1 safari lodges
    Mayumba Coast, Gabon
    Very Quiet
    Malaria: High

    Safari in Parc National de Mayumba

    Primarily a marine park, Mayumba is globally significant as one of the most important nesting sites for leatherback sea turtles in the world. While its terrestrial component is less developed for safari, the opportunity to witness thousands of nesting turtles and observe marine mammals makes it a unique and vital conservation area.

    Best timeJune to September (dry season) for wildlife. July to September for whale watching.
    Species
    51
    Big Five
    2/5
    Lodges
    1
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Parc National de Mayumba Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    The African Big 5

    2 of 5 found in Parc National de Mayumba

    Lion
    Elephant
    Buffalo
    Leopard
    Rhino

    Recent sightings at Parc National de Mayumba

    Sign in to report

    51 species recorded in Parc National de Mayumba6 threatened

    Book Safari Experiences in Parc National de Mayumba

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Parc National de Mayumba

    Gabon is an extraordinary destination for those seeking raw, untamed wilderness. While it's a year-round destination, we find the dry season from July to September offers the most comfortable weather...

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect intermittent showers, often in the afternoon, with warm and humid conditions. Temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 28-30°C.

    This is a good time for birding as resident species are active and migratory birds are present. Forest elephants are often seen on the beaches of Loango National Park.

    We love spotting the forest elephants making their way across the sands at Loango, a truly unique spectacle.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Similar to January, with brief, heavy downpours followed by sunshine. Humidity remains high, and temperatures are consistently warm.

    The lush vegetation makes for excellent camouflage for many species. Look for primates in the rainforests and diverse birdlife.

    We recommend exploring the dense rainforests of Ivindo National Park, where the sounds of nature are incredibly immersive.

    Ivindo National Park
    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park

    March

    low

    Short Rains

    The rains begin to taper off, though short showers are still possible. It remains warm and humid, with increasing sunshine.

    Wildlife viewing improves as animals venture out more frequently. It's a great month for observing gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

    We find March to be an ideal time for tracking primates in the western regions, where the forest is vibrant and alive.

    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    April

    low

    Green Season

    The start of the main rainy season brings heavier and more prolonged rainfall. It's hot and very humid, with less predictable sunshine.

    The landscape is at its greenest, offering spectacular photographic opportunities. Riverine areas are teeming with life, and bird activity is high.

    We love the dramatic, rain-washed landscapes of Gabon in April, perfect for photographers seeking dramatic light.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park
    Waka National Park

    May

    low

    Green Season

    Heavy rains continue, making some areas inaccessible. High humidity and warm temperatures persist. Expect muddy conditions.

    Despite the rain, wildlife remains active. The rivers are full, supporting abundant birdlife and aquatic mammals. Forest elephants are still a highlight.

    We recommend embracing the lushness of the rainforest in May, focusing on areas accessible by boat or well maintained trails.

    Waka National Park
    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park

    June

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though showers are still common. Humidity remains high, and temperatures are warm.

    The end of the heavy rains signals a return to more consistent wildlife viewing. Look for hippos and buffalo in Loango's lagoons.

    We find June offers a good balance between lush scenery and improving wildlife visibility, especially around the coast.

    Loango National Park
    Waka National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    July

    moderate

    Dry Season

    This marks the beginning of the main dry season, with significantly less rainfall. It's warm and less humid, making for more comfortable exploration.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making sightings more predictable. This is an excellent time for spotting forest elephants and primates.

    We love July for its drier weather, which makes exploring the beaches and forests of Loango National Park a delight.

    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park
    Ivindo National Park

    August

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The driest month of the year, with minimal rainfall. Temperatures are warm, and humidity is at its lowest, offering pleasant safari conditions.

    Prime time for wildlife viewing as animals are concentrated. Forest elephants on the beach are a major draw, and birding is still good.

    We recommend August for the best chance to see forest elephants on the beach at Loango National Park, a truly unforgettable sight.

    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Still largely dry, though occasional showers may start to appear towards the end of the month. Warm temperatures and moderate humidity prevail.

    Wildlife viewing remains excellent. The receding waters may reveal more of the coastline, enhancing elephant sightings.

