As the sun dipped behind the trees at Akaka Forest Camp, I found myself lost in thought on the deck, gazing at the river bathed in twilight. The day had been a wild dance with nature—full of wonder and humility. Here in Loango, the jungle is the boss, and you’re just passing through.
The elephants and gorillas? They’re the true rulers. They let you catch a glimpse, then melt back into the green curtain like magic, reminding you that this patch of untouched paradise belongs to them.
It was a cocktail of emotions—humbling, mysterious, a little maddening, but absolutely enchanting.
Mavoungou, ever calm, joined me with a steaming mug of tea and a knowing grin. “They’ve seen you long before you’ve seen them,” he said, motioning to the shadows of the forest. The night had taken over, wrapping the camp in a chorus of frogs, insects, and distant bird songs. And I swear, even then, the jungle was watching—silent eyes hidden behind thick vines and towering trees.
In that stillness, Gabon’s title as “Africa’s last Eden” felt more than true. It’s not just about the rare wildlife—it’s about the mystery that clings to every rustle, every half-seen shadow, and every whisper in the dark.
Loango doesn’t just show you nature—it pulls you into its secret world.