- Destinations
- Africa
- Gabon
Gabon
One of the most naturally exquisite and most prosperous
countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Gabon attracts adventure
travellers and nature lovers in equal measure. The country
straddles the equator on the west coast of Africa and is bordered
by Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo
and the Atlantic Ocean.
Many travellers opt to 4X4 through this rugged country, armed
with little more than a French dictionary, some mosquito repellent
and a taste for adventure. Verdant tropical rainforests teeming
with exotic wildlife such as chimpanzees, elephants and gorillas,
the vast green savannahs of Lope-Okanda Reserve, 500 miles (805km)
of deserted sandy beaches, lagoons, estuaries and breathtaking
African sunsets: what more could one want?
Originally inhabited by the Pygmy people, it was colonised by
the Portuguese in the 15th century, who named the country 'Gabão',
which is Portuguese for 'cabin', after the shape of the estuary of
the Komo River. It was later colonised by France in 1885, and went
on to gain independence in 1960.
Gabon is the talk of the town when it comes to eco-tourism,
thanks to the government designating 10 percent of the country's
land to national parks. Just by being there, visitors are already
off the beaten track as everything outside the capital of
Libreville is only recently accessible. The Mayumba National Park
features leatherback turtles nesting in the sandy beaches and
marine life such as sharks, dolphins, and migrating humpback
whales.
Travellers are advised to be cautious in Libreville, as in any
city that has its fair share of crime, and carry a copy of their
passport and visa at all times as police are known to hassle
tourists. Female travellers should prepare themselves for plenty of
unwanted attention.
For those wanting a more mainstream experience, Port Gentil at
the mouth of Libreville and Ogooue River offers some wonderful
fishing and is popular amongst European visitors. With so much to
see and do, Gabon has enough charm and diversity to appeal to
travellers with a hearty sense of adventure.
Information & Facts
Customs
Drug possession is a serious offence in Gabon and punishment
will include a prison sentence, even for tourists. Homosexuality is
not widely accepted, and certain homosexual acts are illegal.
Taking photographs of government buildings and military sites is
prohibited.
Duty Free
Travellers to Gabon aged 17 and older may import the following
items: three bottles of wine not exceeding three litres, one litre
of liquor, 50g of perfume, two cameras, 10 rolls of film per
camera, and gifts valued up to XA5, 000. Men may bring 400
cigarettes or cigarillos/125 cigars/500g of tobacco, while women
may only bring cigarettes. Those importing guns and ammunition are
required to have a license from the Ministry of Home Affairs in
Libreville.
Health
Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled, and ice
and uncooked fruits should also be avoided. Yellow fever
vaccinations are required for all visitors over the age of one.
Gabon is a malaria zone, and either mefloquine or doxycycline is
recommended. There have been recent outbreaks of chikungunya fever
and dengue fever, both transmitted by mosquito bites. No vaccine is
available for either disease, but stringent anti-insect measures
are recommended. Healthcare in Gabon is poor, and traveller's
insurance is a good idea. Many doctors will expect cash up front,
regardless of insurance.
Passport Visa
All visitors to Gabon must be in possession of a hotel voucher
or a letter of invitation issued by their sponsor, a return/onward
ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next
destination; OR, an Autorisation d'entree au Gabon, issued prior to
their arrival in the country, by the Direction Generale de la
Documentation et de l'Immigration in Gabon. Note that a yellow
fever vaccination is required to enter Gabon. NOTE: It is highly
recommended that your passport has at least six months validity
remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Safety
Crime is an increasing problem in cities like Libreville and
Port-Gentil, and precautions should be taken: avoid showing
expensive jewellery, camera, and other valuables, and avoid walking
alone or at night. Female travellers can expect unwanted attention
from men, but are free to be firm in their refusal. Gabon's
government is relatively stable; however there is still the
possibility of demonstrations and rallies, which should be avoided
where possible.