Gabon is an African Country, a relatively prosperous country, a politically stable nation and one of the least populated countries in central Africa. Gabon was discovered by the Portuguese in 1470 and began to attract French traders around 1840 it became a French colony in the second half of the nineteenth century, and integrated into the French Equatorial Africa.
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What to visit: Libreville the capital with its African markets, museums and beaches are the gateway to Gabon. Lambaréné’s biggest attraction is the ALBERT SCHWEITZER Hospital about 8km from town. On your way to lambaréné, you can see OYAN 4 where equator lign crosses Gabon. in the south east of the country is Lékoni, known for its fabulous Canyons. In that region you will be amazed to walk on the liana bridge and see an amazing waterfall underneath the bridge. Lopé and Loango national parks are the top destinations of Gabon as the country is none to be the Mecca of nature lover.
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How to get there: Air Gabon offers flights twice a week as well as Inter- Air between Johannesburg and Libreville. Flight ticket may vary from agency to agency and from one season to another. Tickets estimation price: start at R5800 with Air Gabon and R6000 to R10.000 with Inter Air. Air Gabon Agency tel: 00118074011 and Inter Air tel: 0116160636.There are also good access from Europe: Air France and various connections from others African countries.
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What to take: You will need a visa to enter Gabon. This obtainable from the Gabon’s embassy in Pretoria tel: 0123424376, it costs R300 and takes two to five days to process. Malaria is prevalent throughout the country all year long so precautions should be taken on arrival .You’ll also need a shot for the yellow fever.
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When to go: Gabon is hot and humid all year round. The dry season is from June to September; the wet season from October to May. During that period it’s likely to rain frequently, but short rains, often at night. But that can be the best time to see game and primates. December and January are the good months to see turtles on the cost.
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What it costs: Gabon is expensive and the tourism sector (and the related infrastructure) in its infancy. The franc is the currency that is generally used although, the euros is also accepted. Certain Credit cards are accepted especially in the banks that are related to international ones. ATM cards are also used but not a lot. Most costs are priced in euros.
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Further reading: National geographic magazine, (September 2004). Africa geographic magazine august 2004.Getaway magazine January 2005.Top Billing magazine april 2005 as seen on TV at SABC 3.
