This is one of the biggest lagoons, typical of the Gabonese coast, with a winding trail and with numerous streams feeding into it and lined with mangroves. The banks and islands are lush with plants, and there are many papyrus. The atmosphere is calm and serene, as we might imagine it to have been a century or two ago. Villages spread out behind the thick screen of trees, cannot be seen easily since they are totally integrated into the natural scene. The only structure that is higher than the high limbs is the bell tower of the St. Anne Mission – an incredible metal church with a noble patina from the workshops of Gustave Eiffel,

Saint Anne Mission

Fernan Vaz Laguna

created during the same year as the Eiffel Tower, and transported by Father Bichet’s mother – the first missionary of St. Anne. The buildings of the Mission are filled with charm and nostalgia. The environment is one of meditation, rest and memories: an ideal spot for relaxing and forgetting the stress of the modern world. Spending the night here has temporarily been stopped, as part of the Loango Operation, because of refurbishing, but should begin again during the second semester of 2003.

Not less relaxing – the Island of ‘Petit Evengue’ is at the end of the world. It resembles a combination between Gabonese coastal and lagoon ecosystems, and is a very good introduction to the region for visitors. The Loango Operation is trying to reinsert gorillas here, and for the past two years, there has been a family with the silver-back, the female and little one.
For primate enthusiasts, this is one of the most interesting experiences to see these animals and to listen to the explanations of the specialists who are studying them.

Reflections of the Fernan Vaz

The small lodging centre, ideally located on the edge of the water, includes a very pleasant pavilion with a dining hall and 2 (soon 3) bungalows made of wood, with shower and bathroom. The concert of nocturnal animal noises reaches an intensity seldom experienced. The impression one has of this rather extraordinary area is the perfect serenity – a type of earthly paradise.

Stay in ‘Petit Evengué’

Accessible by Omboué (2 flights per week: Monday and Friday morning), you can spend 3 days here with the visiting and observing of the gorillas, and just relaxing. You can stay longer if you are a primate fan and want to combine this stay with the Iguéla-Loango, including therein, of course, an obligatory visit of the St. Anne Mission.

‘Petit Evengué’ Bungalow

This tourist site is included in the following tours:
[Discovery of the Coastal Ecosystem |
Ornithology Tour |
Discovering Gabon ]