Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda Historical Site

Address: Lopé‑Okanda landscape, Moyen‑Ogooué Province, Gabon

The Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda lies in central Gabon and encompasses a transition zone between coastal rainforests and inland savannas, together with archaeological evidence of past human settlement. The mixed landscape preserves both biodiversity values and traces of long-term human land use.

The area includes forest galleries, savanna patches and valleys that together support a range of wildlife, and it contains rock art, burial mounds and other archaeological features that attest to relict cultural landscapes. The combination of ecological diversity and cultural remains underpins its inscription as a mixed heritage site.

The property sits in Moyen-Ogooué Province within central Gabon, set inland from the Atlantic coast amidst a broadly forested national landscape and accessible from regional towns and roads.

• Mixed natural and cultural values: The property combines a mosaic of rainforest and savanna ecosystems with archaeological and cultural sites demonstrating long-term human occupation and land use in central Gabon.

• Aim for the dry season (roughly June-September) when forest tracks inside Lopé are driest and wildlife viewing is easiest; heavy rains make many trails and park roads difficult or impassable.
• Base yourself at an established lodge or arrange guiding through the national park authorities-most of the best trails, research areas and cultural points require a guide, and lodges coordinate permits and transfers from Libreville or regional towns.
• Don't limit yourself to the savanna-forest mosaics and the archaeological/cultural sites are spread over a wide area, so allow time for guided walks that focus on transitions between forest and savanna to understand why the landscape is unique.