Loango National Park, Gabon

Loango National Park, Gabon: A Wildlife Haven on the Atlantic Coast

Nestled along Gabon’s pristine Atlantic coastline, Loango National Park is a breathtaking wilderness that blends beaches, forests, savannas, and wetlands around the Iguela Lagoon. This diverse landscape is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including forest elephants, lowland gorillas, buffalo, leopards, and hippos. Offshore, vast pods of humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins grace the waters, while rare bird species like the Loango weaver and African river martin make this park a paradise for birdwatchers.

Why Visit Loango National Park?

Loango National Park is world-famous for its rare and astonishing wildlife encounters, including forest elephants strolling along the beach and hippos occasionally spotted surfing the waves. But there’s much more—mangrove forests, shimmering waterways, tidal lagoons, and sweeping savannas create a stunning backdrop for exceptional wildlife experiences.

As you explore Loango, expect to see large herds of forest elephants and buffalo, playful monkeys, chimpanzees, red river hogs, hippos, sitatungas, and crocodiles. The park also boasts an impressive bird population, making it a haven for birdwatching. One of the highlights of any visit is the chance to track habituated western lowland gorillas, offering an up-close experience with these incredible primates in one of the most pristine habitats on Earth.

Best Time to Visit Loango National Park

Loango National Park experiences both dry and rainy seasons, each offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities:

• November – March: Witness nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.
• November – April: Elephants and hippos can often be seen wandering the beaches.
• July – September: Peak season for spotting humpback whales and dolphins during their migration.
• November – April: Best time for sport fishing adventures.
• March – May: Optimal period for tracking the Atananga gorilla family.
• September – June: Best time for wildlife viewing in the northern region of the park during the rainy season.
• June – September: During the dry season, wildlife migrates to the southern part of the park.

For marine enthusiasts, the best time to spot migratory whales and dolphins is from mid-July to mid-September. Join a boat excursion to witness these majestic creatures up close as they breach and glide through the waves.

If you visit between October and February, embark on a nighttime guided tour to witness the world’s largest population of leatherback sea turtles nesting along Loango’s shores. This awe-inspiring event also includes sightings of olive ridley and hawksbill sea turtles, all protected by conservation efforts.

Top Activities in Loango National Park

1. Boat Safaris

Loango’s vast lagoon system offers a spectacular setting for boat excursions, allowing you to explore its intricate waterways and remote islets. Along the riverbanks, spot a vibrant array of wildlife, from monkeys and crocodiles to rare birds like rosy bee-eaters, quail finches, and Congo River martins. The park is also a hotspot for sport fishing, with catch-and-release programs targeting barracuda, tarpon, and even the occasional shark.

For many visitors, the ultimate highlight is encountering hippos wading in the water, forest elephants grazing along the shore, and forest buffalo roaming freely.

2. Conservation Experiences

Loango is at the forefront of conservation, offering visitors a rare opportunity to support and learn from groundbreaking wildlife research. One of the most rewarding experiences is visiting the Loango Gorilla Project, managed by the Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology in partnership with Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux du Gabon (ANPN).

Join expert guides for an educational tour at the research center before trekking to see the Atananga troop, the first group of western lowland gorillas habituated in Loango. This intimate experience allows you to observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat while contributing to their protection.

To protect the gorillas from unnecessary disturbance, visits are restricted to just four times per week. Only four guests are allowed per visit, ensuring an intimate and responsible wildlife experience. To participate, visitors must be in good health and wear a mask to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

3. Sport Fishing in Loango National Park

Few places in the world offer a sport fishing experience as exhilarating and exclusive as Loango. Just a short 10-minute journey from Loango Camps, the estuary meets the ocean—creating a prime fishing spot known for its abundance of large game fish, including enormous barracuda and cubera. To maximize your chances of a great catch, set out before dawn and experience one of the best fishing adventures in Africa.

Guests of Loango Camps also have exclusive access to smaller lagoons within the park, offering exceptional fly-fishing opportunities. Our catch-and-release fishing packages include accommodation, high-quality fishing gear, expert guides, fishing permits, and the option for extended overnight or multi-day safaris at any of our satellite camps within Loango’s safari circuit.

4. Loango Safaris: Discover Africa’s Last Eden

Spend your days exploring Loango’s diverse ecosystems, from open savannahs and dense rainforests to winding mangrove swamps. Along the way, encounter forest elephants, chimpanzees, forest buffalo, red river hogs, a variety of monkey species, sitatunga antelopes, and hundreds of bird species.

5. Gorilla Trekking in Loango National Park

One of Loango’s most thrilling experiences is a gorilla trekking safari, where you’ll track a troop of habituated western lowland gorillas deep in their natural rainforest habitat. The trek takes you through thick jungle and wetlands, often involving long hikes and boat or pirogue rides through the swampy terrain.

Guests over 65 years old must provide a medical certificate confirming they are in good physical condition for the trek.

Where to Stay in Loango National Park

Akaka Forest Camp

Hidden deep in the jungle, Akaka Forest Camp sits at the confluence of the Ngowe and Echira rivers, approximately 60 km by boat from Loango Camps. This secluded retreat immerses you in the heart of the wilderness.

Loango Camps

Situated on the northern edge of Loango National Park along the Iguela Lagoon, Loango Camps is the perfect base for in-park safaris and sport fishing excursions.

Louri Wilderness Camp

Tucked into the forest along the Louri Lagoon, this intimate, eco-friendly safari-style camp offers a tranquil retreat near the Atlantic Ocean. Built using traditional skills from local villages, Louri Wilderness Camp provides an authentic and sustainable safari experience.

How to Get to Loango National Park

Your journey to Loango begins with an overnight stay in Libreville, the capital of Gabon. The next morning, a driver will transfer you to the airport for a 30-minute flight to Port-Gentil. Upon arrival, another driver will take you on a three-hour drive in a luxury air-conditioned 4×4 to Loango National Park.

A minimum one-night stay in Libreville is required before traveling onward to Loango.

Why Book Your Loango Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted leader in Gabonese safari experiences, providing expert-guided wildlife adventures in Loango National Park. Our dedicated office and field teams handle every aspect of your trip, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey.

We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and Trustpilot, with a reputation for exceptional service and expert knowledge. Our website is a valuable resource for up-to-date information on planning your Loango safari. Contact us today to start organizing your adventure in one of Africa’s last true wildernesses!