C R E A T I O N D E V O Y A G E S

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1 1986 Panda symbol WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature (formerly World Wildlife Fund) WWF and living planet are WWF registered trademarks Printed on Neox, FSC certified paper Loango Nation Park, Michael Poliza - Cover : Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata) Michael Viljoen - Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) Africa s Eden C R E A T I O N D E V O Y A G E S For further details: AU TIGRE VANILLÉ Urs Gasser Rue de Rive Geneva Switzerland Tel: Fax: ugasser@vanillatiger.ch

2 1 2 3 I ntroduction 1. African slender-snouted crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus) Michael Viljoen 2. African forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus) Michael Viljoen 3. Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii) Michael Viljoen The region Gabon and the Central African Republic lie on the northwest side of the Congo Basin, which straddles the equator in Central Africa. Coastal Gabon is one of the most ecologically varied regions in Africa. Its unusual combination of habitats supports a fascinating variety of wildlife species, from forest-dwelling apes, elephants, buffaloes and birds to marine mammals and reptiles. Decisive action on the part of the Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba has lent great support to the country s conservation movement, and the coastal region currently hosts five national parks and a number of significant integrated conservation and development projects. The Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas in the southwest part of the Central African Republic protect a section of Africa s most pristine rainforest corridor. This lowland forest, which stretches Fishermen Loango Lagoon, Africa s Eden Top of page: African kwele mask (Gabon) from the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic to Gabon, was famously described by ecologist Michael Fay as Africa s Last Eden. As it is a remote region, it receives few visitors and, consequently, rare flora and fauna, including forest elephants and western lowland gorillas, are able to thrive. The nations Gabon is one of West Africa s most stable and prosperous nations, with a per-capita income of over four times the average for sub-saharan Africa. It is also one of the continent s most sparsely populated countries. Over 80 percent of its 1.4 million citizens live in towns, of which the capital, Libreville, is by far the largest. Oil has been the most important source of revenue for Gabon since the 1970s, followed by mining and industrial logging. Oil reserves are now dwindling and the nation is developing other industries such as high-earning, low-impact ecotourism. Gabon also exports timber and minerals including manganese. The Central African Republic is, by contrast, one of the world s poorest countries, consistently ranked in the bottom five of the Human Development Index. Landlocked in a turbulent region, it struggled through forty years of brutal dictatorship after gaining independence from France in 1958, and is now heavily dependent on multilateral foreign aid and the support of NGOs. The population numbers around 4.3 million of which a large part is represented by self-sufficient subsistence farmers. Mining and logging are the main sources of foreign exchange. Official figures suggest that CAR s export revenues are extremely low, but there s a thriving black market in diamonds, ivory, bushmeat and locally-produced alcohol. Society and culture The Gabonese population includes over 60 ethnic groups, including several groups of pygmies, such as the Baka who have a lifestyle similar to that of the BaAka described below. In addition to the more than 40 local languages, the official language is French. The Central African Republic is home to over 80 ethnic groups, including forest-dwelling peoples such as the BaAka whose survival, throughout the Congo Basin, is threatened by per- secution and logging. The BaAka of Dzanga-Sangha enjoy a traditional, semi-nomadic lifestyle. They settle in villages for only part of each year and derive all their food, tools, building materials and medicines from plants and animals found in the forest. The natural world Around 85 percent of Gabon s landmass is covered with equatorial rainforest. In 2002, President Bongo made the historic move of creating thirteen new national parks, ensuring that eleven percent of the country is environmentally protected. The coastal region also includes lagoons, mangrove swamps, sandy grasslands, river systems and undeveloped Atlantic beach. In the Gamba Complex - a series of protected areas including Loango and Moukalaba-Doudou National Parks, almost one and a half times the size of Yellowstone National Park - humans are outnumbered by forest elephants. The Dzanga-Sangha region of the Central African Republic is the most densely forested region in the country; the rest is largely savanna, well watered by rivers. Dzanga-Sangha is contiguous with two other protected forest regions, the Lobéké National Park in Cameroon and the Nouabalé- Ndoki National Park in the Republic of the Congo. Logging activities in these forests are strictly controlled. 2 3

3 WWF in Gabon and the Central African Republic African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) Christoph Le Petit Conservation issues The main obstacles to wildlife management in both Gabon and the Central African Republic are poaching, forest clearance for agriculture and fuel, and mining, an important source of foreign exchange. Forest timber is also logged for export. As Gabon s oil revenues decline, its forests are likely to become more vulnerable to exploitation. In both countries, illegal exploitation of wildlife resources is a problem: primates and other mammals are threatened by bushmeat hunters, while elephants are poached for their ivory. In addition, the population pressure is increasing in the Central African Republic which is especially being felt in Dzanga-Sangha which is bordered by densely populated areas. 1. Dzanga bai Africa s Eden 2. BaAka Pygmy, Dzanga-Sangha Urs Gasser 3. Loango National Park Rutting Raymond 4. Commercial loggers, Gabon Martin Harvey/ WWF-Canon 5. WWF environmental education, Gabon Michel Gunther/WWF-Canon Gamba Complex Gabon WWF has been active in southwest coastal Gabon which includes some of the best preserved natural landscapes in Central Africa since The organization helped to create the Loango and Moukalaba-Doudou National Parks in the area and has set up long-term national park management strategies. WWF is now working with the Gabonese government and other partners to fund conservation through tourism-related fees, sponsorship and private-sector initiatives. One of WWF s collaborators in the region is Shell, a key player in Gabon s oil industry. Together, WWF and Shell have taken direct action to help eliminate bushmeat poaching and trafficking in the Gamba Complex and are engaged in initiatives to ensure that the local villagers can earn a living without harming the natural environment. Another one of WWF s key private sector partners in the region is the logging company CBG (Compagnie des Bois du Gabon) for which WWF developed a wildlife management plan and which is aiming for FSC certification of its 550,000 ha by mid Dzanga-Sangha Protected Area Central African Republic As a partner organization in the Dzanga-Sangha Project, WWF works alongside the German governmentfunded sustainable development organization GTZ, and MEFCPE, the Central African Republican environment ministry. The project s activities include land management, rural development, tourism development, environmental education and training, and applied ecological and social research. The objective of the Dzanga-Sangha Project is to preserve and manage the forest and its wildlife on a sustainable basis through taking a participatory approach to conservation and development. In planning the reserve, it was decided that provision should be made for multiple use of the forest environment, including hunting, gathering of forest produce for eating purposes, small-scale farming for local consumption, ecotourism activities, commercialised logging and safari hunting. A percentage of all commercial revenues are allocated to a local community fund for social assistance, healthcare and development

4 I tinerary and programme Day 1 Friday 5 March Day 2 Saturday 6 March Day 3 Sunday 7 March Day 4 Monday 8 March Day 5 Tuesday 9 March Day 6 Wednesday 10 March Paris to Libreville Libreville to Gamba and Sette Cama Sette Cama / Southern Loango National Park Sette Cama / Southern Loango NP Sette Cama to Evengué Island and Loango Iguela / Northern Loango National Park Morning flight with Air France from Paris to Libreville (Gabon) where our representatives will meet you for transfer to the Hôtel Le Méridien. Welcome dinner. Hôtel Le Méridien, Libreville Morning transfer to Libreville airport for flight to Gamba followed by a 15-minute drive to the WWF offices. Welcome by the WWF team, the Park Warden of Loango National Park, and members of the local NGO Ibonga. A short introductory presentation will be given by WWF Gamba s Principal Technical Advisor, Ibonga s Executive Director and the Park Warden. Visit of the Smithsonian Institution s Biodiversity Centre in Gamba and its important taxonomic collections of Morning visit to the forest near the Gamba Complex species. Afternoon Lodge where habituation project of boatride to your bungalow accommodation the red capped mangabee monkey 1 at Sette Cama Safaris Lodge is underway, followed by visit of an 2 where you will stay for two nights. The Lodge is rustic but comfortable and is located near the village of Sette Cama. A short walk and cocktails on the beach are planned on arrival at Sette Cama at the end of the afternoon. Sette Cama Safari Lodge, Sette Cama Sette Cama is a fishing village situated on a coastal strip between the Ndogo Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean within the 11,000 sq km Gamba Complex. The Complex is comprised of Moukalaba Doudou National Park (5000 sq km), Loango National Park (1500 sq km) and nearby forest reserves. This region is remarkable for its diverse habitats, including beaches, mangrove swamps, coastal forest, marshes, tropical forest and savanna. authentic Congo Basin treehouse used for tourism and research. Also planned is an introduction to the Park by the Head of the Sette Cama Wildlife Brigade and a tour of the Southern Loango National Park visitors centre. Sette Cama Safaris Lodge, Sette Cama Return to Gamba by sea or road to catch charter flight to Omboue or Iguela. Boat trip with stopover at Evengué Island, home to the Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Project, a sanctuary for western lowland gorillas orphaned by bushmeat poachers Transfer by boat and road to Tassi Camp for the two nights. The Camp is small but comfortable with tent accommodations equipped with private showers and toilets. The oceanside location is ideal for early morning and evening visits to view elephants and buffalo on the beach. The Camp is situated on a bluff and benefits from the evening breeze. Tassi Camp Time to take advantage of the widely diverse activities available in this National Park, one of the few places in Africa where forest elephants, forest buffalo and, very rarely, even gorillas can be seen on the beach. This occurs most commonly in the rainy season. Game drives, walking safaris and a kayak trip to explore the Louri Lagoo are on the programme. Tassi Camp A last morning to seek out the very special fauna of this part of Africa followed by a road transfer to the comfortable Loango Lodge which offers European-style cuisine, a small swimming pool and comfortable bedrooms in individual en-suite cabins. An afternoon boatride on the Rembo Ngowe River will take you to visit a camp where a group of western plains gorillas is being habituated to humans. Loango Lodge 1. Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) Africa s Eden 2. Red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus) Africa s Eden African forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus) Africa s Eden 6 7

5 Day 7 Thursday 11 March Loango to Dzanga-Sangha Reserve Transfer to the airstrip (Iguela or Omboue) for flight to Port Gentil then to Bayanga in the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve. This is part of a trans-frontier conservation area, the Trinational de la Sangha, which is made up of national parks in three countries: the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo and Cameroon. Accommodation for three nights at Doli Lodge, a simple riverside lodge with bedrooms in timber chalets on stilts. The lodge is a short drive from the Bayanga airstrip Doli Lodge, Bayanga Loango Lodge Africa s Eden Day 8-9 Friday 12 March and Saturday 13 March Dzanga-Sangha Reserve Two full days to explore the rich environment of this section of the Congo Basin forest, the second largest forest in the world after the Amazon rainforest. One of the main attractions of the region is the chance to track a habituated group of western lowland gorillas in the wild. Access by road to the research station (less than two hours) and a forest hike (one to three hours). Chances of locating and observing the group at close-range are high. Opportunity to visit a bai, or forest clearing, where salt pans and waterholdes attract a remarkable variety of animals and birds: forest elephants, forest hogs, bongos and sitatungas. A large elevated platform a 45-minute drive plus a 45-minutes walk from the Lodge offers excellent viewing conditions. Opportunity to spend several hours in the forest with BaAka pygmies from Bayanga who will talk to you about their lifestyle, their knowledge of the forest, their technique of hunting with nets and the plants and fruits they use as food sources. Doli Lodge, Bayanga Kota Reliquary Guardian Figure (Gabon) Day 10 Sunday 14 March Dzanga-Sangha to Douala and Paris After a last morning exploring this superb region, you will fly from Bayanga to Libreville to connect with your Air France flight to Paris. Day 11 Monday 15 March Paris / Morning arrival. PRACTICAL TIPS In West Central Africa, most services and facilities, including transport and tourism infrastructure, are relatively undeveloped. However, if you visit with a spirit of adventure, a positive and flexible attitude and a respect for local customs and traditions, you will surely leave with only good memories. Security The Organizer has taken all necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip, but for your own peace of mind you are advised to check the travel advice issued by your country s foreign affairs department. Physical requirements It is important to be in good physical condition to take full advantage of this trip. Accommodation and transport will be comfortable but persons with mobility or health problems are advised not to register. Time zone Gabon and the Central African Republic are both one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +1). Climate West Central Africa has an equatorial climate, with some rainfall all year round except during the drier months of June to September and late December to early January. In March, the weather is hot and humid, but theres usually a cooling breeze on the coast. Maximum temperature 29ºC (85ºF); minimum 26ºC (78ºF). Currency The unit of currency in Gabon and the Central African Republic is the CFA Franc (linked to the Euro at CFA656 : 1). Local currency is available in Libreville at the airport or at your hotel. City hotels accept Visa cards as payment. In the lodges, payment must be made in cash (local currency or Euros). Passports and Visas Please check that your passport is valid at least six months beyond the date you will be leaving the country. You will need to get a multi-entry Gabon tourist visa in advance of your visit from your local Gabonese Embassy, Consulate or visa service organisation. You will probably need to fill out a form and supply a passportstyle photo, the visa fee and an invitation letter from a recognised organisation in Gabon. On receipt of your registration form and deposit, we will send you the required invitation letter. Visa applications may take up to two weeks to process; please consult your local office on this matter. Once issued, the visa needs to be used within three months. Your visas for the Central African Republic will be arranged in Dzanga Sangha. For this purpose, please provide us your full passport details. Immunisations All visitors to Gabon must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at the border. You are advised to consult your local doctor or travel health clinic for details of anti-malarial drugs and other immunisations recommended for the region. Insurance and medical facilities We recommend that you obtain a travel insurance policy to cover you for cancellation or delays, baggage loss or damage, and medical emergencies. Hospitals, private doctors and pharmacies are available in the region but are not necessarily comparable to medical services found in western Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia. Telephones There is mobile phone reception in Libreville, at Sette Cama, Tassi Camp and at Loango Lodge. No telephone communications are available at Dzanga-Sangha. Electricity 220V with European-style two-pin plugs. Luggage Maximum 20kg (including hand luggage), preferably in water- and shock-resistant luggage. What to bring Please leave your jewellery and valuables at home and keep in mind that casual, modest safari-style clothing is appropriate for all occasions. On river trips, you should wear khaki or light colours, not blue or dark colours which may attract tsetse flies. It is advisable to cover up after dark to avoid mosquito bites. Laundry facilities are available at Loango Lodge. We strongly advise you to bring the following: basic medical kit including pain killers, antiseptic, band-aids and bite treatment cream; strong insect repellent; high protection sunscreen; hat; sunglasses; walking shoes; walking sandals; lightweight raincoat; binoculars; flashlight or head-torch; and a waterproof bag for your camera. Food and drink The lodges serve European-style meals, ranging from the simple (at Doli Lodge) to the more elaborate (at Loango Lodge). Breakfasts are continental-style (typically including juice, coffee, bread, cheese and cold meat). European and South African wine and spirits and local beer and soft drinks are generally available. 8 9

6 Booking conditions Registration form Please fill in the registration form and send it, duly signed, to the address mentioned on the form. For more than one person, please supply details of each passport. Conditions of payment A deposit of 3000 is required at the time of booking. The balance must be settled before 4 January Cancellation by you, the participant Any cancellation must be notified in writing and will incur a charge according to how much notice you give, as follows: Cancellation on or before 3 January 2010: 3,000 Cancellation between 4 January and 3 February 2010: 50% of the trip price Cancellation on or after 4 February 2010: 100% of the trip price In case of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, you may make a claim for these costs (at your own expense) from your travel insurer. Travel insurance may be arranged through AU TIGRE VANILLE on request. Cancellation by the Organizer, AU TIGRE VANILLé The Organizer, AU TIGRE VANILLE, has the right to cancel the trip if security reasons (as defined by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Switzerland) demand it. In such cases, participants are entitled to a full refund of the sum paid, but are not entitled to any other compensation. Liability and limits AU TIGRE VANILLE (hereafter, the Organizer) undertakes the sole responsibility for the publication of the final programme. The Organizer guarantees the accuracy of the trip description, the services and the programme s content. As an intermediary between the Client (i.e. the participants) and the carriers, hotels and other establishments, the Organizer is not answerable for the implementation of the contracts made with those companies. Furthermore, the Organizer cannot be held responsible for injuries, damage and luggage theft caused by events independent of his volition, such as natural disasters, war or social troubles. The Organizer s liability does not exceed the carrier companies (as it is defined by the Swiss law or the company s national law), nor those indicated on the transportation titles. The Organizer warns persons participating in a trip, expedition or trekking involving many risks (linked to wildlife, climate conditions, river or sea-crossings etc) that they do so at their own risk. The dates, schedules, services and prices are valid at the time of the programme s issue. The Organizer reserves the right to make substantial modifications, even if this is very improbable. AU TIGRE VANILLÉ has the right to increase the price if the required number of eight participants is not reached. The present document is not published on behalf of the flight companies mentioned in the programme, nor any other company whose services will be required during this trip. No company is liable for anything regarding the trip organization. The competent jurisdiction is in Geneva, Switzerland. Insurance Please ensure that your health and accident insurance covers you in the countries which you are about to visit (it is possible to obtain insurance through AU TIGRE VANILLE). We recommend that you insure your luggage against loss. Have a good trip! C osts and inclusions Tour price If ten participants: 9,900 per person sharing a twin room If eight participants: 11,500 per person sharing a twin room Included A contribution of 500 to WWF Gabon and/or WWF CAR (This contribution includes 70, the financial equivalent of your travel carbon footprint for this trip. The greenhouse gas emissions generated during the trip will be offset using Gold Standard carbon credits to support new renewable energy projects via Climate Friendly see Accommodation in twin rooms (two single beds) All meals, except on the last evening (Sunday 14 March) Soft drinks and water during excursions from Tassi Camp, Loango Lodge and Doli Lodge National park fees Activities (one gorilla permit in Dzanga Sangha) Private internal flights and ground transfers Documentation of the trip Central African Republic entry visa (arranged on arrival) Not included Intercontinental flights, taxes and surcharges Drinks with the exception of soft drinks and water during excursions from Tassi Camp, Loango Lodge and Doli Lodge Dinner/drinks in Libreville on Sunday 14 March Activities such as an extra gorilla permit or fishing Personal items Gratuities Gabon multiple entry visa (must be arranged in advance) Travel and medical insurance Changes to the programme International flights Air France operates the only flights to Libreville which fit in with the carefully planned itinerary set for this Trip. If you need help with your reservations, please contact AU TIGRE VANILLÉ. Guides WWF International leadership WWF local project staff Local guide and translator Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) 10 11

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