Gabon & Gorillas
Gabon
Departure Dates:
- Jun 07, 2009 - Jun 18, 2009
Departure Dates
- June 07, 2009
Trip Summary
Called "Africa's Eden," Gabon's untouched rainforests and white sandy beaches are home to wildlife ranging from forest elephants and hippos to exotic birds and great apes like gorillas, chimpanzees and mandrills. This private air safari brings you to three distinct ecosystems in Gabon's national parks: coastal Loango National Park, forested Lopé National Park, and the breathtaking Langoué Bai clearing in Ivindo National Park. Accompanied by expert guides and conservationists you will explore remarkable surroundings on walking safaris, boat and kayak excursions and game drives in open vehicles. In the evening, return to comfortable lodgings within the parks' spectacular settings.
Highlights
- Go mandrill-tracking with Wildlife Conservation Society field researchers in Lopé National Park.
- Visit a gorilla sanctuary on Evengue Island and meet the naturalists behind its efforts.
- Accompanied by expert guides, take walking safaris, boat and kayak excursions, and game drives in open four-wheel-drive vehicles.
- See gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes, and exotic birds in their own untouched habitat.
- Spend two days at the Languoué Bai, a forest clearing visited by few westerners, where you'll observe wildlife from platforms in trees at the edge of the Bai.
Itinerary: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Day 1
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Libreville
Upon arrival in Libreville, transfer to your hotel situated on an estuary of the Komo River. This evening gather for a festive welcome dinner at the hotel.
Lodging:Le Méridien Re-Ndama (D)
Day 2
MONDAY, JUNE 8
Loango National Park
Depart after breakfast and pay a visit to L'Église St. Michel, a traditional wooden church covered in colorful carvings of biblical scenes en route to the airport. On arrival at Libreville airport, board your private aircraft for your first private charter to Omboué and travel by road to the Loango Lodge. Mike Fay completed his legendary Megatransect in this park in 2001, emerging from the forest onto its pristine beaches. Loango Lodge was built as part of Operation Loango, a series of projects promoting low impact eco-tourism and conservation in Gabon. Ideally positioned with unimpeded views of the Nkomi and Ndogo lagoons, the lodge offers a rare opportunity to spot elephants, buffalo, and hippos that sometimes roam the white sands of this 60-mile stretch of coastline.
Lodging:Loango Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 3
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
Loango National Park
Over the next three days, explore coastal forests, savannas, wetlands, and lagoons in search of gorillas and chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes, and countless species of birds. Game-viewing activities include walking safaris, boat and kayak excursions, and game drives in open four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Lodging:Loango Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 4
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Loango National Park
Cruise across Iguela Lagoon into the Akaka Forest on a voyage that captures the essence of coastal Gabon: vast and remote waterscapes with a constant backdrop of thick jungle. Bird life along these waterways is prolific, and during the dry season forest buffaloes and forest elephants can be spotted. Smaller mammals, including sitatunga (a swamp-dwelling antelope), red river hogs, forest duikers, five species of monkey, and great apes inhabit the area all year round. The Akaka Forest is also rich in butterflies and harbors a number of special bird species.
Lodging:Loango Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 5
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
Loango National Park
Spend today on Evengue, a small island where Operation Loango has a gorilla sanctuary. Meet naturalists who are working to rehabilitate families of western lowland gorillas and go on a short bush walk to get an up-close view of one of these families. Take a boat ride down the black water Mpvie River to St. Anne, where an iron church built by Gustav Eiffel in the late 1800's juts incongruously out of the bush. Continue to the lodge through dense rainforest, on the lookout for exotic birds, monkeys, and crocodiles along the way.
Lodging:Loango Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 6
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
Lopé National Park
Early this morning, return to Omboué airstrip and board our private aircraft for a flight to Lopé National Park, Gabon's first protected area and now a World Heritage Site. Settle into your bungalow at the Lopé Hotel, splendidly located at the foot of Mount Brazza. Lopé National Park is home to the largest known gatherings of mandrills. Spend two days on safari in search of troops of this enchanting primate, as well as other endangered gorillas and chimpanzees. Exotic birds such as the great blue turaco and the rosy bee-eater can also be found in the park.
