Gabon’s tourism industry is far from mature, but there are plenty of well-developed attractions around the country. Safaris are the main lure of this little West African nation, along with the historic treasures found in the cities and interesting landmarks in the capital town of Libreville. Deep in the forested areas sit ancient settlements, where inhabitants still follow various old traditions. Rent a four-wheel drive vehicle to slice through the thick jungles, or simply pack a good camping bag and head out with other trekkers to experience the nature first-hand.
Gabon National Parks
Gabon has a total of 13 national parks, although some are inaccessible. The sprawling Akanda National Park is best known for its lush mangroves and expansive tidal flats, which host different species of turtles and migratory birds. The Banteke Plateau is a river-crossed savannah, populated by large mammals like buffalos, elephants and antelopes. Cross the river using rope bridges and admire the breathtaking landscapes. The Cristal Mountains National Park is home to orchid and begonia-rich forests, while the famous Ivindo National Park is known to have the region’s best waterfalls. The Loango National Park boasts great stretches of virgin beaches, each flanked by expansive rainforest. If you want to mix nature and culture excursions, head to Lope National Park, which not only features great wildlife and verdant landscapes, but ancient rock engravings. Mayumba National Park is set on a sandy peninsula, a perfect nesting ground for the leatherback turtles, while Minkebe National Park is known for its sandstone domes, giant hogs and forest elephants.
Libreville
It is the capital and a remarkable city. There is a flow of oil money, with which the paved roads, fine streets, and great restaurants have been created. The city has casinos, and there are great places offering French wines. There is a gorgeous coastline enhancing its beauty. The markets are always abuzz here. The National Museum, Presidential Palace, and St Michael Cathedral are added attractions.
Lambaréné
Everyone has his Lambaréné’, Nobel winner Albert Schweitzer said. This, then, is his, with its glossy lakes, fast-flowing rivers, thick green foliage and ingrained sweetness. The town feels somehow kind and gentle, as if the profound humanitarian efforts of Schweitzer changed the character of the land. And his legacy is indeed felt everywhere, from the wonderful, still-operational hospital (which Schweitzer founded in 1924 to treat people with leprosy) to the volunteer-staffed lab that researches malaria and other tropical diseases.
Cirque de Léconi
Gabon’s famed geological landmark Cirque de Léconi is a deep red rock canyon situated in the southeastern corner, close to the Congolese border. This fascinating canyon is filled with loose sand and surrounded by other great geological formations that attract the most adventurous travelers. Don’t forget to take a guide with you when venturing out into this highly-undeveloped and trail-less nature area.
Pongara
The almost 900 square kilometres of Pongara National Park were select because of the diverse landscape there. Forest, mangrove flats, beach, and savannah.It’s incredibly accessible (for Gabon!) and home to tons of bird species, including the threatened Damara terns.The forests are filled with monkeys, duiker, buffalo, elephants, and chimpanzees.Pongara Point, the beach area of the park where the estuary connects to the ocean, is home to endangered leatherback turtles.This is the place where they crawl ashore in order to lay their eggs.
Setté Cama
The tiny fishing hamlet of Setté Cama, with its incomparable location on a spit of land between miles of stunning beach and an enormous lagoon packed full of wildlife, is a novel jumping off point for the wilds of the southern reaches of Loango National Park. Staying here, just outside the park, is a great budget option. The best time for wildlife watching is the dry season, June to September, when animals migrate from the north. You’ll find elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, various antelopes, crocodiles, turtles and superb game fish.
Pointe Denis
Pointe Denis is Libreville’s weekend bolt hole, just a quick 12km boat ride away yet it feels like another planet. Gone are the capital’s traffic and crowds, replaced instead by a superb stretch of sand that runs for miles along the peninsula. The beach backs onto the Pongara National Park, and it’s lined with fancy weekend houses. If you don’t want to spend the night, it’s perfectly feasible to come here for the day from Libreville.