| thit_cho |
Feb 22nd, 2009 01:40 PM |
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.
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