GABON in New York Times--development looms
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,203
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,203
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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....
Surprise that oil is behind it, and another "surprise" about the Chinese participation....
#5
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here is an excellent company:
http://www.africas-eden.com/
which plan and organize to perfection.
SV
http://www.africas-eden.com/
which plan and organize to perfection.
SV