Located in Loango National Park, in a forest overlooking Iguela lagoon, Ndola Camp is a remote and beautifully located camp offering travellers access to one of central Gabon’s most unique savanna-forest landscapes.
© Kyle de Nobrega
Overview
Situated above mangroves surrounded by primary rainforest, Ndola Camp is a collection of eight en-suite tents centred around a main communal area with outside dining. A rustic wood-and-thatch build, characterised by lightweight wicker seating, and lit at night by lanterns, it’s one of the more luxurious offerings of any wilderness-based lodging in Gabon. A most welcome spot to rest, share stories, and enjoy the ambience and activities on offer in a forest and water habitat, its close proximity to Libreville makes it an excellent option for a night or two to ease into the region before diving deep into the great swamps of Akaka.
Food & service
Ndola Camp is located in one of the best fishing areas in the world, and guests can expect fresh fish caught daily near the camp and prepared using a mix of French and local culinary traditions. Bonuses include the fact that this is one of the very few places on safari where you’ll find ice for your gin and tonic. The service is relaxed and friendly.
Rooms
Spaced along the forest canopy overlooking the lagoon, Ndola Camp’s spacious Meru-style tents include a private deck, double bed, paraffin lanterns, and en-suite shower and sink. Like the shared area, they’re perfectly rustic in look and feel: no unnecessary flourishes, comfortable, romantic, and fine purveyors of running hot water.
Activities
Ndola serves as an excellent base for a range of activities, including game drives and bird-watching, fishing and boat cruises along the lagoon, and the opportunity to observe usually hidden species, the most famous of which are the small herding forest elephant, forest buffalo, and, if lucky, red river hogs.
Impact
Run and owned by Luxury Green Resorts, one of the rare operators to have invested heavily in tourism in central and West Africa, this is one of the few places to employ people for forest-based tourism in Gabon.