Gabon Birding

Day 1: Libreville.
After landing at Leon Mba International Airport in Libreville, you’ll be transported to your hotel for the night. Take time to unwind in the tropical climate, perhaps with a stroll along the beach or a relaxed sundowner on the hotel’s patio. For activity or sightseeing suggestions during your stay, feel free to ask.

Libreville offers a captivating mix of relaxed charm and lively city energy. The palm-lined seafront boulevard, paired with Gabonese sculptures overlooking the coastline, creates a stunning backdrop for exploring and appreciating the city’s beauty.

Day 2: Libreville – Lopé National Park.
In the afternoon, depart for Owendo Station (Setrag) to board the Omnibus or Express train bound for Lopé National Park at 17:00. Arrival in Lopé is expected around 1:30 am, where a transfer will pick you up from the station and take you to your Lopé Hotel for the night.

Day 3-4: Lopé National Park.
Lopé National Park covers 5,360 km² of untouched forest, merging with misty savannas along its northern boundary. Established in 1946 as Gabon’s first protected area, this UNESCO World Heritage Site holds one of Africa’s most significant prehistoric locations and is vital for its primate reserves, offering unique opportunities for birders and nature enthusiasts alike.

Lopé National Park is home to Elephants and large herds of Forest Buffalo, alongside smaller mammals such as Golden Cats, Red River Hogs, Chimpanzees, Leopards, and Yellow-backed Duikers, and approximately 4,000 Western Lowland Gorillas. Notably, the Sun-Tailed Guenon, a long-tailed monkey endemic to Gabon, resides exclusively in the park’s northern forests, having been discovered just over thirty years ago.

Among the myriads of bird species present, the search for prized finds such as the Black-headed Bee-eater, Congo Moor Chat and Congo Serpent Eagle is particularly rewarding in this region. The Congo basin serves as a prime habitat for these species, offering exceptional opportunities for observation, often surpassing chances elsewhere in their range.

In the expansive open areas, birdwatchers can seek out intriguing species such as the Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Senegal Lapwing, Red-headed Quelea and Compact Weaver. The highlight of the tour is likely to be the elusive Dja River Scrub Warbler, a localized species that presents a unique challenge for birders.

In the forest and along its edges, birdwatchers can look for the Red-chested Owlet, White-crested Hornbill, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, and Long-tailed Hawk.

Rivers in the area are likely to host a variety of bird species, such as the African Skimmer, Rock Pratincole and White-crowned Lapwing. In the evenings, Bat Hawks frequently grace the skies. Additionally, keen observers should remain vigilant for the elusive Bates’s Swift.

Among the diverse bird species in the area, notable sightings may include the Speckled Tinkerbird, African Shrike-flycatcher and Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill. Other highlights are the Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Western Black-headed Batis and Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher. Additionally, look for the Yellow-lored Bristlebill, Red-eyed Puffback, Lowland Akalat, and Fiery-breasted Bushshrike. Cisticolas, including Croaking and Chattering, as well as Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher and Lemon-bellied Crombec may also be observed. Other potential sightings include the Splendid Starling, Vieillot’s Black and Dark-backed Weavers, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, Quailfinch and Superb and Reichenbach’s Sunbirds.

The following day presents an opportunity to embark on a tracking excursion in search of Mandrills. Although some individuals may wear radio and GPS collars, a short hike might still be necessary. The visit will last between three to four hours, depending on the Mandrills’ location.

Day 5: Lopé National Park – Lambaréné.

This morning begins with a journey to Lambaréné after breakfast, traversing the stunning landscapes of Lopé countryside, which may take up to five hours. We will stop in the vibrant town of Ndjole, renowned for its lively meal market, local flavors and culture. En route to Lambaréné, there will be a few birding stops. A visit to the Albert Schweitzer Hospital Museum is highly recommended. This museum not only highlights the legacy of the renowned humanitarian and physician but also provides insight into the region’s history, making it a meaningful addition to the day’s travels.

Notable targets include White-crowned Lapwing, African Finfoot, Grey Pratincole and Hartlaub’s Duck. The African Emerald Cuckoo and Great Blue Turaco promise to delight. Expect to be thrilled by the aerial agility of Bates’s Swift and Black Spinetail. Look out for Rosy Bee-eater, Blue-throated Roller, Shining-blue Kingfisher, Black-casqued Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Red-fronted Parrot and Green-backed Woodpecker. Observers may also spot the Western Nicator, Rufous-vented Paradise Flycatcher, Black-throated Apalis, White-bibbed Swallow, Black-faced Canary, Blue-billed Malimbe and Superb Sunbird.

