Loango National Park: where the rainforest meets the sea

Why Loango is worth your time

Few places on earth mix ecosystems like Loango. In one day you can cross savannah, swamp forest, mangroves, lagoons and beaches, and the animals cross them too. Elephants, buffalo, red river hogs and even leopards are seen on the beaches, and the famous pictures of surfing hippos were taken here.

It is remote and access is limited, which keeps it wild. Visits are usually organised as packages with a lodge or camp, including transfers, guides and meals.

Wildlife

• **Forest elephants**, smaller and shyer than savannah elephants, often seen at the forest edge and on the beach.
• **Hippos** in the lagoons and rivers, and sometimes in the sea.
• **Western lowland gorillas**: a research group near the park has worked for years to habituate a family, and very limited gorilla visits have been offered at times. Check current availability well in advance.
• **Humpback whales** offshore from about July to September, when they come to breed.
• **Turtles**, mainly leatherbacks and olive ridleys, nesting on the beaches from about November to February.
• **Birds**, including African fish eagles, kingfishers and huge flocks around the lagoons.

Things to do

Activities depend on the lodge but usually include game drives along the savannah and beach, boat safaris on the **Iguéla lagoon** and the rivers that feed it, guided walks in the forest, whale watching trips in season and sport fishing on a strict catch and release basis. Night drives and turtle walks may also be possible.

Getting there

Most visitors fly from Libreville to **Port-Gentil**, then continue by boat or a mix of road and boat via **Omboué** on the Fernan Vaz lagoon. Your lodge arranges these transfers, and the journey is part of the adventure. Schedules depend on weather and tides, so build in a spare day before any international flight home.

Where to stay

Accommodation is a small number of lodges and tented camps inside or at the edge of the park, run in partnership with the national parks agency. Operators and arrangements have changed over the years, so check current options and what is included before booking. Expect simple comfort in an extraordinary setting rather than luxury.

Nearby: Fernan Vaz and Omboué

The Fernan Vaz lagoon has the **Sainte-Anne mission** church, with an iron frame said to be linked to Gustave Eiffel's workshops, and gorilla rescue and conservation work nearby. Omboué is a small town and the gateway for many park visits.

Practical tips

• Plan and book months ahead, especially for July to September.
• Bring binoculars, a long lens if you have one, neutral coloured clothes and a rain jacket.
• Take malaria precautions and carry insect repellent.
• Keep a safe distance from elephants and hippos, and always follow your guide.

A sample stay

A typical four night visit starts with the flight to Port-Gentil and the boat or road journey to the lodge. Days begin early with a drive along the beach and savannah looking for elephants and buffalo, followed by a boat safari on the lagoon in the afternoon. In season, add a morning out at sea looking for whales. Evenings are spent swapping sightings over dinner, with the sound of the surf and the forest all around.

Combining Loango

Loango is best after a few nights in Libreville, with Lopé National Park inland for mandrills and savannah. Fit it together with the free trip planner.