Although stone spearheads from 7000 BC are the oldest human artifacts found in Gabon, not much else is known about the antiquity of the Gabonese people. The Pygmies are the oldest current occupants, having arrived from central Africa in AD 1100. Over several centuries, other Bantu tribes, such the Fang, followed them into the area.
The Portuguese sailor Lopez Gonzalvez crossed the Gabon estuary in 1474, marking the first recorded European discovery of Gabon. The area was incorporated into the Loango Kingdom between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, but from a European standpoint, trade dominated the following four centuries as European empires bargained with coastal tribes for slaves and ivory from the interior. The social links among the tribes it affected were shattered by the slave trade, which came to an end in the middle of the 19th century.
The French quietly seized land on both sides of the Gabon Estuary in the middle of the 19th century, creating the province of French Equatorial Africa. A three-year era of internal self-government culminated in the peaceful transition of the Republic of Gabon into independence in 1960.
The following year, a French-style constitution was approved, and Léon M’ba was sworn in as Gabon’s first president. The ruling Parti Démocratique Gabonais (PDG) proclaimed Gabon a one-party state after seven turbulent years of pluralism, but they kept most of their pro-Western policies.
President Omar Bongo, one of Africa’s longest-serving heads of state, is the father of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who assumed office in 2009. Beginning in 1990, Omar Bongo’s administration brought about the transition from a one-party state to a pluralistic political system, as did much of the rest of Africa.
The nation’s policies are centered on its extraordinarily close ties to France. Specifically, Gabon is France’s primary source of uranium and several other important minerals.
Gabon National Parks
Gabon has 13 national parks and several nature reserves distributed throughout the country. The fauna and flora of Gabon are particularly rich, with many unique animal and plant species. The national parks cover an area of 3 million hectares, about 11% of the land area and 25% of the marine territory with 11 aquatic reserves. They were created with the purpose of promoting the development of the ecosystem. In addition to a maritime domain estimated at 26,500,000 ha, its geographical location grants it a coastline of 800 km opening on the Atlantic Ocean.
The Minkébé National Park
It connects the provinces of Woleu-Ntem and Ogooué-Ivindo and is situated in northeastern Gabon. Established in 2012, the Minkébé National Park spans an area of 800,000 hectares. It is totally uninhabited. It is home to enormous trees, some of which are several hundred years old, that can spread out to a width of fifty meters. The park is home to the second-largest unbroken forest block in the world and is primarily dominated by enormous rocks. Despite the presence of hunters and poachers who severely devastate them, it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including a sizable colony of elephants. There are also a variety of primates present
The Pongara National Park
It lies 20 kilometers from Libreville in the Estuary province in the western part of Gabon. In 2002, the Pongara National Park was established. It spans 92,900 hectares between the Gulf of Guinea and the left bank of the Komo Estuary. It is traversed by numerous rivers and is composed of various forest types, mangroves, and grassy savannahs. Buffaloes, hippos, duikers, elephants, amphibians, reptiles (snakes, turtles, and lizards), monkeys (chimpanzees), numerous fish species, mangrove crabs, and many other animals can be found at Pongara National Park. There dwells the endangered species of tuna whales. Turtles come in different species as well. The park is a significant location for leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) reproduction.
A wide variety of plant, insect, and bird species can be found in the park’s savannah. There are over 160 bird species recognized. Typically, mangrove plant species are those that are present. Fish inhabit its freshwater wetlands, and dolphins can be seen in the ocean. The Ramsar Convention has designated the park as a “wetland of international importance” since 2007.
The Akanda National Park
It is situated in the Estuary province, west of Gabon, not far from Libreville. Having been established in 2002, the Akanda National Park encompasses 54,000 hectares. The bays of Corisco and Mondah encircle it. The mangrove ecosystem of this park is home to many aquatic and amphibian species as well as birds. It is Gabon’s most significant migration location for migrating birds, some of which stop over for a short while (gray and white pelicans, for example), while others, like the African spoonbills, ibis, herons, egrets, and ibis that linger longer in the park’s fish-rich bay.
