To Loango National Park
The Road Chose Me Volume 2 OUT NOW!!
The Road Chose Me Volume 2: Three years and 54,000 miles around Africa
Loango is another National Park I have heard many amazing things about. It is the home of the world-famous surfing hippos, and there is also an excellent chance of seeing wild elephants on the beach, which is quite rare.
The park is horrendously expensive, with a visit starting at $500 USD per day, plus, plus, plus. Obviously I won’t be paying that, so again I set out with the intention more to enjoy the journey, even if I can’t actually get into the park itself. I am undecided about visiting the park from the North or the South, and decide I will simply do both.
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and so I take my time. On the way across I have to get an escort through a Shell oil field, which is a very easy and friendly affair. I camp in the jungle on the side of the road and then on one of the most spectacular beaches of the entire journey.
Click any of the photos below to see a larger version – yes, it really was this beautiful!
-Dan
Checking out the trail ahead
The jungle here is amazing
Camping in the Gabon jungle
Some parts were sandy, but nothing major
Camping right on the ocean with a perfect swimming beach
Buying gas from a container on the side of the road. First time!
At times the red dirt is intense
It simply does not end
The track winds on and on like this
National Park Loango – the reason I came here!
Sunset over my campsite
-Dan
Hi Dan,
Great pics! I see Sandy looking as handsome as ever and seems to be eating up the trails with no problem. Do you experience a lot of curiosity regarding the Jeep from the locals? For instance how it just seems to swim through the mud while others vehicles are immobilized or how it climbs hills like a billy goat?
Oh and by the way I couldn’t help but notice at LEAST five Wranglers on YouTube carrying the 2.5 AEV lift with the J30 camper and 34″ tire combo since your journey began. I think you’ve started a movement bro!!!.
Thanks as always for sharing your adventures..safe travels.
Best Regards,
Chris
Hey Chris,
Thanks for all the support and feedback, it really keeps me going!
That is hilarious to hear there is a “movement” now, and it makes me really happy to think so many people are out there camping and exploring and living each day how they want to. Awesome stuff.
-Dan
God damnit, your pictures are truly spectacular. You have a wonderful blog going on here.
That said, I’m wondering what your plans are when you are done with this entire Africa trip. Surely, you are going to keep traveling the world, right? I sure hope so, lol
Thanks guys!
I am sure my money will run out, so as much as I want to keep exploring the world in my Jeep, it seems unlikely at this point!
There is so much to go in Africa I am really focusing on that right now.
-Dan
Absolutely amazing adventure Dan. You should have a show on NatGeo!!!!
Seeing all those roads you’ve traversed, do you think there’s any way a 2WD vehicle could make the journey? My 2WD van can handle most any road in the US, but I think Africa would be impossible from what I’ve seen in your photos.
Hi James,
It totally depends on where you want to go. If you stayed on the main highways, there is very, very little dirt or gravel on the entire West Coast, and I think you could easily do it with a 2WD vehicle. It’s only when you go exploring off the side tracks that things get nutty. Often they are not insane four wheel driving, unless it rains, then all bets are off.
-Dan