10-Day Dwarf Forest Buffalo Hunting Safari in the Republic of Congo
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Accommodation is provided at a remote hunting camp within the rainforest concession. The camp offers running water, bathrooms and flushing toilets, providing practical comforts during the ten hunting days. Meals and drinks are included, with camp staff supporting the hunting operation throughout the safari.
Dense tropical rainforest with thick undergrowth, forest trails and limited visibility. Hot, humid conditions, wet ground and fallen vegetation can make walking physically demanding.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Léon-Mba International Airport |
| Nearest Town Name: | Franceville, Gabon |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
Gabon offers a very different kind of African hunting safari. This specialist forest hunt provides ten full hunting days pursuing duikers and other elusive rainforest species in a remote concession in southeastern Gabon. It is particularly suited to experienced hunters and trophy collectors looking for species rarely available on more conventional African safaris.
The main attraction is the variety of forest game, including yellow-backed, Gabon, white-bellied, Ogilby's, black-fronted, bay, Peters' and blue duiker. Red river hog, water chevrotain and dwarf crocodile may also be available, depending on the concession and current quota. Dwarf buffalo and sitatunga are potential objectives on alternative safari arrangements and should not be assumed to form part of this package.
Hunting in Gabon's rainforest presents its own challenges. Dense vegetation, high humidity and limited visibility mean that progress can be slow, opportunities brief and experienced local trackers particularly valuable. Hunters considering this specialist safari can find broader information about hunting areas, species and travel arrangements in our Hunting in Gabon guide.
This specialist rainforest safari is priced at US$33,000, based on one hunter accompanied by one professional hunting guide (1:1). The package includes ten full hunting days in a remote forest concession in southeastern Gabon, with access through Franceville.
Unlike a conventional African plains-game safari, this hunt is focused on smaller, elusive forest species. Hunting conditions demand patience, careful movement through dense vegetation and close cooperation with experienced local trackers.
Safari Price: US$33,000
Full Hunting Days: 10
Total Itinerary: Approximately 13 days, including travel and overnight stops
Hunting Basis: 1 Hunter / 1 Professional Guide
Observer Rate: US$4,000
The complete itinerary includes arrival in Libreville, onward travel to Franceville, transfers to the hunting concession and the return journey.
Important: The advertised safari price should not be confused with the total cost of the trip. Trophy fees, applicable government charges, domestic flights and other exclusions are detailed below.
Before booking, hunters should confirm the available species, current quotas, applicable fees and final itinerary with the outfitter.
Gabon’s rainforest remains hot and humid throughout much of the year. Average humidity is approximately 80%, with conditions approaching 100% during periods of heavy rainfall. Temperatures average around 81°F (27°C), with February through April generally among the warmer months.
Even during the drier periods, hunters should expect damp conditions, muddy trails and dense vegetation that can make moving through the forest physically demanding. Clothing and equipment may remain wet for extended periods, while limited visibility can make locating and approaching game particularly challenging.
The drier months are generally preferred for hunting, as access roads and forest trails may be easier to negotiate. However, a dry-season safari should never be mistaken for a dry hunting environment. Hunters should arrive prepared for heat, humidity and rain regardless of their travel dates.
The safari takes place in a remote rainforest concession reached from Franceville in southeastern Gabon. The final road transfer takes approximately five to six hours, depending on weather and road conditions.
The hunting area consists of dense tropical forest where visibility is limited and movement can be difficult. Experienced local trackers work with the professional hunter to locate suitable habitat and pursue the forest species available under the concession's current quota.
The precise concession boundaries and hunting arrangements should be confirmed with the outfitter before booking.
Although the package includes ten full hunting days, hunters should allow approximately 13 days for the complete expedition, including international arrival, domestic travel and transfers to the rainforest concession.
Day 1 — Arrival in Libreville
Arrive at Libreville International Airport, where Cyrus or a representative of the hunting team will meet you. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay before travelling to the hunting area.
Day 2 — Transfer to the Rainforest Concession
Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Franceville, approximately 90 minutes away. From Franceville, continue by road to the hunting camp, a journey of approximately five to six hours depending on road and weather conditions.
Settle into camp and meet the hunting team ahead of the first hunting day.
Days 3–12 — Ten Full Days of Rainforest Hunting
Ten full hunting days are allocated to pursuing duikers and other available forest species within the concession.
