Gabon-6-day-itinerary

Gabon: A 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Libreville and the Coast

  • Morning: Arrive in Libreville, the capital city of Gabon. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Museum, which showcases Gabon’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Evening: Take a stroll along the coastal promenade, where you can enjoy the sunset and local street food.

Things to know:

  • Visa requirements: Citizens of some countries may need a visa to enter Gabon. Check with the Gabonese embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements.
  • Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended, as well as other vaccinations such as hepatitis A and typhoid.

Day 2: Ivindo National Park

  • Morning: Drive to Ivindo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (approx. 3 hours).
  • Afternoon: Take a guided hike through the park’s lush rainforest, spotting monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.
  • Evening: Return to Libreville and enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants.

Transportation:

  • Rent a car or hire a driver for the day trip to Ivindo National Park.
  • Taxis are also available in Libreville.

Day 3: Lopé National Park

  • Morning: Drive to Lopé National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site (approx. 4 hours).
  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the park’s savannas and forests, spotting elephants, gorillas, and other wildlife.
  • Evening: Return to Libreville and relax at your hotel.

Things to do:

  • Go hiking or trekking in either Ivindo or Lopé National Park for a more immersive experience.
  • Take a boat tour on the Ogooué River to spot hippos, crocodiles, and other aquatic life.

Day 4: Port-Gentil

  • Morning: Fly to Port-Gentil, Gabon’s second-largest city (approx. 1 hour).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Port-Gentil Museum, which showcases the history of Gabon’s oil industry.
  • Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Port-Gentil’s many restaurants.

Accommodation:

  • Choose from a range of hotels in Libreville and Port-Gentil, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.

Day 5: Akanda National Park

  • Morning: Take a boat tour to Akanda National Park, a protected area known for its mangrove forests and marine life (approx. 2 hours).
  • Afternoon: Go snorkeling or diving to spot tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
  • Evening: Return to Port-Gentil and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Safety:

  • Take necessary precautions against malaria and other diseases prevalent in Gabon.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring Port-Gentil’s markets.
  • Afternoon: Fly back to Libreville (approx. 1 hour) and connect to your international flight home.

Other things of interest:

  • Attend a traditional Gabonese dance performance, such as the Punu or Fang dances.
  • Try local cuisine, which often features ingredients like plantains, peanuts, and fish.
  • Visit the Marché du Mont-Bouet, a bustling market in Libreville where you can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts.