Gorilla Permit Prices in Gabon

Gorilla Permit Prices in Gabon: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Gabon to see the gorillas, you’re probably wondering about the price of a gorilla permit in Gabon. It’s great to see you’re interested in experiencing these magnificent creatures! However, seeing gorillas in Gabon isn’t as simple as just venturing into the wild on your own—it’s not only difficult but also not recommended. Having lived in an isolated area of Gabon for two years, I can tell you that seeing gorillas in their natural habitat is rare, even for those who spend significant time in the forests. Due to factors like bushmeat trade and logging, gorillas now tend to inhabit the borders of national parks, where access is strictly controlled.

If you’re hoping to see gorillas, you’ll need to arrange for a guided trek in a national park, which significantly increases your chances of a successful encounter. In fact, booking a visit to a habituated gorilla group is your best bet for a guaranteed experience.

Cost of a Gorilla Permit in Gabon

There’s a habituated group of gorillas in Loango National Park that can be visited with a national park guide and researchers. This can be booked through Loango Lodge, the only lodge in the park, or you can stay at nearby accommodations like Liambissi or hotels in Omboue. You could even camp if you prefer.

Other national parks, like Moukalaba Doudou and Lope, are home to large groups of gorillas, and you can try to find them with a national park guide.

The price of a gorilla permit in Gabon is $900 per person per trek.

In Loango National Park, you’ll find one gorilla family, while another lives in Moukalaba Doudou National Park, located 600 kilometers south of the capital, Libreville. These parks protect diverse coastal habitats, offering a unique ecosystem that’s home to various mammals and Western Lowland Gorillas.

How Long Should You Plan to See Gorillas in Gabon?

For a complete experience, you’ll need at least 7 days to explore the gorilla trekking in Gabon. A typical itinerary involves visiting Loango National Park, starting and ending in Libreville, with a tour organized by Trek Africa Expeditions.

Sample Itinerary for Gorilla Trekking in Gabon

Day 1 – Arrival in Libreville

Upon arrival at Leon Mba International Airport in Libreville, you’ll be greeted by our staff and transferred to Radisson Blu Okoume Palace Hotel. After check-in, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 – Libreville to Loango National Park

Catch an early flight to Port Gentil, followed by a 4-hour 4WD drive to Loango National Park via Liambisi. After lunch, if time allows, we’ll take a forest walk or game drive. Overnight at Ndola Lodge.

Day 3 – Gorilla Trekking in Loango National Park

After breakfast, we’ll board a canoe for a 2-hour trip to Yatouga Research Camp, where we’ll start our trek to observe the Western Lowland Gorillas. There’s a 95% chance of encountering a habituated gorilla family. After spending an hour with them, we’ll head back to camp for refreshments before continuing our journey to Akaka Forest for more wildlife viewing. Return to Ndola Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 – Game Drive in Loango and Transfer to Louri Wilderness Camp

In the morning, enjoy a game drive in Loango National Park, where you might spot forest elephants, chimpanzees, dwarf buffaloes, and other wildlife. After lunch, we’ll travel to Louri Wilderness Camp, either by boat, 4WD, or a combination of both. The journey is part of the adventure, with wildlife sightings along the way. Overnight at Louri Wilderness Camp.

Day 5: Exploring Louri and Ndola Lodge

On Day 5, we dive into the Louri section of Loango National Park, a savannah area teeming with wildlife. This is the best chance to witness the famous “surfing hippos” that Loango National Park is known for, a rare and exciting sight for wildlife enthusiasts.

Louri Wilderness Camp offers an intimate experience within the park, featuring stilted tents overlooking the beautiful Louri Lagoon. Here, you’ll feel completely immersed in nature, with only the sounds of churning waters, forest breezes, animal calls, and birds chirping to disturb your peace.

In the afternoon, we head back to Ndola Lodge, just a short distance away, where we’ll enjoy a relaxing evening. Overnight at Ndola Lodge.

Day 6: Ndola to Libreville

On the final exploration day, we take a morning forest hike in Loango National Park’s coastal forest, hoping to spot wildlife along the way. Afterward, we return to the lodge for lunch before heading back to Port Gentil via Liambissi. Expect to reach Port Gentil by evening. From there, we’ll take a short 30-minute flight back to Libreville, where we’ll transfer to Radisson Blu Okoume Palace Hotel for your final night. Overnight at Radisson Blu Okoume Palace Hotel.

Day 7: Libreville and Departure

On Day 7, enjoy a day at leisure at the hotel, with optional activities to make the most of your last day before catching your Air France flight later in the evening.

What’s Included:

• Meet & greet service and airport transfers

• Overland transportation throughout the tour

• Full-board accommodation in Loango and half-board in Libreville

• Professional English-speaking guide

• 1 Gorilla permit for Loango National Park

• All visits and activities as per the itinerary

• All water transfers included

• Domestic return flight to and from Port Gentil

What’s Not Included:

• Additional meals and beverages

• Laundry services

• Visa, international flights, and travel insurance

• Visa paperwork (€100 per person)

• Any flight delays, cancellations, or unforeseen circumstances

• Optional activities on the last day

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trekking in Gabon?

Trek Africa Expeditions offers top-tier, professional tour services for your Gabon safari experience. With a dedicated team both in the office and on the ground, we ensure your trip is smooth, enjoyable, and hassle-free. We’re highly recommended on TripAdvisor and Trustpilot, and our website is your go-to resource for reliable and up-to-date information on gorilla trekking in Gabon.

For more details, or to inquire about the price of a gorilla permit in Gabon, don’t hesitate to contact us today!