Gabon remains an unusual – and largely undiscovered – destination in which to enjoy an unforgettable African hunting safari. Offering the hunter a unique blend of tropical rainforests and diverse exotic species, Gabon hunting safaris are thrilling, adrenaline-filled, and challenging. Hunting in Gabon offers the hunter everything that is needed to tick the box for the perfect hunting adventure, and more.

But why do hunters travel to Gabon? What is it about this destination that sees game hunting enthusiasts worldwide heading to this tiny country on Africa’s west coast?

[DYNAMIC-BLOGTABLEOFCONTENT]

Key Takeaways

• Hunting in Gabon is a thrilling adventure, resulting in an unforgettable hunting safari filled with challenging terrain, exotic species, and memorable experiences.
• Gabon is easy to reach via Europe or various African destinations. US citizens require a visa to enter Gabon.
• Gabon’s landscape consists of more than 88% rainforests, making for a challenging hunting safari for those wanting to test their skills.
• The country’s tropical climate plays a role in Gabon safaris, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Hunters need to combat the heat and humidity to ensure a successful Gabon hunting safari.
• From diverse species, exquisite natural landscapes, authentic African experiences, and unforgettable Gabon wildlife encounters, professional staff, and a challenging tropical hunting environment with exceptional trophies, Gabon offers hunters many reasons to visit this central African country.

Hunting in Gabon: A Challenging, Yet Rewarding, Hunting Safari

While many hunters may choose to target more traditional hunting destinations, Gabon safaris lure the hunter in search of a unique game hunting safari, where precision, patience, and perseverance are the order of the day, with many challenging species renowned for their elusive natures and camouflage skills. And while hunting in the dense undergrowth sounds exciting, it adds an extra test factor to the hunting safari, testing the hunter’s stalking skills and endurance.

Ten Reasons to Enjoy Hunting in Gabon

Here are ten good reasons for a hunter to consider a Gabon hunt:

• Diverse Duiker Species: Gabon offers hunters the chance to snag an array of duiker species in one single hunting trip. The area is well-known for its abundant duiker species, including the White-bellied duiker (also known as the Gabon duiker), blue duiker, bay duiker, and Peter’s duiker, to mention but a few.
• Exotic Game: Gabon is known for its exceptional sitatunga antelope trophies. Also known as the “marshbuck,” this large antelope prefers habitats of marshlands, swamps, and rivers

• Tropical Hunting Environment: Almost 88% of Gabon is covered in tropical rain forest. These vast rainforests, with dense foliage and diverse species, are what makes hunting in Gabon such a challenging, yet thrilling, destination.
• Conservation and Protected Areas: The Gabon government has established national parks and protected areas, all of which assist in ensuring healthy populations of species, allowing sustainable hunting to take place, and ensuring that the Gabon wildlife is not in any danger of numbers dropping below-accepted levels.
• Tourist Activities: Gabon offers a range of tourist activities to be enjoyed pre- or post-hunt. From tourist adventures such as visiting local markets and sites in the capital city, to exploring the Ogooue River by pirogue or trekking through the forests to observe the western lowland gorillas, visiting Pointe Denis Beach to see leatherback turtles nesting on the beaches, or exploring one of Gabon’s 13 national parks, this destination has something for everyone to enjoy!
• Exceptional Hunting Safaris with Professional Staff: Gabon hunting safaris sees hunters staying in comfortable accommodation, whether camps or hotels, while professional guides and trackers are on hand to ensure that the hunting safari runs smoothly.
• Unforgettable Gabon Wildlife Meetings: When the hunting is over and the trophies have been harvested, Gabon is a fascinating destination to explore, with opportunities available such as western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, and numerous bird species to observe and enjoy.
• Authentic African Experience: Gabon hunting safaris offer a unique blend of untamed African landscapes, an array of species to hunt, and thrilling experiences, both while hunting and when exploring the local heritage and rich culture in the region.
• Unspoiled Natural Beauty: Gabon’s rainforests and narrow stretch of coastline provide a backdrop of unspoiled natural beauty, making it an unforgettable destination for hunters and nature enthusiasts alike. There are many activities which to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, as well as an array of Gabon wildlife and their natural environment.

