Forest elephant, Loango National Park, Gabon

Loango National Park

The jewel in Gabon’s crown, Loango is the country’s most famous park. Images of surfing hippos brought the park international recognition during the early 2000s and it is this unique convergence of coastal and jungle habitats that make Loango so unusual.

Whilst surfing hippos are far from a common sight and few visitors are lucky enough to spot them, forest elephants and buffalos strolling along the beach are a more common occurrence in the park.

A mixture of lagoons, mangroves, rainforest and savannah, Loango is home to a wealth of different species. These include western lowland gorillas, which are now relatively habituated. Unhabituated chimpanzees can also be spotted roaming across the patches of open savannah.

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Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

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Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

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