Gabon’s Loango National Park offers visitors an incredible experience: the chance to see elephants, hippos, and other wildlife enjoying the Atlantic coastline. This unique setting is one of the few places on Earth where forest elephants and hippos are known to wander onto the beach, sometimes venturing into the surf—a rare and captivating behavior that has become a defining feature of Gabon’s ecotourism.
Located along Gabon’s southwestern coast, Loango National Park is part of the country’s protected network of forests, savannas, and wetlands that stretch along the Atlantic. The park spans nearly 1,550 square kilometers and is rich with diverse habitats that include mangroves, rainforests, and savanna grasslands, all leading down to pristine, undeveloped beaches. This unusual combination of landscapes supports a variety of species, including forest elephants, hippos, buffalo, gorillas, and several species of antelope.
The coastal wildlife sightings in Loango have captured the imagination of visitors and scientists alike. It is not uncommon to see elephants strolling along the shoreline, creating an awe-inspiring contrast against the waves. Hippos, typically associated with freshwater environments, have also been observed wading into the surf—a behavior seen almost nowhere else in the world. According to park guides, this behavior may be linked to the availability of food resources and cooling ocean breezes, though the precise reasons remain a mystery.
For nature enthusiasts, photographers, and conservationists, Loango provides a unique destination to witness this rare spectacle. According to Gabon’s National Parks Agency, the country has been promoting ecotourism as a sustainable way to protect its wildlife while boosting the local economy. Guided safaris in Loango allow visitors to explore not only the coastal wildlife but also the park’s lush forests, where researchers are studying primates, rare bird species, and a range of endemic plants.
While tourism remains limited to protect the park’s fragile ecosystems, Loango is gaining international attention for its role in conservation and for its ability to offer an experience that combines safari with sea views. Gabon’s commitment to conservation and its investment in national parks have made it a model for eco-friendly tourism, balancing biodiversity with sustainable development.
For those fortunate enough to visit Loango, the image of elephants and hippos against the ocean backdrop serves as a reminder of nature’s amazement.
