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Lope National Park: Gateway to Gabon's Biodiversity

Discover Gabon's natural and cultural treasures at Lope National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with unique biodiversity and ancient history.

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Lope National Park Entrance welcomes you to a realm of diverse ecosystems in the heart of Gabon. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park protects a unique mosaic of rainforests and savannahs, harboring a remarkable array of wildlife, including primates, elephants, and countless bird species.

A brief summary to Lope National Park Entrance

  • VJQ2+HPW, Boléko, GA

Local tips

  • The dry season (June to September) is the best time for wildlife viewing and hiking due to more predictable weather.
  • For the best chance to see mandrills, visit during their mating season from June to August.
  • Consider bringing snacks and drinks when traveling by train, as the service may have limited options.
  • Engage a local guide to enhance your understanding of the park's ecology, wildlife, and cultural history.
  • Be prepared for walking on rough terrain and bring appropriate footwear for tracking wildlife.
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Getting There

  • Train

    The most common way to reach Lope National Park from Libreville is by taking the Trans-Gabon Railway. The train departs from Owendo Station, about 9km south of Libreville. Taxis are readily available in Libreville to get to the train station. The train journey to Lope takes approximately 5-7 hours. Check the SETRAG website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedules. First-class tickets are recommended for a more comfortable experience. Upon arrival at Lope Station, arrange for a transfer to your accommodation with your tour operator or lodge.

  • Road

    Alternatively, you can hire a car or join a tour from Libreville. The road journey to Lope National Park takes approximately 5-6 hours. Be prepared for potentially rough road conditions. Several tour operators offer packages that include transportation, accommodation, and guided tours of the park. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the road conditions.

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Discover more about Lope National Park Entrance

Lope National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, stands as a testament to Gabon's commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage. The park's entrance serves as the starting point for exploring a remarkable landscape where dense tropical rainforests meet sprawling savannahs, a unique ecological transition zone forged since the last ice age. This diverse environment fosters an extraordinary level of biodiversity, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike. Established as the Lope-Okanda Wildlife Reserve in 1946, Lope National Park has grown into a nearly 5,000 square kilometer sanctuary. Its varied terrain is home to over 1,550 plant species and a stunning array of animal life. Primates are a major draw, with the park considered one of the most important regions in Central Africa for their conservation. Visitors have the chance to observe mandrills, chimpanzees, gorillas, and the endemic sun-tailed monkey. The park also shelters forest elephants, forest buffalo, leopards, and numerous bird species, with over 400 species recorded. Beyond its ecological significance, Lope National Park boasts a rich history, with evidence of human occupation dating back 400,000 years. The Ogooue River Valley, which borders the park, served as a corridor for migration and trade, leaving behind a legacy of Stone Age tools and Iron Age petroglyphs. These cultural treasures, combined with the park's natural beauty, offer a multifaceted experience for those who venture into this extraordinary corner of Gabon. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect Lope National Park's biodiversity and mitigate the impact of climate change. Researchers at the Station d'Etudes des Gorilles et Chimpanzés (SEGC) have been studying the park's ecology for decades, providing valuable data for conservation policies. Controlled burns are also conducted to manage the savannah ecosystem and maintain habitat diversity.

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