GABON in New York Times--development looms
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One of Gabon's problems is not a lack of interest, but rather great difficulty in booking. I was actually ticketed to visit Gabon this August, but it was very difficult to make ground arrangements. I understand its simple to book one of the fixed trips with Africas Eden (formerly Operation Loango), but I wanted to visit Lope NP. But, the train schedule to and from Libreville to Lope is not tourist friendly, and I was told the road (for what should be a four hour drive) is impassable for 2WD vehicles. If they want to increase visitors, they need to have more operators (aside from Mistral and Operation Loango).
Since I had much difficulty in making arrangements, getting answers, etc., I canceled my plane ticket and will visit Europe instead, where I was able to make my own arrangements via Internet and email.
I have been to more than a dozen countries in Africa, and I have always found it very easy to make arrangments -- so hopefully Gabon will improve over time. But, it may become a self-fulfilling prophecy -- limited agents and limited information do not attract many visitors, and few visitors discourage new agents and increased information.
Oil is behind it. What do you know?
Michael that is interesting, and expands upon why their hopes for eco-tourism being unmet.
Surprise that oil is behind it, and another "surprise" about the Chinese participation....
Here is an excellent company:
http://www.africas-eden.com/
which plan and organize to perfection.
SV
Seems like you need a better internet explorer!