Loango National Park | Sette Cama Park | Mayumba Park | safari Gabon
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An extraordinary safari in Loango National Park: Discover the beauty of Setté Cama and the wonders of the Mayumba marine park

Loango Park, located in Gabon, is a destination that will transport you to the heart of the most extraordinary adventures of African wildlife. Imaginea safari through the vast landscapes of this national park, where lush tropical forests rub shoulders with pristine beaches. Prepare to be enchanted by the beauty of Setté Cama and amazed by the wonders of Mayumba Marine Park.

At Setté Cama, you will have the opportunity to observe the famous surfing hippos, who glide gracefully through the water. These magnificent creatures, along with other wildlife such as elephants and buffalo, create an unforgettable safari experience.

But the wonders of Loango Park do not stop there. Mayumba Marine Park is a paradise for sea enthusiasts. Dive into the crystal clear waters and be fascinated by the diversity of marine life, including humpback whales, sea turtles and dolphins.

Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure, Loango Park offers you an extraordinary safari experience unlike any other. Prepare to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and encounter the fascinating wildlife of Gabon.

Presentation of Loango Park and its attractions

Located on the west coast of Gabon,Loango Park is a jewel of African biodiversity. With its spectacular landscapes ranging from rainforests and mangroves to white sandy beaches, this park offers an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The park is home to an incredible variety of animals, especially in Akaka  from July to September, where you can observe in particular,elephants, buffalo, gorillas, leopards and even hippos surfing in the ocean. It is also one of the rare places in the world where you can see great apes, gorillas and chimpanzees. Bird lovers will be delighted to discover more than 300 species of birds, including the famous African swift and the helmeted hornbill.

Setté Cama: A hidden gem of Loango Park

Setté Cama which you will reach after a 20 km trek between the village of Inyoungou and Sounga.This stunning place is located at the mouth of the Iguela River, offering stunning views of mangroves and white sandy beaches. This is where you can watch the famous surfing hippos, gliding gracefully through the water. This one-of-a-kind experience is one of the reasons Loango Park is so popular with wildlife enthusiasts.
In addition to hippos, Setté Cama is home to a wide diversity of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, antelopes, crocodiles and monkeys.. You can also stroll along the hiking trails and admire the natural beauty of the area. Photographers will be delighted to capture the stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife of Setté Cama.

Mayumba Marine Park: A paradise for marine life lovers

Mayumba Marine Park is a true paradise for marine life lovers. Located south of the Park Loango, this marine park is home to an incredible diversity of marine species, includinghumpback whales (July to September) sea turtles (December to February) and dolphins. Dive into the crystal clear waters and be fascinated by the beauty of underwater life.

Humpback whales are one of the main attractions at Mayumba Marine Park. Every year from July to September, these majestic creatures migrate to the warm waters of the Gabonese coast to breed. The lucky ones will have the opportunity to observe these giants of the seas during a boat excursion. Sea turtles are also present in the region, with several species coming to lay their eggs on the sandy beaches from December to February).

Diving and snorkeling opportunities in Mayumba Marine Park

For experienced diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, Mayumba Marine Park offers endless possibilities. The crystal clear waters are home to a multitude of corals, colorful tropical fish and other fascinating sea creatures. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there are dive sites suitable for all levels.

Snorkeling is also a popular activity at Mayumba Marine Park. Put on your mask and snorkel and explore the coral reefs where you can observe a wide variety of tropical fish. Dolphins are also frequently spotted during snorkeling excursions, providing an unforgettable experience

Best time to visit Loango Park and Mayumba Marine Park

The best time to visit Loango Park and Mayumba Marine Park depends on the activities you want to do.The dry season, from June to September, is ideal for safaris and wildlife observation in Loango Park. The temperatures are milder and the animals are more easily visible because they leave the forest and come in particular to the Akaka plain.

For diving and snorkeling enthusiasts at Mayumba Marine Park, the period from November to April is recommended. The waters are warmer and visibility is better during this time.However, to observe turtles it is from December to February, and whales from July to September.

Organization of your safari in Gabon

Welcome to a sparkling journey along the southern coast of Gabon! Prepare to be amazed by the spectacular beauty of this unspoilt and wild region. From the golden sands of pristine beaches to the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, you will be transported to an idyllic world.This tour will take you along a pristine and untouched coastline, where nature reigns supreme.

You will start your tour by taking the ferry towards Port Gentil or by plane. You will be welcomed in the middle of the afternoon (for the ferry) by the team who will take you to an eco-tourist village Enamino, your base for exploring Loango Park.

You will reach Setté Cama after a 20 km trekby taking an old forest path.