    We find September offers fantastic opportunities for beach safaris in Loango, with the added bonus of fewer crowds than peak season.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park
    Waka National Park

    October

    low

    Short Rains

    The short rains begin, bringing brief, localized showers. It remains warm and humid, with a return to more verdant landscapes.

    Bird activity increases with the start of the rains. It's a good time for primate sightings as they are more active in the forest.

    We love the return of the rains in October, which revitalizes the forest and brings out a wonderful array of birdlife.

    Ivindo National Park
    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Intermittent showers are common, often in the afternoon. Warm and humid conditions continue. The landscape becomes increasingly lush.

    This is a good period for observing forest elephants and diverse primate species. Birding remains excellent.

    We recommend exploring the rainforest trails in November, where the sounds and sights of the jungle are at their most vibrant.

    Loango National Park
    Waka National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    December

    moderate

    Short Rains

    Expect a mix of sunshine and short, heavy downpours. It's warm and humid, typical of the equatorial climate.

    The short rains bring a burst of life to the vegetation. Look for forest elephants on the beaches and enjoy the rich birdlife.

    We find December to be a magical time to visit Loango, with the chance to see forest elephants against the backdrop of a greening landscape.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park
    Waka National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect intermittent showers, often in the afternoon, with warm and humid conditions. Temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 28-30°C.

    This is a good time for birding as resident species are active and migratory birds are present. Forest elephants are often seen on the beaches of Loango National Park.

    We love spotting the forest elephants making their way across the sands at Loango, a truly unique spectacle.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Similar to January, with brief, heavy downpours followed by sunshine. Humidity remains high, and temperatures are consistently warm.

    The lush vegetation makes for excellent camouflage for many species. Look for primates in the rainforests and diverse birdlife.

    We recommend exploring the dense rainforests of Ivindo National Park, where the sounds of nature are incredibly immersive.

    Ivindo National Park
    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park

    March

    low

    Short Rains

    The rains begin to taper off, though short showers are still possible. It remains warm and humid, with increasing sunshine.

    Wildlife viewing improves as animals venture out more frequently. It's a great month for observing gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

    We find March to be an ideal time for tracking primates in the western regions, where the forest is vibrant and alive.

    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    April

    low

    Green Season

    The start of the main rainy season brings heavier and more prolonged rainfall. It's hot and very humid, with less predictable sunshine.

    The landscape is at its greenest, offering spectacular photographic opportunities. Riverine areas are teeming with life, and bird activity is high.

    We love the dramatic, rain-washed landscapes of Gabon in April, perfect for photographers seeking dramatic light.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park
    Waka National Park

    May

    low

    Green Season

    Heavy rains continue, making some areas inaccessible. High humidity and warm temperatures persist. Expect muddy conditions.

    Despite the rain, wildlife remains active. The rivers are full, supporting abundant birdlife and aquatic mammals. Forest elephants are still a highlight.

    We recommend embracing the lushness of the rainforest in May, focusing on areas accessible by boat or well maintained trails.

    Waka National Park
    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park

    June

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though showers are still common. Humidity remains high, and temperatures are warm.

    The end of the heavy rains signals a return to more consistent wildlife viewing. Look for hippos and buffalo in Loango's lagoons.

    We find June offers a good balance between lush scenery and improving wildlife visibility, especially around the coast.

    Loango National Park
    Waka National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    July

    moderate

    Dry Season

    This marks the beginning of the main dry season, with significantly less rainfall. It's warm and less humid, making for more comfortable exploration.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making sightings more predictable. This is an excellent time for spotting forest elephants and primates.

    We love July for its drier weather, which makes exploring the beaches and forests of Loango National Park a delight.

    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park
    Ivindo National Park

    August

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The driest month of the year, with minimal rainfall. Temperatures are warm, and humidity is at its lowest, offering pleasant safari conditions.

    Prime time for wildlife viewing as animals are concentrated. Forest elephants on the beach are a major draw, and birding is still good.

    We recommend August for the best chance to see forest elephants on the beach at Loango National Park, a truly unforgettable sight.

    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Still largely dry, though occasional showers may start to appear towards the end of the month. Warm temperatures and moderate humidity prevail.

    Wildlife viewing remains excellent. The receding waters may reveal more of the coastline, enhancing elephant sightings.

