Gabon

Country information Gabon

Are you ready for a unique adventure in the ‘green paradise of Africa’? Gabon welcomes you with its unspoiled nature, rich wildlife, and fascinating culture. The country stretches along the equator and offers an impressive variety of dense rainforests, wild river landscapes, and beautiful Atlantic beaches. Around 80 % of the country is covered by rainforests, making Gabon one of the last true natural paradises on Earth and one of the most biodiverse countries.

But Gabon is more than just a breathtaking backdrop. Here you will experience warm hospitality, a vibrant culture, and a unique coexistence of man and nature. Discover the wild elephants and gorillas in the national parks, be enchanted by the Fang culture's ritual mask dances, and explore the capital Libreville with its mix of modernity and tradition. Find out more about Gabon for your next trip!

Nature Travel Gabon - Wilderness Trail

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Highlights in Gabun

Geography of Gabon

Gabon is located on the west coast of Central Africa and covers an area of around 267,667 square kilometres. It borders Cameroon to the north, the Republic of Congo to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Due to its location close to the equator, Gabon has a tropical climate with high humidity and warm temperatures all year round.

The country is crossed by several large rivers, the most important of which is the Ogooué River with a length of around 1,200 kilometers. It flows through dense rainforests and finally flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Gabon is heavily characterised by tropical rainforests, which cover around 80 % of the country's surface area - which is why the country is also known for its biodiversity.

Gabon's coastline stretches for around 885 kilometres and is characterised by lagoons, mangrove forests, and wide sandy beaches. There are numerous islands and bays along the coast that are home to unique flora and fauna.

gabon-country-information-loango-national-park-hippo

Geomorphology

Gabon's landscape is characterised by a variety of geological formations, ranging from flat coastal plains to highland regions. The country can be divided into three main geomorphological zones:

The Coastal Plain: This region includes wide sandy beaches, lagoons, and mangrove areas. It is characterised by low altitudes and a largely flat topography.
The highlands and low mountain ranges: The interior of the country is criss-crossed by plateaus and mountain ranges. The Chaillu Mountains in the centre of the country reach heights of up to 1,000 metres and are covered by dense forests. The highest mountain in Gabon, Mont Iboundji, rises to around 1,575 metres.
The Ogooué Basin: This extensive river system dominates the interior of the country and is fed by numerous tributaries. The region is characterised by rolling hills and deep valleys that have been shaped by erosion over millions of years.

Geologically, Gabon is made up of ancient rock formations dating back to the Precambrian. The soils are often rich in minerals, making the country an exporter of petroleum, manganese, and iron. Due to its geological location, there is no volcanic activity in Gabon.

The combination of tropical vegetation, rich river landscape, and geological diversity makes Gabon one of Africa's most fascinating natural paradises and attracts geologists and nature enthusiasts from all over the world.

Travelling tips and useful information for Gabon

- Airports: Gabon has several airports, including Libreville International Airport. From there, there are regular domestic flights to other cities and national parks.
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Libreville and other major cities. Most taxis are not equipped with taximeters, so you should always agree on the price in advance.
- Buses: The country has a well-developed bus network that makes it possible to travel from city to city. The buses offer a cheap, if sometimes crowded, way to explore the country.
- Train: The Transgabonais is the only railway line in Gabon and runs for 670 kilometres from the port of Owendo, south of Libreville, to Franceville in the east of the country. Mainly used for freight transport, it is also possible to transport passengers.
- Car hire: For travellers who want to be independent, renting a car is a good option. The roads are well-developed in the cities but can be bumpy in rural areas.
- New Year's Day - 1 January
- Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) - January / February
- Easter - March / April
- International Labour Day - 1 May
- Whitsun - May/June
- Assumption Day - 15 August
- National Day - 16 August
- All Saints' Day - 01 November
- Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) - end of November / December
- Christmas - 25 December

Climate of Gabon

Gabon has a tropical climate characterised by high humidity and even temperatures all year round. The rainy season lasts from October to May, with the heaviest rainfall from March to May. The dry season lasts from June to September. Flooding can occur during the rainy season, but this time is also particularly green and lush. Average temperatures vary between 25°C and 30°C, with the coast being slightly cooler than the interior.

Fauna and flora in Gabon

Gabon is a true paradise for nature lovers and offers a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. The country is home to some of the most untouched rainforests in the world, harbouring a variety of endemic and endangered species. Gabon is one of the few countries that protects an astonishing diversity of wildlife in its national parks, both on land and in the water. Gabon is particularly well known for its impressive wildlife, especially the numerous primates, big cats and other wild animals that live in the dense rainforests and along the coastal regions. In Loango National Park and Ivindo National Park you can still find free-roaming gorillas, including the western lowland gorilla, one of the most endangered species in the world. Chimpanzees are also widespread in Gabon and can be observed in the country's rainforests.

Another highlight of Gabon is the number of forest elephants that live in the tropical rainforests. These smaller elephants are particularly adapted to the dense forest environment. Gabon is also home to various species of antelope, such as the bongo antelope, as well as wild boar and buffalo. These animals play an important role in the country's ecosystem. Gabon is also home to an incredible variety of birds, including many endemic species that can be found especially in areas such as Loango National Park. The mangrove forests along the coast provide a habitat for numerous bird species and are an important part of the natural coastal defences. In addition, the rivers and wetlands of Gabon are home to reptiles such as crocodiles and various snake species, as well as a large number of amphibian species.

Gabon's flora is also unique and reflects the country's enormous biodiversity. The tropical rainforests are full of majestic trees such as mahogany, teak, and ebony. These forests not only provide a habitat for countless animals but also a variety of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine. Along the coast, mangrove forests thrive, which not only strengthen coastal defences, but also serve as breeding grounds for many fish species and provide refuge for many bird species. Tropical flowers and ferns grow in the rainforests, including many orchid species that further enrich the flora of Gabon. Agriculture also has its place in Gabon's flora, with crops such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil and rubber grown mainly in the southern and central regions of the country.

Conservation is a high priority in Gabon, and the country has created a number of national parks to protect the country's exceptional flora and fauna. These protected areas, such as the Loango National Park, the Ivindo National Park, and the Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, are among the most important in Central Africa and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. Gabon is therefore not only a country of natural beauty but also a centre for nature conservation in Africa.

Cuisine in Gabon

Gabonese cuisine is characterised by fresh, local ingredients and a mixture of African and colonial influences. A well-known dish is "Poulet Nyembwe ’, chicken in a spicy peanut sauce, which is often served with rice or manioc. Another highlight is "Liboké “, where meat or fish is cooked in banana leaves and served with ”Pounded Yam ’, a dough made from yam roots.

Fish and seafood, such as parrotfish and crab, are particularly popular due to Gabon's long coastline and often form part of meals. Tropical fruits such as mango, papaya and pineapple complement the cuisine and are enjoyed fresh or in desserts and juices.

Manioc and yams are important staple foods and are prepared in various forms. Fufu, a dough made from maize flour or manioc, is often served with stews. The use of palm oil** in sauces and stews gives the dishes an intense flavour.

Eating in Gabon is a social experience, often prepared in large quantities and shared with family and friends. Markets offer a variety of fresh ingredients that reflect the country's culinary diversity.

Social geography in Gabon

Gabon - A hidden treasure in the heart of Africa

Gabon is a country full of secrets and unspoilt beauty. With its amazing variety of natural landscapes, rich wildlife and fascinating culture, it will captivate you. It is the perfect place for adventure seekers, nature lovers and explorers who want to experience an authentic, unspoilt Africa. Immerse yourself in the wilderness, discover the lush rainforests and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the people - Gabon awaits you!