Day 6: Lambaréné – Loango National Park.
This morning, the journey to the lagoon village of Omboué begins after breakfast, navigating along the majestic Ogooué River. The boat trip will take approximately six hours. Upon arrival in Omboué, a 4×4 vehicle will facilitate the remaining 50-kilometer journey to Loango National Park, which includes 40 kilometers on a laterite road. The final stretch, spanning 10 kilometers, involves a short bush track leading to the park’s board offices, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.

The extended boat ride to Omboué, presents an exhilarating opportunity to observe a variety of avian life along the journey. Numerous sandbars dot the river and serve as a congregation point for flocks of African Skimmer and Grey Pratincole. Smaller numbers of the resident Little Tern, Grey-rumped Swallow and Rock Pratincole also frequent these sandy perches.

After registering at the park’s board headquarters, the adventure continues with a boat ride across the Iguela lagoon to Loango Camps. Once settled into the tent, guests can enjoy the camp’s hospitality. Following lunch, an exciting safari in the park awaits, concluding in time to freshen up and prepare for dinner.

With a bit of luck, sightings may include herds of Buffalo, Hippos and Forest Elephants. The area is also home to Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Red River Hogs, and three distinct species of Crocodile: Dwarf, Slender-snouted, and Nile. Birdwatchers can anticipate encountering species such as the African River Martin and Rosy Bee-eaters during a walking safari along the beach or on a sunset game drive.

Day 7-9: Loango National Park.
Loango National Park, often referred to as “Africa’s Eden,” is a stunning expanse of wilderness located on Gabon’s coast. Covering around 1,500 square kilometers, the park boasts a remarkable diversity of habitats, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, savannas, and wetlands. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Loango is home to a variety of wildlife, such as Forest Elephants, Hippos, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The park’s unique ecosystem supports a vibrant array of avian life, including the elusive African River Martin and several species of Hornbills and Kingfishers.

An early start begins with breakfast at 6:00 AM, followed by a 7:00 AM boat departure to Yatouga via Point Sitatunga. The next destination is the Gorilla de Loango project, home to Gabon’s first properly habituated Lowland Gorilla population, open to tourists since 2016. After a briefing with the research team, a boat ride leads to a forest hike guided by skilled Pygmy trackers. Their mission is to locate Kamaya, the Western Lowland Gorilla silverback, and his family, which includes two young gorillas. A close-up encounter with the gorilla troop, typically within 10 to 15 meters, offers a remarkable opportunity to observe these majestic primates in their natural habitat.

The following three days offer an immersive experience in the stunning ecosystems of this region, showcasing a wealth of both birds and mammals. From the lodge’s deck, sightings include Violet-tailed Sunbird, Thick-billed Cuckoo, African River Martins and Rosy Bee-eaters. The waterways reveal species like Sabine’s Spinetail, Hartlaub’s Duck, Shining-blue Kingfisher, African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron, Great White Pelican, Goliath Heron, Western Osprey, Pink-backed Pelican, White-throated Blue Swallow, White-browed Forest Flycatcher, Cassin’s Flycatcher, and Red-tailed Leaflove.

The following species are also possible: Yellow-billed Turaco, Latham’s Forest Francolin, Spotted Honeyguide, Forest Robin, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black Coucal, Loango Weaver, and Eastern White-crested Hornbill. Several other species, including Senegal Lapwing, Swamp Boubou, Congo Serpent Eagle, Slender-billed Weaver, and Carmelite Sunbird, deserve mention.

A variety of activities await at Loango National Park, including morning and afternoon safaris on foot, by boat, and in 4×4 vehicles. Depending on the season, a night safari may also be available. Each day concludes well before dusk, allowing ample time to prepare for dinner and enjoy the evening under the stars in this remarkable wildlife haven.

Day 10: Loango National Park – Port Gentil – Libreville – Departure.
On the final morning, opt for a relaxing day in camp or an exciting safari adventure tailored to personal preferences. We will depart to Port Gentil International Airport after lunch. Additional accommodation in Libreville can be arranged should you wish to spend more time in Gabon.