Ivindo National Park

Ivindo National Park is a vast forest area in eastern Gabon with wide river systems and powerful waterfalls scattered throughout the landscape. The terrain includes both dense rainforest and open river zones, where wildlife and vegetation vary noticeably.

The park was established in 2002 when Gabon made international commitments to forest conservation and strengthened its protection systems. This decision was part of Gabon's broader push to preserve its natural landscapes.

The Baka and other forest communities have lived in connection with this land for generations, using their knowledge of plants and animals in everyday life. You can encounter these living traditions in villages near the park, where ancestral practices remain part of daily routines.

A trip here requires careful planning, as permits and transportation options must be arranged from outside. Local guides are practically essential to navigate the wilderness safely and spot wildlife.

The Kongou and Mingouli waterfalls create different habitats with their own aquatic animals and plants adapted to local conditions. These small ecosystems show how diversity emerges when water meets stone and creates varied environments.