Gabon was named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of "The 22 Best Places to Go", saying: « Adventure seekers, nature lovers, and environmental advocates who visit will find incredible biodiversity, and a country determined to put critical conservation and eco-tourism projects in place before the masses arrive. Find leatherback turtles nesting in sand dunes along the shores of Pongara National Park, spot whales spouting among crashing blue waves in Mayumba, climb verdant mountains and staggering cliffs in Bateke Plateau, explore historic caves and savanna in Birougou, and marvel over waterfalls plunging into the rapids of the blackwater rivers in Ivindo National Park. »
Internationally recognised for its environmental and biodiversity preservation policies, Gabon has made the development of eco-tourism one of its national priorities. With high-level infrastructure that respect environmental standards, the Last Eden offers tourists a setting as wild as it is comfortable.
Entirely made with local materials, and respectful of the surrounding eco-systems, these structures offer an extraordinary immersion in contact with the endemic fauna and flora of the Gabonese equatorial rainforest for a unique and eco-responsible experience.
With its museums, historical centers, craft workshops and popular bars and nightclubs, Gabon's capital Libreville is the country's cultural heart. Here you will find world-class hotels, gastronomic restaurants blending African and French cuisine, and bars offering a welcoming beer after your visit to the rainforest.
Port-Gentil is the economic capital of Gabon, standing on Mandji Island as part of a peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean. The city is lined by white sandy beaches and offers luxury hotel facilities, such as La Baie des Coquillages. Port-Gentil also can serve as a jumping off point to visit surrounding nature spot.
Lambaréné is a small historical town located 250km southeast of Libreville on the Ogooué River. It is particularly known for the Albert-Schweitzer Hospital, created in 1913 by the doctor of the same name, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952. Today, the hospital has a museum retracing the history of the doctor.
In Gabon ceremonial masks build a bridge between the living and the dead. They serve as mediators between the visible and sacred worlds. Masks have multiple appearances and are believed to be the visible expression of the spirits with their shape and appearance to the dictated by spirit beings. The design is often inspired by dreams or appear during trances, which can be provoked by the absorption of local hallucinogenic plants. Their role is to coax the spirits so as to appease them in order to prevent them from spreading misfortune.
The bwiti rite is an initiation ceremony deeply rooted in Gabonese culture. Practiced by a large part of the Gabonese population, it allows the initiates to connect spiritually with their ancestors and to enlighten them on the path that they should follow in life. Between traditional dances, songs, body paintings and experimentation with Iboga, a locally growing hallucinogenic plant, the Bwiti initiation rite allows the initiate to undergo the oldest traditions of Gabon.
Nationals of G20 member countries are exempt from requiring a visa for Gabon and are permitted a 30 day visa-free stay. The full list of G20 countries eligible for visa-free access can be found by clicking on the 'Discover More' tab. All other visitors from non-G20 countries do need a visa to enter Gabon. To get a visa please consult the e-Visa procedure. Applicants should also have a valid passport. The document must have a validity of at least six months on the day of entry into Gabon. For further information on visas, please consult the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l’Immigration.
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41000
Leatherback sea turtles
18000
Gorillas
204
Mammal species