A remote option on the coast is the excellent Pongara Lodge, which is deep into the national park. With just six bungalows, the look and feel is rustic, while still being very comfortable and exclusive. As well as a gorgeous beach, there's plenty of scope for nature walks, fishing, and turtle- and whale-watching with a guide organised by the lodge.
Subsequent nights cost CFA240,000.
The price includes return transfers from Libreville that take 45 minutes. The boat leaves at 9am daily from Club Nautique Barracuda in Owendo.
Excursions include watching leatherback turtles who lay eggs between December and March (per person CFA20,000), and a walking tour to discover flora and fauna (per person CFA15,000).