    We find September offers fantastic opportunities for beach safaris in Loango, with the added bonus of fewer crowds than peak season.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park
    Waka National Park

    October

    low

    Short Rains

    The short rains begin, bringing brief, localized showers. It remains warm and humid, with a return to more verdant landscapes.

    Bird activity increases with the start of the rains. It's a good time for primate sightings as they are more active in the forest.

    We love the return of the rains in October, which revitalizes the forest and brings out a wonderful array of birdlife.

    Ivindo National Park
    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Intermittent showers are common, often in the afternoon. Warm and humid conditions continue. The landscape becomes increasingly lush.

    This is a good period for observing forest elephants and diverse primate species. Birding remains excellent.

    We recommend exploring the rainforest trails in November, where the sounds and sights of the jungle are at their most vibrant.

    Loango National Park
    Waka National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    December

    moderate

    Short Rains

    Expect a mix of sunshine and short, heavy downpours. It's warm and humid, typical of the equatorial climate.

    The short rains bring a burst of life to the vegetation. Look for forest elephants on the beaches and enjoy the rich birdlife.

    We find December to be a magical time to visit Loango, with the chance to see forest elephants against the backdrop of a greening landscape.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park
    Waka National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect intermittent showers, often in the afternoon, with warm and humid conditions. Temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 28-30°C.

    This is a good time for birding as resident species are active and migratory birds are present. Forest elephants are often seen on the beaches of Loango National Park.

    We love spotting the forest elephants making their way across the sands at Loango, a truly unique spectacle.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Similar to January, with brief, heavy downpours followed by sunshine. Humidity remains high, and temperatures are consistently warm.

    The lush vegetation makes for excellent camouflage for many species. Look for primates in the rainforests and diverse birdlife.

    We recommend exploring the dense rainforests of Ivindo National Park, where the sounds of nature are incredibly immersive.

    Ivindo National Park
    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park

    March

    low

    Short Rains

    The rains begin to taper off, though short showers are still possible. It remains warm and humid, with increasing sunshine.

    Wildlife viewing improves as animals venture out more frequently. It's a great month for observing gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

    We find March to be an ideal time for tracking primates in the western regions, where the forest is vibrant and alive.

    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    April

    low

    Green Season

    The start of the main rainy season brings heavier and more prolonged rainfall. It's hot and very humid, with less predictable sunshine.

    The landscape is at its greenest, offering spectacular photographic opportunities. Riverine areas are teeming with life, and bird activity is high.

    We love the dramatic, rain-washed landscapes of Gabon in April, perfect for photographers seeking dramatic light.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park
    Waka National Park

    May

    low

    Green Season

    Heavy rains continue, making some areas inaccessible. High humidity and warm temperatures persist. Expect muddy conditions.

    Despite the rain, wildlife remains active. The rivers are full, supporting abundant birdlife and aquatic mammals. Forest elephants are still a highlight.

    We recommend embracing the lushness of the rainforest in May, focusing on areas accessible by boat or well maintained trails.

    Waka National Park
    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park

    June

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though showers are still common. Humidity remains high, and temperatures are warm.

    The end of the heavy rains signals a return to more consistent wildlife viewing. Look for hippos and buffalo in Loango's lagoons.

    We find June offers a good balance between lush scenery and improving wildlife visibility, especially around the coast.

    Loango National Park
    Waka National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    July

    moderate

    Dry Season

    This marks the beginning of the main dry season, with significantly less rainfall. It's warm and less humid, making for more comfortable exploration.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making sightings more predictable. This is an excellent time for spotting forest elephants and primates.

    We love July for its drier weather, which makes exploring the beaches and forests of Loango National Park a delight.

    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park
    Ivindo National Park

    August

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The driest month of the year, with minimal rainfall. Temperatures are warm, and humidity is at its lowest, offering pleasant safari conditions.

    Prime time for wildlife viewing as animals are concentrated. Forest elephants on the beach are a major draw, and birding is still good.

    We recommend August for the best chance to see forest elephants on the beach at Loango National Park, a truly unforgettable sight.

    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Still largely dry, though occasional showers may start to appear towards the end of the month. Warm temperatures and moderate humidity prevail.

    Wildlife viewing remains excellent. The receding waters may reveal more of the coastline, enhancing elephant sightings.

