Wildlife enthusiasts can go gorilla watching in the central African country of Gabon for the first time this autumn.

Adventure travel specialist Explore Worldwide has been working with the Gabon government to develop a wildlife-watching programme as part of a European Union-funded project to protect its tropical rainforest from extensive logging.

'They saw sustainable tourism as an alternative source of income for loggers and gorilla hunters,' said Explore's Nick Anstead. 'Tourism is very new to Gabon. Only around 600 overseas visitors go to the country each year.'

Numbers will be strictly limited with only 12 visitors allowed to stay in the Lopé Wildlife Reserve. An eco-friendly lodge with solar power has been built to accommodate the tourists.

Experts have spent the last three years getting four lowland gorilla families used to human contact in preparation for the project.

As well as tracking the lowland gorillas, visitors can go on game viewing drives and walks to see forest elephants, buffalo and monkeys. The 10-day trip starts from £1,495 and includes full-board accommodation, scheduled flights from London Gatwick, transfers and the services of an Explore leader.

• Telephone 01252 760 110, or visit www.explore.co.uk