Set in idyllic island of Evengue in Gabon, this sanctuary has been the home for the western lowland gorillas that were orphaned by the bush trade. The Evengue Lodge, made up of bungalows set in the forest or fronting the lagoon, is a charming settlement complete with wooden restaurants, waterside terraces and lounges. With the “jungle” feel infused to a traveller’s stay, one can be on the company of local gorillas living on the island. The island can be reached via a boat ride which forms part of the circuit that includes St. Anne’s Catholic Mission by Gustav Eiffel.

The prime objective of the camp is for the reintroduction of gorillas held in captivity from the bush trade. The camp is home to a dozen of these creatures that are being bred by local partners to be brought back to the wild after training. Profits generated by the lodge are directly reinvested in the area to ensure continued and economically sustainable protection of the national parks. In addition to this, the lodge has been instructing and employing locals to form part of their lodging team.