11 Day Gabon Expedition - Africa's Off-The-Beaten-Track Garden of Eden

Straddling the equator on the west coast of Africa, this naturally stunning and prosperous sub-Saharan country is a mecca for adventurous nature lovers. With flat river plains and dense rainforests along the Atlantic coast, the Chaillu Mountains in the central highlands, and lush jungles in the eastern region, Gabon's terrain is rugged, wild, and teeming with African animals, including leopards, elephants, chimpanzees, and mountain gorillas. The nation is also idyllically endowed with an 800-kilometre-long stretch of coast dotted with isolated palm-fringed bays, exquisite hidden lagoons, and estuaries brimming with birdlife. With so much to see and do, Gabon has enough charm and diversity to appeal to travellers with a hearty sense of adventure. While its terrain can be challenging to navigate, the reward is certainly worth the effort.

Currency:  
Local currency: CFA Franc 
Symbol: CFA or XAF 
ISO code: GAB 
Central bank: Bank of Central African States  
Subunit: Cents 
Banknotes: CFA 10 000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 
Coins: 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 1 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Sometimes 
Visa: Sometimes 
American Express: Sometimes 
Diner’s club: Sometimes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: Mondays – Fridays 07h30 – 11h30 and 14h30 – 16h30  
Weekends: No 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Gabon Airlines  
International Airports: Libreville Leon M'ba International Airport 

Road:
Tar roads: Few
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes, along with international insurance  
Car hire available: Yes, although expensive
Taxis: Some
Uber available: Sometimes  

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Some, as well as minibus taxis (rideshare). Bus tours are available 
Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 
 
Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: No 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes if well cooked 
Street food: No 
 
Local cuisine: The cuisine in Gabon is characterised by French influences, tribal traditions and plenty of hot chillis. Top dishes include baked bananas (made with orange juice, breadcrumbs and egg, and served as a dessert or side dish), and Nyembwe chicken (the national dish, a stew with tomatoes, onions, chilli, okra and palm butter).  

Tipping: 10 - 15% 

Annual rainfall: 1500 mm to 3500 mm 
Average temperature: 26 - 32°C 

Summer: 

Average Highs: 29°C 

Average Lows: 22°C 

Winter: 

Average Highs: 28°C 

Average Lows: 21°C 

Best time to visit: Visiting between the months of May and September – the dry season – will allow travellers a larger chance to spot wildlife, less rain, and fewer insects. Mammals are most easily spotted in September, while July brings prolific birdlife. Those visiting in the rainy season will have the chance to spot turtles laying eggs on the beach. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes, especially in Libreville 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Sometimes  
Shopping malls: Sometimes  
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Sometimes