Marine turtles also frequently visit the park’s waterways, and there are typical, unique species that are unique to the area, like hanging mosses and strophanthus, which are only found in extremely humid tropical forests. When it comes to the marine life, we have a good chance of seeing manatees in addition to the whales and fish (tuna) that visit to breed. There are very few kinds of large mammals, only a few sorts of monkeys and occasionally pangolins.
The mount Cristal National Park
It is three hours’ drive from Libreville and is in the Estuary province. Covering an area of 120,000 hectares, the Mount Cristal National Park is composed of rainforests with reliefs ranging from 200 to 900 meters above sea level. Its uniqueness stems from the fact that it is composed of one of Africa’s most diversified zones and an ancient, seldom damaged forest, which sets it apart from other national parks in terms of biodiversity. There are begonias, orchids, butterflies, and a profusion of flora. A mountain range with a top elevation of over a thousand meters dominates the area. Several butterfly species, including the euphaedra brevis, the graphium augrier, and cymothoe, have made this park their home. An incredible diversity of butterfly offer unforgettable moments.
The Mwagna National Park
It is situated in the province of Ogooué in the eastern region of Gabon. Mwagna National Park was established in 2002 and spans 120,000 hectares. It is regarded as one of the two world rainforests and is uninhabited. It is home to plant and animal species that like mineral-rich soils. The pygmy Hornbill, the Gabon viper, the bongo, the antelope, the typical forest elephant, Hartlaub’s ducks, and numerous more endangered species can be found there. A truly remarkable journey awaits you at the National Park.
The Lopé National Park
The 500,000-hectare Lopé National Park was established in 2002 and is situated between four provinces. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Because the park is notable for both its savannah and its woodland, it is classified as mixed. Animal species found in tropical forests predominate in the National Park. There are roughly fifty mammals, including chimpanzees and lowland gorillas. More than 300 bird species, including Picathartes and African peregrine falcons, are found among the hippos, elephants, buffaloes, multiple duiker species, bushbuck, bush pig, uncommon sitatunga, and various Cercopithecus species.
The Mayumba National Park
It is situated in the Province of Nyanga. The goal of the establishment of the Mayumba National Park in 2002 was to safeguard the marine biodiversity of Gabon. It is a narrow stretch of sandy land between Mayumba and the border with Congo in the southernmost point of the nation. It has 60 kilometers of beaches and coastal flora, which acts as a breeding habitat for leatherback turtles. It encompasses 92,000 hectares. Sand crabs, genets, mongooses, lizards, and coastal birds can all be found in the park. The mosaic of forests and savannahs is home to many primates, including chimpanzees, buffalo, elephants, mandrills, gorillas, and other primates. The park’s waterways are home to a variety of fish species, manatees, hippos, crocodiles, and bird species.
The Ivindo National Park
It is located in the northeast of Gabon, in the Ogooué province. Established in 2002, the Ivindo National Park spans 300,000 hectares. A large portion of this significant forest block has remained unaffected by logging. One of the most significant tributaries of the Ogooué River, the Ivindo River, crosses it. Rich and uncommon biodiversity may be found in the park, which is mostly covered in very old, deep forests. Approximately 430 different bird species can be seen in the park, including chimpanzees, picathartes, gorillas, elephants, and Jacob parrots.
The Waka National Park
The 107,000-hectare Waka National Park is located in the Ngounié region. It was created in 2002. About 1,500 plant species, 400 bird species, 85 mammal species, and a few amphibian and reptile species are present. Primate and elephant populations comprise the bulk of the park’s fauna. Additionally, a list of endangered species is provided, which includes Colobus Satanas, Pan troglodytes, and gorillas.
