Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, Ivindo National Park straddles Ogooué-Ivindo and Ogooué-Lolo provinces in east-central Gabon and features the two famous waterfalls – Kongou and Mingouli – often called ‘the wonders of Ivindo’. The park also includes Langoué Baï, one of Central Africa’s most important forest clearings, and the Ipassa Makokou Biosphere Reserve.
©Kyle de Nobrega
Ivindo National Park was founded in 2002, along with 13 others that combined represent approximately 10% of Gabon’s landmass and cover in excess of 1000 predominantly densely forested square miles. Its biogeographically unique Caesalpinioideae old-growth forests are of special value, and the landscape of rapids, waterfalls and largely intact rainforest is remarkable.
It is a landscape that also supports significant biodiversity. Critically endangered species to be observed in Ivindo include the slender-snouted crocodile, forest elephant, and western lowland gorilla, and there is a very high diversity of butterflies as well as a number of endemic fish species; well over 400 avian species are recorded in the park too, including the endangered grey-necked rockfowl and grey parrot.
©Kyle de Nobrega
Ivindo National Park sees two rainy seasons each year, running September to December and February to May inclusive. Many activities here can be undertaken year-round, including a visit to Langoué Baï, but many regions of the park are not easily accessible, meaning that some visitors may want to plan a trip during the relatively short dry season.
For accommodation in Ivindo, chat with our team about fly camping options.