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Gabon

Gabon Highlights

Gabon, situated on the west coast of Central Africa, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with over 11% of the country designated as national parks. Libreville, the capital, offers attractions such as the Presidential Palace and the Museum of Arts and Tradition. Loango National Park provides opportunities to observe elephants, gorillas, and hippos in their natural habitat. The Pongara National Park is known for its beaches and marine life. Gabonese cuisine features dishes like smoked fish and bushmeat stews. With its diverse ecosystems, pristine rainforests, and abundant wildlife, Gabon offers an off-the-beaten-path African adventure.

Top 10 Attractions

Akanda National Park

Akanda National Park, located north of Libreville, is home to an array of ecosystems, including mangrove swamps and tidal flats. This park is culturally significant for the Mpongwe people, as it`s a site for the annual "Okoumé Festival," where tradit... more

Akanda National Park, located north of Libreville, is home to an array of ecosystems, including mangrove swamps and tidal flats. This park is culturally significant for the Mpongwe people, as it`s a site for the annual "Okoumé Festival," where traditional rituals are performed. Akanda also has the highest concentration of migratory birds in Gabon, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Albert Schweitzer Hospital

Located in Lambaréné, the Albert Schweitzer Hospital is an important historical site. Founded in 1913 by the renowned physician, philosopher, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Albert Schweitzer, the hospital continues to serve the local population. Visi... more

Located in Lambaréné, the Albert Schweitzer Hospital is an important historical site. Founded in 1913 by the renowned physician, philosopher, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Albert Schweitzer, the hospital continues to serve the local population. Visitors can tour the old hospital, now a museum, to learn about Schweitzer`s work and his philosophy of "Reverence for Life".

Bateke Plateau National Park

The Bateke Plateau National Park straddles both Gabon and the Republic of Congo, covering a landscape of rolling grasslands, savannahs, and patches of forests. The park is known for its unique scenery and wildlife, including buffaloes, antelopes, and... more

The Bateke Plateau National Park straddles both Gabon and the Republic of Congo, covering a landscape of rolling grasslands, savannahs, and patches of forests. The park is known for its unique scenery and wildlife, including buffaloes, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. One of the highlights of visiting Bateke Plateau is seeing the traditional lifestyle of the Téké people who have inhabited the region for centuries.

Crystal Mountains National Park

Crystal Mountains National Park is a biodiverse hotspot and a paradise for nature lovers. It gets its name from the quartz and other crystals found in the region. The park is home to a large number of orchids, more than 400 bird species, and various... more

Crystal Mountains National Park is a biodiverse hotspot and a paradise for nature lovers. It gets its name from the quartz and other crystals found in the region. The park is home to a large number of orchids, more than 400 bird species, and various mammals such as forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, and chimpanzees.

Ekwata

Ekwata, a small village in southern Gabon, is a cultural landmark known for its community-based ecotourism. The villagers offer guided tours showcasing local traditions, wildlife, and their sustainable lifestyle. Here, visitors can witness turtle nes... more

Ekwata, a small village in southern Gabon, is a cultural landmark known for its community-based ecotourism. The villagers offer guided tours showcasing local traditions, wildlife, and their sustainable lifestyle. Here, visitors can witness turtle nesting, learn about medicinal plants, or partake in cultural activities, thus directly contributing to the local economy and conservation efforts.

Fernan Vaz Lagoon

The Fernan Vaz Lagoon, south of Port Gentil, is an idyllic spot for nature lovers. The area is a haven for various species of monkeys, elephants, birds, and marine life. Visitors can explore the Gorilla Protection Project or take a boat trip to the p... more

The Fernan Vaz Lagoon, south of Port Gentil, is an idyllic spot for nature lovers. The area is a haven for various species of monkeys, elephants, birds, and marine life. Visitors can explore the Gorilla Protection Project or take a boat trip to the picturesque Mission St Anne, an abandoned missionary church on an island in the lagoon.

