Welcome to Langoue Bai

Langoué baï is an ancient forest clearing nestled within a vast stretch of forest – a mixture of the Atlantic coastal forest of Lower Guinea, and semi-deciduous forest typical of central Congo Basin. The baï (a Babenzélé word for ‘a clearing with a river flowing through it’ or ‘where the animals eat’ depending on who you ask) is likely formed as a result of a vast slab of granite rock close to the surface limiting large tree growth, and the trampling, grazing, and defecation of various animals which use the site to feed, drink, socialise, and to obtain minerals. The clearing boast up to 90 different forest elephants visiting per day during peak seasons, with more visiting at night, as well as multiple gorilla groups, forest buffalo, huge droves of red river hogs, and a resident population of sitatunga. Birds also make use of the clearing, from the common hammerkop to the endangered Hartlaub’s duck, as well as innumerable passerine species flitting along the forest edge and birds of prey such as the vulturine fish eagle. Dragonflies obelisk while occasional waves of butterflies break from the tree line. Archaeological findings show human habitation of other nearby clearings as recently as 4000 BP, and of the area around the current Ivindo train station and around the park in general from as early as 120,000 BP to the modern day.

 The baï’s rediscovery in 2000 by Mike Fay during the MegaTransect, a 2000 mile hike through some of the most remote and expansive forests left on Earth, was an important moment in Gabonese conservation. Recognising its ecological and touristic value, the site played a key role in demonstrating the urgent need for a network of protected areas to conserve Gabon’s unique flora and wildlife for future generations and for the long-term benefit of local people. In 2002, President Ali Bongo Ondimba annouced the creation of 13 national parks across Gabon, including Ivindo National Park, in which Langoué Baï and the Research Station sit.