Why go au Gabon?
The good reasons to go au Gabon
An exceptional fauna
From elephants to gorillas, the equatorial forest conceals a rich and varied fauna.
Beautiful beaches
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean for 850 km, Gabon has magnificent white sand beaches.
Exceptional birdlife
With over 600 species, half of them endemic, Gabon is a bird kingdom.
Fishy waters
Tarpon, red carp, captains and barracudas: fishing enthusiasts will be delighted!
Spectacular ballets
In summer, humpback whales offer a breathtaking spectacle off the coast of Gabon.
Remarkable egg-laying sites
From November to February, the beaches become a sanctuary for sea turtles to lay their eggs.
Luxuriant nature
More than 80% of Gabon is covered by equatorial forest, and its flora is exceptional!
A rich and varied gastronomy
From local specialties to French-influenced dishes, your taste buds will be delighted!
A traditional craft
From Fang masks to Mbigou stone sculptures, there are some wonders to be found!
Diverse cultures
Populated by some fifty ethnic groups, Gabon is a veritable cultural mosaic!
Good to know when visiting le Gabon
Timetable
With 13 national parks, Gabon is a destination for wildlife observation, including the country's emblematic forest elephant, forest buffalo and gorilla. However, some parks are difficult to access and others are open only to scientific research. It is advisable to visit the national parks at dawn to see as many animals as possible. Some outings are also organized in the late afternoon.
To be booked
It's best to plan your visit to one of Gabon's national parks at least a week in advance, to take care of logistics such as travel, accommodation and the official guide who will accompany you.
Budget & Tips
Prices vary from park to park, and you'll need to allow for a substantial budget, depending on the type of visit and accommodation. A daily fee of 15,000 FCFA per person per day must be paid to the National Parks Agency.
Guided tours
To discover one of Gabon's national parks, you need to be accompanied by an official guide.
Smokers
Smoking is not recommended in national parks, as fires can start very quickly, especially in the dry season.
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Discover le Gabon
Despite its wild territory, Gabon has been inhabited since prehistoric times by various indigenous peoples of the African continent. From the Pygmies to the Bantu ethnic groups, they arrived in migratory waves and sometimes mixed, dividing themselves into sub-groups. As in many African countries, Europeans, notably the French, colonized the territory and a slave trade developed along the coast. On independence, Gabon became a democratic country, with political elections. However, one-party rule was soon established. Omar Bongo remained in power for 42 years. Then came his son, Ali Bongo, who was overthrown in August 2023. A predominantly Christian country, Gabon remains very attached to its traditions, particularly as regards ancestor worship. With a mainly utilitarian function, decorative crafts are not very well developed in the country.