    We find September offers fantastic opportunities for beach safaris in Loango, with the added bonus of fewer crowds than peak season.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park
    Waka National Park

    October

    low

    Short Rains

    The short rains begin, bringing brief, localized showers. It remains warm and humid, with a return to more verdant landscapes.

    Bird activity increases with the start of the rains. It's a good time for primate sightings as they are more active in the forest.

    We love the return of the rains in October, which revitalizes the forest and brings out a wonderful array of birdlife.

    Ivindo National Park
    Loango National Park
    Minkébé National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Intermittent showers are common, often in the afternoon. Warm and humid conditions continue. The landscape becomes increasingly lush.

    This is a good period for observing forest elephants and diverse primate species. Birding remains excellent.

    We recommend exploring the rainforest trails in November, where the sounds and sights of the jungle are at their most vibrant.

    Loango National Park
    Waka National Park
    Pangoulé National Park

    December

    moderate

    Short Rains

    Expect a mix of sunshine and short, heavy downpours. It's warm and humid, typical of the equatorial climate.

    The short rains bring a burst of life to the vegetation. Look for forest elephants on the beaches and enjoy the rich birdlife.

    We find December to be a magical time to visit Loango, with the chance to see forest elephants against the backdrop of a greening landscape.

    Loango National Park
    Ivindo National Park
    Waka National Park
    Planning & reference

    We love Mayumba for its breathtaking scale and the profound sense of wildness it offers. It's one of the few places where you can witness forest elephants on pristine beaches, then turn your gaze to the ocean for migrating whales or nesting turtles. The sheer emptiness of the coastline is a sensory experience in itself, truly unforgettable.

    Gate Times

    Access to Parc National de Mayumba is primarily managed through accredited safari operators and lodges, rather than fixed gate times. We recommend pre-booking your visit well in advance, especially during the peak dry season (June to September) for optimal wildlife viewing, and specifically July to September for the incredible whale migration. Permits are mandatory and typically arranged by your operator; direct access without prior arrangements is not feasible.

    Tipping

    Tipping is customary and a meaningful way to acknowledge excellent service in Gabon. We suggest around $10-15 per guest per day for your main guide, and $5-10 per guest per day for general camp staff, which can be placed in a communal tip box. Rangers accompanying specific activities might appreciate a separate gratuity of $5-10 per activity. Always tip in local currency (CFA francs) or USD, and discreetly.

    Dress Code

    Given Mayumba's unique coastal and forest environment, we recommend lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colours like khaki, olive, or grey. Long sleeves and trousers are essential for protection against sun, insects, and thorny vegetation, especially during forest walks. Layers are key, as mornings can be cool, warming up significantly by midday. A wide-brimmed hat and comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are non-negotiable. For evenings in camp, smart casual is perfectly acceptable; the lodge feels luxurious and timeless, but never overly formal.

    Photography

    Mayumba offers unparalleled photographic opportunities, from the vast, empty beaches to the dense forest and marine life. We advise bringing a telephoto lens for wildlife and a wide-angle for landscapes. Drones are generally restricted within national parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor privacy; always check with your operator or the park authorities beforehand. Be respectful of wildlife, never use flash photography at night, and always follow your guide's instructions. The sunsets are sensational, offering incredible light for dramatic shots.

    Etiquette

    We encourage a quiet and respectful approach to wildlife viewing; loud noises can disturb animals and detract from the experience for others. Always remain in your designated vehicle or follow your guide's instructions during walks. Never attempt to feed or approach wildlife. In camp, maintain a considerate noise level, especially in communal areas, and respect the privacy of other guests. Remember, you are a visitor in their home.

    What to Bring

    Malaria prophylaxis (prescribed by your doctor)
    High-DEET insect repellent
    Wide-brimmed hat
    Polarized sunglasses
    Reef-safe sunscreen
    Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers
    Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
    Sandals or flip-flops for camp
    Swimwear
    Binoculars
    Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
    A waterproof dry bag for beach excursions

    Temperature

    26.08°C

    79°F · Range: 24.13–28.7°C

    Rainfall

    289.7 mm

    Heavy rains · 27.6 rainy days

    Humidity

    87.3%

    Sunshine

    8.1 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    3.43 m/s

    12.3 km/h

    Based on 5 years of weather data · Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

    Parc National de Mayumba Reviews