Safari Holidays to Gabon

Gabon Safari Holidays

Gabon is Africa’s best-kept secret — a biodiverse paradise where lush rainforests meet wild Atlantic beaches. With over 80% of the country covered in tropical forest and 13 national parks protecting its untouched ecosystems, Gabon safari holidays offer something few places can: truly wild, off-the-beaten-track adventures where nature reigns supreme.

From spotting lowland gorillas in Loango National Park to tracking forest elephants through misty jungle paths, Gabon is ideal for travellers seeking rare wildlife, sustainability, and a safari experience that’s as raw as it is unforgettable.

A Selection of our Gabon Safari Holidays

When is the Best Time to Go on Gabon Safari Holidays?

Gabon’s equatorial climate means it has two dry and two wet seasons.

The best time for safari travel is during the long dry season from June to September, when roads are more accessible, humidity drops, and wildlife is easier to spot.

A shorter dry window from December to January also allows for good game viewing and coastal experiences.

During the wetter months (February–May and October–November), travel becomes more challenging, but this period is excellent for birdwatching and photography as the landscapes come alive.

What Wildlife Can You See on Gabon Safari Holidays?

Gabon is one of the few places on Earth where you can see gorillas on the beach, elephants walking the coastline, and whales breaching offshore — all in a single trip.

Here’s just some of what you might encounter:

• Western lowland gorillas
• Forest elephants
• Buffalos, sitatungas and red river hogs
• Chimpanzees and mandrills
• Leatherback turtles nesting on beaches (Nov–Feb)
• Humpback whales (July–Sept)
• Over 700 species of birds, including African grey parrots and hornbills

With fewer tourists and an emphasis on conservation, wildlife encounters in Gabon feel intimate, surprising, and deeply respectful.

Top Safari Destinations in Gabon

Gabon’s national parks offer some of the most unspoiled safari experiences on the continent.

These are our favourites:

Loango National Park

Known as “Africa’s Last Eden,” Loango is Gabon’s flagship park and home to gorilla treks, elephant sightings on the beach, surfing hippos, and abundant marine life. The mix of savannah, forest, swamp and coast makes it an ecological treasure trove.

Ivindo National Park

A paradise of waterfalls and forest, Ivindo is best known for Langoué Bai, a natural forest clearing where elephants, gorillas, and sitatunga gather. It’s remote, wild, and ideal for those seeking raw nature.

Lopé National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lopé is one of the best places to track mandrills — the colourful, forest-dwelling primates found here in large troops. It’s also home to ancient rock engravings and important archaeological sites.

Akanda & Pongara National Parks

Located near Libreville, these coastal parks offer mangrove boat safaris, manatee sightings, and nesting beaches for leatherback turtles. Ideal for short stays or as an add-on to inland exploration.

The Types of Gabon Safari Holidays That We Offer

Our Gabon safaris are tailor-made for travellers who want to explore deeper, slower, and more consciously. Options include:



• Gorilla Trekking Safaris – Encounter wild lowland gorillas with local trackers.
• Coastal Wildlife Adventures – Spot whales, turtles, and elephants from the beach.
• Forest-Based Safaris – Navigate thick jungle to spot rare primates and birds.
• River & Bai Watching Safaris – Visit forest clearings where wildlife gathers naturally.
• Scientific and Conservation-Focused Itineraries – Visit research stations and eco-projects.
  

Why Book Your Gabon Safari Holiday with Awake in the Wild?

Gabon is still new to tourism — and that’s why we’re passionate about doing it right. At Awake in the Wild, we work directly with conservationists, guides, and communities to offer safaris that are not only incredible but sensitive, sustainable, and respectful.

Our trips are 100% ATOL and PTS protected, and we build them around your pace and priorities.

Whether you’re here to photograph gorillas, listen for birds in the canopy, or simply explore an untouched wilderness, we’ll help you experience Gabon on its own terms.

Where to Stay on a Gabon Safari

Accommodation in Gabon is far more limited than in other African countries, but that’s part of the appeal. You'll find eco-lodges, forest camps, and community-run guesthouses that prioritise sustainability and conservation.



In Loango, the exclusive Akaka Forest Camp and Loango Lodge offer the best mix of comfort and wildlife immersion. Elsewhere, we work closely with local operators and guides to ensure your stays are safe, responsible, and close to the action — even if that means going off-grid.

Expect rustic luxury, the sounds of the jungle, and the kind of connection to nature that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Combine Your Safari With...

Due to Gabon's remote nature, safaris often pair well with short extensions to nearby attractions:

• Libreville – The lively capital offers colonial charm, beaches, and culture.
• São Tomé & Príncipe – Island escapes with rainforest hikes and cocoa plantations.
• Republic of Congo – Add gorilla trekking or forest adventures in Odzala.
• South Africa or Kenya – Create a contrast with classic Big Five safaris.

We’ll help you plan the smoothest routing possible based on your desired experiences and preferred entry points.

Travelling from the UK to xxxx

Reaching Gabon from the UK involves a bit more planning, but it’s a rewarding journey to one of Africa’s most biodiverse and least-explored safari destinations. There are no direct flights from the UK, but one-stop connections are available from London Heathrow via Paris, Istanbul, or Addis Ababa, arriving into Libreville International Airport, Gabon’s main entry point.

Flight times typically range from 12 to 17 hours, depending on layovers and routes. From Libreville, overland or domestic flights can take you to national parks like Loango, Ivindo, or Lopé, where rainforest meets ocean and wildlife roams free.



We’ll manage every aspect of your travel from the UK to Gabon — including international flights, regional transfers, and accommodation — so you can focus on the thrill of discovering Africa’s best-kept safari secret.

Start Planning Your xxxx Safari Holiday

Ready to discover a part of Africa that most never see?



Call us today or complete our enquiry form to plan your bespoke Gabon safari with Awake in the Wild.

Frequently Asked Questions