The Loango National Park
It is located on the Gabonese coast, in the Ogooué & Maritime province. In 2002, the Loango National Park was established. It encompasses 155,000 hectares. It is one of the national parks in Central Africa, consisting of savannahs and woodlands that surround an iguéla lagoon. It has been on the Ramsar list of sites since 1986. It is home to a diverse and abundant array of wildlife, including duikers, several types of monkeys, elephants, buffalo, hippopotamuses, and reptiles. Gorillas and leopards are occasionally observable. Dolphins and humpback whales can be seen from the shore. When leatherback turtles come to deposit their eggs, the park’s beaches offer a good area for them to nest. The lagoons are populated by many fish species such as tarpon, captain, barracuda or red carp, crocodiles and manatees can also be seen.
Le Parc National des plateaux Batéké
It is situated in the Upper-Ogooué Province in southeast Gabon, close to the Congo border. Established in 2002, the Batéké Plateau National Park spans 205,000 hectares. It is made up of hills that are intersected by multiple valleys and a sequence of plateaus that climax at an elevation of 350–930 meters. A mix of grassy and shrubby savannahs and humid gallery forests of different species make up the vegetation. Grimm’s duiker, also known as ntsa, is one of the species found only in the park. Other species include the endemic teké cisticola, yellow-backed duiker, black-banded, white-bellied, Side-striped jackal, mustache monkey, elephants, the rare red river hog, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and approximately fifty other species of savannah birds.
The Moukalaba Doudou National Park
Situated in the region of Nyanga, the Moukala-Doudou National Park was established in 2002 and spans 450,000 hectares. Because it unites Mount Doudou and the Moukalaba, two protected regions, it is one of the most significant locations in Gabon. Since 2005, the National Park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of humid forests, marshy mountains covered in river papyrus, and a diverse range of flora and wildlife. Several hundred elephants live in the National Park, where they congregate in the papyrus. Due to the abundance of primates (chimpanzees and gorillas), this area has become Gabon’s primary home for great apes. There are also various species of migratory birds such as storks and ribbed swallows, as well as hippos and Fassa Cobes.
The Birougou National Park
Located between the Ngounié & Ogooué-Lolo provinces, on the Congo-Brazzaville border, the Birougou National Park was founded in 2002 and encompasses an area of 69,000 acres. The park is made up of undulating hills with rounded or flat summits that culminate in the heart of the Chaillu massif at an elevation of 800 to 900 meters above sea level. Its environmental diversity is astounding, spanning from primary alpine forests to swamp woods. Rare species of animals like the Sun-tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus solatus), Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Buffalo (Syncerus caffer), Elephants (Loxodonta africana), White-footed Duiker (Cephalophus ogilbi crysalbum), several bird species, small mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians can all be found in the park.
Ornithology in Gabon
Gabon is a recent destination for ornithological tourism. It has several important endowments, the main ones are the good state of its natural landscapes and the quality of its fauna and flora. The network of protected areas, recently classified as national parks, makes it possible to observe most of the 680 known bird species. Depending on the season, migratory birds are added, including some rare species. Several observation sites have been created in the national parks, thus promoting access to birds. Species such as Finsch’s francolin, Congo moor chat, Black-chinned weaver, gray-gray bee-eater, black-headed bee-eater, African pseudolangrayen, Loango weaver, forest raptors,Congo serpent eagle, long-tailed crow, forest guinea fowl, yellow-throated cuckoo, indicators, Bates Martin, Bates nighthawk, forest swallow, picatharte, and a number of species of cisticola and the majority of forest species of Central Africa.
Religion in Gabon
About 60% of people identify as Christians, primarily Roman Catholics; the remaining people are Muslim and animist.
Gabon’s Social Conventions
Myths, poetry, dance, and song are still significant aspects of Gabonese culture.
Photography: It is strictly prohibited to take pictures of military facilities. To avoid confusion, permission should always be sought before taking any pictures.
