Lope National Park, hangs from the equator like a trophy flag, covering 1,918 square miles in the center of Gabon that are home to the highest density of large mammals ever recorded in a tropical forest, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. It is very beautiful and eighty percent of Gabon‘s forest is intact. Spotting our relatives, the gorillas is best achieved by mutual avoidance. Photo by: giles.breton

The males have red, white and blue faces, yellow beards and hugely indiscreet behinds. They hang around alone in the forest except when they need female companionship. This must be a terrible shock to their systems since females travel with as many as 1,000 of their friends and families. These are the largest primate gatherings in the world, but they’re amazingly hard to locate. Western lowland gorillas have never been easy to find because they’re heavily hunted for the lucrative African trade in wild meat and live in a dense forest habitat. Photo by: bernard_in_va

Air France, flies from New York to Libreville, the capital, for about $1,500 round trip. Several airlines fly there from Europe. Visas are required and can be obtained through the Embassy of Gabon. Americans receive a five-year visa for $100. Processing should take under a week, officials say. The Lope Hotel in Lope, has 20 rooms and 3 bungalows, air-conditioning, excellent food and a swimming pool. It offers river excursions and tours. Rates run $60 to $150. Photo by: bernard_in_va

 

 

Gabon lies between the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon. It’s a charming country with lots of the ancient monuments and fashion metropolis cities. Gabon becomes independent on August 17th 1960. Libreville – the capital of Gabon has grown into a contemporary city since Gabon gained independence. There is the major port in West Africa.

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Gabon. Cap Esterias Beach offers the sight of leatherback sea turtles, which can weigh up to 500 kg, but only in certain periods of the year. Along the seafront you will find some Gabonese sculptures (some are 20 feet tall) looking over the beach. From history to art to culture to the outdoors, Gabon attractions are profuse…