Exploring the Haut-Ogooué Region from the Congolese Border
Just a few kilometers from the border between the Congo and Gabon, this adventure takes you on a journey to discover the Haut-Ogooué, one of the most fascinating and spectacular regions in Central Africa. From the Léconi Canyons to Franceville, Moanda, the Poubara Falls, and Lékédi National Park, this tour reveals a succession of exceptional landscapes where unique geological formations, equatorial forests, majestic rivers, and pristine nature reserves come together.
The adventure begins at the famous Léconi Canyons, on the border between the Congo and Gabon. Shaped by erosion over thousands of years, these impressive red, ochre, and orange-hued landforms offer stunning landscapes that sometimes evoke the great American deserts or Martian landscapes. They are one of the most remarkable natural sites in the Congo Basin.
The journey continues to Franceville, the historic capital of Haut-Ogooué, and then to the majestic Poubara Falls, where the waters of the Ogooué River cascade over a vast rocky threshold against the spectacular backdrop of a tropical forest. The famous vine suspension bridge offers a view of the rapids and the exceptional panoramic scenery surrounding the site.
The itinerary then continues to Moanda, the gateway to Lékédi Park, one of Gabon’s most beautiful nature reserves. There, visitors can discover remarkable biodiversity and observe Gabon’s famous mandrills, as well as a wide variety of animal species living in a preserved environment that combines equatorial forest, lush valleys, and savannas.
From exploring the Léconi Canyons to discovering the natural heritage of the Upper Ogooué, wildlife viewing, and immersing yourself in the landscapes of rural Gabon, this trip offers a unique experience in the heart of one of Central Africa’s most beautiful regions, just a few hours from the Republic of the Congo.
Day 1: Brazzaville – Oyo
6:00 a.m. – Departure from Brazzaville in a 4×4 vehicle.
The route follows National Highway 2 through the landscapes of central Congo, passing through savannas, gallery forests, and traditional villages.
12:00 p.m. – Arrival in Oyo.
Check-in at the hotel and lunch.
Free afternoon to explore the banks of the Alima River or relax before continuing the expedition.
7:00 p.m. – Dinner.
Overnight stay in Oyo.
Day 2: Oyo – Lékéti – Léconi Canyons – Franceville
6:30 a.m. – Breakfast.
7:30 a.m. – Departure for southeastern Congo.
The road passes through Boundji, Okoyo, and then Lékéti, the gateway to the Batéké Plateau and the last major urban center before the Gabonese border.
12:00 p.m. – Arrival at the Léconi Canyons.
Discover one of Central Africa’s most spectacular natural sites. Visitors explore the impressive rock formations shaped by erosion, with their red, ochre, and orange hues that contrast with the lush green landscapes of the Batéké Plateau.
Lunch on site.
2:30 p.m. – Crossing the border between the Congo and Gabon.
Onward to Franceville.
5:00 p.m. – Arrival in Franceville.
Check-in at the hotel.
7:00 p.m. – Dinner.
Overnight stay in Franceville.
Day 3: Franceville – Poubara Falls – Moanda
7:00 a.m. – Breakfast.
8:00 a.m. – Exploring Franceville.
Visit the central market, take a stroll through downtown, and experience the atmosphere of the main city of Haut-Ogooué.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch.
2:00 p.m. – Departure for the Poubara Falls.
Discover one of Gabon’s most beautiful natural sites. The waters of the Ogooué River cascade over a vast rocky threshold against the spectacular backdrop of a tropical forest.
Cross the famous vine-suspension bridge, which offers exceptional views of the rapids and waterfalls.
4:30 p.m. – Departure for Moanda.
Check-in at the hotel.
7:00 p.m. – Dinner.
Overnight stay in Moanda.
Day 4: Lékédi Park – Oyo
7:00 a.m. – Breakfast.
8:30 a.m. – Start of the tour of Lékédi Park.
Discover one of Gabon’s most beautiful nature reserves. Observe the famous mandrills, learn about conservation programs, and explore landscapes that blend equatorial forest, valleys, and savannas.
12:30 p.m. – Lunch in Moanda.
2:00 p.m. – Departure for the Congolese border.
