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Parc de la Lekedi: Gabon's Biodiversity Jewel

Discover Gabon's wildlife at Parc de la Lekedi: a unique blend of conservation, history, and natural beauty near Bakoumba.

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Parc de la Lekedi, near Bakoumba, Gabon, is a unique wildlife park born from a former manganese mining operation. It offers a blend of conservation, tourism, and education, showcasing Gabon's diverse wildlife in a protected environment. See mandrills, gorillas, chimpanzees, and more while traversing lush landscapes and a thrilling suspension bridge.

A brief summary to Parc de la Lekedi

  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for the best chance to see active wildlife.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the trails can be uneven.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera to capture the stunning wildlife and scenery.
  • Check the park's opening hours before your visit, as they may vary.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the park's ecology.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in Bakoumba and close to the park entrance, you can walk to Parc de la Lekedi. The park is located just outside the town center. Follow the signs directing you toward the park, but be cautious of road conditions and local traffic. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Taxi

    From Franceville or Moanda, hire a taxi to Bakoumba. From Bakoumba, a taxi can take you to the entrance of Parc de la Lekedi. The estimated taxi fare from Franceville to Bakoumba is between XAF 20,000 and XAF 30,000. From the center of Bakoumba to the park entrance, expect to pay around XAF 1,000 - XAF 2,000.

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Discover more about Parc de la Lekedi

Parc de la Lekedi, located near Bakoumba in Gabon's Haut-Ogooué province, is a remarkable example of ecological restoration and sustainable tourism. Originally established by the mining company Comilog in the 1990s, the park transformed from a manganese mining support center to a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Gabon's rich biodiversity. The park spans 14,000 hectares, encompassing a variety of ecosystems, including forests, savannahs, and wetlands. This diverse landscape provides a habitat for a wide array of animal species, including mandrills, gorillas, chimpanzees, buffalo, and numerous bird species. Notably, Parc de la Lekedi offers a unique opportunity to observe habituated mandrills, which are otherwise difficult to spot in the wild. Visitors can explore the park through guided tours, which often involve traversing the iconic 365-meter suspension bridge. Constructed from repurposed cables of the old Comilog cableway, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the forest canopy and the Mighola River, as well as a chance to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The park is committed to conservation and also functions as a rehabilitation center for primates, rescuing and reintroducing chimpanzees, gorillas and other monkeys into their natural environment. Beyond its wildlife, Parc de la Lekedi's history is intertwined with the story of Bakoumba itself. The town once thrived as a maintenance hub for the Comilog cableway, the world's longest at the time, which transported manganese ore to the Republic of Congo. When the cableway ceased operations, the creation of the park provided a new economic lifeline for the community, shifting its focus towards environmental preservation and tourism. Today, Parc de la Lekedi is managed by the Lékédi Biodiversité Foundation, which was jointly established by Comilog and the Eramet Group in 2021. The foundation continues to prioritize biodiversity preservation, scientific research, and the rehabilitation of orphaned primates, with tourism playing a vital supporting role.

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