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Mayumba Overview

Mayumba National Park, locally known as “Parc National de Mayumba”, is one of Gabon’s most unique and vital protected areas. Situated along the southern coast of the country, this park spans approximately 900 square kilometers (347 square miles), with most of its area encompassing marine ecosystems and a smaller terrestrial portion. Renowned for its pristine beaches and critical role in marine conservation, Mayumba is a haven for wildlife, particularly marine species.

The park’s terrain is characterized by a narrow strip of sandy coastline bordered by lush tropical forests and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Offshore, the park protects a significant portion of Gabon’s marine environment, including important breeding grounds for marine turtles and other aquatic life. The beaches of Mayumba are particularly famous for hosting one of the largest nesting populations of leatherback turtles in the world. Each year, thousands of these endangered turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, making Mayumba a critical site for their survival.

Mayumba National Park also supports a variety of other wildlife. Its coastal forests and savannas are home to species like buffalo, elephants, and monkeys, while its marine habitats provide refuge for dolphins, whales, and an array of fish species. Migratory humpback whales can often be seen in the waters surrounding the park, adding to its allure as a destination for wildlife enthusiasts and eco-tourists.

Visitors to Mayumba National Park can enjoy a range of activities that highlight its natural beauty and biodiversity. Turtle watching during the nesting season is a particularly popular activity, offering an unforgettable experience of observing these ancient creatures in their natural habitat. Whale watching is another major draw, as the park’s waters are frequented by humpback whales during their migration. Guided tours of the coastal forests and savannas provide opportunities to explore the park’s terrestrial ecosystems and encounter its diverse wildlife.

Despite its ecological significance, Mayumba National Park faces several conservation challenges. Overfishing, illegal logging, and pollution pose threats to its fragile ecosystems. The park’s marine habitats, in particular, are vulnerable to unsustainable fishing practices and climate change, which can disrupt the delicate balance of its biodiversity. However, conservation efforts led by Gabon’s National Parks Agency, in partnership with international organizations, are addressing these issues. Initiatives include anti-poaching patrols, sustainable fishing programs, and community outreach to promote conservation awareness.

Mayumba National Park is a shining example of Gabon’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage. By safeguarding critical marine and coastal ecosystems, the park not only preserves biodiversity but also supports sustainable livelihoods for local communities through eco-tourism. Continued conservation efforts and global collaboration are essential to ensure that Mayumba remains a sanctuary for its extraordinary wildlife and a source of wonder for visitors.

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Park Map
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Mayumba National Park Highlights

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Mayumba National Park, located along Gabon’s pristine coastline, is a haven for marine and terrestrial wildlife, with its sandy beaches, coastal forests, and marine environments supporting a diverse range of species.

Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
This critically endangered marine turtle uses the park’s beaches for nesting, contributing to the park’s ecological importance as a breeding ground for sea turtles.

Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
During their migration, humpback whales can be seen off the coast of Mayumba, performing dramatic breaches and tail slaps as they journey through the warm waters.

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Green turtles are another iconic species that nest on Mayumba’s beaches, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass ecosystems.

Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
These smaller sea turtles are occasional nesters on Mayumba’s shores, contributing to the park’s status as a vital marine habitat.

Atlantic Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)
This large, silvery fish thrives in the park’s marine waters, where it is both a top predator and a significant contributor to the marine food chain.

West African Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis)
This gentle herbivore inhabits the park’s coastal estuaries, feeding on aquatic vegetation and playing a role in maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems.

Dwarf Crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)
A small and elusive reptile, the dwarf crocodile inhabits the park’s rivers and wetlands, preying on fish and small mammals.

Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
A larger crocodile species, it can often be found in Mayumba’s estuaries, where it serves as an apex predator in aquatic environments.

Atlantic Humpback Dolphin (Sousa teuszii)
This rare and endangered dolphin species is occasionally seen along the park’s coastline, highlighting the park’s importance for marine conservation.

African Civet (Civettictis civetta)
In the park’s coastal forests, this nocturnal mammal forages for fruits, insects, and small animals, playing a role in nutrient cycling and seed dispersal.

Birds

Mayumba National Park’s unique coastal and forest habitats provide a sanctuary for an impressive array of bird species, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers and conservationists alike.

African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
This majestic raptor is often seen near the park’s estuaries, hunting fish and contributing to the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
An iconic species of Gabon, grey parrots thrive in the park’s coastal forests, playing a vital role in seed dispersal.

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus)
These striking seabirds are commonly seen along Mayumba’s coastline, diving for fish in the surf.

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Occasionally found in the park’s lagoons, these elegant birds feed on algae and small invertebrates, supporting wetland health.

Yellow-Billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)
This wading bird frequents the park’s estuaries, feeding on fish and invertebrates, contributing to the ecological balance.

Western Reef Heron (Egretta gularis)
This adaptable heron thrives in Mayumba’s tidal flats, preying on aquatic organisms and adding to the park’s avian diversity.

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)
A large tern species, it nests along the park’s coast and feeds on fish, maintaining the marine food web.

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
This skilled hunter dives for fish in the park’s estuaries, playing an essential role in aquatic ecosystem dynamics.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A migratory bird of prey, the osprey is often seen patrolling the park’s coastline, hunting fish and supporting marine biodiversity.

Sanderling (Calidris alba)
These small shorebirds forage along Mayumba’s sandy beaches during migration, feeding on insects and crustaceans.

Engaging Mayumba National Park

Mayumba National Park is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for leatherback turtles, making turtle nesting excursions a highlight for visitors. Guided night tours offer a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures as they emerge from the ocean to lay their eggs on the park’s pristine beaches.

Conservation experts lead these tours, ensuring minimal disturbance to the turtles and sharing insights into their life cycle and the critical conservation efforts underway. Participants may observe turtles digging their nests, laying eggs, and covering them with sand before returning to the sea.

These excursions provide an unforgettable experience that combines the wonder of nature with an important message about protecting endangered species. Turtle nesting tours leave a lasting impact, fostering awareness and appreciation for marine conservation.

From July to September, the waters off Mayumba National Park become a stage for migrating humpback whales. Whale-watching tours offer visitors the chance to observe these majestic creatures as they breach, tail slap, and engage in courtship displays.

Skilled guides lead these boat excursions, ensuring safe and responsible practices while providing fascinating details about whale behavior, migration patterns, and the park’s marine ecosystem. The sight of a humpback whale emerging from the water is a breathtaking spectacle, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Whale watching also highlights the park’s significance as a marine sanctuary and its role in protecting critical habitats for these awe-inspiring animals.

Mayumba National Park’s unique blend of sandy beaches, lagoons, and coastal forests invites exploration through guided hikes and boat tours. Visitors can traverse the park’s diverse landscapes, observing species like West African manatees, Atlantic humpback dolphins, and an array of fish and crustaceans in their natural habitats.

Guided boat trips provide a closer look at the park’s marine ecosystems, while hikes through the coastal forests reveal terrestrial wildlife such as African civets and dwarf crocodiles. Along the way, guides share knowledge about the park’s ecology, emphasizing the interconnectedness of its land and sea environments. This immersive experience offers a comprehensive appreciation of Mayumba’s unparalleled biodiversity.