{"id":288507,"date":"2025-06-11T18:16:46","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T18:16:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/nyonie-up-close-with-elephants-in-gabon\/"},"modified":"2025-06-11T18:16:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T18:16:46","slug":"nyonie-up-close-with-elephants-in-gabon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=288507","title":{"rendered":"Nyoni\u00e9: Up-close with elephants in Gabon"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Sometimes, chance can lead you to the most interesting experiences. This is a little story about Nyoni\u00e9. And elephants.<\/p>\n

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Footprints in the sand: who walked here?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nyoni\u00e9<\/strong><\/em>
2 April 2025<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019m in Gabon, kinda random.<\/p>\n

Searching for flights to RCA (the Central African Republic)<\/a> for an upcoming trip, it occurred to me that I could use some of those frequent flier points I have lying about. Trouble is, Skyteam award fares are few and far between. Flights to \u2013 or from \u2013 Bangui? Non-existent.<\/p>\n

What about neighbouring countries then? Perhaps even neighbouring countries where I haven\u2019t yet been. Suddenly a much bigger world opens up. I end up flying in to Equatorial Guinea<\/a>, 4 days there, then on to Cameroon<\/a> for 3 days, and onwards to RCA. Going home is a bit more challenging. In fact, the only option back to Oslo, is from Libreville, 2 days after leaving RCA.<\/p>\n

2 days in Gabon, then. Need to fill those with something that will give a tiny taste of the country. A fixer in Libreville is contacted. A tour around in Gabon\u2019s capital, perhaps? And can he help with the documents needed to get a visa?<\/p>\n

He can \u2013 and he does. And then some. Louis is his name (let me know<\/a> if you would like his WhatsApp), and he suggests that instead of spending those two days in Libreville, how about getting out in Gabon\u2019s gorgeous wilderness instead?<\/p>\n

Yes!! You don\u2019t have to ask me twice. Absolutely want that. In Africa, the cities are rarely the draw.<\/p>\n

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Libreville morning<\/h2>\n

The plane from Bangui arrives in Libreville at night on the last day of March. Louis is waiting at arrivals and we head straight to a not-exactly-wonderful hotel. Taking total blame for that; I had neglected to organise accoms here in Gabon, so this was a last-minute one. I\u2019ve already forgotten the name. Just as well.<\/p>\n

After a few hours\u2019 sleep, we\u2019re at the port, waiting for transport across the Gabon Estuary. I have no idea what\u2019s coming, though I think there was something about animals. A safari, perhaps? Been too busy focussing on RCA and have barely read what Louis has said. Also, have to admit I rather enjoy not knowing what\u2019s around the corner.<\/p>\n

Nyoni\u00e9, he says. It includes a little boat trip, a bumpy ride in a 4\u00d74, and sleeping in a cabin by the beach. And \u2013 there will be elephants!<\/p>\n

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Early morning in Libreville\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n