In Gabon’s far southeast, on the border between Congo and Gabon, Parc National des Plateaux Batéké lies in the province of Haut-Ogooue. Its rolling plateaus and hills are cut through by valleys and streams that flow seasonally. Elevations range from 350 to 930 meters. The result is varied terrain of ridges, valleys and waterways rather than a single flat expanse of savanna. Those interested in natural environments can observe the terrain and vegetation together here.
The vegetation is also a mosaic: grass and shrub savannas are interspersed with moist gallery forests containing various tree species. Open areas and stretches of forest are both part of the park’s landscape. Nature enthusiasts may want to look beyond the savannas to the moist forest corridors and their diverse tree species.
Wildlife Watching in Parc de la Lékédi
Different wildlife-watching experiences take center stage at Parc de la Lékédi. A drive in a four-wheel-drive vehicle offers opportunities to spot wild buffalo, harnessed goats and birds; you may also see sitatungas. Then you can cross the suspension bridge to observe chimpanzees in the canopy. The drive and the bridge offer different experiences: from the vehicle, you can look out for several kinds of wildlife, while the bridge focuses on chimpanzees in the canopy.
Approaching mandrills takes place in groups of no more than five people and can be physically demanding. For safety reasons, children under twelve are not permitted on this visit. Wearing a mask is mandatory near mandrills and other primates. Visits to Parc de la Lékédi require a reservation and the accompaniment of a guide; check the current requirements in advance.
From Moanda, you can reach Parc de la Lékédi by taking the road toward Bakoumba, then following a one-kilometer track to the park entrance. Check local road conditions before setting out. The two parks offer different experiences: at Parc National des Plateaux Batéké, the terrain and vegetation mosaic reveal the landscape; at Parc de la Lékédi, wildlife watching and specific visitor requirements take center stage. This lets you plan your trip around your interests in landscapes or wildlife.
More Nature and Cultural Perspectives in Gabon
Looking beyond the region adds other examples to this local perspective on landscapes. At Lopé-Okanda, the landscape preserves evidence of the biological evolution of the rainforest-savanna transition zone that has persisted to the present day over the past 15,000 years. Ivindo National Park covers nearly 300,000 hectares and is crossed by blackwater rivers; rapids and waterfalls are lined with intact rainforest. Gabon therefore brings together different landscape features: the transition between rainforest and savanna, as well as rivers, rapids and waterfalls in the rainforest.
Cultural and wildlife experiences also form part of this broader perspective on Gabon. The Lopé National Park Ecomuseum displays prehistoric finds from the park and cultural objects representative of local communities. In Loango National Park, birdwatching can focus on species found in the forests and the Congo Basin. There is also the possibility of searching for habituated western lowland gorillas there.
Discover more destinations: Lemboumbi-Leyou, Mpassa, Plateaux, Ogooué-Maritime, Estuary, Woleu-Ntem.
Return to the main travel overview: Gabon.