Language in Gabon
French is the official language. Fang is the primary language spoken in Africa. Ten percent of people speak Eshira. Spoken Bantu dialects include Miene, Bateke, and Bapounou.
Attractions in Gabon
Explore Bateke and Mayumba
A well-known hotspot for species, the Bateke Plateau is made up of savannah and woodland galleries sculpted by turbulent rivers. Forest elephants, buffalo, river pigs, gorillas, panthers, crocodiles, monkeys, and parrots are among the creatures. Alternatively, travel via the picturesque Mayumba, a narrow strip of land that separates the lake from the sea, where, from July to September, up to 3,000 humpback whales can be spotted.
Gawp at the Presidential Palace
In the 1970s, Omar Bongo, the previous president of Gabon, gave the order to build the Palais Presidential on the waterfront in Libreville. At an estimated cost of US$800 million, it nearly put the recently independent country in financial ruin. You may observe the magnificent modernist architecture of the strongly guarded castle from the outside and snap pictures, even though guests are not allowed inside.
Get active on the beach
The empty beaches of Pointe Denis and Ekwata in the north of Gabon, and Mayumba and Sette Cama in the south, are the greatest places to find peace and quiet. Waterskiing is available on the beaches at Libreville and Port Gentil, and on weekends, Cap Estérias, which is located 35 km (22 miles) away from Libreville, is a well-liked destination for water activities. Pointe Denis and Perroquet are ideal places to go skin diving.
Go fishing
Though indigenous fishermen can find the widest variety of fish along the country’s 900km (550 mile) Atlantic coast and in the numerous lagoons located at the mouth of the River Ogooué, many of Gabon’s lakes and rivers are popular with European tourists and make for exceptional catches. Port Gentil offers equipment rentals.
Haggle at Mount Bouet Market
The biggest market in Libreville, Mount Bouet Market, is not to be missed for its bustling atmosphere. Visitors are directed into tiny, labyrinthine lanes by the hundreds of kiosks selling food, clothing, home goods, and traditional medicines. There’s a more laid-back shopping area beyond the market that specializes in patterned clothing.
Study local customs at the National Museum
Situated in Libreville, just a short walk from the Presidential Palace, the National Museum of Art and Traditions showcases some of Africa’s most exquisite wood carvings, particularly the native Fang style, which served as an inspiration for Picasso’s portraits and busts. The old-fashioned photos of Gabon and the equipment are also worth looking at.
Take a forest safari in Lopé National Park
Located in the heart of Gabon, Lopé National Park is the largest and most easily accessible park. Its terrain, which consists of a mix of savannah and dense forest, serves as home to large mammals, about 350 kinds of birds, chimpanzees, lowland gorillas, and forest elephants. All of these species can be observed on foot or by vehicle.
Tour Lambaréné’s famed hospital
Stretching across the Ogooué River, Lambaréné gained international recognition due to the unwavering commitment of German-French physician and renowned musician Albert Schweitzer, who was granted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952. The doctor’s humble living quarters are now home to a tiny museum honoring him at the still-open Schweitzer Hospital.
Visit the craftsmen of M’Bigou
Famed for the quality of the soapstone, which is typically light grey, that is taken from the surrounding hills and the resulting carvings made by the craftsmen, are the southern Gabonese settlements of M’Bigou and Eteke. The neighboring gold mines are also well worth a visit.
Walk the Atlantic coast
You can discover Gabon’s natural beauties, including the forest of enormous trees you will pass through, by taking the scenic route that winds from Libreville to the beach at Cap Estérias, which is 35 kilometers (22 miles) north. Sea urchins, oysters, and lobsters are abundant on rocks. Swimming in the ocean is safe in Cap Estérias itself.
Wonder at the carved church of St Michael
A blind Gabonese craftsman produced 31 tall, elaborately carved wooden columns that support the wooden church of St. Michael of Nkembo in Libreville. Each column depicts a scene from Christian and African tradition. Compared to the other European-style churches in Libreville, this building resembles a hall, and its elaborate outside painting shows Saint George slaying the dragon.
