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Gabon is a country located in Western Africa along the Atlantic coast. It is known for its vast tropical rainforests and diverse wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants. The official language is French, but other languages such as Fang, Myene, and Bantu are also commonly spoken. The country's economy is largely dependent on oil and mineral exports, but it is also focused on promoting ecotourism and sustainable development. Gabon is home to numerous national parks and reserves, including the Loango National Park and the Ivindo National Park, which offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring rainforest ecosystems.
In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this
country full of places to visit.
We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and
how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of
destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info.
So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Gabon,
including gastronomy, safety and events,
with a short summary of history and culture.
Gabon is a country located in Central Africa that offers a wealth of natural wonders and cultural experiences to visitors. Here are some of the main places to visit in Gabon and a brief description of each:
1. Loango National Park - Located on the coast, Loango National Park is a true wilderness area with a variety of wildlife, including elephants, gorillas, and hippos. The park also features pristine beaches, forested valleys, and a lagoon teeming with marine life.
2. Lopé National Park - This park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from rainforests to savannas and grasslands. Visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including gorillas, elephants, and antelope, as well as ancient rock art created by prehistoric people.
3. Pointe-Denis Beach - This beautiful beach is located near the city of Libreville and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Visitors can also enjoy local seafood and live music at the restaurants and bars that line the beach.
4. Ivindo National Park - This park is home to one of the largest waterfalls in Africa, the Kongou Falls, as well as vast rainforests filled with rare wildlife such as forest elephants, chimpanzees, and mandrills.
5. Port Gentil - This port city is the center of Gabon's oil industry and a hub for transportation and commerce. Visitors can explore the local market, sample local cuisine, and take boat rides to nearby islands and beaches.
6. Akanda National Park - This park is known for its mangrove forests, which provide habitat for a wide variety of bird species. Visitors can also see monkeys, crocodiles, and other wildlife while exploring the park's trails and waterways.
7. Libreville - Gabon's capital city offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions, such as the National Museum of Arts and Traditions, the Presidential Palace, and the Marché du Mont Bouet market. Visitors can also enjoy concerts, festivals, and other cultural events throughout the year.
There is more to see and do in Gabon: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination,
each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.
We listed some places to see in Gabon, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
Gabon has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. There are two main seasons in Gabon: the wet and dry seasons.
The dry season typically spans from June to September, with August being the driest month. This is generally the best time to visit Gabon as the weather is sunny and dry, and wildlife viewing in national parks (e.g. Loango, Ivindo) is optimal.
The wet season usually starts around October and lasts until May, with April and May being the wettest months. During this time, the country experiences heavy rainfall, high humidity, and potential flooding. Wildlife viewing in national parks can be challenging during this time, as many areas are inaccessible due to flooding.
Overall, if you're planning a visit to Gabon, the best time to go would be during the dry season (June-September).
Gabon is known for its pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and lush rainforests. Here are some popular activities and sports to do on holiday in Gabon:
1. Wildlife Viewing: Gabon is home to various species of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, whales, and dolphins. You can head to Loango National Park for a chance to see elephants, gorillas, and hippos in their natural habitat.
2. Fishing: Gabon is one of the best places in Africa for fishing. You can go for a guided fishing trip on the Elanga River and Ziama River to catch catfish, tilapia, and Congo tetras.
3. Beach Activities: The beaches in Gabon, such as Pointe Denis and Cap Esterias, offer many opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
4. Hiking and Trekking: Gabon’s national parks and forests offer numerous hiking and trekking trails. The trek to Mount Bengoue in the Pongara National Park is a popular hiking route that offers stunning views.
5. Cultural Excursions: Gabon has a rich cultural heritage, and you can explore traditional villages, attend cultural festivals, or learn about local crafts, such as weaving.
These are just a few of the many activities and sports you can do on holiday in Gabon.
Gabon is a country located in Central Africa and is rich in history and diverse cultural traditions. The earliest inhabitants of Gabon were hunter-gatherers, followed by the Bantu peoples who migrated to the area around 2000 BCE.
In the early 16th century, Portuguese explorers began to arrive in the area, but it was not until the 19th century that the French established a colonial presence in Gabon. The country gained independence in 1960 and has since undergone periods of political instability.
Gabon is known for its diverse cultural heritage, with over 40 ethnic groups coexisting. Each group has its unique traditions, languages, and customs. Indigenous Gabonese music is dominated by percussion and features instruments like the ngombi, the obala, and the balafon.
Traditional arts and crafts in Gabon include woodcarving, pottery, and weaving. The country is home to numerous national parks and wildlife reserves, which contain a variety of animal species such as elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees.
Overall, Gabon exhibits a rich cultural heritage shaped by its history of diversity and colonial influence.
The most convenient means of transport to reach Gabon is by air as the country has several international airports situated in its various cities like Libreville, Port Gentil, Franceville, Oyem, and many others. You can fly into the country from major cities around the world. Once you are in Gabon, you can travel by road, boat, or air depending on the route you wish to take.
