Gabon, Loango National Park - Birding Tour
Trip Report: 17 to 20 February 2005
My first trip to Loanga in 2000 found the area to be undeveloped and a relatively unknown birding region. Five 
years on Gabon now boasts a rapidly growing sustainable eco tourism development and with it the development of some thirteen national parks including the Loango National Park. This recent trip explored some remote parts of central Gabon including Akaka in Loango as well as an exploration of the rivers and swamps of the region with some special birds seen during the 4-day trip.
DAY 1: Thursday 17 February 2005
Our trip began with a charter from Libreville to Omboue, where we were transferred to the luxurious Loango Lodge surrounded by savannah, forest and a spectacular view of the lagoon, home to many special birds.
After a relaxing lunch we took a boat trip on the Louri Lagoon to visit 'Bird Island' and the Loango Weaver, 
endemic to the Central West Coast. Our scenic boat trip was concluded with an exploration on foot of the 'farm bush' trails near camp and an evening of owling.
Birds that were seen included Forbes Plover, Little Bittern, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Loango Weaver, African and Spotted Crakes, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Banded Martin, African wood owl, Black-chinned Quailfinch and Scarlet-spectacled Wattle-eye.
DAY 2: Friday 18 February 2005
An early morning saw us departing by boat for Akaka, one of the most remote parts of the National Park with an enormous diversity of birds and rare butterflies. Our boat travelled up the Eshira River before its return Loango Lodge; the ride set at a leisurely speed as the boat broke down on our way back, allowing us to relax and enjoy the birds near the river.
Birds include Allen's Gallinule, Black Guinea-fowl, White-browed Forest flycatcher, African Finfoot, Blue-headed Wood-Dove, Yellow-billed Turaco, Cassin's Spinetail, Shining-blue Kingfisher, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, White-thighed Hornbill, Black-casqued Hornbill, Blue Cuckoo Shrike and Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush.
DAY 3: Saturday 19 February 2005
Another early morning departure 
for birding in the forest and an exploration of the swamps had us encountering various species of birds. After a late lunch back at the Lodge we took a boat trip to the mangroves and forests adjacent to the lagoon, returning early evening for a drive into the forest for some dusk birding and owling.
Birds observed include Black Dwarf-hornbill, Frazer's Eagle Owl, Cassin's Hawk-Eagle, Bates's Nightjar, African Pied Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, African White-crested Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Naked-faced Barbet, Bristle-nosed Barbet, Fire-crested Alethe,and Mouse-brown Sunbird.
DAY 4: Sunday 20 February 2005
Our final early morning trip through the forest was interrupted by rain. We returned to camp to pack for our departure for Omboue and our afternoon flight to Libreville. Birds seen on final day included Rosy bee-eater and Yellow Longbill.
Click here for Gabon Birding Tour Background
Click here for Gabon Bird List
