Gabon Safaris – Gorilla Trekking Tours: Primate Safari Experiences.
Gabon Safaris: Gorilla Trekking in Gabon, Western lowland gorillas are available for primate safari experiences a local company that offers gorilla trekking experiences in the wilderness of Africa. Book the gorilla safari to Gabon for your travel of 2021/2022.
Primates in Gabon
Primates in Gabon bring the forests to life, from the trees to the floor. Colorful monkeys: Mangabeys & Guenons, and cute little Talapoins traveling through dense canopies can be heard from afar as the branches they use to swing from tree to tree rustle and crack loudly. The rainforest’s apes – Gorillas and Chimpanzees -share these territories and can move surprisingly quietly, especially the shyer & more majestic of the two…the Gorilla. At other times the chimpanzees pant hoot (a hooting vocalization) and hit trees to make impressive displays that carry through the jungle, impossible not to be heard.
Best Time for Gorilla Safari in Gabon
During the rainy season, most of the mammals have migrated north toward the savannas and coastline so it is the best time of year to take a 4×4 game drive safari to Tassi Satellite camp for lunch. Enroute you can spot many elephants, buffalo, red river hogs, birds and much more. After lunch overlooking the savanna, you will be driven to Tassi beach where elephants and buffalo can often be spotted roaming on the shoreline as they come out of the pristine rainforests that spill out onto the stunning West African beach. During the dry season, most of the mammals have migrated south toward the interior forests & bai’s that were previously inaccessible due to higher water levels. Therefore, this is the best time of year to take a safari boat trip to Akaka, where you pass through many beautiful, narrow lagoons, with a real jungle feel, for superb up close & personal wildlife viewing (elephants, crocodiles, many birds including water birds, sitatunga), to our satellite camp overlooking at large clearing that attracts many elephants, water birds and more. Unforgettable whale watching tours with our experienced skipper are also usually available from mid-July to mid-September. During these months the humpback whales are visiting for breeding & calving. Breaching is often seen in close proximity to the boat during these months. Frequently other marine mammals such as dolphins are also spotted.
We also offer lagoon tours, forest hikes, games drives to Louri beach, night time crocodile & turtle tours, and…of course, the gorilla trekking – which is due to reopen when international travel resumes properly.
Gorilla Trekking Rules
The gorilla trekking is for 15+ years only.
One permit gives the holder permission to enter into the gorillas’ habitat and search for them with experienced guides, once found you can spend 1 hour contact time with them.
The gorilla trekking is amazing as you get to immerse yourself into the lives of a real family group consisting of individuals of all ages.
However, it is definitely for the more adventurous traveler, as the gorillas travel a lot & it can be quite a journey to reach them. It is essential for health & safety reasons that you are of a suitable fitness level: can you hike for at least 3kms in a jungle environment?
We kindly ask that clients over 65 provide a doctor’s certificate ensuring us of this.
During the rainy season, the gorillas usually move less and spend lots of time dining on their favourite fruits. During the dry season, the gorillas travel a lot more and spend a lot of time in muddy swamps – still be prepared to get your feet (and sometimes more) wet if you come in the dry season!.
With the gorilla trekking please be aware that sometimes they do an astounding job of hiding from our experienced tackers, so a tour with them cannot be guaranteed.
Accommodations in Gabon
· Loango lodge’s very comfortable traditionally decorated bungalows with private toilet, shower, hot running water, private terrace, and air conditioning. Situated either overlooking or very close to the stunning Iguela lagoon. In great proximity to the restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, and departure point for all excursions. Perfect for relaxing when not out on activities. This main base is currently undergoing renovation and is expected to reopen in January 2021 – until then its wildcamps will be running as usual and offer all of the same services as the main lodge (except for the swimming pool and air conditioning).
· A choice of 2 different wild camps. Louri River camp, perfect for a rich jungle experience, situated on the edge of Louri Lagoon, just a kayak and a short walk from the beach. Akaka Forest camp, which is fabulous for a more Central African safari feel, situated opposite large clearings with panoramic views & brilliant for guided forest hikes. All camps have double tents with single or double beds, private showers & toilets, electricity & fans. There is a bar & dining area. Both are ‘back to basics’ and are amazing for star gazing & immersing yourself into the wilderness.