If you’ve seen an image of a hippo frolicking in ocean surf, or an African elephant family on an idyllic beach, it was probably taken in Gabon, and in Loango National Park to be specific. The coastal park has over 1,500km2 of lowland rainforest, savanna and mangroves, and a corresponding diversity of wildlife. As well as those ‘forest elephants’, the presence of western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees and prolific birdlife are big attractions for conservation tourism.
In August 2025, South African trails specialists Lowveld Trail Co are taking their first steps into this world with the ‘Gabon Wilderness Experience’. Designed as a week-long visit with a multi-night Wilderness Trail at its centre, this is a unique opportunity to explore the park in the most authentic way possible: by river, on foot, and camping wild. Led by one of Africa’s most experienced Trails Guides, it’s an experience for the fit, curious and adventurous and very special: such trails are generally only to be found in Southern Africa.
The park is accessed via a two hour in-country flight from Gabon’s capital, Libreville, followed by a boat through the estuarine system to Sette Cama Camp, on the southern edge of the park. The camp, with its twin chalets and water views, is the base for the first couple of nights. Participants explore the river system by kayak, foot and vehicle, seeking out some of Loanga’s 350-plus recorded species of birds, including vermiculated fishing owls, chocolate-backed kingfishers and white-crested tiger herons. As well as those hippos, elephants and gorillas, there are about a dozen other primate species in the park including sun-tailed guenons and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Most gear for the trail is provided by Lowveld Trails Co, including a lightweight tent and hiking chair and cooking kit. Guests should bring their own backpack and sleeping bag – a full packing list is provided. The Wilderness Trail is unsupported, which means everyone shares the carrying of sufficient food for four nights spent in the rainforest, and water is sourced in nature and filtered. At the end of the trail, the group is picked up by boat to return to Sette Cama for a final night in comfort before departure.
The ‘Gabon Wilderness Experience’ can be booked by individuals or as a group (up to a maximum of eight), and costs $5750 ex-Libreville, including everything apart from drinks and local conservation fees of €120. At the moment the only scheduled date is 21-28 August 2025 – for more information, see lowveldtrails.co.za.
Images: Jandre Germishuizen/@jandre_namibia_photo_
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