*Loango National Park, Gabon @ Andrew Howard*

INTRO

In the late 1990s, a National Geographic cover featured an elephant on a beach in Gabon, an image that captured the world’s imagination. This vision of Africa, with majestic wildlife on pristine shores under the Atlantic sun, still defines Gabon. While forest elephants do wander Gabon’s beaches, the country’s wilderness holds far more treasures. After weeks on a research expedition, I can only describe Gabon’s conservation-focused potential as enormous.

Unlike other destinations with vast wilderness, Gabon’s ancient forests—from the Congo-Guinean forests in the east to the Atlantic savannas in the west—remain largely untouched by tourism. Its exceptional biodiversity deserves to grace magazine covers again and again, each time revealing new wonders.

Guardian of the Wild

Gabon’s remoteness and sparse population have preserved its pristine ecosystems. Protected wilderness areas are scattered across the country, far from roads or airstrips. Here, tourism’s usual infrastructure is absent, making travel a true frontier adventure. Reaching some areas even requires private helicopters, adding to the sense of discovery.

Beyond the Beaches

While the iconic image of wildlife on the beach is captivating, it can be misleading. Gabon’s coastline requires significant conservation work to match the pristine shores of places like Sao Tome. Wildlife only visits these coastal savannas during a brief seasonal window. However, Gabon boasts unique sights like the extraordinary abundance of mandrills, found nowhere else.

Exclusive Encounters

During mandrill season, coastal gatherings are rare as the animals migrate into the eastern forests of Loango. Here, floodplains with flourishing grasses attract elephants from the dense forests. The remoteness of these swamps has protected the elephants from poaching, making them remarkably trusting. Few places in Africa offer such intimate encounters with forest elephants.

Zones of Exploration

Gabon’s wildlife experiences span several remarkable zones. Ivindo National Park is home to Langoue Bai, where gorillas and elephants gather. Lope National Park features breathtaking mandrill congregations. Loango National Park offers exceptional wildlife and luxury lodging, while Moukalaba Doudou National Park, accessible by helicopter, is ideal for gorilla viewing. At year’s end, Pongara National Park showcases nesting turtles along the coast.

Unlocking Potential

Gabon has everything on paper, but seamless travel here requires meticulous planning. The effort ensures a journey far from the crowded safari circuits of places like the Masai Mara. The remote and challenging nature of Gabon’s wilderness makes it a truly transformative adventure.

For those seeking a forest experience where wildlife outnumbers people, few destinations rival Gabon. Still in its tourism infancy, the country offers a sense of frontier exploration. Expeditions here require bespoke planning, but this is precisely what makes the experience so extraordinary. Gabon’s remarkable biodiversity and untouched ecosystems are a testament to its conservation efforts. Long may this sanctuary flourish.

Gabon: An Untouched Wilderness