Gorilla Trekking in Loango National Park, Gabon

Gorilla Trekking in Loango National Park, Gabon: A 7-Day Safari Adventure

Gorilla Trekking in Loango National Park — Venture into the heart of Loango National Park, one of Gabon’s most extraordinary wilderness areas, where rainforest meets ocean and wildlife roams free. This park is the only protected area in West Africa that preserves an entire coastal lagoon ecosystem—and it’s also home to one of the best places to see Western Lowland Gorillas in their natural habitat.

This 7-day safari begins and ends in Libreville and offers a rare chance to track gorillas, explore untouched rainforests, and witness wildlife along remote coastlines and savannahs.

Day 1: Arrival in Libreville – Welcome to Gabon

Touch down at Léon Mba International Airport, where our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Libreville. Settle in and relax after your journey with dinner and an overnight stay at the Radisson Blu Okoume Palace Hotel.

Day 2: Libreville to Loango National Park via Port Gentil

This morning, catch a domestic flight to Port Gentil, followed by a 4-hour drive through rural Gabon to Loango National Park. Upon arrival at Ndola Lodge, enjoy lunch and—if you’re up for it—a gentle forest walk or afternoon game drive to start spotting some of the park’s wildlife. Overnight at Ndola Lodge.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Yatouga Forest & River Journey to Akaka

After breakfast, board a motorized canoe for a scenic two-hour journey to Yatouga Research Camp—the base for your gorilla trek. This forest is home to a habituated family of Western Lowland Gorillas, and your chances of encountering them are very high (around 95%). The trek may last 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.

Once located, you’ll spend an hour in the company of these incredible primates, observing their social behaviors, family interactions, and daily routines.

After the trek, continue by boat to Akaka Forest, a remote section of the park rich in biodiversity. While larger mammals are harder to spot during the wet season, you’ll still have the chance to see red river hogs, sitatunga, bongos, blue duikers, and a variety of birdlife. Return to Ndola Lodge in the evening for dinner and rest.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Louri Wilderness Camp

Start the day with a morning game drive through Loango’s forests and savannahs. Keep an eye out for dwarf buffalo, chimpanzees, red river hogs, elephants, and of course, more gorillas. The park is also home to rare antelopes and dozens of monkey and bird species.

After lunch at Ndola Lodge, depart for Louri, one of Loango’s most remote and wildlife-rich regions. Depending on conditions and your preference, Louri can be reached:

• By boat (a 30-minute sail across the lagoon)

• By 4WD (a 1-hour drive through forest trails)

• Or a mix of both (boat and road)

This transfer doubles as a safari. During the drier months—especially around March—you may witness elephants, gorillas, or even hippos on the beach, a rare and unforgettable sight. Overnight at Louri Wilderness Camp, a peaceful, tented retreat overlooking the lagoon.

Day 5: Explore the Wild Savannahs of Louri

Today is dedicated to exploring the open plains and wetlands of Louri, famous for its abundant wildlife and iconic “surfing hippos.” This region offers incredible opportunities to observe animals in wide-open spaces—especially at dawn or dusk when activity peaks.

Spend time walking, wildlife spotting, or simply soaking up the remote beauty. Return to Ndola Lodge in the afternoon for your final overnight in the heart of the park.

Day 6: Final Safari & Journey Back to Libreville

Savor your last morning in Loango with an optional hike through the coastal forest. After a hearty lunch at Ndola Lodge, begin the return journey to Port Gentil, followed by a short flight back to Libreville. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a final night at the Radisson Blu Okoume Palace.

Day 7: Departure from Libreville

Spend your final day at leisure. Relax at the hotel, or explore Libreville with optional activities before your international departure in the evening.

When to Go: Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Loango

• Dry Season (May to September): Ideal for wildlife sightings and accessing remote parts of the park like Akaka and Louri.

• Wet Season (October to April): Gorillas are easier to find as they stay closer to camp. While larger wildlife can be less visible, birding is excellent and the forest is lush and vibrant.

What’s Included in Your Gorilla Trekking Tour in Loango National Park

Your 7-day adventure in Loango National Park has been designed for a smooth, immersive experience—right from your arrival in Gabon to your final flight home. Here’s what’s included:

• Meet and greet upon arrival, with all airport and hotel transfers

• All ground transportation throughout the tour in private 4×4 vehicles

• Domestic roundtrip flights between Libreville and Port Gentil

• All water-based transfers within Loango National Park

• Comfortable accommodations on a full-board basis in Loango and half-board in Libreville

• 1 Gorilla trekking permit to track habituated Western Lowland Gorillas in Loango

• A professional English-speaking guide throughout your journey

• All activities and park visits as listed in the detailed itinerary

What’s Not Included

While we’ve taken care of most arrangements, the following are not covered in the tour price:

• Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary

• Laundry services

• Visa and travel insurance

• Visa assistance/paperwork fee (€100 per person)

• International flights to and from Gabon

• Costs due to flight delays, cancellations, or unexpected changes

• Optional activities on your final day in Libreville

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Gorilla Trekking in Loango National Park?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we craft unforgettable wildlife experiences across Africa—with a strong presence in Gabon. Our team is known for its professionalism, attention to detail, and deep knowledge of the region.

Here’s why travelers trust us for gorilla trekking adventures in Loango:

• We have a dedicated local team in Gabon who ensures seamless logistics and real-time support.

• Our expert guides speak fluent English and are experienced in wildlife tracking and park navigation.

• We’re highly rated on TripAdvisor and Trustpilot for our reliable service and personalized care.

• Our website offers accurate, up-to-date information to help you plan your Gabon safari with confidence.

• We handle everything—from domestic flights to permits and park entries—so you can focus on the experience.

When you book with us, you’re not just signing up for a trip—you’re choosing a trusted partner for your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounter.