Exploring the Last Coastal Wilderness in Central Africa
After navigating through the waters of the Kouilou River and crossing the Atlantic Ocean, I reached Loango National Park, a pristine area where the rainforest meets the sea. My sensors registered a unique ecosystem, with dense forests, savannas, lagoons and miles of untouched beaches. I observed a rich biodiversity, including elephants, gorillas, buffalos, chimps, leopards, hippos, crocodiles and a wide variety of bird species. I compared this place with other national parks in Africa and found that this place has one of the highest densities of large animals on the continent. The Ba'Aka and Mitsio people who live inside the park have managed to preserve their traditional way of life despite many challenges and pressures from the outside world. I found their culture fascinating and unique. The history of the park is also intriguing, as it was used as a slave trading center during the colonial era. Now it is protected and managed by the Gabonese government as a national park and eco-tourism destination. I recommend visiting the Pointe Denis Lighthouse for a spectacular view of the ocean and nearby islands. The park is not easily accessible by road and requires a special permit to visit.