Walking / Hiking

Gabon

Petit Loango Trail - Loango National Park, Gabon

From Akaka Bush Camp, we offer the opportunity to those who are physically fit to walk the Petit Loango Trail. It is a rare experience of true wilderness with very few luxuries except for the beauty around you. The trail is 12 kilometers long, and generally takes 5 to 6 hours. The first kilometer is on water via boat or kayak and the remaining 11kilometers are on foot through the forest:

• The trail is relatively flat although footing can become a bit tricky in parts due to the amount of moisture, mud and water around.
• You will be required to carry all your own belongings and possibly some drinking water as well.
• The food is basic e.g. cereals, pasta and tinned food.
• There are no washing facilities, except for the stream or lagoon, if it is safe to do so.
• Be aware that dangerous animals such as elephants, buffalos, hippos and crocodiles may be encountered, but cannot be guaranteed.
• Max 4 guests for the trail in the wet season and max 6 guests in the dry season. This is due not only to logistics but SAFETY as well.

Once at Petit Loango there are activities such as walks, kayaking and looking for turtles. The entire trip usually takes 4 days. Please contact the Africa's Eden Team for more information and cost.

Petit Loango Trail - approx. 6 hours (entire trip: 3 - 4 days)

From Akaka Bush Camp, we offer the opportunity to those who are physically fit to walk the Petit Loango Trail. It is a rare experience of true wilderness with very few luxuries except for the beauty around you. The trail is 12 kilometers long, and generally takes 5 to 6 hours. The first kilometer is on water via boat or kayak and the remaining 11kilometers are on foot through the forest:

• The trail is relatively flat although footing can become a bit tricky in parts due to the amount of moisture, mud and water around.
• You will be required to carry all your own belongings and possibly some drinking water as well.
• The food is basic e.g. cereals, pasta and tinned food.
• There are no washing facilities, except for the stream or lagoon, if it is safe to do so.
• Be aware that dangerous animals such as elephants, buffalos, hippos and crocodiles may be encountered, but cannot be guaranteed.
• Max 4 guests for the trail in the wet season (October until April) and max 6 guests in the dry season (May until September). This is due not only to logistics but SAFETY as well.

Once at Petit Loango there are activities such as walks, kayaking and looking for turtles. The entire trip usually takes 4 days. Please contact the Africa's Eden Team for more information and cost.

São Tomé

Go on an adventurous hike to the limits of Ôbo National Park to discover São Tomé’s unique water adduction system, an impressive heritage of Portuguese colonial engineering. Kilometres of tunnels have been dug into the slopes and cliffs to canalize water from the Contador River. Our walk along the old water canal will take you through the forest and abandoned cocoa plantations to the great Contador waterfall.

Príncipe

Bom Bom Island Marine Hiking Trail - approx. 1 hour

As you circumnavigate Bom Bom Island by foot, explore its beautiful rock pools with their own ecosystems varying from one pool to the next. You can also find an abundance of birdlife on the island, or try to spot its two species of non-venomous snakes. Best at low tide, and non-slip trainers should be worn.

Bom Bom Resort Forest Trail - approx. 2 hours

This leisurely hike through the forest of the Bom Bom Island Resort takes you up the valley of Rio Petroleum to experience the sounds of the jungle and catch glimpses of a Mona monkey or African grey parrots, or to spot a Principian falcon as you sidestep a land crab. The trail then passes a huge Oka tree and follows the ridge down to Praia Bom Bom.

Mosquito repellent, long sleeves, trousers and hiking boots are recommended. Guides available on request.

Carlos do Fundao - approx. 6 hours

Follow the old roça road to the farm of Pico Papagaio where you can experience an active livestock farm. From here we will follow the contours of the mountain, with a spectacular view of the two sugar cones, Joao Dias Filho and Pai, on our way to the ruins of the old roça of Carlos do Fundao. Explore the forest and see how many ruins you can spot and then enjoy a refreshing dip and a picnic lunch at Rio Joao Dias.

Mosquito repellent, long sleeves, trousers and hiking shoes are recommended.

Pico Papagaio - approx. 6 hours

Follow the old roça road to the farm of Pico Papagaio to experience the daily working of an active livestock farm. From here we follow the old historic trail to the top of Pico Papagaio, which rises at the centre of the island to a height of 680 metres. Reaching the summit, you are met by breathtaking views of the island.

Mosquito repellent, long sleeves, trousers and hiking boots are recommended.

Infante D. Henrique, Praia Seca and return by boat - full day

Following a 4x4 track down the west coast up to Ribeira Fria, we then start hiking past the magnificent “two finger” rock columns to Infante D. Henrique. Here you can stroll among the ruins of this magnificent old roça, now swallowed up by the jungle. Look out for the massive Lemba Lemba tree, unbelievable! From here we head down to Praia Grande for a picnic lunch at the mouth of the Rio Singa. After a well-earned rest, we then cross several little rivers to the fishing village at Praia Seca, the most secluded community on Príncipe. The return to Bom Bom is by motorboat.

Mosquito repellent, long sleeves, trousers and hiking boots are recommended. Guides available on request.