The Great Ivindo Crossing
Duration
16 days
From
€4,150/pers.
Ideal seasons
Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple, groupe
The spirit of travel
Prepare yourself for total immersion in the heart of Ivindo National Park, one of the wildest and most pristine territories in Central Africa. After discovering the impressive Kongou Falls, your expedition truly begins. For several days, you progress through Gabon's primary forest, with nearly eight hours of daily hiking, far from any road, village, or trace of the modern world.
Here, contemporary comfort has no place. No electricity, no mobile network, only the vastness of the equatorial forest, the Ivindo River, rivers to cross, and trails barely visible beneath the vegetation. Each evening, camp is set up under the canopy, in the heart of an environment where the sounds of the forest replace those of civilization.
Between river crossings, passages through marshy zones, nights under tent, and possible encounters with forest elephants, gorillas, or other emblematic species of the park, this adventure gradually leads you to the mythical Langoué Bai. This vast natural clearing, renowned for wildlife observation, marks the culmination of an exceptional crossing through one of the continent's last great natural sanctuaries.
After several days of total disconnection, the journey ends on the beaches and lagoons of Pongara National Park, offering a striking contrast with the intensity of the adventure experienced in the depths of Ivindo.
The stages of your journey
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Libreville!
Upon your arrival in Libreville, capital of Gabon opening onto the Atlantic Ocean, you are welcomed by our local team and transferred to your hotel.
After settling into your hotel, set off 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.
Heading to Makokou, at the gates of the Ivindo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Makokou.
Located in the northeast of Gabon, this town is one of the main gateways to the vast forest areas of the Ivindo National Park.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your local team and then transferred to your accommodation. Check-in at your hotel and free time to enjoy the calm of this city surrounded by equatorial forest.
Navigation on the Ivindo and first immersion in the forest
After breakfast, you head to the dock to board a pirogue on the Ivindo River.
As you navigate, traces of civilization gradually fade away to make way for the immensity of the equatorial forest. For several hours, the river becomes your only access route to one of Gabon's most preserved natural spaces.
Upon arrival at Ivindo National Park, you settle into Camp Kongou then set off on your first hiking excursion through the forest. This immersion offers a first encounter with a wild environment where dense vegetation, tall trees and the sounds of the forest create a fascinating setting.
Discovering Kongou Waterfall
This day is dedicated to exploring one of the most emblematic natural sites of the Ivindo National Park. From the Camp Kongou, you set out to discover the Kongou canyons and waterfalls, whose powerful waters carve their way through the heart of the equatorial forest.
Long considered one of the natural jewels of Gabon, the Kongou waterfalls offer a breathtaking spectacle in an environment that has remained largely preserved.
Throughout your visit, you discover the different viewpoints over the cascades and rock formations shaped by the Ivindo River.
The Great Crossing of Ivindo
The expedition truly begins today. After a transfer to the trail's starting point, you venture into the vastness of primary forest with the objective of reaching the Langoué bai, one of Gabon's most famous natural clearings.
Over several days, you progress through a wild territory where all traces of civilization gradually disappear. Each day is marked by long hours of hiking, punctuated by breaks and natural river crossings. The trails traverse dense forest, swampy areas and numerous waterways, some of which must be crossed by swimming.
Nights are spent in bivouac, under tent, in the heart of the equatorial forest. Without electricity or mobile network, this crossing offers a rare immersion in an environment that has remained virtually untouched. As you progress, you move through the natural habitat of many emblematic species of Gabon, with the possibility of observing or spotting traces of forest elephants, gorillas and other wildlife that inhabit Ivindo National Park.
Over six days, each stage brings you closer to the Langoué bai, a true reward at the end of this demanding adventure in the heart of one of Africa's last great natural sanctuaries.
Full board and nights in bivouac.
The Immensity of Langoué
After several days of trekking through the primary forest, you finally reach the Langoué bai. This vast natural clearing, nestled in the heart of Ivindo National Park, marks the culmination of your crossing and offers a striking contrast to the forest environment that has accompanied you so far.
