Frequently asked questions

Is it dangerous?

No. The locals, particularly the pygmies, have a tendency to run away very fast if they meet elephants. This creates unnecessary panic. Either the elephants are also surprised and rush away or they just stand peacefully eating and haven't seen you (yet). And there are plenty of trees to stand behind. There are some snakes, in particular the Gabonese viper. It is advisable to wear long trousers with the legs tucked in.

Is it strenuous?

Yes, it can be strenuous. For example if you carry too much weight, but we try to prevent that. Sometimes there are steep climbs up and down and wading across rivers (swampy) costs energy. The reports from 2004 and KMA 2007 are not representative, it is not that bad. Good physical fitness is essential.

Can I quit at any point?

Only in extreme cases. We have experienced one person with "jungle fever" despite being very fit. In our experience it is mainly psychological. So you must be psychologically prepared for a green world without people.

Are there many insects or snakes?

There are hardly any mosquitoes. Sometimes there are ants. The forest bees can be very troublesome, particularly if you accidentally camp close to a nest, but we have a solution for that.

Why is it quite expensive?

Air France has a near-monopoly for flights to Gabon and prices for return flights to Libreville start around 1500 euros in summertime. From 2006 onwards, the Gabonese government is charging an entrance fee of 5000 CFA (7.50 euros) per person per day for the national parks. They charge it through the WWF and the amount is the equivalent to a day's wage for a guide. Remember that these entrance fees go to towards managing the forest. Also adventure food is not cheap.