Destination: North, West & Central Africa
Gabon, Gorillas, Rainforests and Reefs
The Congo Basin, Gabon and São Tomé Island - By Private Air
Departure Dates:
- Oct 28, 2009 - Nov 09, 2009
Itinerary: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Day 1
Douala, Cameroon
Arrive in Douala, West Africa's largest port and home to colorful markets, as well as Cameroon's best restaurants and French-style patisseries.
Lodging: Akwa Palace (D)
Day 2
Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, C.A.R.
Depart by private air for the Congo Basin and one of the most untouched parks in Africa: Dzanga-Ndoki. This afternoon take a relaxing cruise in traditional pirogues (canoes) along the banks of the Sangha River in search of birds and monkeys. Watch the sun set over the river from the lodge, with cool drinks in hand and stories to share, followed by a candlelit dinner in the heart of the African rainforest.
Lodging: Doli Lodge (B, L, D)
Days 3 - 5
Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, C.A.R.
Continue your adventures in the park over the next three days in the Congo Basin, a wildlife enthusiast's dream destination. Explore this lush rainforest with BaAka (Pygmy) trackers and vivsit several traditional BaAka villages along the way where you can observe village life and other aspects of this hunting and gathering culture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Venturing into the cool rainforest, you'll cross shallow streams and pass through clouds of butterflies to arrive at an observation platform overlooking a natural salt lick. The clearing is frequented by forest elephants, sitatunga, bongo and duiker antelopes, red forest buffaloes, giant forest hogs, mangabey monkeys, raucous hornbills and flocks of noisy African grey parrots. Watch, camera poised and ready, as elephants bathe in colored clay and emerge in a natural rainbow of yellow, grey and pink.
Lodging: Doli Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 6
Loango National Park, Gabon
After a liesurely morning, board your private plane and fly to Omboué, Gabon. Travel by road to Loango Lodge, part of conservationist Mike Fay's efforts to promote sustainable ecotourism in Gabon. Ideally positioned, with unimpeded lagoon views, the lodge offers a rare opportunity to spot elephants, buffaloes and hippos that sometimes roam the white sands of this 60-mile stretch of coastline.
Lodging: Loango Lodge (B, L, D)
Days 7 - 9
Loango National Park, Gabon
Over the next three days explore coastal forests, savannas, wetlands and lagoons in search of western lowland 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. Swim or stroll on deserted, white sand beaches. Visit three distinct ecosystems within the park: Tassi Camp, Akaka Forest and Evengué Island. Located in a savanna, the Tassi area spans an elevated, ancient beach ridge with panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets. By contrast, the thick Akaka Forest is rich in monkeys, butterflies and bird species. Travel by road to Evengué Island, and visit its orphan gorilla facility and budding reintroduction program. Meet the naturalists who are rehabilitating families of western lowland gorillas. Take a boat ride down the Mpivié River to St. Anne, where a metal church designed by Gustav Eiffel in the late 1880's juts incongruously out of the bush. Evenings enjoy the comfort of the luxurious Loango Lodge and its French-inspired restaurant.
Lodging: Loango Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 10
São Tomé Island
A private aircraft takes you from the small town of Omboué to the tropical island of São Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Gabon. Its ancient volcanic landscape presents dramatic scenery with cliffs, waterfalls, tropical forests and black and white sand beaches. The island has a rich and diverse colonial history with evident Portuguese influence and a Caribbean feel. Your beachside boutique hotel is located close to the town of São Tomé and Ôbo National Park, allowing you to conveniently explore everything the island has to offer.
Lodging: Club Santana (B, L, D)
Days 11 - 12
São Tomé Island
Visit the old city center, its Cathedral and central market as well as beautiful colonial plantations. View some of the island's unique biodiversity including over one hundred bird species and marine turtles like the great leatherback. Snorkel in some of the clearest waters on the western coast of Africa and observe the sealife brilliantly contrasted with the coral-colored rocks. Alternatively you can enjoy island tours by boat, sport-fishing, sailing or a visit to a fishermen's village.
Lodging: Club Santana (B, L, D)
Day 13
Douala, Cameroon
Return by private air to Douala and connect with your international flight home.
Lodging: (B)
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