Day 2 - Libreville
We start the day with a visit to the Raponda Walker Arboretum, an area of protected forest that covers around 6,747 hectares and is home to various equatorial rainforest trees and plants. We trek in the forest, learning about the properties of medicinal plants that we come across, and reach the coast where we have a picnic on the beach. Head back to Libreville in the afternoon to explore some of the city. Overnight Tropicana Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 3 - Lambarene
In the morning we continue exploring Libreville with a visit to the St Michel Church and other sites. The church showcases an interesting mix of traditional Gabonese and Christian art styles. In the afternoon we head to Lambarene, on an island in the Ogooué River. Lambarene is known for its lakes, with several endemic bird and fish species, as well as the Schweitzer Hospital, established in the early 20th century and a centre for research into malaria. We spend the night in the hospital guest rooms for a sense of the history of this town. (BD)
Day 4 - Lambarene
In the morning we explore the hospital and the house of Albert Schweitzer which now houses a museum. We have the afternoon to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings here, before driving to the outskirts of Lambarene in the evening to witness a very special – and unique to Gabon – ceremony, that of the Bwiti belief system. This is a ‘secret’ society based on indigenous beliefs, where initiates seek to communicate with spirit world, and a highlight of the trip. Overnight Albert Schweitzer Hospital or similar. (BLD)
Day 5 - Lambarene
Free morning to relax or take a walk after a late night. In the afternoon we explore Lambarene town, visiting the Isaac market and Ogooué river. Overnight Albert Schweitzer Hospital or similar. (BLD)
Day 6 - Oguemoue Lake
This morning we travel by boat along the Ogooué River, a stunning journey which gives a sense of how the first European explorers of this region must have felt. We then reach our base for the next few days, Oguemoue Lake, and set out to try and catch our first glimpse of the local wildlife. Overnight tented camp. (BLD)
Days 7-8 - Oguemoue Lake
Two full days to explore Oguemoue. The wildlife here is rich and includes elephant, hippos, crocodiles, gorillas, chimpanzees and numerous antelope species, as well as a huge number of bird species. However, as in any forest environment, it requires a bit of luck and determination to see. Accompanied by local guides we venture into the forests and along the lake each day in search of the iconic wildlife that lives here. We also have the opportunity to visit local communities and learn about their traditions. Overnight tented camp. (BLD)
Day 9 - Lambarene - Libreville
After breakfast we make our way back to Lambarene and continue to Libreville in the afternoon. Overnight Hotel Tropicana or similar. (BL)
Day 10 - Libreville
We spend the day exploring Libreville with visits to some interesting workshops including those of wood sculptors and painters. We also visit the Museum of Arts and Traditions and there will be the opportunity to purchase traditional musical instruments as well as items used in traditional Bwiti ceremonies. Transfer to the airport in the evening for your flight home. (B)
Please note that we sell this trip in conjunction with our local partner, so there may be other nationalities in this group.
Please also note, you should not book any departure flight before the evening of the final day.
What's included?
What's not included?
Visas
Most travellers will require a visa to enter Gabon.
The Gabon visa application is now online but has been known to present problems and so we strongly recommend that our local team apply on your behalf.
Our local team can arrange an entry authorisation in advance for you, which will enable you to obtain the visa when you arrive at the airport. The cost of this processing service, payable in advance, is £85. The cost of the visa itself, payable on arrival at the airport in Gabon, is approximately £83.
If you would like us to arrange this for you, please let us know at least two months before travel. We will need a copy of your passport, a passport photograph with white background, return airline tickets, and details of your profession.
Health and vaccinations
We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations, you can also visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Gabon and you must bring this with you.
If you have any physical limitations that might impact your ability to participate in the planned tour activities, it’s essential that you make us aware as soon as possible so that we can discuss this with you.
Insurance
It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover, which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.
Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.
Money
The local currency in Gabon is the Central African CFA, a currency that is shared with many other countries in the region. It is not, however, the same as the West African CFA, and the two are not interchangeable. It is best to bring Euros for exchange purposes as the CFA is not obtainable outside of the region.
It’s not difficult to change money in Gabon, but only in the larger cities – once you leave these, your opportunity for changing funds is slim to non-existent, and so we recommend that you change enough at the start of the tour to last for the duration that you are in Gabon. Your guide will be able to assist with this. ATMs exist but are not always reliable and so it is best to think of them as a back up rather than a main means of obtaining money.
Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and better restaurants (usually in Libreville and Port Gentil) but are not commonly accepted elsewhere.
Local conditions
When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.
Travel advice
We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the FCO does not advise against travel to any parts of Gabon.
This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.
Please note that the information contained above is highly susceptible to change, and while we endeavour to keep up to date we recommend that you use this as a guide only. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Updated July 2023
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