Akaka Bush Camp *)

Immerse yourself in the natural splendour of one of the remotest parts of Loango National Park, on the Rembo Ngowe River, where the dark waters containing manatees and hippos are lined by thick forest, inhabited by elephants, red mangabeys, buffalos and smaller mammals such as sitatunga (swamp-dwelling antelopes) and red river hogs.

In the heart of this inhabited tropical rainforest and wetlands, you will find Akaka Bush Camp. The only way to reach the camp is by a spectacular 66-km, 2-to-4 hour boat trip from Loango Lodge, leaving the world and all its worries behind, and allowing you plenty of time to capture the essence of Gabon.

The boat will bring you right to the comfort of the quaint thatch-covered restaurant/lounge deck, with views over the river, papyrus swamps and distant, high forest. The camp’s five tents are pitched on a covered platform along a narrow forest clearing leading uphill from the river.

A perfect combination of raw nature…

During your stay at Akaka Bush Camp, you can head out into the forest or onto the river with one of our eco-guides. Either take the houseboat used by National Geographic photographer and conservationist Nick Nichols while working on his book The Last Place on Earth, go out in a kayak, or use one of the other boats to discover sights that might not be easily visible from the shore.

During the wet season, wildlife can be difficult to spot in the rain-filled swamps but in the dry season from May until September the concentrations of particularly forest buffalo and forest elephant that migrate into the area are easily seen. You also have a good chance of spotting some smaller mammals like sitatunga, red river hogs, forest duikers, five species of monkey, or great apes who inhabit the area all year round. Crocodiles and manatees are found here too, but tend to keep their distance. Bird life along the rivers is prolific. In the dry season, thousands of water birds – herons, storks, jacanas, pelicans, ibis and the rarely seen Hartlaub’s duck – love crowding together here in the drying pools. The forests of Akaka are full of different butterflies, and home to several rare bird species.

... exciting expeditions …

Experience the wild unspoiled beaches of Petit Loango, where Nick Nichols shot the famous pictures of surfing hippos for his article in National Geographic.

For those who are physically fit, we offer walking expeditions of several days’ duration from Akaka Bush Camp to Petit Loango and cycling tours along the beach to Tassi Savannah Camp during the dry season. Some have spotted the surfing hippos along the way, and if you do too, you are one of the lucky few!

… and unexpected culinary delicacies

Enjoy a dash of luxury in the jungle, as your cook serves up some unexpected culinary delicacies in our quaint restaurant overlooking the river. Even more than viewing wildlife, this journey is truly about complete immersion in a peaceful bush setting, allowing all your senses to be overwhelmed by the wonder that is Africa’s Eden.

A C T I V I T I E S

• Jungle hikes
• Motor boat trips
• Kayaking excursions
• Hikes of several days’ duration to Petit Loango (for the physically fit!)
• Overnight fly camp on Petit Loango beach
• Beach cycle tour to Tassi Savannah Camp

*) Upgrade in progress

Akaka Bush Camp is in the process of being upgraded. The tents will be upgraded to Meru Tents with ensuite bathrooms. To ensure that you have a chance to view the animals that migrate into the Akaka area druing the dry season (June - September), we arrange day trips by boat there. Our apologies for any incovenience that the upgrade process may cause.