Gabon’s Hunting Season

Gabon’s hunting season runs annually from 16^th March to 14 September, and even though Gabon experiences rainfall throughout the year, this hunting season runs during the drier months.

Gabon’s hunting season plays a critical role in conservation initiatives as well as local economic stability, with many locals being involved in the hunting industry is some way, shape or form. The combination of favorable weather, animal behavior patterns, and economic benefits makes this period particularly significant for hunting safaris in the region.

The dry season influences animal behavior, making them more predictable and easier to locate, while transport becomes easier during the dry season, with easier access to remote hunting areas that are a challenge to reach in the wet season.

How does the Country’s Tropical Climate Influence Gabon Wildlife Safaris?

The country’s tropical climate plays a role in Gabon safaris, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. While temperatures generally range around 80°F, it can get exceptionally hot and hit temperatures up to 95°F or more during the warmer months of February to April.

The humidity in the region is another challenge for game hunting enthusiasts and ranges from 60-90%. High humidity means a faster chance of dehydration and hunters need to ensure that they keep their fluid levels up. The high heat and humidity can also slow hunters down, making it more difficult to track and target their hunting trophies, which in turn will lead to frustration and further exhaustion.

What can Hunters do to combat the Heat and Humidity when Hunting in Gabon?

• Avoid dark colored clothing as it absorbs heat
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing
• Keep hydrated and eat smaller, easily digestible meals in the hot weather
• Plan hunting activities for early morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler
• Take plenty of breaks to rest when feeling fatigued
• Keep insect repellant at hand, insects are more active during the hotter, humid weather
• Wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun, preferably one with an option to also cover the neck
• Wear a good quality sunblock to protect from the harsh African sun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to hunt in Gabon?

Gabon hunting safaris are indeed legal. There are rules, regulations, and licenses issued and when hunting, ensure that you abide by these while on your Gabon safari.

Are there safaris in Gabon?

Yes, there are safaris in Gabon, with many differing experiences available, while taking in the dense rainforests and diverse landscapes. Tourists can have wildlife encounters with varied species including gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants. Tourists can explore the national parks and enjoy tourist activities such as fishing, watersports, hunting, and hiking.

When does the hunting season run in Gabon?

Gabon’s hunting season runs annually from the 16^th March, to the 14^th September. This falls under the drier season, making the terrain more accessible to hunters and the hunting conditions more favorable.

Why do people travel to Gabon?

People travel to Gabon for several reasons, primarily due to its rich natural beauty and diverse cultural experiences. From enjoying kayaking along the Ogooué River, watersports, and watching the leatherback turtles at Pointe Denis Beach to visiting local landmarks and national parks for the diverse game species, Gabon has something for everyone to enjoy.

Do you require a visa to enter into Gabon?

Yes, the citizens of many countries do require a visa to enter Gabon. US citizens require a visa and this must be arranged prior to the Gabon hunting safari.

Can you hunt the sitatunga in Gabon?

Yes, this large antelope is available to hunt on a Gabon safari. Often referred to as “marshbuck” the sitatunga is a sought-after hunting trophy due to the rarity of the species, as well as its impressive horns and beautiful coat.

Gabon Hunting Safaris: A Perfect Setting for Memorable African Adventures

While traveling to Central Africa on a game hunting safari may seem quite daunting to start with, the thrill of hunting an array of sought-after species in challenging, yet rewarding, conditions is all that is needed to have hunters booking their flights to this African gem. Gabon wildlife is abundant, with exotic species offering hunters the opportunity to harvest some rare trophies, while experiencing an authentic African hunt in this largely undiscovered and untamed gem.