Makokou

Makokou sits on the Ivindo river in the northeast, the main town of the Ogooué-Ivindo province, and it functions as the base for Ivindo National Park: boats up the river to the falls, and the long approach to Langoué Baï both start from here. A research station operated in the surrounding forest for decades and produced a great deal of what is known about Central African forest ecology. The town itself is small and quiet.

What you actually see

• The Ivindo river - the water the town sits on and the route into the park.
• The park access - the departure point for the falls and the baï.
• The research history - the long-running forest ecology station nearby.
• The forest surroundings - dense woodland in every direction from the town.

When to go

June to September is the long dry season and the best for river travel. The rains raise the river and make roads difficult. Flights are irregular.

Honest expectations

The town has almost nothing for visitors and functions as a base. Facilities are basic. The road from Libreville is long and in poor condition in stretches.

Nearby

Langoué Baï is south in the park, and Minkébé is northwest.