Lopé National Park, Gabon

Lopé National Park, Gabon: A Primate Paradise and UNESCO Heritage Site

Lopé National Park in Gabon is one of the few places in Africa where you can witness mandrills in the wild. As the oldest national park in Gabon, it plays a crucial role in primate conservation. Home to over 1,400 endangered mandrills and 420 bird species, the park is also a haven for western lowland gorillas, sun-tailed guenons, black colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and forest elephants. Spanning 5,360 km², this UNESCO-listed park is a remarkable blend of ancient forest galleries and misty savannahs, shaped by nature since the end of the last Ice Age over 12,000 years ago.

Wildlife in Lopé National Park

Lopé National Park offers an extraordinary wildlife experience. Alongside large herds of forest elephants and buffalo, visitors may encounter leopards, golden cats, red river hogs, sitatungas, yellow-backed duikers, and numerous monkey and ape species. The park is home to 4,000 western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees. The sun-tailed guenon, an elusive monkey species endemic to Gabon, was only discovered in the 1980s and can be spotted in the northern forests of the park.

Lopé’s landscape is also rich in history. Bordered by two tributaries of the Ogooué River—one of Africa’s most significant waterways—the park served as a vital trade and migration route for ancient pygmy tribes. Archaeologists have uncovered over 1,800 Iron Age petroglyphs and remnants of Stone Age and Iron Age settlements, proving the area’s importance in Africa’s human evolution over the last 400,000 years. The park’s eco-museum provides a deep dive into the history of Bantu tribes and Lopé’s rich biodiversity.

Where to Stay in Lopé National Park

For an immersive experience, Moabi Tented Camp offers an exclusive stay in the rolling savannah at the northern end of the park, just 40 minutes from Lopé Station. The camp provides a classic safari-style atmosphere with six guest tents, each furnished with elegant décor, paraffin-lit private quarters, and spacious sitting areas with breathtaking views of the wilderness. Guests can enjoy outdoor dining under the stars, where forest elephants, buffalo, and red river hogs occasionally wander nearby. At night, comfortable mosquito-netted beds ensure a peaceful sleep, accompanied by the natural sounds of the savannah.

How to Get to Lopé National Park

The most convenient way to reach Lopé National Park from Libreville is via the Trans-Gabon Railway. After an overnight stay in the capital, board the express train at 4:00 PM from Owendo Station (40 minutes from downtown Libreville). The first-class journey provides a comfortable ride, arriving in Lopé at 1:00 AM. While meals are available on board, bringing extra snacks, drinks, and a light covering for the air-conditioned cabin is recommended. Please note that the PGWC (Park and Wildlife Conservation) exclusively handles bookings for this train service.

Safari excursions in Lopé involve trekking through forests and rugged terrain, making good physical fitness essential. Visitors should be prepared for hikes of at least 5 km while tracking mandrills and other wildlife. Additional activities include guided treks to Mt. Brazza and other scenic forest trails, led by experienced Gabonese trackers.

Why Book Your Lopé National Park Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions offers exceptional and professional tour services in Gabon. With an experienced office and field team, we ensure seamless trip planning and top-notch safari experiences. Highly rated on TripAdvisor and Trustpilot, our website offers reliable and up-to-date information to help you plan your adventure. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable safari to Lopé National Park, Gabon.