Flying to Gabon
Since Gabon is home to multiple international airports that service important cities all over the world, traveling there is not too difficult. The following are the principal routes to Gabon:
By plane: Libreville Leon M’ba International Airport, situated in the nation’s capital city, is Gabon’s principal international airport. Libreville is served by numerous international carriers, such as Air France, Ethiopian carriers, and Royal Air Maroc.
By land: Gabon shares borders with Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo. Travelers from these nearby nations can enter Gabon by road; however, before trying to enter Gabon by land, make sure you are aware of the restrictions regarding border crossings and visa requirements.
Arrival and immigration tips for Gabon
The following advice will assist you get around the Gabon airport and ensure a seamless arrival:
Before traveling, apply for your Gabon visa to avoid any problems at the crossing.
- Currency exchange: Use only reliable machines to exchange your cards, and be on the lookout for credit card fraud. Just in case, bring some USD currency with you.
- Make travel arrangements: The airport has taxis available if you haven’t made travel arrangements in advance, but always double-check the fare. It is advisable to have a shuttle service set up by your hotel.
Getting around Gabon
Once in Gabon, tourists have two ways to go around: by plane and by land. There are buses and domestic aircraft that run between cities.
When traveling outside of large cities, using a reliable tour operator is advised.
Other local transportation choices include taxis and rented automobiles. It’s crucial to remember, though, that Gabon’s roads occasionally have bad conditions. Generally speaking, you need a four-wheel drive car. Be extremely cautious since towing and repair services are not readily available.
Safety in Gabon
- Although visiting Gabon is typically safe, it’s still advisable to take the usual safety precautions when visiting any foreign nation.
- You should bear the following in mind as a guest: * Steer clear of nighttime solo strolls, particularly in cities.
- Because theft and pickpocketing are frequent small-time crimes, guests should always keep their belongings close at hand. • Only use ATMs and payment facilities at reputable hotels and stores; credit card fraud is a widespread scam. Report any incidents to the local police station.
- Since car break-ins are also frequent, make sure to always lock your car and park in designated areas.
- Travelers should take precautions against mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, applying insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets.
- They should also get travel insurance that covers emergency medical services and private medical facilities.
- If they plan to visit rural areas of Gabon, they should use a reputable tour operator who is familiar with the area and can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Avoid the areas of downtown Libreville and Port Gentil, where armed attacks can occur.
- Political demonstrations and gatherings should also be avoided, as these can occasionally turn violent.
Weather in Gabon
Gabon experiences year-round high temperatures and humidity due to its tropical environment. There are two distinct seasons in the nation: the rainy season and the dry season.
In Gabon, the rainy season lasts from October to May, with February to April usually seeing the most rainfall. Gabon experiences little to no rainfall during the dry season, which lasts from June to September.
Since the weather is more comfortable and it’s easier to see the wildlife, this is usually thought to be the ideal time to visit Gabon.During the dry season, temperatures can vary from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F).
All year round, Gabon experiences warm, humid weather; the dry season offers better travel and animal watching opportunities, while the rainy season brings torrential rains. When visiting Gabon, it’s crucial to bring weather-appropriate attire and equipment, especially during the rainy season when flooding and rain are possible.
Geography
Gabon shares borders with Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Congo to the east and south. The 500-mile (800-kilometer) sandy coastal strip is made up of bays, lagoons, and estuaries surrounded by palm trees. About 82% of the interior is covered in dense tropical vegetation, which is partially replaced by savannah. Numerous rivers still serve as the primary conduits for communication where towns have expanded. The largest Bantu tribes are the Fang, Eshira, Mbele, and Okande, out of about forty. Only a small percentage of native Gabonese live in the towns, as the population is concentrated in the coastal areas and the villages along the banks of the many rivers, following a more traditional rural style of life.
