Monte Alen National Park is one of Central Africa’s hidden gems. The park is a protected area covering 1400 sq km which is home to gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles and many other species of wildlife. The area is bordered by the large and fast-flowing Uoro river to the west, while the main road from Niefang to Gabon forms the eastern boundary.

During spectacular guided day treks by trained locals you’ll see monkeys, a host of birdlife and butterflies, and – if you’re lucky – some larger mammals.

Despite being a small park, 105 mammal species have been registered, of which more than 16 kinds are primates (3800 gorillas and 1 600 chimpanzees). Also 2300 types of birds and 65 species of reptiles live in the park.

The Hotel Monte Alen offers affordable accommodation and staying here allows visitors to spend a few days seeing the rainforest up close. Situated on a jungle ridge with a sweeping view of the valley below, the rooms are beautiful and clean with running water and private baths.