Daily hunting plans will depend on the priority species, current conditions and the professional hunter's assessment of animal activity. Experienced local trackers assist with locating game and working through the dense forest habitat.
Day 13 — Departure
Depart the hunting area and begin the return journey through Franceville and Libreville.
The final departure arrangements, including domestic flights and any additional overnight accommodation in Libreville, must be confirmed with the outfitter before international flights are booked.
Accommodation is provided at the outfitter's forest hunting camp within the concession.
The camp offers running water, bathrooms and flushing toilets, providing basic comforts during the ten hunting days.
Given the remote location, hunters should confirm communication facilities, electricity and any personal equipment requirements with the outfitter before travelling.
The concession supports several duiker species, including blue, bay and Peters' duiker, alongside more specialised trophies such as white-bellied, Gabon, Ogilby's, black-fronted and yellow-backed duiker.
These species occupy different forest habitats, and hunting methods will depend on the animal being pursued, local conditions and the professional hunter's approach. The availability of individual species must be confirmed against the concession's current hunting quota.
Although this ten-day safari concentrates on duikers and smaller rainforest species, the outfitter also advertises alternative hunting arrangements involving sitatunga and forest buffalo.
Hunters interested in sitatunga hunting in Gabon should understand that these forest antelope require suitable habitat and a hunting itinerary that allows time to pursue them. Their availability depends on the selected concession, current quota and the arrangements agreed with the outfitter.
Forest buffalo hunting in Gabon is a different proposition. Buffalo hunting in dense rainforest involves close-range encounters, limited visibility and considerable reliance on experienced professional hunters and local trackers. It should not be treated as a casual addition to a duiker safari.
Neither sitatunga nor forest buffalo is included in the advertised US$33,000 package. Hunters interested in either species must confirm the appropriate safari, legal availability, hunting permits, quota, duration and additional costs before booking.
This safari focuses on Gabon's specialist rainforest species, particularly duikers and other elusive forest game. Trophy fees are charged separately from the advertised US$33,000 safari price, with availability depending on the concession's current quota and the agreed hunting arrangements.
The presence of a species on this schedule does not guarantee its availability during the safari. Hunters should confirm the current quota and applicable trophy fees with the outfitter before booking.
Hunting Permit (€2,500)
The outfitter's quoted permit charge includes the rental of one shotgun and ammunition. Hunters must confirm the current firearm arrangements and permit requirements before travelling.
Local Community Tax (15% of Trophy Fees)
A community improvement and development charge applies, calculated at 15% of the applicable trophy fee.
Trophy Transfer & Export Preparation (€2,500)
This charge covers the transfer of trophies to Libreville, Dip & Pack, veterinary certificates and export documentation.
International Trophy Shipping: Excluded and charged separately.
The applicable trophy fees, government charges, community tax and trophy-export costs should be confirmed in writing before booking.
Unlike open-country hunting, where animals may be located through prolonged glassing, rainforest hunting often provides little opportunity to observe game from a distance.
An animal may be heard or detected through movement in the vegetation before it is clearly visible. Hunters need to remain alert, move quietly and follow the professional hunter's instructions when an opportunity develops.
The small size of many duiker species adds to the difficulty. Identifying the animal correctly and establishing a clear shooting opportunity are particularly important in dense cover.
Hunters should arrive prepared for prolonged periods on foot in hot, humid conditions.
Lightweight clothing that dries reasonably quickly, suitable footwear with good traction and protection against insects are practical considerations. Equipment should be kept as simple as possible, with particular attention to protecting optics and other essentials from moisture.
The outfitter should explain the hunting methods used for individual species, the expected daily walking requirements and the firearms permitted for this safari before the hunter travels.
This ten-day forest hunt is intended for hunters interested in Gabon's unusual rainforest species rather than a conventional African safari built around large plains-game trophies.
The variety of duikers, the demanding forest conditions and the specialist nature of the hunting make concession selection, current quotas and experienced local guides particularly important.
Game Hunting Safaris can assist hunters in discussing the available species, hunting arrangements, permit charges and travel logistics with the outfitter before confirming their safari.
Hunters comparing other specialist hunting opportunities across Africa can explore our African hunting trips or contact Game Hunting Safaris to discuss this Gabon forest safari.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
You can speak directly with the outfitter before booking. GHS remains available throughout the process.
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