offouï river resembles that of traditional journeys by pirogue in forested Africa.

Mandrill troops: The Lopï mandrill troops are huge. Troops can be made up of over 1,000 individuals. This makes them the biggest gatherings of primates known in the world.

Birds: Lopï is one of the sites most frequently visited by birdwatchers in Gabon. Nearly 400 different bird species have been recorded.

International status: Gabon's first protected area, Lopï is identified by IUCN as a critical site for conservation and has been proposed as a World Heritage Site.

Tourist facilities: Ecofac (European Union) started up a management programme in 1993. The train journey to the Lopï is convenient and picturesque. A first class hotel can receive international guests. A well-developed network of paths allows observation of large mammals in the savanna, and of gorillas at Mikongo.

Parc de la Lékédi - Situated south of Moanda and Franceville, Parc de la Lékédi is the successfull result of an astonishing reconversion project. Bakoumba is the place with the longest mono-cable in the world (76km) and has become a "nature" town. On 14.000ha has been set up: fish culture, breeding of wild animals, ecotourism, mushroom production, roof tiles, pottery, weaving of raphia etc.

For economic and ecological reasons, the materials of the mono cable has been recycled in many ways: platforms for observation of the animals, the ties of the railway used as fence posts, and most spectacular, a 30m high bridge of 360m long overlooking the canopy , under which a colony of mandrills is living. On a small island in the lake, a program to release chimpanzees into the wild has been set up and can be visited. A terrarium has been created.

Petit Loango - South of Iguela, this is one of the most promising of Gabon. Petit Loango sanctuary is housing a lot of mammals and is known to be the place where they can be seen on the beach. Excursions by foot in the sanctuary and by boat on the lagoons. The organisation is at its beginning and is foreseen to be fully operational within months. Access: by plane to Gamba, then by 4WD.

Sao Tome - The Forgotten Island. The two small islands Sao Tome and Principe are located 300km west from Libreville. This young republic was a Portuguese colony till 1975 and has kept a specific charm due to the architecture, the mixing of Latin and African blood, the diversity of its landscape from tropical beaches to high volcanic mountains. The main interests there are cultural, bird life, humid mountain forests, fishing, diving and trekking.

The islands position on the Equator allows for hot humid conditions, with a lot of rainfall - mainly in the form of short thundershowers. The island boast an incredible natural forest in the centre and south west , a lot of which is inaccessible. It's isolated position has forced a high degree of endemism, with large numbers of endemic birds, orchids, bats etc.

Being volcanic, the waters around the area drop steeply to over 1000m - the island is famed for it's sailfish and marlin fishing, and luckily this has not been exploited by commercial fishing operators yet - there are only two on the island. The white sands, huge natural forests running right up to the beaches, and dark volcanic rocks in the clear water make some of the most stunning beaches on earth, most of which are unused. The diving and snorkelling is also excellent.

At certain times of the year these beaches are visited by five species of turtle for breeding, and large pods of migrating whales visit these waters.

The accommodation on the island is limited. In the capital, there is a range of hotels, from expensive to simple guesthouses - most are airconditioned. Out of the capital, the newly opened resort at Ilha das Rolas, is a 4 to 5 star resort, with pools, water sports, diving etc and is set to become a destination of note for the discerning, with private beaches and an exclusive feel.

Meals are great, a mixture of Portuguese and local influence, with a variety of fish dishes to suit any palate. We will provide a list of eateries to try. It is safe to walk at night in town, although taxis are cheap, and live local music is very good. The main language is Portuguese, followed by French, and a bit of English.