LANGOUÈ BAÏ TRIP

To do this trip you must be in good shape, physically speaking. It’s a great opportunity to cross the Ivindo Park from the North to the South by dug-out and on foot in 9 days. You pass through forests that had been unexplored by Western ecologists until 2000 and which are still practically unknown.

This trip is a chance to make a North-South crossing of the Ivindo Park by dug-out and on foot, trekking for a number of days. You will cross remote parts of the Park far away from roads and villages and will see the Djidji river and the baï di Langouè, unknown to Western eyes until 2000.

The descent along the river Djidji by dug-out and the trek across the forest is like being in a time machine and takes you back to the Central Africa of centuries ago. The climb up Mont Kingue provides an aerial view of the equatorial forest that is unequalled. On the Djidji river there are otters and other animals; in the forest, chimpanzees, gorillas, elephants and mandrillos.

In the Baï di Langoué there are certain times of the year when elephants, buffaloes and gorillas can be observed in complete safety. If the river is flowing, you will descend the Djidji in a dug-out and if not, on foot.

GETTING TO MAKOKOU

By taxi brousse or Bus:
There are a number of buses and taxis brousse that depart everyday from Libreville for Makokou. The Société gabonaise de Transport runs 1 or 2 50-seater buses to Makoko everyday. The société Etoile Transport, JC Transport, Dino Transport, and others leave from Libreville to Makoko everyday. Allow about 10-12hours journey time. Tickets about cost 15-20.000 Fcfa/person.

By train:
train from Libreville to Boué (night train, arriving at 3am), then taxi brousse booked in advanced for Makokou (3-4 hour).

By Plane:
flight from Libreville – Makokou (not available since 2015, but could be an option).

SEASONS / CLIMATE – MAKOKOU REGION

Long dry season (July-September):
infrequent rainfalls, mild temperatures (22/25°C), not much sunlight: poor photographic opportunities owing to scarce daytime illumination.

Short dry season: (December-February):
scarce rainfalls and plenty of sunlight.

Wet season (rest of the year):
frequent rainfalls, variable temperatures and abundant sunlight for photos.

EQUIPMENT

Please contact us regarding equipment necessary.

Medical and Travel Insurance are required for the trip
Strong (soles) walking boots, a supply of socks (expecially in the rainy season as they get wet easily)
Light-weight long trousers (easy to dry), long-sleeved shirts; avoid brightly coloured clothes (green, grey, beige and brown are best)
Swimming costume
Poncho or lightweight rain-jacket (especially in the rainy season, but also in the short dry season)
Light-weight sleeping bag
Light-weight tent (please, contact us for advice)
Small capacity backpack (30-40 litres), plus a 60 litre backpack for food and extra luggage, carried by the guides
Sun cream
Insect repellent
Torch
Anti-malaria pills

ITINERARY 9 days – 8 nights

DAY 1
transfer to Makokou- Kongou Falls (3 hours by boat), excursion to the canyon (3 hours on foot), overnight stay in camp Kongou.

DAY 2
Excursion to the waterfalls « Bouilla N’a Ngondé », (4 hours on foot), return to camp and preparation of bags, overnight stay in camp Kongou.

DAY 3
Crossing in a dug-out via the left side of the Kongou falls to reach Menamatchema (15 minutes by canoe), set off on foot towards the Djidji river, (7 hours), bivouac in the forest at halfway camp Lassandja.

DAY 4
continuation of the walk to camp Djidji (6 hours), bivouac in the forest on the banks of the Djidji river.

DAY 5
descent of the river Djidji in a dug-out (if the water is deep enough)‎ (5 hours), otherwise on foot and bivouac in the forest.

DAY 6
set off towards Langoué on foot, cross mount Kingué (6-7 hours), bivouac in the forest.

DAY 7
continue towards Langoué (6 hours), visit to the baï di Langoue, overnight stay in camp Langoué.

DAY 8
second visit to the baï di Langoué, overnight stay in camp Langoué or the observation tower to see the wildlife.

DAY 9
departure on a quad bike headed for camp Dilo. From camp Dilo, by canoe to Boué station, or once again by quad bike to Ivindo station. Return to Libeville by train.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

You must be very fit. Children under 14 cannot come on this trip. The trip entails slow treks of 7-9 hours a day. Crossing of Mont Kingue (600-700 m above sea level). In the rainy season, the walk can be more strenuous because of flooded zones.