Crossing the Batéké Plateau and returning to the Congo.
7:00 p.m. – Arrival in Oyo.
Check-in at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay in Oyo.
Day 5: Oyo – Brazzaville
7:00 a.m. – Breakfast.
8:00 a.m. – Departure for Brazzaville.
Final drive through the landscapes of central Congo on Route RN2.
12:30 p.m. – Lunch along the way.
4:00 p.m. – Arrival in Brazzaville.
End of the trip.
Highlights of the trip
- Exploring the Léconi Canyons.
- Crossing the Batéké Plateau between Congo and Gabon.
- Tour of the market and downtown Franceville.
- Exploring the Poubara Falls.
- Crossing the famous vine-suspension bridge.
- Overnight stay in Moanda, in the heart of Haut-Ogooué.
- Tour of Lékédi Park.
- Observing mandrills and Gabonese wildlife.
- Comfortable accommodations in Oyo, Franceville, and Moanda.
- A complete immersion in the most beautiful landscapes of southeastern Gabon.
Map of the circuit
Starting in Brazzaville, this adventure takes you through the landscapes of central Congo to the Léconi Canyons, one of the most spectacular natural sites in Central Africa. After crossing the Batéké Plateau and the Gabonese border, the tour continues on to Franceville, the Poubara Falls, and their famous vine suspension bridge.
The expedition concludes in Moanda with a visit to Lékédi Park, renowned for its mandrills and exceptional biodiversity. With its savannas, equatorial forests, majestic rivers, and remarkable natural sites, this journey offers a unique immersion into the heart of Haut-Ogooué.
Photos
PRICES & RESERVATIONS
Price of the complete tour — Brazzaville → Oyo → Léconi Canyons → Franceville → Poubara Falls → Moanda → Lékédi Park
The “Discovering the Upper Ogooué from the Congolese Border” tour is offered as a guided expedition departing from Brazzaville. This exceptional adventure takes you across the Batéké Plateau to southeastern Gabon, where you’ll discover some of Central Africa’s most beautiful natural and cultural sites.
After a first stop in Oyo, you’ll travel through the vast landscapes of central Congo toward Lékéti and the Gabonese border. You’ll then explore the impressive Léconi Canyons—true mineral cathedrals shaped by erosion—before reaching Franceville, the historic capital of Haut-Ogooué.
The adventure continues to the majestic Poubara Falls, where the waters of the Ogooué River cascade over a vast rocky threshold dominated by the famous vine-suspension bridge. The trip concludes in Moanda with a visit to Lékédi Park, one of Gabon’s most beautiful nature reserves, renowned for its mandrills, equatorial forest, and exceptional biodiversity.
With its spectacular geological formations, wild rivers, tropical forests, wildlife viewing, and exploration of the Haut-Ogooué’s cultural heritage, this trip offers a unique immersion into the heart of one of Central Africa’s most fascinating regions.
What's included in your tour:
-
Transfers by 4×4 vehicle from Brazzaville
-
French-speaking driver-guide
-
Accommodations in Oyo, Franceville, and Moanda
-
Full board for the entire duration of the stay
-
Drinking water throughout the entire expedition
-
Guided Tour of the Léconi Canyons
-
Tour of Franceville and its central market
-
Exploring the Poubara Falls
-
Crossing the famous vine-suspension bridge
-
Guided Tour of Lékédi Park
-
Observing mandrills and local wildlife
-
Guided tours led by local guides
-
Logistical support throughout the entire shipment
-
Taxes and admission fees for the sites included in the program
Important Information
-
This trail is open year-round.
-
A good level of physical fitness is recommended for walking tours and outdoor excursions.
-
Be sure to bring light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and rain gear.
-
A passport is required and must be valid for at least six months after the date of return.
-
Entry requirements for Gabon must be met before departure.
-
Schedules and certain activities may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and road conditions.
-
Wildlife sightings are subject to natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
A tailor-made adventure?
Would you like to extend your stay in Haut-Ogooué, add a stop at the Léconi Canyons, explore the Franceville region further, combine your trip with other natural sites in Gabon, or book the tour exclusively for your family, group of friends, or company?
