The Loango Extension to our Gabon - Rainforest Birds & Mammals tour covers the very best birding and wildlife localities within the extensive Loango National Park. Birding highlights are plentiful and include some of Africa's most seldom-seen and exotic species such as White-crested Tiger Heron, African River Martin, Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Forbes's Plover, White-bellied Kingfisher, Loango Weaver, Bare-cheeked Trogon, Vermiculated Fishing Owl, Bates's Nightjar, Hartlaub's Duck, African Finfoot and Black-headed Bee-eater. This fabulous reserve is also extremely scenic with large areas of pristine lowland forest, tranquil, forest-lined rivers, pans and open grasslands and mammal possibilities include Lowland Gorilla, Forest sub-species of African Elephant, Forest sub-species of African Buffalo, Red River Hog and Hippopotamus and a range of tropical monkeys.
White-crested Tiger Heron, African River Martin, Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Red-chested Goshawk, Forbes's Plover, White-bellied & Shining Blue Kingfishers, Loango Weaver, Bare-cheeked Trogon, Vermiculated & Pel's Fishing Owls, Bates's Nightjar, Hartlaub's Duck, African Finfoot, White-browed Forest Flycatcher, Black-headed & Rosy Bee-eaters, White-bibbed Swallow, Violet-tailed, Carmelite, Mangrove & Reichenbach's Sunbirds, Damara Tern, Thick-billed Cuckoo, African Skimmer, Sabine's & Cassin's Spinetails, White-crested Hornbill, Blue-headed Wood Dove, Gabon Coucal, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Fire-crested Alethe, Red-tailed & White-tailed Ant Thrushes & chance of Plumed and Black Guineafowls & Woodhouse's Antpecker
Top Mammals Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo, Red River Hog, Red-capped & Grey-cheeked Mangabeys & chance of Lowland Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus in the ocean & Crowned Monkey
Habitats Covered Tropical lowland forest, riverine forest, rivers, pans, grassland, estuaries, beaches
Expected Climate hot & humid
Max Group Size 8 with 1 Rockjumper leader
Tour Pace & Walking Our Mega tours are very fast-paced birding adventures designed for the dedicated lister and serious birder. The focus of the tour is to see as many of the endemics and area specials as possible in our given time. In order to cover the necessary route to maximise the species list we tend to spend a single night at most sites and travel large distances. There is very little down time aside from that spent driving from one site to the next. These tours are not suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced or new birders; as well as anyone with serious mobility or health challenges.
Ease of Birding moderate with some tricky forest species
Photographic Opportunities good
Andre Bernon did an excellent job as the second guide. We were impressed with his birding capabilities and knowledge, his friendliness and humour, and his dedication as well. We look forward to being guided by him in Ghana next year if things work out as planned.
Glen was great! His steady, unflappable leadership was the best and he got us on some terrific birds, never stopped trying, always looking. At the same time, he handled logistics very well and always with good humour. His enthusiasm for all things in nature and thoughtful attentiveness to the group made this a special trip.
David Hoddinott, with his extensive experience, dedication to the birding task at hand, enthusiasm, and robust sense of humour, was again an excellent lead guide.