Gamba Complex of Protected Areas

The Gamba Complex of Protected Areas, located in southwestern Gabon, includes multiple national parks and protected areas. It offers a variety of landscapes and a rich biodiversity including sea turtles, western lowland gorillas, hippos, and various... more

The Gamba Complex of Protected Areas, located in southwestern Gabon, includes multiple national parks and protected areas. It offers a variety of landscapes and a rich biodiversity including sea turtles, western lowland gorillas, hippos, and various bird species. Gamba is a testament to Gabon`s commitment to environmental conservation and a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

Ivindo National Park

Known as "The Heart of Gabon," Ivindo National Park hosts some of Gabon`s most iconic natural features. The Kongou and Mingouli Falls, two of Central Africa`s most impressive waterfalls, are the park`s crowning glory. The park is also home to the Lan... more

Known as "The Heart of Gabon," Ivindo National Park hosts some of Gabon`s most iconic natural features. The Kongou and Mingouli Falls, two of Central Africa`s most impressive waterfalls, are the park`s crowning glory. The park is also home to the Langoué Bai, a forest clearing attracting wildlife such as gorillas, elephants, and a variety of bird species.

Léconi Canyons

The Léconi Canyons, in south-east Gabon, offer some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. The red rock canyons contrast sharply with the lush greenery of the surrounding plains, offering stunning views and excellent photo opportunities. The... more

The Léconi Canyons, in south-east Gabon, offer some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. The red rock canyons contrast sharply with the lush greenery of the surrounding plains, offering stunning views and excellent photo opportunities. The area is remote and less frequented by tourists, offering a sense of untouched beauty and solitude.

Libreville`s Seafront

The seafront promenade in Libreville is a lively area where locals and tourists alike enjoy their evenings. With its beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, the promenade is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Enjoy the local cuisine, watch the s... more

The seafront promenade in Libreville is a lively area where locals and tourists alike enjoy their evenings. With its beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, the promenade is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Enjoy the local cuisine, watch the sun setting over the sea, or simply take a leisure stroll to experience the vibrancy of Gabon`s capital.

Loango National Park

Known as the "Last Eden on Earth", Loango National Park in Gabon is a diverse habitat covering 1,550 square kilometers of savannah, forest, swamps, and ocean. Its coastline offers one of the world`s few opportunities to see hippos, elephants, and gor... more

Known as the "Last Eden on Earth", Loango National Park in Gabon is a diverse habitat covering 1,550 square kilometers of savannah, forest, swamps, and ocean. Its coastline offers one of the world`s few opportunities to see hippos, elephants, and gorillas venturing onto the beach. Boat safaris along the Iguela Lagoon are a popular way to spot wildlife, while hiking inland reveals more of the park`s incredible biodiversity.

Lopé National Park

Lopé National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a unique blend of savannah and rainforest environments. This park is known for its large populations of mandrills and forest elephants. It also holds some of Gabon`s oldest archaeological sites... more

Lopé National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a unique blend of savannah and rainforest environments. This park is known for its large populations of mandrills and forest elephants. It also holds some of Gabon`s oldest archaeological sites, with petroglyphs and tools dating back over 400,000 years. A visit to Lopé is a must for history and nature enthusiasts alike.

Mayumba National Park

Mayumba National Park in southern Gabon is a paradise for marine life. This park covers both terrestrial and marine areas, including a 60 km stretch of beach where sea turtles nest. The offshore waters are home to a variety of species, including hump... more

Mayumba National Park in southern Gabon is a paradise for marine life. This park covers both terrestrial and marine areas, including a 60 km stretch of beach where sea turtles nest. The offshore waters are home to a variety of species, including humpback whales, making Mayumba a fantastic location for marine wildlife observation.

Mont-Bouët Market

Mont-Bouët Market in Libreville is Gabon`s largest market and a bustling hub of activity. Here, visitors can buy everything from fresh produce, fish, and spices to traditional fabrics, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Exploring this vibrant market offers... more

Mont-Bouët Market in Libreville is Gabon`s largest market and a bustling hub of activity. Here, visitors can buy everything from fresh produce, fish, and spices to traditional fabrics, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Exploring this vibrant market offers an immersive experience into Gabonese daily life and is an opportunity to support local vendors.

Moukalaba-Doudou National Park

Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, known for its numerous rivers and lakes, offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Gabon. It`s home to large groups of gorillas, elephants, and buffalos, among other animals. The Doudou Mountains, covered in rainfore... more

Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, known for its numerous rivers and lakes, offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Gabon. It`s home to large groups of gorillas, elephants, and buffalos, among other animals. The Doudou Mountains, covered in rainforest and grasslands, offer scenic views and are a part of the important Moukalaba-Doudou Biosphere Reserve.

