Forest elephants approaching the beach, Loango, Gabon

Gabon Holidays

Discover unexplored wilderness in the country known as ‘Africa’s Last Eden’. Where forest elephants, lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and mandrills roam and hippos surf in the seas.

Gabon is home to vast expanses of unexplored wilderness in the heart of Africa. Yet, whilst most places on Earth have long since been explored, the forests of this area have remained wild and out of reach. These forests contain a fabulous wealth and variety of flora and wildlife including forest elephants, lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and mandrills, as well as wonderful birdlife.

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Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Albert Schweitzer Hospital Guestrooms £££££

  • Gabon
  • Unusual

These renovated guestrooms are on the old hospital premises and one of the few places to stay in Gabon that has real character. They are maintained and run by the hospital’s foundation and are very comfortable. They are surrounded by old hospital buildings and the Ogooue River flows past, adding to the relaxed ambience of the place.

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Langoue Bai Platform £££££

  • Gabon
  • Unusual

This three-level platform is situated on the edge of the bai, beside the treeline. After dark, simple dome tents are erected on the top two levels of the platform. Mattresses and bedding are provided, but the confined nature of the platform means space is relatively limited. Despite this, a night here is a great experience – the sounds of elephants can usually be heard throughout the night. And at dawn, the rising sun burns mist off the bai.

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Loango Lodge £££££

  • Gabon
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Gabon’s only true safari lodge, Loango Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the national park. It has endured its ups and downs over the years, but it is still superbly located, offering comfortable and modern facilities. The 11 bungalows all have air conditioning and hot water, whilst the beautifully positioned restaurant looks out over the river. The food at the lodge is superb by Gabonese standards, thanks largely to French manager Mathieu, who is a restauranteur by trade.

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Spectacular male mandrill, Lekedi, Gabon
Male Mandrill, Photographed by Steppes Travel, Gabon
Western lowland gorilla in water, Gabon
Western lowland gorilla, Gabon
Butterfly, Langoue Bai, Ivindo National Park, Gabon
Ivindo National Park, Gabon

How to discover Gabon

One of the best ways to experience Gabon is on a group tour led by specialist wildlife guides who understand the logistics of exploring this fascinating West African country. Our Steppes Gabon private group tour encompasses mandrill trekking in Lope National Park, observing habituated gorillas in Loango National Park and experiencing a powerful Bwiti ceremony, a ritual essential to Gabonese culture.

Forest elephant, Loango National Park, Gabon
Forest elephant, Loango National Park, Gabon
Dancer at Bwiti ceremony, Lambarene, Gabon
Bwiti dancer, Lambarene, Gabon

A little more about Gabon

Gabon gained massive exposure in the press about fifteen years ago as an exceptional wilderness destination. Intrepid travellers hoped to see elephants roaming along remote beaches and hippos surfing in the sea. In truth, the reality on the ground did not live up to the hype, but if you are patient and lucky the rewards can be great.

View from above, Loango Lodge, Loango National Park
Loango Lodge, Port-Gentil, Gabon, Gabon
Langoue Bai from drone, Ivindo National Park, Gabon
Ivindo National Park, Gabon
Forest elephant, Gabon
Gabon

Ideas for a Gabon holiday

  • Visit Gabon’s coastal park, South Loango and spot forest elephants where the trees meet the Atlantic. As wildlife roams the beaches, discover why this country is known as ‘Africa’s Last Eden’.
  • Explore Ivindo National Park, home to Langoue Bai – a wide forest clearing that attracts all kinds of jungle wildlife
Langoue Bai from drone, Ivindo National Park, Gabon
Ivindo National Park, Gabon

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

“Sweat bees tickle the skin on my forearms. The perspiration lies there in beads, feeding their thirst. My heart is still pumping in my chest from the walk, at odds with the stillness surrounding me. The humidity presses on me, but it is the sense of expectation that weighs heavier upon my tired body.”

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Everything you need to know about the

Frequently asked questions about Gabon

What kind of wildlife will see?

What local food can I try?

Is Gabon safe to travel around?

What is the weather like in Gabon?

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

Talk with our experts
  • 1(800)272-4163

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor-made itinerary I create.

Talk with our experts
  • 1(800)272-4163

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