| Lagoon tours
A number of waterborne circuits take place on the Iguéla lagoon. While there is always the chance of seeing wildlife on these trips the main aim is to introduce aspects of the general area and the local ecology and thus the focus is on the 'smaller' things. You can expect to learn about various birds, fish, plants, crustaceans, insects, etc. and how they interact.
Whale watching:
In the months of June to October, breeding humpback whales congregate off the coast of Gabon as part of an annual migration to the Gulf of Guinea. A research team based at Iguéla conducts daily offshore surveys of these animals as part of a long-term study. There is the option for limited numbers of guests to accompany the research team and get to experience the whales at close quarters.
Sportfishing:
Nowhere else in western Africa is the coastal environment so unspoiled as it is in Gabon, ensuring quality fishing for Giant African threadfin, cubera snapper, Guinean barracuda, jacks, and tarpon, amongst others. Most fishing techniques are employed and include spinning, fishing with natural baits, trolling, surfcasting, fly fishing, etc.
Sea turtles:
November to February is turtle season. Four species of turtle breed along the Loango coastline, including the impressive leatherback. You can join one of the turtle data collection teams on nightly marches looking for nesting or hatchling turtles.
Crocodiles
All three species of African crocodile occur in the area and night time sorties can be arranged.
Birding:
The bird life is rich and varied, but as with the forest mammals, most birds require looking for. Bird-watching sorties can be organised on foot or by boat to a large variety of local habitats. Some of the local species include Forbes's Plover, Grey Pratincole, Pel's Fishing Owl, Verticulated Fishing Owl, African River Martin, Black-headed Bee-eater, Rosy Bee-eater, and Loango Weaver.
The Evengue circuit - Mpivié River, St. Anne Mission and Evengue
Starting at either Omboue or Iguéla, spend time at Evengue island and the St. Anne mission, which is the unusual setting of a spectacular cast-iron church designed by Eiffel. Part of the trip includes boating on the beautiful Mpivié , a black-water river with fringing swamp forest, slender-snouted crocodiles and interesting bird life.
Bwiti dancing:
Bwiti is a form of traditional Gabonese dance and you can partake of this unusual spectacle on a late-night visit to a typical local village. The spectacular fire dance is used to make contact with ancestors is an experience you will never forget. The sacred wood (bois sacre) called Eboga is eaten as a hallucinogenic.
Conservation activities:
As part of the Operation Loango philosophy, visiting and resident specialists involved in conservation and research programs will from time to time present their work and offer guests the opportunity to accompany them in the field. ^back to top |