After your stay in Sétté Cama you will be driven by the local team to Mayumba in an individual 4x4.

In Mayumba, depending on your option, you can return to Libreville by taking a bus or by individual vehicle. On the way back we give youthe possibility of extending your tour by stopping for one or more days in Lambaréné to discover the lakes and traditional ethnic groups (Pygmies, Tsogo...

The program for your trip to Gabon

Your arrival in Gabon 

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We offer you a tailor-made tour. This means that you control your arrival day in Libreville or Port Gentil.

We will synchronize the program according to the date and time of arrival in Gabon, the place of arrival (Libreville airport or Port Gentil airport). and the length of your stay.

If you arrive in Libreville, the ferries leave in the morning from Mole port (call at 9 a.m.) and departures are not every day, you must contact us to find out the departure days.

In Libreville, you have the choice of booking the hotel yourself, in which case our coordinator will pick you up from the hotel. We can, if you wish, take care of booking your hotel in Libreville and in this case we will pick you up at the airport.

As a reminder to enter Gabon:

  • You must have a minimum visa 

  • You must present an international vaccination record which certifies that you are vaccinated against yellow fever, more information: click HERE.

By boat or 4x4 in the Loango National Park and bivouac in the forest

The local team welcomes you either at the port or at the Port Gentil airport.

Your first night you will be accommodated in the Enamino village, located on the beach and on the outskirts of Loango national park.

 

We offer a safari adapted to the date of your stay

from June to Septembermber

your safari will instead take place in the south of Loango Park in the AkaKa region, a marshy area which is very popular with wildlife during this period, which will allow you to better observe the wildlife.  Your safari will take place on foot and by boat, at night we suggest you bivouac on site then continue the circuit with a trek between the villages of Inyoungou and Sounga towards Sétté Cama

From December to February

your safari will instead take place in the north of Loango Park. Given the rise in water levels during the rainy period, the fauna is further inside the forest and therefore less visible.

.However, you can observe habituated grrillas in Yatouga 

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At this time, we recommend continuing your tour by going up the OGOOUE river in a motorized canoe towards Lambaréné.

The performance in Loango Park 

The service is provided by the Enamino ecotourism village team, it includes:

  • Pick-up in Port Gentil,

  • Accommodation in a bungalow or tent with full board (except drinks)

  • Entrance fee to Loango Park

  • Guidance

  • The equipment needed to organize your safari (4x4, boat)

  • Return transfer Enamino-Yatouga and visiting rights for habituated gorillas. 

  • Transfer at the end of the safari, either by 4x4 to the OMBOUE pier where you will be picked up by ASSOCIATION GUIDES ÉCOTOUR DU MOYEN-OGOOUE  , or by boat to Inyougou at the start of the trek where the SETTE CAMA guides and their porters take care of you.

Trek in Loango Park from Sounga to Inyoungou then navigation by canoe to Sétté Cama

Organisation de votre séjour à Sétté Cama

This 20 km trek takes  an old forest road that has become wild again. You will have the opportunity to see many animal species present in the region: elephant, buffalo, antelope, bush pig, monkey, hippopotamus, chimpanzee, gorilla, panther... while soaking up unique and unforgettable sensations. You will be accompanied by approved eco-guides.

The Enamino team will drop you off by boat in Inyougou before noon, the starting point of the trek. You will meet the team of eco-guides and porters who will take over; to accompany you throughout this magnificent trek to Sounga, place of arrival and end of the trek.

In Sounga you will take a boat which will take you to Sétté Cama where you will arrive in the evening, you will spend the night at the passage hut of the Abiétu association.

The next day we suggest you do a hippopotamus safari by boat with the same team

At the end of your stay, the local team will transfer you to Mayumba by 4x4 vehicle where you can go on a sea trip between July and August to watch the whales.

The service at Sétté Cama includes 

  • Entrance fee to the park;

  • Rental of the canoe;

  • Guide and porter fees for the trek

  • Completed board accommodation (excluding drinks)

  • Transfer fees to Mayumba

Accompanied by your guide, our driver will take you to Mayumba on the coast. You will arrive around 11 am at the hotel after your installation at the hotel and lunch, we offer several discovery programs depending on the season.

  • Leatherback turtle season from November to April : on this occasion you discover the Banio lagoon in the Mayumba National Park by canoe, you can observe turtles. It is estimated that 30% of the world's population passes through Gabon, a large part of which in Mayumba. Leatherback turtles are the largest turtles in the world, sometimes measuring 2 meters in length. It is estimated that 40,000 females come to lay each year on Gabonese beaches and in particular in Mayumba.

