Untamed Gabon Adventure

DESCRIPTION

Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Gabon boasts untamed wilderness, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. It is often referred to as the planet’s second lung, as it is a biodiversity hotspot with a lush rainforest spanning 87% of the country.

During our tour, we will visit Libreville, Gabon’s capital, as well as the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambarene, but also go on a safari to see hippos in the lakes and explore the beauties of Pongara National Park.

Imagine yourself driving through dense rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, where every corner reveals a new natural wonder waiting to be discovered, and discovering the rich cultural heritage of the country. You’ll witness traditional ceremonies, get a glimpse into centuries-old traditions, and experience the rhythms of Gabonese life in bustling markets and rural villages.

Gabon is not only a place for adventurers: its pristine beaches offer the perfect escape. We’ll enjoy a night in Pongara National Park, one of Equatorial Africa’s most beautiful coasts, where our only neighbours will be monkeys and, if we’re lucky, hippos and elephants.

This trip fits perfectly with our Cameroon & Central African Republic Adventure, for a deeper exploration of the region.

ITINERARY

Friday 29th November – Libreville, Gabon

Arrive in Libreville at your own convenience in the morning. Libreville, the capital and largest city of Gabon, is connected to Paris and Istanbul, as well as many African cities (Casablanca, Johannesburg…).
If you’re arriving from our Cameroon & CAR Highlights tour, your flight is yet to be confirmed but will likely arrive early afternoon.
Pre-arranged transfer to our hotel.
Pre-tour meeting will be held in the lobby of our hotel to meet your guide and fellow travellers. The exact meeting time will be sent to you closer to the tour.
We’ll start by exploring Mont Bouet Market. It is Gabon’s largest market, with hundreds of stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry (live and dead), fabric, clothing, jewellery, household goods, traditional medicine, etc.
Located on the country’s western coast along the Atlantic Ocean, Libreville is known for its vibrant cultural scene, lush greenery, and stunning beaches. We’ll enjoy a city tour of the capital.
You’ll visit the Stele of Freedom statue, located in front of the Presidential Palace, that commemorates the end of the slave trade in 1848. An emblematic monument of the Gabonese Republic, it depicts a half-man, half-woman slave breaking free from his chains.
You’ll also see the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, built in 2008 by the decision of President Omar Bongo; the beautiful Saint-Michel Church, built in wood in the local’s traditions; and the more recent Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Church, financed by Ali Bongo and covered in azulejos imported from Portugal!
Dinner and overnight in Libreville.

Saturday 30th November – Libreville – Lambarene

Morning

Early breakfast at the hotel
This morning, we’ll drive to Lambarene, 4 hours away from Libreville. The ride is very scenic, with beautiful rainforest on both sides of the road and the possibility of seeing locals going on with their life in small villages. You’ll notice that every home on the way is basically a small shop, selling fruits, vegetables, meat, and other local produce.
On the way, we will stop at the Equator line, for an epic photo between the two hemispheres!

Afternoon

We’ll arrive in Lambarene and have lunch. It is the seventh largest city in Gabon and it is known for its numerous lakes.
We will visit the famous Albert Schweitzer Hospital. Built by the French Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer, the hospital continues its legacy of providing essential healthcare services to the local community, emphasizing both medical treatment and a commitment to humanitarian values.
Albert Schweitzer passed away in Lambarene in 1965, aged 90. His tomb is very close to the hospital.
The afternoon will continue with an exploration of the Lambarene fish market, by the riverside, getting a taste of the local culture.
If we have time, we’ll also see the Saint-François-Xavier church. Dating back to the 19th century, it is the oldest building in Lambarene and one of the best preserved.
In the evening, we will go to a temple outside the town to learn about and witness the Bwiti ceremony. The ceremony involves the consumption of the psychedelic iboga plant to induce a trance-like state, introspection, healing, and communion with ancestors.
Overnight stay in Lambarene.

Sunday 1st December – Lambarene – Pongara National Park

Morning

Embark on a safari on Onangué Lake, home to the last population of hippopotamuses in the region. The canoe trip offers a peaceful moment in the heart of the vast lake where a diverse range of wildlife lives.
Visit local villages, gaining insights into the daily lives of the people.

Afternoon

After lunch, we will drive our 4-hour drive back to Libreville.
From the capital, we will be taking a boat to Pongara National Park. If lucky, we will be able to observe turtles nesting on the shores. Pongara National Park stands out for its exceptional array of primates, flora, and avifauna. You may be treated to glimpses of arboreal monkeys observing you from lofty branches, while forest elephants and hippos leisurely navigate the tranquil lagoons.
Overnight stay at Pongara National Park, one of Equatorial Africa’s most pristine coastlines.

Monday 2nd December – Libreville

After breakfast we will depart from Pongara and make our way back by boat to Libreville, taking in the scenic landscapes.
Transfer to airport.
End of tour.

GALLERY