Gabon

Gabon is a destination that feels like the world at its most primordial. With over 80% of its land covered by lush, primary rainforest and a coastline where hippos are known to surf the Atlantic waves, it is a land of untamed miracles. Long shielded from mass tourism, Gabon has emerged as a high-end sanctuary for the “conscious explorer”—those who seek to witness the planet’s most rare wildlife in its most untouched state.

Whether you are tracking lowland gorillas through the mist or watching humpback whales breach off a jungle-fringed shore, Gabon offers a raw, cinematic beauty that is increasingly rare in the 21st century.

Why we love Gabon

We love Gabon for its “unscripted” nature. It is a place where the boundaries between land and sea blur. It is one of the few places on earth where you can witness forest elephants emerging from the trees onto a beach, or find yourself in a national park that has more in common with a prehistoric world than a modern safari. It is the commitment to conservation and the sheer, emerald-green scale of the landscape that makes Gabon a true masterpiece of the natural world.

The Most Beautiful Places in Gabon

From the “Surfing Hippos” to the prehistoric canyons:

1. Loango National Park

Commonly referred to as the “Land of Surfing Hippos,” Loango is the crown jewel of Gabon’s park system. It is a unique mosaic of beach, forest, savanna, and lagoon. It is the only place in the world where you can see forest elephants, buffalos, and even gorillas wandering along the shoreline while whales and dolphins play in the waves just meters away.

2. Ivindo National Park & Kongou Falls

Home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Africa. Ivindo is a dense, wild expanse known for the thunderous Kongou Falls—a massive, multi-tiered cascade hidden deep within the jungle. It is also the site of Langoué Baï, a natural forest clearing that serves as a vital gathering spot for forest elephants and gorillas.

3. Libreville

A vibrant, coastal capital that serves as a sophisticated gateway to the wild. Libreville offers a mix of French colonial history, modern glass towers, and a lively seafood scene. Stroll along the Bord de Mer (waterfront) to see the monumental sculptures or visit the St. Michael Cathedral with its intricate wooden carvings crafted by a blind artisan.

4. Lopé National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site where the savanna meets the rainforest. Lopé offers a window into the past, with archaeological sites featuring 1,800-year-old rock carvings. It is the best place in the world to see Mandrills—the world’s largest and most colorful monkeys—who congregate here in groups of hundreds.

5. Leconi Canyons

In the far southeast of the country, the landscape shifts dramatically into the red and gold hues of the Bateke Plateaux. The Leconi Canyons are a spectacular geological formation—a series of deep, wind-carved amphitheatres that glow under the African sun. It is a stark, beautiful contrast to the lush green of the western coast.

Highlights of a Tour Through Gabon

  • Gorilla Habituation: Spend time with the habituated lowland gorillas of Moukalaba-Doudou National Park. Observing these gentle giants in the wild is one of the most profound wildlife encounters on the continent.
  • Whale Watching: Between July and September, the waters off the coast of Libreville and Loango become a breeding ground for Humpback Whales. A private boat tour offers an intimate view of their acrobatic displays.
  • Kayaking the Akanda Mangroves: Just north of Libreville, the Akanda National Park is a maze of mangroves and tidal flats. It is a sanctuary for migratory birds and a peaceful world to explore by kayak at high tide.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The best time to visit is during the dry seasons: June to August (the long dry season) and December to January. For whale watching, aim for July and August. For seeing forest elephants on the beach, the end of the rainy season (October to April) is ideal as they come out to eat fermented fruit.
  • Getting around: Gabon is a land of vast forests and few roads. Internal travel is often done via small charter flights or the legendary Trans-Gabonais railway. Within the parks, private 4x4s and motorized pirogues (boats) are the primary modes of transport.
  • Language: French is the official language. While English is spoken in high-end lodges and by specialized guides, a “Bonjour” and a few basic French phrases will go a long way in Libreville.
  • Health: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. Malaria precautions are strongly recommended, as most of the country is dense tropical forest.