  • Humpback whale season from May to October , you will board a boat heading out to the open sea. It is an exciting experience to be on a small boat when a huge whale falls back into the water just a few meters away. Humpback whales travel along the coasts of Gabon to breed, give birth, and nurse their young. Active females and pups are close to shore and larger groups are found in deeper waters

Accompanied by your guide, our driver will take you to Mayumba on the coast. You will arrive around 11 am at the hotel after your installation at the hotel and lunch, we offer several discovery programs depending on the season.

  • Leatherback turtle season from November to April : on this occasion you discover the Banio lagoon in the Mayumba National Park by canoe, you can observe turtles. It is estimated that 30% of the world's population passes through Gabon, a large part of which in Mayumba. Leatherback turtles are the largest turtles in the world, sometimes measuring 2 meters in length. It is estimated that 40,000 females come to lay each year on Gabonese beaches and in particular in Mayumba.

  • Humpback whale season from May to October , you will board a boat heading out to the open sea. It is an exciting experience to be on a small boat when a huge whale falls back into the water just a few meters away. Humpback whales travel along the coasts of Gabon to breed, give birth, and nurse their young. Active females and pups are close to shore and larger groups are found in deeper waters

Découvrez les tortues luths en décembre et janvier

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At Mayumba Park, enjoy the beach and observe humpback whales at sea

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You will be welcomed at LIKWALE LODGE which will coordinate your activities in conjunction with those responsible for the Mayumba Marine Park. Depending on the season you can observe the spawning of all or humpback whales. You can also enjoy my beach, or try sport fishing.​​

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: in the Mayumba National Park you can observe turtles. It is estimated that 30% of the world's population passes through Gabon, a large part of which is in Mayumba. Leatherback turtles are the largest turtles in the world, sometimes measuring 2 meters in length. It is estimated that 40,000 females come to lay eggs each year on Gabonese beaches, particularly in Mayumba.

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Discover leatherback turtles in December and January

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you will board a boat heading out to the open sea. It is an exciting experience to be on a small boat when a huge whale falls back into the water just a few meters away. Humpback whales travel along the coast of Gabon to reproduce, give birth, and nurse their young. Active females and calves are close to shore and larger groups are found in deeper waters

Embark at sea to observe humpback whales in July and August

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Get started or practice sport fishing

in the Banio lagoon, at sea or on the beach day or night using different techniques (surf casting, calling, trolling) along the beach or by boat (A fishing trip from a boat takes around 6 hours) .

Our service

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  • Accommodation with breakfast and dinner

  • Excursion fees

  • Entrance fees to the park

  • Rental of equipment necessary for the excursion activities.

  • Guidance

  • Transfer costs to Libreville or Lambaréné

Continue your journey by discovering the great lakes of Gabon and meet traditional ethnic groups in Lambaréné

This coastal circuit allows you to discover exceptional wildlife in an exceptional environment between beaches, mangroves and tropical forests. At this point, you have the opportunity to return directly to Libreville full of memories.

However, if you wish, you can continue this exceptional journey by stopping at Lambaréné to discover the great lakes, the great rivers, but also meet the traditional ethnic groups in their village (Pygmies, Tsogo, Fang, etc.) and attend traditional ceremonies and dances.

In Gabon, below the equator the weather changes quickly and the sun can give way to rain in less than an hour, so you should consider equipment to deal with these climatic variations.

For the transport of your personal belongings , we recommend a backpack and for the steps a small dark backpack so as not to be visible to animals.

For the clothes

  • For safaris or trekking in the forest, avoid conspicuous clothing and prefer grey, green, khaki, beige, brown, black.

  • A good raincoat (+ possibly the waterproof pants)

  • Light clothes

  • Long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts (for cool evenings and insects)

  • Jersey

  • Fleece for the dry season by the beach (from June 15 to September 15)

  • Two pairs of walking shoes,

  • plastic sandals

  • Cap

For accessories

  • Sunglasses

  • Beach towel

  • Torch or headlamp (+ batteries): at least one per person

  • Your photo and/or video equipment

  • Waterproof bags or "freezer bag" type plastic zippered pouches to protect your photo and/or video equipment from humidity

  • Possibly, silicate balls to place in your waterproof bags to absorb humidity

For your health

  • Your antimalarial treatment

  • If you are undergoing medical treatment, plan your prescription and your treatment in sufficient quantity  for the duration of your stay

  • Your pharmacy: anti-diarrheal, anti-nausea, ointment against insect bites, antifungal ointment, biafine

  • Insect repellent

  • Solar cream

  • Possibly, antiseptic hand gel

What equipment for your safari in Gabon

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To learn more about the south of Gabon, see jeanlou's travel diary

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