Wildlife of Gabon
Gabon is home to western lowland gorillas and nearly 200 other mammal species and 600 species of birds. In Loango National Park, you can find elephants and buffalos roaming freely on its endless beaches.
High wildlife density
Gabon ranks amongst the highest wildlife density holding countries in the world. During your safaris in Loango national park you have a chance to see amongst others: the smaller forest elephant, red forest buffalo, red river hogs with furry ears, the slender snouted crocodiles, sitatunga, duikers, a variety of monkeys, a huge array of birds, whales (in season), hippos, western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees. 
Forest animals
Please note though that due to the fact that Gabon is for the most part still covered by rainforest and most animals are forest animals, it might be more difficult to spot these animals, especially "surfing" hippos, western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees. For the latter two a habituation programme is in progress by the Max Planck Institute.
Special wildlife months in Loango National Park
Special wildlife months in Loango National Park
| Period *) | What to expect |
| Mid-July - mid-September | Whale-watching |
| September – March | Fishing |
| October – February | Turtle nesting season |
| October - April (rainy season) | Elephants & buffalos on the beach |
| All year round | Western lowland gorillas in the Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Sanctuary. Gorillas & chimpanzees in the wild only by chance (habituation process in progress). |
| All year round | Hippos. Although chances are slim to see "hippos surfing the waves" at Petit Loango, they are often seen in the lagoons and rivers in the park. |
*) The indicated periods are estimates as the seasons may vary from year to year. Our expert staff in Loango National Park will customise your programme according to the weather conditions and where the wildlife is during your visit to the park.
Whales
From Loango Lodge, you will go out on the Sea Leapard. The trips take between 2 to 3 hours, depending on how far out the whales are. We only recommend this trip during peak whale season and although sighting rates are close to 100%, still, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Dolphins, turtles, sea birds and schools of different fish can also be seen.
Birds of Gabon
Gabon hosts many endemic fauna and bird species.
Elephants & Buffalo on the beach
elephant browses in an idyllic preserve
where buffalo, gorillas, hippopotamuses,
and leopards all leave tracks in the sand.
- "End of the Line: Megatransect, Part Three," August 2001, National Geographic magazine
In the rainy season, from approximately September to May, you can view forest elephants and forest buffalos roaming on the beaches of Loango National Park, a sighting not found easily in today's world.
Primates in Gabon
  |
Western lowland gorillas
The largest populations of western lowland gorilla are found in Gabon and the Republic of Congo. |
Re-open of Loango lodge, Gabon,
as per 15 December 2011
Read the press release here >>>
Wildlife of Gabon
Click on the map to enlarge
mammals/primates of Loango National Park
Click on the image to enlarge
birds of Loango National Park