For traveling within the country, the most common means of transport are buses, taxis, and hired cars. Gabon also has an efficient railway system, which connects its major cities. And if you want to explore the country's scenic coastline, you can hire boats or take a ferry to reach different destinations. To hire a car to visit Gabon, I recommend to check this:
COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL
It is better to visit Gabon with a full stomach:D
Here are some of the typical foods of Gabon:
1. Poulet Nyembwe: This is a popular chicken dish in Gabon that is made with a rich sauce of palm oil, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. The chicken pieces are cooked in this sauce until tender and flavorful.
2. Couscous: A traditional North African food, couscous is also common in Gabon. It is made from semolina wheat and is served as a side dish with meat, vegetables, or stew.
3. Fufu: Fufu is a staple food in many African countries, including Gabon. It is made from cassava or yam, which are boiled, mashed, and formed into balls. Fufu is usually eaten with soup or stew.
4. Maboké: Maboké is a popular dish in Gabon that is made from grilled fish marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices, and palm oil. The fish is grilled on a charcoal fire and served with plantains, cassava, or bread.
5. Ndolé: Ndolé is a dish that is common in several African countries, including Gabon. It consists of stewed chicken or beef with bitter leaf vegetables, peanut butter, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices.
6. Saka-Saka: Saka-Saka is a dish made from cassava leaves that are boiled and mashed into a paste. It is cooked with palm oil, fish, meat, or chicken and served with rice or fufu.
Gabon is generally considered an expensive country for tourists. The cost of living in Gabon is quite high, and this is reflected in the prices of accommodations, food, transportation and other tourist services. However, there are ways to save money while traveling in Gabon. For example, staying in budget accommodations or home-stays, dining at local restaurants, using public transportation, and booking activities and tours directly with local operators can help keep costs down. It's also important to note that some of Gabon's natural and cultural attractions are free or relatively cheap, making it possible to have an enjoyable trip without breaking the bank.
There are various websites and resources you can use to look for accommodation in Gabon. Some popular options include:
1. Booking.com - This is a popular website where you can search for and book hotels, lodges and other types of accommodation in Gabon.
2. Airbnb - This website allows you to rent unique accommodations from local hosts in Gabon, such as apartments, villas, and even treehouses.
3. Tripadvisor - On Tripadvisor, you can read reviews and recommendations for hotels, resorts, B&Bs, and other types of accommodation within Gabon.
4. Expedia - This website offers a wide selection of hotels, vacation rentals, and other types of accommodation to choose from in Gabon.
5. Lonely Planet - This website provides detailed guides on places to stay in Gabon, which includes budget-friendly options, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts.
It's always a good idea to read reviews and compare prices on different websites before making a booking to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.
You can check hotel prices in Gabon
here:
Booking.com
It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
Gabon receives around 200,000 tourists annually. The peak season for tourism in Gabon is usually during the dry season which runs from June to September. During this period, there might be a few crowded places, especially in popular tourist destinations such as the beaches. However, overall Gabon is not usually an overcrowded destination. It remains a relatively undiscovered and unspoiled tourist destination, making it a perfect destination for those who seek a unique and authentic experience.
Gabon is generally considered a safe country for tourists. However, travelers should still exercise caution, especially when traveling at night or in more remote areas. There have been incidents of crime, including theft and robberies in Gabon, particularly in urban areas like Libreville, Port-Gentil, and Franceville.
While there are no specific areas that must be avoided, it is recommended to take precautions while visiting certain parts of the country, such as the border areas with Congo and Cameroon. It is also important to pay attention to local news and government advisories for any potential safety concerns.
In summary, while Gabon is relatively safe for tourists, caution should always be taken, and common sense should prevail while traveling to any new destination.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Gabon on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Gabon has a rich cultural and natural heritage, and there are several interesting events that tourists can attend to experience the local culture and traditions. Here are some of the most popular events in Gabon:
1. Festival de la Bwiti: This is an annual festival held in August in Libreville that celebrates the spiritual practice of the Bwiti religion. The festival includes music, dance, and rituals that showcase the Bwiti traditions.
2. Festival des Arts et de la Culture: This is a cultural festival held in July that showcases Gabonese music, dance, theater, and other arts. The festival also includes exhibitions of traditional crafts and food.
3. Marathon du Gabon: This is an annual marathon event held in December that attracts runners from all over the world. The race takes place in the capital city of Libreville and offers beautiful views of the city and the ocean.
4. Loango National Park: This is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, where visitors can experience the diverse flora and fauna of Gabon. The park is home to elephants, gorillas, hippos, and other animals.
5. Pointe Denis Beach: This is a beautiful white sand beach located just a short boat ride from Libreville. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
These are just a few examples of the many interesting events and attractions in Gabon. Your travel agent can provide more information on these and other events that may be of interest to you.
We listed the places to see in Gabon, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
Sure, here's a two week travel itinerary to explore the best of Gabon:
Day 1-2: Arrive in Libreville, the capital of Gabon. Take a city tour to visit the presidential palace and the National Museum of Arts and Traditions, which displays the cultural artifacts of the local population.
