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Gabon Wildlife

Celebrated as ‘Africa’s Last Living Eden’, Gabon offers an unrivalled wealth of some of Africa’s most spectacular biodiversity and supports an exceptional abundance of undiscovered wildlife experiences.

Unapologetically wild and enchanting, you can find forest elephants, forest buffalos, chimpanzees, gorillas, and hope to see breaching humpback whale at the same spot. Loango National Park is famous for its beachcomber forest elephants and surfing hippos that roam its wild coastline, the national park is also brimming mangrove forests, mirrored waterways, speckled tidal lagoons and a vast track of savannah. Here large herds of forest elephant, forest buffalo, monkeys, chimpanzee, red river hogs, hippo, sitatunga, duiker, crocodile and over 420 bird species cover the landscape.

Safaris & Planning

Gabon Jungle & Beach Explorer Safari

Unparalleled beauty ranges across Gabon's varying landscapes, with unexplored wilderness as far as the eye can see. Rolling savannahs and impenetrable rainforests shelter large gatherings of colobus, chimpanzee, and lowland gorillas, whilst a labyrinth of entangled mangroves frame the glistening coast forming a hotspot for migrating sea turtles, humpback whales, and hippos surfing the waves. This unforgettable expedition showcases some of the best of equatorial Africa, a surreal experience plummeting you into a lost world of idyllic wilderness. Gabon is, without a doubt, a must-see destination for everyone with a spirited interest in the natural world.

From 14500 per person

Gorillas

Gorilla trekking is a highlight of any visit to Loango National Park, where guests have the rare chance to track a habituated group of western lowland gorillas. Set within one of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse rainforests, this experience offers intimate encounters with these critically endangered primates in their natural habitat. Guided treks through the dense jungle allow visitors to observe gorilla family dynamics up close, from playful juveniles to dominant silverbacks. The conservation work here is world-leading, with efforts focused on protecting this unique population while supporting local

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees can also be found in Gabon's forests, particularly in Lopé National Park. While sightings are less predictable, the Mikongo Conservation Center offers opportunities to learn about their behaviour and habitat. These intelligent great apes live in complex social groups and are known for their use of tools and diverse diet.

Mandrills in Gabon

Gabon is home to one of the world’s largest populations of mandrills, with around 15,000 living in its rainforests. Found across Central and West Africa, mandrills are the world’s largest monkeys, known for their vivid red and blue facial markings. These colourful primates are mostly tree-dwelling but often forage on the ground for fruits, seeds, insects, and small animals.

Forest Elephants of Central Africa

Gabon shelters a significant population of forest elephants, a smaller, more elusive subspecies of African elephant. Adapted to life in dense rainforest, they play a crucial role in seed dispersal and ecosystem health. These elephants are found in family groups and are known for their quiet communication using low-frequency rumbles that travel through the forest.

Gabon’s Forest Buffalo

The forest buffalo, also known as the Gabonese forest buffalo, is a subspecies of African buffalo found in Gabon’s national parks, including Loango and Ivindo. Smaller and redder than their savanna cousins, these buffalo live in social herds and browse on forest vegetation. They are important for maintaining forest ecology and plant diversity.

Where to Go

A guide of where to go in Gabon

Gorilla Trekking Planning

St Uganda Mountain Gorilla Shutterstock Photocechcz

Is Gorilla Trekking Safe?

Gorilla trekking is generally safe, whether you're in Uganda or Rwanda. Both countries have established robust safety measures to protect both visitors and the endangered mountain gorillas.

Safety Tips & Guidelines

What to expect from a trip to Gabon

Plan your visit

Why Natural World Safaris for your Gabon safari?

Tailor-Made Travel

Gabon requires a flexible and considered approach. Whether tracking lowland gorillas in the dense forests of Loango or exploring Atlantic beaches for surfing hippos and nesting turtles, our itineraries are crafted around your specific interests and the best seasonal opportunities.

Wealth of Experience

Gabon is one of Africa’s most elusive safari destinations, and our long-standing knowledge of the region means we know how to make it work. Natural World Safaris is a recognised expert in gorilla tracking expeditions, and our close partnerships on the ground give you rare access to some of Central Africa’s last truly wild places.

Responsible & Sustainable

We are committed to responsible travel and work only with partners who support Gabon’s pioneering conservation model. Your safari contributes to local livelihoods and habitat protection — from gorilla habituation initiatives to marine conservation along the country’s remote coastline.