Plizio Visual Lab

Mpassa Game Reserve

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

The Mpassa Game Reserve is located in the Haut-Ogooué province of eastern Gabon and is part of the spectacular Batéké Plateau ecosystem. This region differs significantly from the rest of Gabon due to its vast, rolling savannas interspersed with deep gallery forests along rivers like the Mpassa. The reserve is internationally known for its ambitious reintroduction projects, particularly for gorillas and more recently for lions, which were considered nearly extinct in the country. The Aspinall Foundation operates a significant rehabilitation center here, where orphaned lowland gorillas are prepared for life in the wild. The plateau provides a unique habitat for specialized species such as jackals and various antelope species that do not occur in dense forests. The landscape has been shaped over millennia by human influence and natural fires, resulting in high biodiversity. Mpassa serves as an important research center for the dynamics between savanna and forest ecosystems and is a cornerstone of Gabonese conservation in the east of the country.

Location: Gabon
Nearby: Léconi (21 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	24	24	25
Rain mm	133	147	204	197	168	39	13	32	126	260	278	189

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The dry season from June to September is good for observing reintroduced species like chimpanzees and forest elephants. In the rainy season, roads are difficult and animals are harder to spot in the dense foliage.

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Best time of day

Early morning, chimpanzees are especially active, and their calls can be heard from far away. In the late afternoon, elephants often come to clearings to graze.

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Etiquette

Keep a minimum distance of 50 meters from chimpanzees to avoid stressing them. Never leave the vehicle unless a ranger permits - predators may be nearby.

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What to bring

Good binoculars and a camera with a quiet shutter are important for the shy animals. Sturdy water shoes and rain gear are needed for boat trips on the rivers.

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Getting there

The reserve is located in Haut-Ogooué province and is reachable via an unpaved road from Franceville. A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory, especially after rains.

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What to expect

The reintroduction is still young - the animals are shy and not always visible. Plan for multiple days and follow ranger guidance who track animal movements.

Geography

Coordinates

-1.70000, 14.10000

Facts

The Batéké Plateau extends across the border between Gabon and the Republic of Congo.
The Mpassa River flows into the Ogooué River near Franceville.
In 2015, a lion was spotted in the park for the first time in decades.
Over 25 gorillas have been successfully reintroduced to the Mpassa Reserve so far.
The average altitude of the plateau is between 500 and 800 meters above sea level.
The reserve hosts a rare population of Grimm's duikers (common duikers).