Day 3-4: Next, visit the Pointe Denis beach for a relaxing time. You can enjoy swimming, surfing or simply sunbathing. Also, take a boat tour to the nearby Pongara National Park to experience the country's exotic wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and birds.
Day 5-6: Make your way to the Loango National Park, one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Gabon. Go for a jungle safari, observe the gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat, and explore the park's beautiful coastline.
Day 7-8: Travel to the Ivindo National Park, which is located in the northeastern part of Gabon. The park is known for the stunning waterfalls of Ivindo, which are in the heart of the lush rainforest.
Day 9-11: Move on to the Lope National Park, situated in the central part of Gabon. Lope is home to a range of wildlife such as elephants, lions, and various species of primates. Take a jungle walk, go on a safari tour or even go on a fishing expedition on the Ogooué river.
Day 12-14: Finally, finish your trip by visiting the coastal town of Port-Gentil, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Take a boat ride to see the nearby mangrove forest of Panga Perene, and be prepared to be amazed at the diversity of wildlife there.
In conclusion, Gabon is a beautiful country, rich in natural beauty and wildlife. With a well-planned itinerary, you can explore many of its incredible attractions within two weeks.
Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Gabon described in this website, in alphabetical order:
by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination,
with every info to organize your trip!
- Bitam is a town located in the northeastern part of Gabon, in the province of Woleu-Ntem. It has a population of approximately 30,000 people and is known for its cultural diversity, with many differen... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bitam
- Booué is a town located in the central-eastern region of Gabon, in the province of Ogooué-Ivindo. It is situated approximately 700 kilometers east of the capital city, Libreville, and has a population... CONTINUE here for a trip to Booué
- Fougamou is a town located in the Ngounié province of Gabon. It has a population of around 10,000 people and is situated in the southern region of the country. Fougamou is known for its scenic landsca... CONTINUE here for a trip to Fougamou
- Franceville is a city located in the Haut-Ogooué province of Gabon. It is the third-largest city in the country and has a population of around 60,000 people. The city has a rich cultural history and i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Franceville
- Koulamoutou is a town located in southeastern Gabon, near the border with Congo. It is the capital of the Ogooué-Lolo province and has a population of approximately 20,000 people. The town serves as a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Koulamoutou
- Lambaréné is a town located in central Gabon, a country in Central Africa. It is situated on the Ogooué River and is known for its hospital, the Albert Schweitzer Hospital, which was founded by the fa... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lambaréné
- Lastoursville is a town located in the eastern part of Gabon, in the province of Ogooué-Lolo. It has a population of about 8,000 people and is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its Bw... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lastoursville
- Libreville is the capital and largest city of Gabon, located on the east coast of Africa. It is situated near the equator, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. With a population of approximately 700,00... CONTINUE here for a trip to Libreville
- Makokou is a town located in the north-east of Gabon, in the province of Ogooué-Ivindo. It is situated along the Ivindo River, which is an important waterway in the region. Makokou is known for its be... CONTINUE here for a trip to Makokou
- Mitzic is a town located in the Woleu-Ntem province in northern Gabon. It is the capital of the Mitzic department and is situated along the N2 national road, which connects the town to other major cit... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mitzic
- Moanda is a town located in the Haut-Ogooué province of Gabon, in Central Africa. It is known for its rich manganese deposits, which have been exploited since the early 1950s, making it one of the lar... CONTINUE here for a trip to Moanda
- Mouila is a city in Gabon, located in the southern part of the country. It is the capital of the Ngounié province and has a population of approximately 22,000 people. The city is situated on the Ngoun... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mouila
- Moungo is a department located in the western part of Gabon. It has a total surface area of approximately 13,000 square kilometers, and its administrative center is the town of Fougamou. The populatio... CONTINUE here for a trip to Moungo
- Ndendé is a small town located in the southern region of Gabon, with a population of around 8,200 people. It is situated along the Ndougou River and is known for its beautiful scenery and natural attr... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ndendé
- Ntoum is a small town located in the central region of Gabon, about 40 kilometers east of the capital city, Libreville. The town is situated near the Komo River, which makes it a popular spot for fish... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ntoum
- Okondja is a town situated in the southeast of Gabon, in the province of Haut-Ogooué. The town has a population of around 10,000 people and is known for its picturesque landscapes and wildlife, includ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Okondja
- Oyem is a city located in the northern region of Gabon, near the border with Cameroon. It is the capital of the Woleu-Ntem province and has a population of around 60,000 people. The city is known for ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Oyem
- Port-Gentil is a city located on the west coast of Gabon. It serves as the country's second-largest city and the center of its petroleum and timber industries. The town is located on a peninsula and i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Port-Gentil
- Tchibanga is a town located in southern Gabon, near the border with Congo. It is the capital of the Nyanga Province and has a population of around 27,500 people. The town is surrounded by lush rainfor... CONTINUE here for a trip to Tchibanga
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