Primates

We Tailor Make all itineraries to Borneo and only part of the trip includes visits to see the Orangutans.  We usually combine this with a beach or rainforest, spa stay.

A typical itinerary could include the following:-

Mount Kinabalu National Park.

Here you can spend three nights in the cabins. At 4,101 metres, this mountain is a spectacular granite landmark and the highest peak between Myanmar and New Guinea. Staying in the moist evergreen forests on its high slopes and in the company of a private guide, you will have a unique opportunity to search for its numerous plant, bird and mammal species. Large mammals are few, but you will see an interesting range of small squirrels and flora including literally hundreds of orchid species. At higher altitudes, look out for the endemic Kinabalu Friendly Warbler and Mountain Blackbird, as well as Blue Earthworms or the Giant Kinabalu Red Leech.

Sepilok

Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre is responsible for reintroducing numerous orphaned Orangutans back into the wild. You will be able to witness the afternoon feeding of the Orang-utans. Gentle and shy by nature and with their habitat fast disappearing, sighting of Orang-utans in the wild are rare. However, one place you are guaranteed of seeing them is Sepilok . Visits are restricetd and you will only be allowed to spend one night here.

Seligan Island

Transfer to the coast for the short boat ride to Selingan Island. A stay on this beautiful island gives you the opportunity to swim and snorkel by day. By night night you will be able to watch Green turtles lay eggs on the beach and help assist the release of baby turtles to the sea. 

Kinabatangan River

The 560 kilometre long Kinabatangan River, and Sukau Rainforest Lodge, are situated within the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. The lodge accommodates 40 guests in twin-bedded en-suite rooms, each with a fan and mosquito netting. Heavily influenced by Malaysian architecture, the lodge is raised from the ground on wooden stilts. Explore the area by boat and on foot, on the look out for Storm's Stork and Wrinkled Hornbill, as well as the remarkable Proboscis Monkey (a bizarre Bornean endemic) and wild Asian Elephant.

Danum Valley

Transfer by road to the Danum Valley and Borneo Rainforest Lodge, stopping at the Gomantong Caves en-route, home to literally millions of swiftlets and bats. Spend 3 nights at Borneo Rainforest Lodge which accommodates up to 60 guests in 28 twin-bedded rooms in 23 chalets, each room having an en-suite bathroom and balcony. Explore the forest on foot, via its many trails, in the company of a local guide. An impressive 275 species of birds and 110 mammals have been recorded in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, which covers 438 square kilometres of lowland dipterocarp rainforest - the best accessible primary rainforest in Asia. Wildlife includes Sabah's ten species of primate (including Orangutan), Asian Elephant, Banteng, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Flat-headed Cat and Malay Sun Bear. More common species include Bearded Pig, Lesser, and Greater Mouse-deer, the endemic Bornean Yellow, and Bornean Red Muntjac, and Sambar.


Extend your stay with a few nights in Kuala Lumpur.

If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.

All itineraries to Gabon are tailor-made so please do call us to discuss the options. There are a couple of important factors to bear in mind when planning a trip to Gabon.

Flights to Gabon are generally with SN Brussels accessing the country by flying into Douala (Cameroon), from where we will organise a light aircraft transfer to Port Gentil (Gabon) and then directly to Loango National Park. It is also possible to fly to Libreville with either Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca with an overnight stop) or Air France (via Paris). Your length of stay at certain locations may be determined by train schedules, and may involve overnight stops in Libreville. Don't let this put you off - it is a truly wonderful country!

Loango National Park

In this scenic 1550 square kilometre mosaic of primal forests, grassy savannahs, empty beaches and mangrove lagoons, Operation Loango manages the National Park through economically sustainable protection. You can experience a wild beauty that no longer exists along the rest of coastal western Africa and know that by doing so you are helping to preserve one of the last great wilderness areas on earth. Loango is so diverse that at least a week is recommended in the park, split between the camps and lodges we show below.

Loango Lodge

This is a luxurious and exclusive hideout surrounded by spectacular views of the lagoon, savannah and forests and it is a comfortable base from which to explore the park. Activities within the park vary depending on the time of year. On offer are forest, savannah and beach walks, game drives, whale watching (July to October), kayaking, turtle walks (October to February) boat trips, beach cycling and beach barbeques.

Satellite Camps in Loango

To experience the full diversity of Loango we suggest you head further into the park to one or more of the following bush camps where accommodation is in tents raised on platforms - each with their own palm shaded covers, bathroom, toilet and bucket shower.
Western Lowland Gorilla

Evengue Lodge

This small island makes a convenient entry or exit point to the park. A safe haven for birds, mammals and reptiles, the Mpivie River has a classic 'jungle' feel to it and is an excellent place for bird and crocodile viewing (Dwarf, Slender-snouted, and Nile Crocodiles occur along the river). The island is also the base for an interesting gorilla rehabilitation project, and the knowledgeable staff will share their experiences with guests.

Akaka Tented Camp (dry season)

A two hour spectacular boat trip from Loango Lodge, this camp is right at the riverside, overlooking papyrus swamps and high forest. Forest Elephants are frequently in the area along with many other species of animals including (with luck) groups of gorillas.

Tassi Bush and Beach Camp (wet season)

One hour's drive from the main lodge this small camp is spread out along a beach ridge, with views of endless forest to the east and the Atlantic to the west. Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo, Red River Hog and Sitatunga are regularly sighted in this area and in the rainy season many animals regularly feed on the beach, including (occasionally) gorillas.

Point St. Catherine Beach Camp
Forest Buffalo

Imagine miles and miles of empty beach - perfect for relaxing, taking extended walks, shell collecting or swimming in the sheltered bays. From October to February Leatherback Turtles come to the beach to nest, and from June to September Humpback Whales, Orca and Sperm Whales pass close to the shore with their calves.

Lope National Park

Lope National Park offers a wonderful patchwork of open savannah scenery and dense rainforest. It is particularly famous for its large numbers of Mandrills, other primates and bird sightings. The main lodge at Lope sits in a beautiful location high above the mighty Ogooue River, with air-conditioned en-suite chalets, but the highlight of a visit to Lope is a visit to the satellite camp of Mikongo - a research station for the study and habituation of gorillas which is run by the Zoological Society of London.

Although gorilla-tracking as a specific activity has been suspended until more progress has been made with habituation, the highlight here is wonderful forest walks with knowledgeable local guides. Apart from about 50 local gorillas, other primate species which are regularly seen include Moustached, Putty-nosed and Crowned Monkey and Grey-cheeked mangebey. Other mammals that you are likely to encounter include Forest Elephants, Forest Buffalo, Red River Hogs, Red, Yellow-backed, and Blue Duiker, and perhaps Civets. There are many Leopards here too but they are hard to see. We recommend at least two nights here to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities.

If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.