Gabon and The Republic of the Congo

This trip takes us to two of West Africa's smallest countries in an African scale with just one and a half million inhabitants in Gabon and five million in The Republic of the Congo. This vast and truly wild region is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife with forest elephants, forest buffalo, leopard, bongo, giant forest hog and hippo living alongside the greatest density of western lowland gorilla and mandrills in Africa.

In Gabon's Lope National Park, which is one of the most pristine rainforests, live 3-5000 free-living gorillas, in addition to countless white-nosed monkeys, chimpanzees and mandrills. Furthermore, we will find more than 400 different bird species. In Republic of the Congo the Nature Reserve Lesio Louna offers best chances to observe lowland gorillas at close distance from a boat at affordable prices just a few hours drive from Brazzaville .

Highlights:
♦ Libreville - capital and largest city of Gabon;
♦ Lopé National Park - home to some unique endangered species;
♦ Brazzaville - the capital and river port of the Republic of the Congo and former capital of French Equatorial Africa;

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Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Libreville
Arrival in Libreville and transfer to the hotel for overnight./-/-

Day 2. Libreville -Nyonie
After breakfast, we are heading to the Michal Marine dock. From here, it is a 45-minute boat ride to the small village of Matek-Mavi. Then, our trip continues with 4x4 vehicles until we finally reach the Nyonie camp. We will settle at the camp, take a short break, and have lunch before going for a game drive in the reserve in the afternoon. The area around Nyonie Camp is rich in wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, antelope, monkeys, and various bird species, which, hopefully, we will see on our game drive. B/-/D

Day 3. Nyonie Reserve
Today, we will keep exploring the diverse nature of Nyonie Reserve. The reserve includes a range of habitats. These include open savannahs with many plant-eating and meat-eating animals, thick tropical forests with lots of birds, primates, and other animals, and coastal areas with beaches and mangroves that are home to marine and coastal species. In the morning, we'll go for a short trek in the forests in the region. Then in the afternoon, you'll have free time to relax near the camp or enjoy the nearby beach. B/L/D

Day 4. Nyonie Reserve -Libreville - Lopé
We will have a slow and relaxed morning, enjoying the scenic surroundings before we board the boat again to return to Libreville. We will take an exciting train journey from Libreville to Lopé, crossing the heart of Gabon. This train ride provides a unique view of the country's landscapes. We will pass through dense rainforests, rolling savannahs, and charming villages. As we travel, we will see the gradual shift from coastal areas to the lush, green environment of Lopé, known for its rich variety of plant and animal life. Overnight in Lope. B/-/-

Day 5. Lopé National Park
Today, we will have the whole day to explore Lope National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and historical significance. Spanning over 4,910 square kilometers, the park boasts a unique blend of rolling savannahs, dense tropical rainforests, and ancient rock formations. This diverse landscape supports an array of wildlife, including forest elephants, buffalo, mandrills, and a rich variety of bird species. During the dry season (July–August), mandrills are highly visible in the reserve's northern region for up to two weeks at a time. In 1996, a record-breaking 1,350 mandrills, the largest known wild primate gathering, were spotted in this area. Additionally, Lopé National Park is home to significant archaeological sites that provide insight into human settlements dating back over 400,000 years. Тоday, you will have the opportunity to explore this rich wildlife on a scenic game drive. B/-/-

Day 6. Lope - Libreville
Today, you will have free time to continue exploring the park with a canoe tour or game drive. In the evening, we will take the train back to Libreville. B/-/-

Day 7. Libreville
Today, we will explore the vibrant capital of Gabon, Libreville. The city was founded as a colonial outpost by the French in the mid-19th century and later developed into a major center of commerce and administration in Central Africa. Its name, which means "free town," symbolizes its role as a haven for freed slaves and liberated Africans during the colonial period. Today, Libreville blends colonial-era buildings with modern architecture, like the Palais Présidentiel, alongside cultural landmarks such as St. Michael's Cathedral and L'Eglise St. Pierre. To soak up Its vibrant atmosphere, we will explore some of its bustling markets like Marché du Mont-Bouet and Quartier Louis, offering local crafts, cuisine, and music. You will have time to take a walk along the scenic Corniche, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, which provides a relaxing setting and stunning sea views. B/-/-

Day 8. Libreville - Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo)
Today, you will have free time to continue exploring the city on your own before catching a flight to Brazzaville - the capital city of the Republic of Congo. Free time and overnight in a hotel in Brazaville. B/-/-

Day 9. Brazzaville
Our day today is dedicated to exploring the city of Brazzaville - the capital and river port of the Republic of the Congo. It was also the former capital of French Equatorial Africa. Founded in 1883, it began as the village of Ntamo and was developed by the French into a European administrative and residential center. Brazzaville is located on the north bank of the Congo River, opposite Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today's city tour includes landmarks such as Basilique Sainte-Anne of the Congo, Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur, Le Palais des Congrès, and others. In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip aboard a local pirogue on the majestic Congo River. It’s a serene experience, allowing us to explore the river's scenic beauty and observe daily life along its banks. B/-/-

Day 10. Lesio Louna Reserve
Today begins early as we set off northward in a sturdy 4x4 vehicle for a 140-kilometer journey to Lesio Louna Reserve. The drive typically takes around 2.5 hours, passing through varied landscapes and glimpsing rural scenes along the route. Lesio Louna Reserve is notable for its diverse wildlife, including gorillas, monkeys, hippos, and numerous bird species. Upon arrival, we embark on a tranquil one-hour boat trip along the serene Louna and Living Rivers. We will observe wildlife in their natural habitat amidst the reserve's lush forests and calm waterways. Later in the afternoon, we will return to Brazzaville to spend the night. B/-/-

Day 11. Departure
Transfer to the airport for a flight back home or to Brazzaville port for those who continue their journey to Kinshasa (DR Congo). B/-/-

NB! Itinerary can undergo changes depending on train schedule Libreville-Lope and flight schedule Libreville-Brazzaville 

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Price Includes:
8 nights in standard hotels/lodges in rooms with private
two nights in bungalow in Nyonie with shared facilities
all meals acc. itinerary
local English-speaking guides in Librevuille and Brazzaville
all ground transport and airport transfers
Penguin tour leader (at min. 10 people)
train tickets Libreville - Lope vv.
game drive Nyonie reserve

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Not Included:
International flights
entrance fees
game drives in Lope
flight ticket Libreville-Brazzaville
tips
personal expenses

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Additional Services:
Entrance fee in Lesio Louna and gorilla permit - 150 USD (July 2021)
Oneway flight ticket Libreville-Brazzaville - appr. 130 EUR

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Gallery

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