Hidden in the depths of Gabon, in the extreme north of the country, the Minkebe
National Park is a vast virgin forest of about 8000 square kilometers. It is here
in the heart of the tropical rainforest of Africa, the 2nd largest forest block
remaining in the world, one of the last wildernesses on the planet.It is also the
largest refuge for elephants in the Congo Basin. The park and its surroundings are
home to the largest population of elephants in Central Africa. It is estimated at
30,000 individuals.Many other charismatic species inhabit this forest: gorillas,
buffalo, sitatunga. We meet tough species elsewhere: giant forest hogs, black
colobus monkeys, pangolins, leopards, pythons, duikers, the crowned eagles and
even the very shy antelope bongo is present, too, in the forest Minkebe surprise
but still a great privilege. Sometimes she appears on inselbergs, these granite
mountains with spectacular domes emerging from the canopy. Inselbergs were formed
there for millions of years and majestically overlooking a forest of sea. Larger
trees, dating back several hundred years, exceed 50 meters in height and are adorned
with an extraordinarily rich flora: orchids, ferns . This wild garden attracts many
small animals including insects with amazing colors.
To be on the safe side, it is better not to drink the tap water in Gabon unless you have water-purifying tablets. Bottled water is widely available, as are soft drinks (usually referred to as jus) like Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta, beers, wines and spirits. ... In rural areas, the ubiquitous palm wine is the usual tipple.