Gabon travel guide
Gabon Tourism | Gabon Guide
You're Going to Love Gabon
Virtually unexplored, Gabon is a haven for nature lovers who want to discover abundant rainforests, savannahs, and diverse wildlife.
What to do in Gabon
1. Observe Gorillas in the Wild
At Loango National Park small groups of no more than four people head out to visit the resident gorillas. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that only takes place two times a week. The event itself takes close to 12h.
2. Take a Boat Trip on Lake Zilé
The trip may only take 1h, on average, but the experience is priceless. Hippos, crocodiles, and bats are just some of the wild animals that can be seen in the wild here.
3. Share a Beach with Elephants
Loango National Park is one of the top destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. One of the unique experiences is to share white sand beaches with elephants and hippos.
4. Explore Libreville
Gabon may be home to spectacular wildlife but its capital city, Libreville, is no less of a must-visit spot in the country. Museums, restaurants, casinos, and colorful markets are plenty to keep travelers busy for a few days before heading out to enjoy the outdoor adventures.
5. Take it All in at Pongara National Park
Pongara National Park is ideal for tourists who don't have a lot of time to explore Gabon. This National Park mixes all the natural beauties this country is known for: white sand beaches, savannahs, and dense forests. Travel here between November and February and see leatherback turtles come ashore to lay eggs.
When to visit Gabon
The ideal time to visit Gabon is between May and September, during the dry season. Not only is getting around the country easier at this time of year, but these are also the best months to spot wildlife.
How to Get to Gabon
Entry requirements
Nationals from all countries need to apply for a visa before traveling to Gabon. In addition to the visa, passengers will also need a passport valid for at least six months and a return ticket.
Vaccination for yellow fever is mandatory and malaria prevention is advised.
Plane
International flights to Gabon land at the Libreville Leon M'ba International Airport, about 12 km (7.5 mi) from the city center.
Regular flights usually connect Gabon to Paris (France) and destinations in African countries. For passengers traveling from elsewhere, account for at least one layover.
Popular airlines serving Gabon
Where to stay in Gabon
The types of accommodation in Gabon are usually hotels in the cities or lodges at national parks. Both tend to be expensive, so account for this part of traveling to make the most of your budget.
Where to stay in popular areas of Gabon
How to Get Around Gabon
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Gabon is a mix of taxis (shared or not), taxis-brousses, and minibuses known as "clandos" (short for clandestine).
Trains
Trains in Gabon are operated by SETRAG and run four times a week between Owendo (near Libreville) and Franceville.
Tickets range from approximately 41,800-63,800 XAF (70-107 USD) depending on class selected.
Bus
There are regular buses, operated by SOGATRA, connecting Libreville to other cities and main towns in Gabon. In large towns, buses depart from the central bus station.
Although most buses are older and have no air conditioning, they're still a more comfortable option than shared taxis and minibuses.
Car
Most paved cities are within city limits, so when planning to explore the rest of Gabon by car, it's best to rent a 4x4 vehicle.
You'll need your local driver's license to rent a car. Alternatively, you can rent a car with a driver instead.
The Cost of Living in Gabon
High-end hotels accept payments with credit cards but elsewhere, cash is the primary form of payment. ATMs are scarce and most only accept Visa cards, so try to exchange currency before the trip and bring cash. A one-way ticket on public transportation costs approximately 200 XAF (0.35 USD). One day of groceries can cost around 7,800 XAF (13 USD).