Loango National Park
Region: Ogooué-Maritime Province
Nature
Also called "Africa's last Eden," where elephants walk beaches and surfing hippos can be seen.
Tourism in Gabon
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Lopé National Park
Region: Moyen-Ogooué Province
World Heritage
Mixed World Heritage for savanna-tropical forest interlacing landscape and Paleolithic rock engravings.
Pongara National Park
Region: Estuaire Province
Nature
Famous as sea turtle nesting ground; day-trip range from Libreville.
Akanda National Park
Region: Estuaire Province
Nature
Mangroves and tidal flats spreading; optimal for migratory bird observation.
Moukalaba-Doudou National Park
Region: Nyanga Province
Nature
Known for gorilla research; Japanese research teams conduct long-term studies.
Lambaréné Schweitzer Hospital
Region: Moyen-Ogooué Province
Culture
Historic medical facility associated with Nobel Peace Prize physician Schweitzer.
Koko Beach
Region: Libreville suburbs
Recreation
White sandy beach with palm tree rows; citizen seaside resort.
Saint Michael Cathedral
Region: Libreville
Modern Architecture
Catholic church featuring massive carved wooden pillars.
Ogooué River Delta Mangrove Tour
Region: Port-Gentil
Nature
Boat observation of wild birds and manatees.
Mont Bouet Viewpoint
Region: Libreville
Panorama
Hill overlooking city streets and Atlantic Ocean.
Suggested itineraries
Gabon National Parks Highlights 6 Days
Duration (days): 6
Highlights: Lopé National Park, Loango National Park, Akanda National Park
Using domestic flights and 4WDs to experience three ecosystems of savanna, coast, and mangroves at once.
Schweitzer-related Ogooué River Tour 3 Days
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: Lambaréné, Ogooué River Cruise, Traditional village visit
Short eco-tour learning medical history and water-based lifestyle culture.
Travel tips
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate mandatory at entry.
- Dry season (June–August) offers good road conditions optimal for wildlife observation.
- Inland areas cash-based. Credit card use often unavailable outside cities.
- Night taxis basically shared. Negotiate fare before boarding.
- Boil tap water or use mineral water.
- Domestic flights convenient for long distances but frequent delays; allow schedule flexibility.
- High tropical malaria risk requires mosquito countermeasures and prophylactic medication.
- Official language French. Simple French conversation helpful.
- Government-authorized guides mandatory at national parks.
- Drone use requires prior permission. Confiscation examples at airports.
- Strong rip currents along coast; check swimming area signs.
- High-value banknotes (XAF10,000+) sometimes refused acceptance in provinces.