Stretching out over 5,000 km2, the National Lopé Park is in the
centre of Gabon about 350 km from Libreville. You can get there with
either a 4-wheel drive (about 7 hours by road) or by the TransGabonese
train from 4 to 4,5 hours.
The region gets less rain that the rest of the country. The park
including savannahs and forests is a reminder of what Central Africa
was like during the Glacier Era. After the almost total disappearance
of the forests, the savannahs began to see trees growing out from
small forested islands, which also played the role of refuge for primal
vegetation.
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The Lopé Hotel |
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The Lopé Hotel |
This region has many animals, especially the population of about
4,500 forest elephants, 2,500 gorillas, 2,000 chimpanzees, 50,000
mandrills, 1,000 panthers, and also red buffaloes, sitatungas, yellow-backed
duiker, black colobus, sun-tailed monkeys, red river hogs, 400 species
of birds and many other types of animals. In spite of their great
presence, it is not always easy to see them because of the forest
cover.
The pleasure is all the greater to discover them in their own authentic
environment after all the effort and time spent in following their
trails. |
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An important site for rock engravings is on the Ogooué River,
dating back to 500 B.C., taking you on a beautiful boat ride in a dugout
canoe on the rapids of the river.
Dominated by Mount Brazza and bordered by the majestic Ogooué
River, the Lopé Hotel is a charming place.
Its bungalows surrounded by pretty gardens, have private bathrooms and
are air-conditioned.
Several categories are available for you from a comfortable bedroom
to a luxury suite.
From your private terrace, from the bar, restaurant or swimming pool,
the view is superb.
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Mount Brazza |
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Lopé Hotel Dining Hall
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Stay in Lopé
In addition to the road, which can be difficult in the rainy season,
the main access is the train. Day trains are of course the most interesting,
since you can see the natural scenery, especially in the magnificent
Ogooué Valley.
The Tuesday morning express train returning Thursday afternoon is an
excellent choice. The price includes the train and road transportation
to the hotel, all meals and outings into the park and on the Ogooué
River.
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You can also leave Friday evening and come back during the night between
Sunday and Monday.
Mikongo and Ololo Camps in the depths of the Forest
The Mikongo Camp, an hour and a half from the Lopé Hotel, is
made up of wood bungalows, a dining hall, individual showers and bathrooms.
It’s the conservation centre of Mikongo where visitors discover
the tropical forest of Central Africa, discovering numerous primates,
mammals and birds, including species in danger of extinction, black
colobus monkeys, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, mangabeys, mandrills,
the rare and endemic sun-tailed monkey, elephants,
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The Lopé Hôtel |
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Mikongo Camp
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duikers
and red river hogs, as well as a rare and very discreet bird –
the rock fowl.
Visitors explore the forest through a well-developed network of
paths, and with the assistance of trackers and guides. They discover
the life of the forest and hope to run into various primates living
in this area. The rustic but comfortable Ololo camp of tents is
located where the Offoué River meets the Mangangi River.
It’s a paradise for the birds, and also a privileged observation
site for the rare and
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endemic sun-tailed monkey, discovered
less than twenty years ago in this zone. Ololo also has a network of paths
that allows for easy observation of birds and primates. However, Ololo
is better known for its river routes, whereby visitors go along the Offoué
River in a traditional motorised dugout canoe, with the hope of seeing
on the riverbanks elephants, crocodiles, monitor lizards, primates and
the incredible variety of birds.
Stay in the Camps
Starting at the Lopé Hotel (see access above) transportation by
4-wheel drive is organised to go to either Mikongo or Ololo. You can stay
there 2 days, although it is recommended to those who have more time,
to stay at least 3 or 4 days and visit the two camps.
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Gorilla |
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Ololo Camp |
The price includes the 4-wheel
drive transportation, the lodging and food, not including drinks,
the guides, the boat ride if there is one, and the park entrance
fees.
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