Lodging:Lopé Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 7
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
Lopé National Park
Today you will have the chance to go mandrill tracking in Lopé National Park with scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society. Mandrills are the largest and least understood monkey and live in enormous packs. Males are the star attraction with their exuberant red and blue faces and yellow beards. During the mandrill tracking there is also a possibility of spotting gorillas, other small primates and elephants. Return to the Lopé Hotel for dinner and an overnight.
Lodging:Lopé Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 8
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
Mikongo
Depart the Lopé Hotel this morning after breakfast by 4 x 4 vehicle and head deep in the Lopé forest to Mikongo, to the research camp of ZSL (the Zoological Society of London). The location of the camp is ideally situated to search for primates. Six species of monkey live in the forest (black Colobus, moustached, putty-nosed, crowned, mangabey and mandrill), as well as the elusive western gorillas and chimpanzee. Other animals include: sitatunga, duikers, forest elephants and red river hogs. Depart on a walk from the camp accompanied by a guide and tracker to search the forest for its mammal inhabitants. Please note wildlife viewing is not easy: visibility in the forest is often less than 10 meters. Therefore, no guarantee can be given regarding wildlife observation. However, if you are quiet, persistent and follow your guides' instructions you will maximize your chances and experience a true unique rainforest adventure. Return to the Lopé Hotel for dinner and an overnight.
Lodging:Lopé Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 9
MONDAY, JUNE 15
Ivindo National Park
Take a short flight to the remote Ivindo National Park. Slated for logging until a National Geographic expedition team passed through on the Megatransect, this region became one of the Gabon's 13 new national parks in 2003 at the urging of Mike Fay and the Wildlife Conservation Society. A 4 x 4 vehicle will drive you approximately an hour and a half to the Langoué trailhead. The first 30 minutes of the drive after departing the Ivindo airstrip are on a gravel road. The remaining hour of the drive is on a dirt road that crosses three small bridges. The entire drive leads through lush green surroundings with an abundance of overhanging flora. After being met by porters, start a three-hour hike to the research camp of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The first 45 minutes of the walk will be up-hill in a humid climate, and requires guests to be fit. The next three nights will be spent at the WCS Camp, a rustic but comfortable accommodation situated in a naturally rocky clearing. The tents are set on a wooden platform, each with its own balcony. Meals will be taken in the communal dining room with the Langoué team.
Lodging:Langoué Camp (B, L, D)
Days 10 - 11
TUESDAY, JUNE 16 TO WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
Ivindo National Park
The Langoué Bai, a breathtaking forest clearing discovered by Mike Fay and visited by few other westerners, is a one-hour walk from camp. Spend two days exploring these pristine forests and observing frolicking forest elephants, lowland gorillas, and other wildlife from platforms in the trees at the edge of the Bai. After breakfast each morning depart camp by foot to Langoué. The one-hour walk is relatively flat with a steep hill at the end. The viewing platform is situated in the trees along the edge of the bai and provides an ideal location for wildlife viewing.
Lodging:Langoué Camp (B, L, D)
Day 12
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
Libreville
Return to Libreville by private air and gather for a farewell celebration before transferring to the airport for your return flight.
Lodging:Tropicana, day-room (B, L, D)
Optional Post-Trip Extension to São Tomé Island (double occupancy prices, only)
Price: $2790
Single Supplement: $
Day 13
São Tomé
Return to Libreville airport for a scheduled charter flight to the island of São Tomé. Discovered on St. Thomas' Day in 1470 by Portuguese navigators, the island of São Tomé is a fine jewel in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Gabon. Its ancient volcanic landscape offers dramatic scenery, with torrents and waterfalls cascading down hillsides, black and white sand beaches, cliffs rising sheer over the sea, tropical forest, and cocoa plantations with their beautiful rocas (colonial houses), testament to the island's colonial history. Arrive in time for lunch at a local restaurant before heading out on an afternoon tour of the city. Visiting the city center will provide you a feel of what the island was like during the colonial era. You will drive along the scenic bayside road, visit the Museum, the President's Palace, and the Cathedral. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and check in to your charming bungalow at Club Santana Hotel, hidden on a rock cliff nine miles outside of São Tomé town. Each bungalow is air conditioned with radio, mini-bar, satellite TV, and private bathroom. Tropical gardens, a private beach and bar, and an international cuisine restaurant with a Brazilian touch complete the amenities offered to guests. You will have time to rest or enjoy coffee and a stroll before meeting for dinner in a seaside restaurant.
