Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Mayumba National Park is located on a narrow peninsula in southwestern Gabon, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It encompasses approximately 870 square kilometers of coastal forest, savannah, lagoons, and one of the most important nesting sites for leatherback turtles in Africa. The park’s geography features a long ribbon of pristine white sandy beaches stretching along the ocean, backed by mangroves and savannahs, providing critical habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Besides nesting sea turtles, the park supports populations of elephants, buffalo, hippos, and numerous bird species. The coastal waters are frequented by humpback whales during their migration season, offering excellent marine mammal viewing opportunities. Established in 2002, Mayumba National Park was created to protect the endangered marine turtles and preserve the unique coastal ecosystem. Visitors can explore the park through guided beach walks, boat tours on lagoons, and wildlife observation safaris that showcase both terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The park's remoteness means it receives relatively few visitors, ensuring a more pristine and solitary nature experience. Mayumba's appeal lies in its combination of unspoiled natural beauty, important conservation efforts for endangered species like leatherback turtles, and the peaceful atmosphere of a largely untouched coastal environment. Its lagoons and wetlands also make it a hotspot for bird watching, attracting species such as the African skimmer and cormorants.
