On the Trails of the Great Apes of Gabon
Duration
10 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, With friends, groupe, Solo
The spirit of travel
Embark on an exceptional adventure in the heart of Central Africa's last great wild sanctuaries. This trip to Gabon takes you to discover pristine nature where equatorial forests, secret savannas, wild lagoons and ocean beaches create a spectacular setting. From the mythical Lopé to the enchanting landscapes of Loango, you explore two of the country's most beautiful national parks in search of the continent's most fascinating species.
Accompanied by specialized guides, you experience privileged moments close to Gabon's emblematic wildlife: impressive hordes of mandrills, chimpanzees thriving in their natural habitat and western lowland gorillas accustomed to human presence. Between hiking safaris, 4x4 explorations and immersions in pristine rainforest, this itinerary offers an authentic encounter with one of Africa's richest and most preserved ecosystems.
A rare and deeply immersive expedition, ideal for travelers passionate about nature, wildlife photography and vast still-confidential spaces.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Libreville
Upon your arrival in Libreville, capital of Gabon overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you will be welcomed by our local team and transferred to your hotel.
After settling into your hotel, set out to discover the city on a panoramic tour that allows you to understand the different facets of the Gabonese capital, between lively neighborhoods, cultural heritage and coastal atmosphere.
Dinner and night at the Hotel.
Towards Lopé National Park
From Libreville
After breakfast, you take the road in a private vehicle towards the Lopé National Park, one of Gabon's most emblematic natural sites. This journey through the landscapes of the country's interior allows you to appreciate the diversity of Gabonese scenery and observe the local life that punctuates the villages you pass through.
Driving
A lunch break is scheduled in Ndjolé before continuing your journey to Lopé.
Upon arrival, you settle in at Lopé Hôtel, ideally situated to discover this region recognized for the richness of its ecosystems and vast natural spaces.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Chimpanzees and 4x4 Safari
This day is entirely dedicated to discovering Lopé National Park, one of Gabon's most important protected areas. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast territory combines tropical forests, savannas and hills, creating a unique landscape that is home to particularly rich wildlife.
Accompanied by experienced guides, you set out in search of chimpanzees during an observation safari. This experience allows you to discover one of Central Africa's emblematic great apes in its natural environment.
The day continues with a 4x4 safari through the park, offering wonderful opportunities to observe wildlife and the characteristic landscapes of Lopé.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Heading to Lambaréné
From Lope
After breakfast, you leave the Lopé to join Lambaréné, an emblematic city located on the banks of the Ogooué River and known for its unique river environment.
Upon arrival, you board for a boat trip on the Ogooué River to discover its landscapes and wildlife. This outing offers the opportunity to observe hippopotamuses that frequent the waters of Gabon's largest river, in a preserved natural setting.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and night at the hotel.
Towards the shores of Loango
Boat
Early in the morning, transfer to the dock to board towards Port-Gentil. This 3 to 4 hour crossing allows you to discover the river and coastal landscapes that characterize this region of Gabon.
Driving
Upon your arrival in Port-Gentil, you are welcomed and continue your journey by road towards the Loango National Park. Renowned for the diversity of its ecosystems, this park combines wild beaches, lagoons, forests and coastal savannas.
Upon arrival, you will be settled at the lodge and then depart for your first safari around your accommodation to discover the exceptional natural environment of Loango.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Meeting the Gorillas
During these three days, you explore the Loango National Park, one of Gabon's most remarkable natural spaces. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and composed of forests, lagoons, savannas and wetlands, the park offers a privileged environment for observing wildlife.
The program includes several discovery activities, alternating 4x4 safaris, boat excursions and hiking to appreciate the diversity of Loango's landscapes and ecosystems.
You also set out on a gorilla search during a wildlife viewing safari, a memorable experience in the heart of the Gabonese forest, accompanied by specialized guides.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Last safari and return to the Capital
Parc National De Loango → Port-Gentil
After breakfast, you enjoy a last safari in the Loango National Park, a final opportunity to observe the wildlife that inhabits this pristine environment.
After lunch, you leave the park to reach Port-Gentil, from where you take your flight to Libreville.
Upon arrival in Libreville, you continue your journey with your outbound international flight.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flight to Libreville
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional activities not mentioned
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Supplements related to a specific request (single room, room upgrade, etc.)
Included
- Airport / hotel / airport transfers
- Flight Port-Gentil – Libreville
- Accommodation in double or twin room for 9 nights
- Full board throughout your stay
- Activities and excursions mentioned in the program
- 4x4 Safaris in Lopé and Loango National Parks
- Boat excursions planned in the program
- Chimpanzee, Mandrill and Gorilla Tracking and Observation Outings
- Entry fees for the national parks mentioned
- Support for local guides and trackers during activities
- Assistance from our local team during your stay
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Gabon for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, and we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Gabon, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must in principle hold a valid visa to enter Gabon for a tourist stay.
The visa can generally be obtained:
from the relevant Gabon embassy or consulate before departure,
as an electronic visa (e-visa), if available, by applying online through the official Gabonese authorities' portal.
The authorized length of stay is generally 30 days, renewable on-site with Gabonese immigration services under certain conditions.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation booking for the duration of your trip.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Presentation of an international yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory to enter Gabon, regardless of your country of origin. This certificate must be issued on the WHO-approved international vaccination record.
It is recommended to have this vaccination at least ten days before departure so that the certificate is valid upon arrival.
Health
Beyond yellow fever, several health precautions are recommended before traveling to Gabon:
antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly advised, as malaria is present throughout the territory,
updating your routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis) is recommended,
it is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure.
Travel with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as an individual visa if applicable.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Gabon embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for following the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, an e-visa is required for French nationals, to be requested online before departure (approximately 75 euros for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months and a yellow fever vaccination certificate are mandatory. Processing takes 72 hours. Consult the official Gabonese portal.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality custom-made trip, expect between 230 and 380 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and guide. International flights (800-1300 euros return) are additional. Gabon is a premium nature destination (Loango, Ivindo) with high logistical costs.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each trip to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until the perfect version. You confirm and leave with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Parc Loango
Conseiller, based in Libreville
