Gabon, Gorillas, Rainforests and Reefs
The Congo Basin, Gabon and São Tomé Island - By Private Air
Departure Dates:
- Jun 01, 2009 - Jun 13, 2009
- Oct 28, 2009 - Nov 09, 2009
Departure Dates
- June 01, 2009
- October 28, 2009
Trip Summary
See Africa's verdant rainforests and their enigmatic inhabitants on this unique air safari covering both forests and coastal ecosystems. In the Congo Basin's Dzanga-Ndoki National Park you'll spot forest elephants, monkeys and habituated lowland gorillas and witness the timeless way of the life of the BaAka Pygmies. Next enjoy Gabon, called "Africa's Eden" for its untouched rainforests, wildlife diversity and conservation efforts. Your last stop is tranquil São Tomé Island where you can relax on pristine beaches, stroll through the old city center or snorkel in some of the clearest waters on Africa's western coast.
Highlights
- See gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes, and exotic birds in their own untouched habitat.
- Explore rainforests in Dzanga-Ndoki National Park with BaAka Pygmy trackers with visits to traditional BaAka villages.
- Visit a gorilla sanctuary on Evengué 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.
- Relax at a beachside boutique hotel on São Tomé Island with easy access to pristine beaches, cultural attractions, snorkeling and boat excursions.
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)
Capacity: This expedition is limited to 14 guests
Dates: June 1 - June 13, 2009 October 28 - November 9, 2009
Price per person: $14,980 double occupancy
Price Includes: All private and commercial 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 offers comfortable bungalows with private terraces, air-conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms.
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.
Dates, schedules, program details and prices, given in good faith, and based on information available and in force in September 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.