Musée des Arts et Traditions du Gabon

Situated in Libreville, the Musée des Arts et Traditions du Gabon provides an in-depth look into Gabon`s rich cultural history. It showcases a collection of traditional masks, musical instruments, statues, and artifacts. This museum is a must-visit f... more

Situated in Libreville, the Musée des Arts et Traditions du Gabon provides an in-depth look into Gabon`s rich cultural history. It showcases a collection of traditional masks, musical instruments, statues, and artifacts. This museum is a must-visit for those interested in the country`s traditional art and culture.

Petit Loango Reserve

Situated within Loango National Park, Petit Loango Reserve offers a unique opportunity to witness various wildlife species including gorillas, elephants, and buffalos roaming freely on the beach. A guided tour will take you through lagoons, savannah,... more

Situated within Loango National Park, Petit Loango Reserve offers a unique opportunity to witness various wildlife species including gorillas, elephants, and buffalos roaming freely on the beach. A guided tour will take you through lagoons, savannah, and forests for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Point Denis Beach

Just a short boat ride from Libreville, Point Denis Beach is a popular getaway for both locals and tourists. The sandy beaches and calm waters are ideal for relaxation and swimming, while the nearby jungles offer opportunities for wildlife spotting.... more

Just a short boat ride from Libreville, Point Denis Beach is a popular getaway for both locals and tourists. The sandy beaches and calm waters are ideal for relaxation and swimming, while the nearby jungles offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. Additionally, the area is known for its nesting sea turtles, making it a vital conservation area.

Pointe-Denis

Pointe-Denis is Gabon`s premier beach resort, located across the bay from Libreville. It offers beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich marine life, making it ideal for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and dolphin spotting. Visito... more

Pointe-Denis is Gabon`s premier beach resort, located across the bay from Libreville. It offers beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich marine life, making it ideal for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and dolphin spotting. Visitors can also indulge in the delicious seafood served by local restaurants, or take a walk in the village to explore its serene ambiance.

Pongara National Park

Pongara National Park, stretching along the south bank of the Gabon Estuary, is known for its stunning beaches and mangrove forests. The park offers opportunities for guided tours to see sea turtles, including the critically endangered leatherbacks t... more

Pongara National Park, stretching along the south bank of the Gabon Estuary, is known for its stunning beaches and mangrove forests. The park offers opportunities for guided tours to see sea turtles, including the critically endangered leatherbacks that use the park`s beaches for nesting. Bird watchers will also enjoy Pongara, with its abundant birdlife including African fish eagles and pink-backed pelicans.

St Michael`s Cathedral

Overlooking Libreville from a hill, St Michael`s Cathedral is a stunning architectural landmark. This wooden cathedral is unique for its carved pillars, each made from a single tree trunk and hand-carved by a Gabonese craftsman named Zephyrin Lendong... more

Overlooking Libreville from a hill, St Michael`s Cathedral is a stunning architectural landmark. This wooden cathedral is unique for its carved pillars, each made from a single tree trunk and hand-carved by a Gabonese craftsman named Zephyrin Lendongo. The 31 columns depict biblical scenes and traditional local life, symbolizing the fusion of Christianity and Gabonese culture.

The National Museum of Arts and Traditions

The National Museum of Arts and Traditions in Libreville houses an extensive collection of Gabonese artifacts including masks, statues, and other items of cultural significance. The exhibits offer a deep dive into Gabon`s history, culture, and tradit... more

The National Museum of Arts and Traditions in Libreville houses an extensive collection of Gabonese artifacts including masks, statues, and other items of cultural significance. The exhibits offer a deep dive into Gabon`s history, culture, and traditions. It`s a great place to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Gabonese people.

Wonga Wongué Presidential Reserve

Covering an area of 500,000 hectares, the Wonga Wongué Presidential Reserve is home to numerous species of fauna including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and gorillas. The reserve also offers a variety of landscapes from forests and savannahs to lag... more

Covering an area of 500,000 hectares, the Wonga Wongué Presidential Reserve is home to numerous species of fauna including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and gorillas. The reserve also offers a variety of landscapes from forests and savannahs to lagoons and beaches. This eco-tourist site is the perfect place for a safari or nature walk.

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