What budget to travel Gabon? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Gabon?

Prices vary from one park to another, and a large budget is required, depending on the type of visit and accommodation. In addition to this budget, a daily fee of 15,000 FCFA per day and per person must be paid to the National Parks Agency.

Many activities can be practiced in Gabon. First of all, fishing. By its very fishy waters, the world reputation of Gabon as a fishing site of first choice is no longer to be made, particularly for the prodigious catches of tarpon, but also many other species. Very popular leisure activity, fishing motivates each year a hundred of tourists coming especially on the sites classified among the best on the international level. Indeed, the lagoons of Iguéla, Ndogo (Sette Cama) and Fernan Vaz are famous for their captains, their reds and the famous tarpon. Surf-casting, trolling, at sea or in the lagoons, sport fishing remains a key activity of the country. Numerous agencies and tour operators offer trips exclusively devoted to this activity. Prices are high, but everything is included in the package. Among the nautical activities, sailing (all types of boats) can give rise to a competition in Port-Gentil, in front of the Sogara club. Kitesurfing has become popular in Libreville in recent years, and often takes off from the Guege bridge. With a little luck, you can even ride alongside dolphins. As for surfing, it is practiced at the end of Pointe Denis, near the lighthouse of Gombé or on the beaches of the Cape, in Port-Gentil. However, the weather conditions are rarely excellent. Finally, more and more private individuals, owners of quad bikes or jet skis, are organizing raids on the Gabonese coast. In Libreville and Port-Gentil, you will find enthusiasts who offer their services.

The seabed of São Tomé is beautiful, especially around Santana and Rolas Island. The few diving centres on the island are run by professionals. Finally, in Gabon, many French-speaking Europeans are involved in sports such as horseback riding in the equestrian centres of Libreville, Port-Gentil or Moanda, or golf in Libreville, Port-Gentil or Moanda. Followed by a privileged fringe of the society, all origins included, and in particular by French people from the cooperation, international meetings take place every year.

There are few shops selling local art or crafts. However, you will find some interesting art galleries in Libreville. Many decoration houses work with West, South and North African countries, or bring in objects and furniture from Asia and even the Philippines. There are some very nice pieces at high prices, and import duties are particularly high.
In the city centre, there is a large craft village where you can find local items and objects from West and North Africa, and a smaller village near the waterfront. If you are interested in an item, you will have to bargain hard!
As far as food is concerned, you can find everything in Libreville, but the prices, especially for European products, are quite high. All the big supermarkets and even the small neighbourhood mini-markets are well stocked, except for fresh produce, which you can only find in supermarkets. Everywhere, small shops, "Chez le Malien", even if today the owners are less and less from Mali, stay open quite late in the evening, on weekends and on public holidays. They sell essential items and telephone recharge cards. At the markets (Mont-Bouët, Petit Paris, street stands), one can buy fresh vegetables and fruit without worrying.

Some discotheques are free, but you will have to consume on the spot. The price of a drink starts at 5,000 FCFA. The French Institute regularly organizes shows, conferences and concerts. Find out about the programme!

What budget to eat Gabon?

From the maquis to the luxury restaurant, you can eat at any price in Gabon. In the big cities, some establishments are real gastronomic references. You should then count between 20 000 and 40 000 FCFA for a menu. For more modest restaurants, count around 5,000 FCFA for the main course. In the maquis, you can enjoy good meat or fish kebabs for about CFAF 3,000. However, avoid those set up on the pavement, to avoid turista.
In São Tomé and Príncipe, count around 200 NSDT in a village outside the capital. In the more comfortable restaurants, expect to pay around 300 NSDT for a meal.

In Gabon, there are many maquis where you can drink a large Régab, the Gabonese beer, or a soda for a few CFA francs, in a 100% local atmosphere.

What is the budget for accommodation Gabon?

In Gabon, the hotel industry is a rapidly expanding sector, except in the most remote villages. Unfortunately, many new accommodations are built without thinking of renovating or restoring the existing ones. In Libreville, accommodation remains expensive. It is difficult to find a decent room for less than 30,000 CFA francs. Average prices are around 60 000 FCFA. Outside the capital, the rates are becoming more affordable. For those with small pockets, the solution of the Christian missions is interesting when it is possible. You can camp anywhere in Gabon, at your own risk, except in the forest where the animals represent a real danger that will not allow you to leave without a guide. On the beach, near Libreville, you must beware of attacks. Only the beachfront in wilder places is really possible, except in national parks.
In São Tomé and Príncipe, there are many possibilities for accommodation, from camping to luxury hotels, through charming rocas and family pensions at very different prices. The same problem of maintenance of the structures. Remember to always make reservations or at least give advance notice of your arrival at the risk of not being able to be received (full house, lack of food or sheets, etc.).

Travel budget Gabon and cost of living

In Gabon

, your budget will depend above all on the way you travel and on your requirements. However, Gabon remains a relatively expensive destination if you want to travel (by plane or 4x4 in some areas) and discover the interior of the country. Safaris must be organized in advance. It is therefore often easier, and not always more expensive, to go through travel agencies or directly through the receptive. Low budget. Accommodation in missions or in small hotels, meals in the bush, travel by public transport (city taxi and bush taxi). Count on about 50 000 FCFA (75 €) per day and per person.
Medium budget. Accommodation in a medium class hotel, travel by taxi-brousse, boat or train, meals in restaurants or maquis. Count on 60 000 to 120 000 FCFA (90 to 180 €) per day and per person.
Big budget. Accommodation in luxury hotels, meals in gourmet restaurants, travel by own means (car rental), by plane or by a travel agency that prepares an à la carte tour. Expect to pay between 150,000 and 300,000 CFA francs (€228 to €450) per day per person.

In São Tomé and Príncipe

, the local currency is weak, so a trip to the archipelago is not necessarily very expensive. It all depends on your choice of accommodation and activities, as there are also some luxury services. Small budget. Lodging in small hotels or camping, eating in the village or sandwiches, travelling alone by public transport (taxi and taxi-bus). Count on about 500 NSTD (around 20 €) per day and per person.
Medium budget. Lodging in a middle class hotel, renting a car, taking a guide to do some excursions, eating in restaurants in São Tomé. Expect to pay around NSTD 3,000 (about €120) per person per day.
Big budget. Lodging in high-end hotels, eating in hotel restaurants, renting a car with a guide, organizing tours, alone or with a travel agency that prepares customized tours. Expect to pay NSTD 3,700 to 5,700 (€120 to €230) per day and per person (for a couple).