Louvet Travel: Gabon

Gabon Flag

Why visit Gabon?

Best known for their beaches, caves, fishing, mangroves, rivers, tribal culture, rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife.

At a Glance

Souvenirs to Buy: Glassware, masks, musical instruments, pottery, soapstone sculptures, and wood carvings.
Local Cuisine to Try: Cassava Root. Dacryodes Edulis (firm fruit). Gari (porridge).
Local Drink to Try: Rehab (beer).

Fun Facts

In 1472, the Portuguese arrived.
In 1960, became independent from France.
In 1981, commercial radio station, Africa No. 1 was founded. Considered one of the most powerful radio stations.
In 2008, the National Geographic Expedition began documenting their caves
Rich in natural resources: forests, gold, iron,magnesium, petroleum, and uranium.
Libreville is Africa's most expensive city.
Only women are permitted to attend Juju Magic Mass on Sundays.
The President is protected by 1800 security guards.
Relies on logging and manganese income mining.
Education is required for youths ages 6 - 16.
Oil revenue contributes to local school construction and teachers' salaries.
Best Atlantic tarpon fishing in the world.

Special Holidays/Occasions

Annual Events: (February) Gabao Hip Hop Festival, (May) Festival Akini-a-Loubou, and (August) Les Nuits Atypiques.
Holidays: New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Women's Day, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Assumption Day, Independence Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, All Saints Day, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

English is not spoken; official language is French.
Hot and humid year round!
Avoid political rallies and social protests.
Avoid roaming at night.
Largely a cash economy; credit cards are not widely accepted.
Prevalent diseases include African Trypanosomiasis, Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Schistosomiasis, Tuberculosis, and Yellow Fever.
Avoid public transportation.

This international destination requires:

A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
Tourist VISA required.
Yellow Fever vaccination required.

Bitam, Woleu-Ntem, Gabon. Photo Credit: Ralph Messi/Unsplash

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.

Thursday, January 28, 2021