Gabon · Safari

8-Day Loango and Akaka Safari from Libreville with Gorilla Trekking

8 Days Round trip from Libreville Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Track habituated gorillas in the jungle with close observation time in Loango
  • 02 Cruise the Mpivié and Akaka rivers in search of crocodiles, birds, elephants, buffaloes, and hippos
  • 03 Enjoy game drives through Loango National Park to spot buffalo, elephant, red river hogs, and sitatunga
  • 04 Experience the remote Akaka region, known as a secluded setting for elephant sightings
  • 05 Take in sunset tours on the lagoon and the wild scenery of Loango's rivers and forests

Embark on an exhilarating 8-day adventure from Libreville to Loango National Park and the remote Akaka region. After flying to Port Gentil and travelling onward to the lodge, immerse yourself in a rich mix of experiences including gorilla trekking, forest hikes, river safaris, boat excursions, and wildlife game drives. Explore landscapes of rivers, lagoons, beaches, and jungle while looking out for crocodiles, birds, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and other wildlife. The journey concludes with time in Akaka, renowned for its secluded setting and remarkable elephant sightings, before returning via Port-Gentil to Libreville.

The journey concludes with time in Akaka, renowned for its secluded setting and remarkable elephant sightings, before returning via Port-Gentil to Libreville.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Libreville, Port Gentil, Loango National Park
Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Libreville

  • Upon arriving at the international airport, you will be greeted by the welcoming staff of our tour company.
  • Our guide will assist you with customs formalities and currency exchange once you have cleared the arrivals process.
  • The guide will accompany you to the hotel, where you will spend the night.

Accommodation: Radisson Blu

Meals: Not included

2
Day 02

Libreville to Loango National Park

  • Today, you will be picked up from the hotel early in the morning at 6 AM for a 7 AM flight to Port Gentil.
  • Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide, who will escort you to a 4×4 safari vehicle for the journey to Loango Lodge. This trip typically takes around 3 hours, but can vary depending on road conditions.
  • After arriving at the lodge, you will enjoy a delicious lunch.
  • In the afternoon, you will have several options for activities, including a 4×4 safari, beach tour, boat safari, walking safari, kayaking, and more.
  • Alternatively, you can take a break and relax by the pool, enjoy a few drinks, and admire the stunning surroundings of the lodge, including views of the river and visits from monkeys and birds.
  • Later in the evening, you will have the opportunity to participate in guided hikes to search for pots and galagos, go on a crocodile-spotting boat trip, and, during the rainy season from November to February, join turtle patrols on the beach.

Accommodation: Loango Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

3
Day 03

Gorilla Trekking Adventure

  • After indulging in a continental breakfast with a stunning view of the Iguela River, you will set out on your next exciting adventure: gorilla trekking. This can be a full-day event, depending on the gorillas' location and movements.
  • You will depart from Loango Lodge at 07:30 and reach the Gorilla Tourism Camp between 08:30 and 09:00.
  • Upon arrival, you will receive a briefing about jungle safety and then head out with your guides to find a group of habituated gorillas. When you locate them, you will have an hour of close observation, which may involve following the gorillas if they are on the move. If this is not possible, your contact time will be rescheduled when the gorillas are in a more suitable position to observe.
  • Some days, gorillas travel a lot, while on others they stay in one place to feed and rest.
  • Your guides will be with you to help you find the best viewing spots and ensure your safety, providing you with masks if necessary.
  • After witnessing the secluded lives of these shy and mysterious gorillas, you will return to the Gorilla Tourism Camp for refreshments and a chance to discuss your experience and ask questions.
  • If you still have energy, you can enjoy an optional boat activity in the evening after lunch back at the lodge.

Accommodation: Loango Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

4
Day 04

Forest Hike and River Safari

  • Embark on an educational morning walk through the forest with an eco-guide.
  • Discover the diverse range of wildlife, forest animals, and birds.
  • Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
  • In the afternoon, take a scenic boat ride along the Mpivié River to observe crocodiles and various bird species.
  • Admire the breathtaking landscape and potentially spot elephants and buffaloes.
  • End the day with a sunset tour of the lagoon or have a close encounter with forest elephants on the Akaka River.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Accommodation: Loango Lodge

5
Day 05

Wildlife Game Drives and Sunset Tours

  • Game drives in a 4×4 pickup are an easy and comfortable way to view the park and see wildlife such as buffalo, elephant, red river hogs, and sitatunga.
  • Enjoy sundowners while on a tour of the lagoon or get up close and personal with forest elephants on the Akaka River.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Accommodation: Loango Lodge

6
Day 06

Exploration of Akaka

  • The safari experience is done by boat and provides opportunities to witness elephants, buffaloes, and hippos crossing rivers.
  • A full-day excursion to Akaka is highly recommended for those visiting Loango Park, as it offers the chance to see elephants bathing in the river in a secluded and remote environment.

The day will conclude with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Accommodation: Akaka Bush Camp

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

7
Day 07

Immersive Experience at Akaka

  • The plan for the day is to spend time exploring the Akaka region, appreciating its breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Accompanied by experienced guides, the morning and afternoon will be filled with boat rides and hikes through the forest.
  • With endless possibilities for exploration, having basic equipment is highly recommended.
  • The rest of the day will be spent at the camp, relaxing and taking in the serene surroundings before dinner.

Accommodation: Akaka Bush Camp

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

8
Day 08

Return via Port Omboue and Port-Gentil

  • Today, you will have ample opportunity to pack your belongings, have an early lunch, and embark on a 4-hour drive to Port-Gentil.
  • Upon reaching Port-Gentil, you will be assisted by our ground staff with checking in for a short flight to Libreville and getting transferred.
Loango National Park beaches, Mpivié River wetlands, Akaka River elephant crossings

Where this trip takes you

Loango National Park beaches, Mpivié River wetlands, Akaka River elephant crossings

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Libreville 3 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All transfers as mentioned
  • Gorilla permits
  • On-site 24-hour assistance
  • Excursions as per the program
  • Entrance fees and taxes
  • Private 4×4 vehicle with driver
  • The meals mentioned in the program (full board)
  • Accommodation as per the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • Local and international flights
  • Beverages and drinks
  • Any services not mentioned in the program
  • Personal expenses
  • Airline tickets
  • Visa (apply before arrival)

What to bring

  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen (30 SPF or higher)
  • A head torch or small rechargeable hand torch
  • Binoculars
  • Sunglasses
  • A water bottle
  • A small day pack to carry items during hikes
  • One or two waterproof pouches for valuables

Know before you go

  • Malaria is still widely present in Gabon and is especially problematic around villages and informal settlements. If you are visiting Gabon for a period of less than one month, it is advisable to take prophylaxis. Wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying a DEET-based repellent is also recommended after 17h00 and in the early mornings, especially if you are visiting a populated rural area.
  • This smooth and efficient arrival process will ensure that you can quickly settle into your new surroundings and start exploring Gabon without any hassle.
  • In the rainy season from November to April, you can find large mammals roaming freely on the beach.
  • During the dry season from May to September, visitors can expect to observe large groups of forest elephants, an abundance of birdlife, crocodiles, hippos, and other common wildlife.
  • Akaka is a unique location in the southern part of Loango Park and is often referred to as "the Okavango of Gabon".
  • An optional boat activity may be available in the evening after lunch back at the lodge, if you still have energy.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Libreville, Gabon
Tour start
Libreville, Gabon
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Libreville.

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