Must do and see in Gabon
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and sights in the stunning and diversified nation of Gabon. The top 5 attractions and activities in Gabon are as follows:
- Take a trip to Loango National Park, Gabon’s premier national park and one of the best locations on Earth to witness hippos, forest elephants, and other species in their native environment. There are stunning beaches and lagoons in the park as well.
- Explore Lopé National Park: This is Gabon’s largest national park and home to a broad assortment of animals, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and forest elephants. Hiking is another option for visitors to enjoy the stunning savannah and rainforest scenery of the park.
- Observe the Mandrill migration: The greatest population of mandrills in the world is in Gabon, where they assemble annually during the dry season to migrate to various regions of the nation. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind and amazing wildlife extravaganza.
- Take a trip to the Pongara National Park, which is home to a variety of bird species and sea turtles. It is situated on Gabon’s coast. In the park, visitors can also go camping, hiking, and kayaking.
- Unwind on the beaches of Pointe-Denis: This lovely beach resort is a short distance from Libreville and provides a range of water sports and beach activities in addition to white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Typical Gabon food to try
Because of its coastal location and close proximity to other African nations, Gabonese cuisine is characterized by a variety of dishes, such as:
- Fufu, a starchy side dish made of cassava, plantains, or yams; and
- Grilled Fish, which is frequently served grilled or fried.
- Nyembwe Chicken, a stew made of chicken, onions, and spices;
- Poulet Moambé, another stew made of chicken, and moambé sauce, which is made from the pulp of the African oil palm fruit;
Specialities
Fish that has been braised: Red fish or bass that has been cooked with spices and eaten with rice or french fries.
Brochette: Slow-roasted meat on a skewer over an open flame.
Nyembwé: Chicken cooked in a palm nut pulp sauce.
Manioc leaves: Often used to sauces and stews, the wilted leaves are served in place of spinach.
Atanga: Also referred to as “bush butter,” the flesh of the hard atanga fruit is spread over baguettes after it is boiled.
Cooked with onion, garlic, and lemon juice is mustard chicken.
Bouillon de poisson: Fish stew.
Beignets: Delicious deep-fried doughnuts that are heavily dusted with powdered sugar.
Régab: Recognised throughout the country as the greatest local lager.
Plantain fritters: Delicious plantain pieces that are deep-fried.
Shopping in Gabon
There are two thriving marketplaces in Libreville: Akebe-Plaine, Nkembo, and Mon-Bouet. On the outskirts of both, you may purchase stone carvings created by a group of carvers who have modified their traditional techniques for the tourism industry. Additionally, you can purchase crafts made in the nearby villages from street vendors or the inhabitants themselves. You can also purchase figurines, clay pots, traditional musical instruments, and carvings of African (Fang) masks.
Gabon’s nightlife
Libreville has bars and music-filled nightclubs. Though it can be pricey, food is frequently served. There are many reasonably priced dining and drinking establishments in Libreville’s African district. Several hotels also have casinos.
Taxi
Similar to buses, taxis in Gabonese cities can accommodate additional passengers if space permits. They frequently choose detours. Passengers in taxis have reportedly been the target of violent attacks and robberies. Use authorized taxis, and make sure the cab is reserved only for you so it doesn’t pick up other people. Find out whether your travel agency or tour operator has a cab service that you can utilize.
Fraud and credit cards
Credit cards are not generally accepted except at hotels. A regular occurrence outside of the big hotel chains is credit card fraud. When using a credit card or taking out cash from an ATM, pay attention.
Driving conditions in Gabon
The majority of the roads in Libreville’s center are in good shape. Driving can be dangerous due to the bad conditions in the nearby interior areas. In the rainy season, which runs from October through mid-December and from mid-February through May, many roads are only usable by vehicles equipped with four wheels. Since many roads are not lit at night, avoid traveling by car.
There are often official checkpoints. Your passport, driver’s license, and proof of car registration will be requested by the police.
