Odzala is home to a large population of lowland gorillas, moneys, hyenas, giant forest hog, elephants and a variety of birds. It is one of the oldest parks in Africa (created in 1935) and relatively few people inhabit this part of the country.

The park owes its patchwork of savannah and forests to climate shifts that have taken place over the past 1,000 years - which has lead to a striking biodiversity.

Guides take a maximum of four people at time to tour the park, which includes five camps with eating facilities.

A couple of notes:

- The security situation in Congo usually requires access to the park through Gabon

- Tours mean a lot of hiking, so visitors should be in good shape

photo: http://www.greentours.co.uk/holidays/gabon/gabon.asp