Settled on the observation platform, you enjoy a privileged vantage point over this open space where wild fauna regularly comes to feed, drink or cross the clearing. The days are devoted to observation and contemplation, in an environment where each animal sighting constitutes a unique moment.
After the intensity of the expedition, these two days allow you to take time to fully appreciate one of Gabon's most remarkable natural sites and to measure the distance traveled since Kongou Falls.
The platform is an equipped observation structure designed for stays of several days. Travelers typically sleep in simple rooms or compartments integrated into the platform, with common areas allowing you to observe the bai without disturbing the wildlife.
Return to Libreville
Baï De Langoué → Booué
After a final morning dedicated to wildlife observation at the Langoué clearing, it is time to leave this natural sanctuary nestled in the heart of the equatorial forest. You then head to Booué, a connection point between the vast wild spaces of the country's interior and the rest of Gabon.
Booué → Libreville
Upon your arrival, you will board the train heading to Libreville. Along the journey, forest landscapes unfold behind the windows, offering a final immersion in the vast spaces that have marked your adventure through Ivindo National Park.
Finding the Rhythm of the Capital
Upon your arrival in Libreville, welcome and transfer to your hotel.
This day marks a transition after several days spent in the heart of the equatorial forest. The wild landscapes of Ivindo now give way to the lively atmosphere of Gabon's capital, between the Atlantic Ocean and urban life.
Check-in at your hotel and free time to rest, enjoy the comfort of your accommodation or simply savour the return to civilisation after this off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Between lagoons, coastal forest and the Atlantic Ocean
From Libreville
After breakfast, you head to the quay to embark towards the Pongara National Park. Located across from Libreville, on the other side of the Komo estuary, this vast protected area shelters a mosaic of landscapes composed of wild beaches, lagoons, forests and coastal savannas.
Upon your arrival, installation at your accommodation and lunch.
At the end of the day, departure for a 4x4 safari through the park, an opportunity to discover an environment very different from that of Ivindo, marked by its proximity to the ocean and the diversity of its ecosystems.
A moment of sweetness before departure
This day is dedicated to discovering the natural landscapes of the Pongara National Park. During a hike, you explore the different environments that make up this preserved territory, between forest, savanna and coastline.
You also enjoy a moment of relaxation on the beach before setting off on a kayak trip on the calm waters of the lagoons, a pleasant way to appreciate the natural richness of the site.
Parc National De Pongara → Libreville
In the afternoon, return by boat to Libreville then transfer to the airport for your 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 flights
- Insurance assistance, repatriation and cancellation
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers and local teams
- Rental or purchase of personal trekking equipment
- Sleeping bag and personal equipment (unless otherwise stated)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the program
- Entry and exit formalities fees
- Single room supplement
- Everything not mentioned in "Included"
Included
- Airport pickup in Libreville
- All transfers included in the program
- 2 nights at Park'Inn Hotel in Libreville
- 1 night at Belinga Hotel in Makokou
- 2 nights at Kongou Camp in Ivindo National Park
- 2 nights on the Langoué bai observation platform
- Tent bivouacs during the crossing of Ivindo National Park
- 1 night at Pongara Lodge
- All meals mentioned in the program
- Domestic flight Libreville – Makokou
- Canoeing on the Ivindo River
- Train transfer Booué – Libreville
- Boat transfers to and from Pongara National Park
- Discovery of Kongou Canyons and Waterfalls
- Large hiking expedition across Ivindo National Park
- Guided hikes in primary forest
- Langoué Baï Wildlife Observation
- 4x4 Safari in Pongara National Park
- Hiking at Pongara
- Kayaking activity at Pongara
- National Park Entrance Fees and Visited Sites
- Local guides and support team assistance throughout the trek
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.
This circuit is an expedition in an isolated environment requiring good physical fitness. Several nights are planned in bivouac, with no electricity or mobile network, in the heart of Ivindo National Park.
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 — Libreville Estuaire
Conseiller, based in Libreville
