Gabon
Gabon is a country in Western Central Africa. It lies on the Equator, on the Atlantic Ocean coast, between the Republic of the Congo to the south and east, Equatorial Guinea to the northwest and Cameroon to the north.
A small population, as well as oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries. The country has generally been able to maintain and conserve its pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity.
Regions
Cities
Other destinations
Mouila Tchibanga Koulamoutou Ndende Bongolo Lembamba Fouganmou
Culture and History
Climate
Tropical; always hot, humid. During the month of June to September, the climate is a bit cool (20-25°C).
Terrain
Narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south
History
Ruled by autocratic presidents since independence from France in 1960, Gabon introduced a multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s that allowed for a more transparent electoral process and for reforms of governmental institutions. A small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous black African countries.
Travel to Gabon, visa requirements
Flights to Gabon, airtickets
Air Gabon has recently gone out of business. Air France flies from Paris to Libreville, and Royal Air Maroc flies from Casablanca to Gabon. Air Service also flies to Douala (Cameroon), and Air Ethiopia flies from Addis Ababa. There are also on occasion flights to Brazzaville, Congo. It is reported on the Internet that the Air Service Dash 8 aircraft were returned to Canada in 2006 May.
November 2006: every Monday there is an "Interair" flight from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Libreville with a stopover in Brazzaville/Congo - returning via the same route every Wednesday. Interair will introduce a second weekly flight within the next few weeks.
By car
There are several border crossings, though the roads are not good and a 4x4 is recommended.
Get around
The easiest way to get around is by bus. There are many and they are very cheap.
By Air
Air Service has scheduled flights to Oyem, Makouko and Franceville/Mvengue. Air Nationale flies to Franceville/Mvengue. There are flights to Franceville/Mvengue every day of the week except Tuesdays and Thursdays.
By car
There are lots of paved roads in Gabon, if you are staying in one of the major citys a car should suffice. If you plan on venturing onto some of the unpaved roads outside the major cities a 4x4 is recommended. There are less than 800km of tarred roads in Gabon - some of them in a bad condition. During the rainy season it is difficult to travel outside the major city areas even in a 4x4 vehicle.
By train
The Trans-Gabon railroad goes from Owendo to Franceville. The trip takes 12-18 hours, there is a train every day of the week. November 2006: There are only 3 trains per week to Franceville: Tuesdays leaving Owendo at 9 a.m. - arriving in Franceville at 5 p.m. according to timetable, which is not completely reliable timewise. On Thursdays and Saturdays train travels through the night.
Buses to Gabon
A few wealthy Gabonese entrepreneurs have invested in new buses for bus lines to service the larger interior cities. Mostly these buses serve the cities with paved roads leading to and from them. Since Air Gabon closed down, these bus lines have greatly increased their routes.
By boat
Boat travel is available all along the coast of Gabon and dozens of miles up the Ogooue river to Lambarene. Boats leave daily to/from Libreville and Port Gentil. River trips from the mouth of the big river at Port Gentil to Lambarene (Albert Schweitzer Hospital) are available every few days.
Talk
Very few people speak english in Gabon, so some knowledge of French is an asset.
Shopping, Gabon souvenirs
Good restaurants and cheap meals
Gabon nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
The cheapest local beer is Regab, it costs from 350-1000 CFA and comes in a 660ml bottle. There are fantastic fruit juices available: "D'jino" Pampelmousse (grapefruit), Ananas (pineapple), Citron (Lemon) in 300ml bottles at CFA 400 and in a 1,5l bottle at CFA 900 if bought in a shop.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Learn
Work
A visa and letter of invitation are required for foreigners working in Gabon.
Stay safe
Malaria is common, so visitors should take malaria pills and a mosquito net when travelling in Gabon. AIDS is, unfortunately, a common disease in Gabon, so if you must engage in sexual activities, use protection.
Respect
Contact
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