GABON in New York Times--development looms

Old Feb 22nd, 2009, 04:10 AM
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GABON in New York Times--development looms

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/wo...q=gabon&st=cse
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Old Feb 22nd, 2009, 01:40 PM
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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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Old Feb 22nd, 2009, 04:25 PM
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Oil is behind it. What do you know?
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Old Feb 23rd, 2009, 03:42 AM
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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....

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Old Feb 23rd, 2009, 02:23 PM
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Here is an excellent company:

http://www.africas-eden.com/

which plan and organize to perfection.

SV
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Old Feb 24th, 2009, 06:34 AM
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Seems like you need a better internet explorer!
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