Document checklist for Gabon

• Sufficient funds to cover your trip
• Visa (if applicable)
• Valid passport
• Return or onward ticket

Essential Gabon travel information

Currency – The CFA franc (XOF) is the currency used in Gabon. XOF 611 roughly converts to $1.

Daily budget for one person – XOF 30,000 ($54)

Languages – English is spoken in major towns and popular tourist destinations in Gabon; however, French is the official language.

Socket type – Type C, a supply voltage of 220 volts, and a frequency of 50 hertz.

Time zone – West Africa Standard Time (GMT+1).

Top 3 cities to visit – Port-Gentil, Libreville, and Pointe-Denis

Top 3 landmarks/monuments – Pongara, the Loango National Park, and the Lopé Reserve

Visa information for Gabon

Travelers can enter Gabon legally for tourist, business, and medical reasons with the Gabon eVisa. The eVisa is Single Entry and is valid for 30 days following arrival.

Typical costs and budget for Gabon

Daily spending – XOF 30,000 ($54) per person

Meals – XOF 7,000-15,000 ($13-27) daily.

Transport – The price of a cab inside a large city can range from XOF 1,000 to 3,000 ($1.80 to $5.40), although lengthier taxi trips between cities can cost as much as XOF 30,000 ($54).

Hotel – For a pair, a hotel in Gabon typically costs between XOF 10,000 and 30,000 ($18 to $54) per night.

The typical cost of a weeklong journey for two persons to Gabon is XOF 420,000 ($685).

Transport and best ways to travel around Gabon

Libreville Leon M’ba International Airport is Gabon’s primary international airport. Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, and Royal Air Maroc are just a few major airlines that fly to Libreville from locations worldwide. Visitors can travel from these nearby nations into Gabon by car, but it is advisable to confirm the visa requirements and border crossing policies before making an effort.

Visitors can use the air and the road to explore Gabon after arriving. Between-city transportation options include domestic aircraft and buses.

For local transportation, there are alternative possibilities, including taxis and rental automobiles. Remember that the roads in Gabon might occasionally be in terrible shape. A vehicle with four-wheel drive is often required. Exercise cautiousness as there aren’t many places to get towing and repair services.

Safety in Gabon

Although it’s typically secure to travel to Gabon, taking the usual safety precautions wherever you go is still a good idea. You need to be aware of these things as a visitor:

• Break-ins to automobiles are extremely frequent, so always lock your car and park in a safe area.
• Avoid going on a nighttime stroll by yourself, especially in cities.
• Visitors should constantly keep their possessions nearby since petty crimes like stealing and pickpocketing are widespread. Inform the closest police station of any incidents.
• Use ATMs and other payment options exclusively at well-known hotels and stores, as credit card theft is a widespread scam.
• Avoid the Port Gentil and downtown Libreville districts because they are potential hotspots for armed assault.
• Political rallies and demonstrations should also be avoided since they occasionally degenerate into violence.

Weather in Gabon

Gabon experiences high humidity and temperatures all through the year. As a result, a wet season and a dry season alternately occur in the nation.

In Gabon, the rainy season lasts from October to May, with the highest precipitation often falling between February and April. There is little to no rain during Gabon’s dry season, which lasts from June through September.

Given the better weather and easier access to wildlife, this is typically considered the ideal time to travel to Gabon. In addition, the dry season has temperatures between 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F).

The country of Gabon experiences warm, humid weather all year long. The rainy season brings heavy rain, and the dry season provides better travel and animal-watching opportunities. When visiting Gabon, getting the proper clothing and equipment for the weather is essential, especially during the wet season when it may rain and flood.

Must do and see in Gabon

Enjoy the Mandrill migration: The most significant population of mandrills in the world is found in Gabon, where they move in significant numbers each year during the dry season to various regions of the nation. Not to be missed is this extraordinary animal display.

Explore Loango National Park, Gabon’s premier national park and one of the top locations worldwide, to observe forest elephants, hippos, and other species in their native habitat. Beautiful beaches and lagoons are another feature of the park.

Explore Lopé National Park: Gorillas, chimpanzees, and forest elephants may all be found at Lopé National Park, which is Gabon’s largest national park. The park’s stunning savannah and rainforest environments are also accessible through hiking.

Typical Gabon food to try

Fufu: A starchy side dish cooked from yams, cassava, or plantains

Grilled Fish: Fish that has been grilled or fried is frequently accessible in Gabon due to its coastal location.

Nyembwe chicken is a stew prepared with onions, spices, and palm oil.

Poulet Moambé: A different type of chicken stew cooked with moambé sauce, a condiment derived from the African oil palm fruit’s pulp.

Vaccine information for Gabon

For travel to Gabon, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required. Before making travel plans, it’s essential to understand what standard vaccinations and COVID-19 precautions are needed to enter Gabon. It is crucial to visit the CDC website for further information regarding all vaccination requirements and suggested travel guidance.