Gabon Quick Guide

If you are planning to go for a safari in Africa then you should consider using an African safari guide. These guides are well versed with all the hot spots and can assist you in making the right decisions about where to go. They will also keep you safe by warning you about the lions that inhabit the park. A well-planned safari is the key to a great trip, and these guides are the most sensible option for your safari planning. The most important factor in your safari planning should be your guide's safari expertise.

Gabon is one of the most popular destinations in Africa because of the many parks and game reserves it possesses. It is situated on the Atlantic coast in the midst of the Sahel and the Atlantic Ocean. Gabon is a country on the Atlantic coast of central Africa, near the shores of Lake Magadi. Its major areas of tourism attraction are its parks and national parks which shelter a diversity of wild animals, from hippos and elephants to lions and giraffes. Lopu National Park shelter a diversity of wildlife, including rare gorilla.

In order to reach Lopu National park, you have to travel through the interiors of the country. Once you have reached the park, you have to embark on a hiking journey from the park headquarters to the national park. You will pass through a number of other villages on this trek before reaching the park. You will find many animals living in the park. It is also possible to reach the park by water. Boats are available to take visitors to the park by river or by the lake.

After arriving at the park headquarters, you have to hire a guide who can help you navigate the jungle and show you around. The main areas you will explore during your safari in Gabon are Loputu, Guecho, Bambuhu and several other smaller ones. This allows you to learn about the life of animals in their natural habitat without feeling threatened by them. A guide also enables tourists to interact with the local people and enjoy their culture.

You also have the option of hiring a vehicle for yourself or your family to drive you around the Safaris in Gabon. There are many well-established tour companies that offer all-inclusive safari packages to places like Loputu and the parks mentioned above. These travel agencies also make arrangements for accommodation during your safari in Gabon.

Another exciting attraction of a safari in Gabon is to view animals in the national park. There is a wide range of animals to view in the park. You have the opportunity to see monkeys, lemurs, hippos, buffaloes, African Bush elephants and a variety of others. There is also the chance to watch lions, hyenas, gazelles and zebras in the park. It also offers opportunities to visit the Batida river, where you can view crocodiles and hippos.

If you want to experience more of the greenery in the park, you can rent a hiking guide and go on an extended hike around the park. The hike takes you through dense forest and you can expect to see monkeys, baboons, crocodiles and other wildlife as you walk along. However, caution should be taken when hiking as there are poisonous snakes in the park. The longest hike in the park is the Bambuhu trek which covers about 23 kilometers. Another fascinating attraction is the Zimani Gate, which gives access to the Manu National park.

When visiting Gabon, you should ensure that you do not bring your camera or binoculars with you because the risk of being attacked by wild animals is very high in the region. Most tourists tend to bring food and water to feed their animals while on safari but this could also attract dangerous animals. It is better to leave the feeding to the professionals. To avoid unnecessary accidents, it is best to hire a local guide who is familiar with the place and animals. He will show you the animals and also help you plan your safari to visit so that you do not lose out on an amazing place.

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Gabon are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

The best time to visit Gabon is during the drier season of May to September, with June, July and August being the driest months, although 'dry' is relative here – Gabon experiences around 2.5m of rainfall a year.

Do I need a Visa?

You will need a visa to visit Gabon. For full information on the visa application process, visit the website of the Gabonese Embassy in the UK

See which forms you may need for entry into Gabon.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of Gabon is the Central African Cfa Franc (XAF). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Gabon you can grab amazing Central African Cfa Franc deals via Wise.com (GBP to XAF).

What about the wildlife?

Wildlife includes forest elephants, buffalo, various antelope and monkey species, sitatungas, leopards, three species of crocodiles, chimpanzees and gorillas, and several marine turtle species which nest along the coast.

What is the traditional food?

French food? Poulet Nyembwe is considered the national dish of Gabon, consisting of bite-sized pieces of chicken in nyembwe sauce. The sauce is traditionally made from the ripe red fruit surrounding the seeds of African oil palms.

What Languages are spoken?

French is the official language in Gabon, however 32% of the people speak Fang as a mother tongue. You can learn some basic French before you travel to Gabon and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in Gabon is the Central African Cfa Franc (Although in general around 7% is considered fair, there are no strict rules for tipping. Tipping CFA1000-2000 (£1.50-3.00) for an expensive meal is perfectly acceptable, and generally there is no need to tip for inexpensive meals or drinks on a night out.).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 1730
  • Ambulance: 1300
  • Fire: 18
  • UK Embassy: +44 20 7823 9986

Time Difference

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