Lodging:Club Santana Hotel (B, L)
Day 14
São Tomé
São Tomé offers many exciting activities, so you may customize your visit and design your own day. Choose from sport fishing, sailing, or touring.
Sport Fishing: The waters around São Tomé and Principe are filled with fish of many varieties and offer excellent sport fishing. Here is your chance to catch a 1,000-pound marlin or the fighting sailfish.
Sailing: Sail around the island of São Tomé, passing through different climatic zones and stepping on the Equator. This is about the only way to get to the wild southwestern coast of Sao Tome where waterfalls plunge directly into the sea.
West Coast Discovery: This day begins with a refreshing swim in the Blue Lagoon and a walk in the fishermen's village of Neves, including information on local fishing techniques and fish species found in these waters. The day includes a school visit and perhaps an invitation to a soccer match, lunch at the Monteforte Plantation, and a dance show of the Danço Congo - with participation welcome! This group will be treated to Creole specialties for dinner at a local restaurant with live acoustic music.
Lodging:Club Santana Hotel (B, L)
Day 15
Libreville/USA
After a leisurely breakfast and morning on the beach, transfer to the São Tomé Airport for your scheduled charter flight back to Libreville. On arrival in Libreville, enjoy a farewell lunch (or early dinner) at the Tropicana Hotel. Check in to your day-use room to freshen up before transfer to the airport and departing international flights.
Lodging:Tropicana Hotel, day-use room
Capacity: This expedition is limited to 20 guests
Dates: June 7 - June 18, 2009
Price per person: $14,980 double occupancy
Post-Trip Extension to Sao Tome Island: June 19 - June 21, 2009. Call for rates.
Price Includes: All private air in Africa; all accommodations, meals (as indicated by B,L,D in itinerary); drinking water (bottled water not always available), coffee and tea throughout the journey; local brand alcoholic beverages at group meals and functions, and where permitted by local law. All laundry, where available, at two night stays or more, excluding the tented camps; safari tours, and transfers as indicated in the itinerary; all entrance fees; services of a Bushtracks expedition leader; professional naturalists in each safari camp and lodge, and local tour guides; all gratuities; airport departure taxes in Africa; porterage of one soft-sided checked bag weighing no more than 26 lbs.; International Travel Insurance Medical Plan including medical evacuation insurance; trip bag and amenity kit.
Price Does Not Include: International airfare; personal expenses such as mini bar and room service charges; souvenirs and telephone/fax charges; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance, passport, visa and inoculation fees; extra tours, meals and activities not indicated in the itinerary.
Physical Requirements: This is an active expedition with easy to moderate hikes, sometimes on uneven terrain; all-day safari outings; and options for swimming and kayaking. Travelers must be in good health, have no limitations on physical mobility, and be able to cope in hot and humid conditions. The Loango Lodge and Lopé Hotel offer comfortable bungalows with private terraces, air-conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms. Langoué Bai Camp is accessible only via a two-hour hike, and provides basic tented accomodations. Due to the remote and intimate nature of this camp, the group will be split into two and alternate visits to Ivindo National Park and Lopé Reserve.
International Airfare: Bushtracks would be happy to assist you in making your air arrangements. Itineraries and prices will be supplied upon request.
Deposit and Final Payment: A 20% deposit per person, is due upon confirming your reservation. Final payment is due 14 weeks before departure, upon receipt of invoice, and is payable by check or credit card.
Dates, schedules, program details and prices, given in good faith, and based on information available and in force in April 2008, are subject to change.
Preparing for Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We'll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.