Mont Iboundji

Mont Iboundji rises in the Chaillu massif of south-central Gabon and was for a long time taken to be the highest point in the country, at around nine hundred and seventy metres, until later surveying suggested peaks further east are higher. The climb from Iboundji village goes up through forest with a guide, taking a few hours, and the summit is wooded with limited views. The claim is still made locally.

What you actually see

• The summit - around nine hundred and seventy metres in the Chaillu massif.
• The forest climb - the guided route up through woodland from the village.
• The disputed status - a peak long taken to be the country's highest.
• The Chaillu country - the forested massif the mountain sits in.

When to go

June to September is the long dry season and the best window. The rains make the route difficult. Mornings are cooler for the climb.

Honest expectations

Later surveying suggests other peaks are higher, so the highest-point claim is doubtful. The summit is forested with limited view. Guides must be arranged in the village and there is no infrastructure.

Nearby

Koulamoutou is east, and Birougou National Park is southeast.