Minkébé National Park

Gabon


The largest of Gabon's parks at 7000 sq km, Minkébé is the greatest refuge for elephants in the Congo Basin; there are said to be 30,000 individuals. You'll also find gorillas, forest buffaloes, sitatungas as well as other animals usually more difficult to find: antelopes such as the endangered bongo, leopards, pythons and pangolins. Inselbergs, formed millions of years ago, rise up above the forest canopy. There are enormous trees and a myriad plants including orchids and ferns.

Permits are available from the ANPN office in Makokou.

The park forms part of a TRIDOM area administered by WWF.

There are two ways to access Minkébé, which is 700km from Libreville: fly from Libreville to Oyem, take the road from Oyem to Minvoul (106km) and then a boat from Minvoul to the village of Doumassi; or fly (or drive) from Libreville to Makokou, then walk 11km to the site of Grand Bois (you'll need a guide here). As you need to get your permit from Makokou, this route makes the most sense.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Gabon attractions

1. Ivindo National Park

16.32 MILES

This 3000-sq-km national park provides the rare opportunity to view forest animals undisturbed in their own environment. The best location to do this is…

2. Kongou Falls

24.64 MILES

Gabon's answer to Niagara are the gushing falls at Kongou. Access is via pirogue for three to five hours through spectacular rainforest from the village…