Contact us. The team at Yonzika Travel will work with you to create a custom adventure tailored to your interests, your pace, and your budget, so you can discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Congo and Gabon.
THE CIRCUIT
Tour Type
A discovery tour in a 4×4 vehicle that combines exploring natural sites, cultural experiences, and wildlife viewing.
This extraordinary adventure takes you across the Batéké Plateau to the heart of Haut-Ogooué, one of Gabon’s most beautiful regions. From the Léconi Canyons to Franceville, the Poubara Falls, and Lékédi National Park, the journey offers a complete immersion in Central Africa’s most spectacular landscapes.
Circuit Level
This trip is suitable for anyone in good physical condition.
Activities include visits to natural sites, guided walks, cultural experiences, and excursions within Lékédi Park.
The hikes range from easy to moderate and do not require any specific hiking experience.
The tour takes place over several days and alternates between road trips, visits to natural sites, and tours of the main attractions in Haut-Ogooué.
Group: Minimum of 4 travelers • Maximum of 12 travelers
Travel with each other!
Is your group already formed? Whether you’re a family, an organization, a company, a photography club, or a group of friends, you can book your stay exclusively for your group.
The advantage of a private tour: you’ll enjoy a personalized itinerary, greater flexibility in scheduling your visits, and an experience tailored to your pace.
Contact us to learn more about our private event options.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation and Access
The tour begins in Brazzaville, which is accessible via regular international flights.
The route follows National Highway 2 to Oyo before continuing on to Boundji, Okoyo, Lékéti, and the Gabonese border.
The entire trip is taken in a 4×4 vehicle, which is essential for accessing certain natural sites and traveling along the roads of the Batéké Plateau.
The long crossings are an integral part of the experience and allow you to gradually discover the landscapes of the Congo and then Gabon.
Passport & Visa
A valid passport, valid for at least six months after the return date.
A visa is required to enter Gabon, depending on the traveler's nationality.
We recommend that you consult the appropriate consular authorities before your departure.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Vaccination & Malaria
Malaria is present in all regions along the tour route.
Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
The yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into the Congo and Gabon.
Other vaccinations may be recommended (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, etc.).
We encourage you to consult your doctor or a travel medicine center before your departure.
ON-SITE
Bathroom & Hygiene
The hotels in Franceville and Moanda feature modern bathrooms and all the necessary amenities.
During excursions to natural sites, facilities may be more limited.
We recommend bringing wet wipes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and any personal hygiene items you may need for your comfort.
Meals
Breakfasts
Served in hotels with fresh bread, coffee, tea, fruit juice, pastries, and seasonal fruit.
Lunches
Served at local restaurants, hotels, or as a picnic during excursions, depending on the itinerary.
Dinners
Gabonese and Congolese cuisine featuring local ingredients: river fish, grilled meats, seasonal vegetables, plantains, cassava, and regional specialties.
Meals are also an opportunity to discover the flavors of Haut-Ogooué in a friendly atmosphere.
Water
Drinking water is available throughout the tour.
As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we encourage every traveler to bring a reusable water bottle to help reduce the use of plastic bottles.
Accommodations
Travelers stay at carefully selected hotels in Oyo, Franceville, and Moanda.
Each establishment was chosen for its comfort, hospitality, and proximity to the main attractions visited.
These accommodations offer the perfect setting to relax after a day of exploring and to experience the hospitality of the Congo and Gabon.
Exploring Haut-Ogooué
This trip offers the chance to explore the region's main natural and cultural sites:
The Léconi Canyons
The Batéké Plateau
Franceville and Its Central Market
The Poubara Falls
The vine suspension bridge
Moanda
Lékédi Park
Mandrills and Gabonese Wildlife
The Forested Landscapes of Haut-Ogooué
A unique experience between the Congo and Gabon
With its spectacular geological formations, mighty rivers, tropical forests, wildlife viewing, and exploration of the local heritage, this tour offers an exceptional immersion in one of the most beautiful regions of Central Africa.
An authentic journey designed for lovers of nature, photography, cultural exploration, and the vast African wilderness.
Book your stay today
Discounted rates based on the number of passengers