gabon

The Unsung Wildlife Destination You Didn't Know You Needed

Flexing abundant wildlife is not a unique attribute for an African country. However, Gabon offers such rare diversity that most of the continent struggles to emulate. In the country’s verdant forests, you’ll encounter gorillas and chimpanzees living in perfect harmony. However, the surprises don’t end there!
Along Gabon’s beaches, you’ll find elephants and hippos strolling together. The sandy shores of the beach are a breeding site for leatherback turtles. The beautiful coastline is also one of the only places on the planet to glimpse humpback whales. But even with such exquisite diversity, Gabon often flies under the radar when it comes to wildlife destinations.

Beyond the plot twists in the wild, Gabon’s capital, Libreville offers a unique charm for the modern traveler. Libreville is to Africa what Paris is to Europe—minus the Eiffel Tower and the ever-present scent of fresh baguettes. Here’s more detailed information on Gabon;

History of Gabon

The indigenous Pygmies were the earliest known settlers in Gabon. However, around AD 1000, migrating Bantu peoples like the Fang, began to displace them. Despite the scarcity of detailed records from pre-European contact, tribal art from this period hints at a rich cultural heritage.

In Gabon, the Portuguese were early European settlers. They called the area after the word “gabão,” which meant a hooded coat with sleeves that resembled the Komo River estuary. The Kingdom of Loango controlled the southern coast during this time. In the 16th century, Portuguese traders came along the coast often to invest in tropical timbers, ivory, and slaves.
The slave trade intensified from the 1760s to the 1840s due to increased demand from Brazil and Cuba. France established its presence in Gabon in 1838 and 1841 by signing treaties with coastal chiefs. The French agreed to end the slave trade in Gabon.

In 1849, the French, near a mission post, rescued captives from an illegal slave ship. They named the region Libreville to mean “free town.” In 1910, Gabon became part of French Equatorial Africa which consisted of French Congo, Chad, and Ubangi-Shari. In 1958, Gabon gained autonomy in the French Community, before finally achieving independence on August 17, 1960.

Capital of Gabon

The capital of Gabon is Libreville. Coastal beauty and metropolitan sophistication blend together in a captivating way throughout the city. Situated along the Atlantic coast, Libreville has palm-lined boulevards, lively markets, and a thriving arts scene. The geographical center of the city is Omar Bongo Boulevard Triumphal. It’s flanked by modern and beautiful architecture.

Libreville’s National Museum of Arts and Traditions offers a deep dive into Gabon’s rich cultural heritage. The seafront promenade provides stunning ocean views perfect for afternoon strolls. With its friendly locals, delectable cuisine, and a relaxed yet energetic vibe, Libreville is a gateway to the diverse wonders of Gabon.

Languages in Gabon

The official language in Gabon is French. French is used for government business, the education system, and business transactions. However, the heart of Gabonese culture beats to the rhythm of Bantu languages, which are spoken by approximately 95% of the population About 25–30% of people speak Sira (Eshira), Mbere, and Fang.

Currency in Gabon

In Gabon, the official currency is the CFA Franc (XFA). Currently, $1 equates to 606 XFA. XFA is used by five other Central African independent states including; Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, and Equatorial Guinea. While most local businesses primarily transact in XFA, most major hotels accept both the dollar and the Euro.

itinerary

Arrive at Leon-Mba Libreville International Airport

Meet our Discover ME Representative

Discover ME Partner Driver will pick you and drive you to the Hotel

Discover ME will host our daily group dinner at the Hotel

The “LE CITY TOUR DE LIBREVILLE” consists of revisiting and rediscovering the history of Libreville through its monuments, buildings and remains. It allows us to delve into its past, from the first Bantu migrations to the independence of Gabon, including the arrival of the first explorers, the signing of treaties, the slave trade and its abolition, the installation of the first missionaries., colonization and decolonization, all these events which gave rise to the birth of “Libreville” in the space that the natives once called “ARONGO MBE NDIWA”.

Additionally Enjoy a Local Culinary Experience.

Visit to the city of Libreville, markets, monuments, and places steeped in history. During this tour, you will learn about the history of slavery in Gabon. At the Protestant mission of Baraka, you will learn the role that the Americans played in the abolition of slavery in Gabon. Then we will invite you to the culinary discovery of local dishes at the restaurant “LA CASE” as we take a Visit to the National Museum.

Experience the daily life of the villagers in their way of life. We will explore their experiences with construction, hunting, fishing, and gathering activities. Then before leaving for Libreville, take time for a local lunch with them.

Located on the Libreville waterfront, on the island of Pointe Denis, the BAIE DES TORTUES establishment is the local place of reference on the outskirts of the PONGARA NATIONAL PARK. The establishment welcomes People from all over every day of the week and offers entertaining activities: Jet Skiing on the lagoon or on the beach, canoe rides in the rivers, and a visit to the Princess Museum at Pointe Denis, descendant of King Denis RAPONTCHOMBO.

Discover ME Partner driver will be ready to drive you to the Airport-please be on time or you will have to make personal arrangements for your airport transportation.

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