Gabon is a gem nestled in Central Africa with a French-speaking population of 2.3 million as of 2023, according to World Bank data. With Libreville as its capital, it is bordered by Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition to its Atlantic Ocean views that give it an exotic flair, the country is renowned for its white and golden sandy beaches, vast national parks, rich culture, and impressive wildlife. So, if you’re looking for reasons to visit this beautiful country, you’re in the right place because there is no shortage of exceptional tourist attractions!
I - Popular sites in Gabon
Pointe Denis
Pointe Denis is a cape in Gabon, known for the beauty of its beaches and its paradisiacal atmosphere. Located not far from Libreville, it represents the beauty of Gabon in all its splendor. Here, you’ll discover a relaxing and peaceful lifestyle, blending nature with modernity. The restaurants at Pointe Denis offer exotic dishes and cocktails, with fresh seafood and traditional Gabonese cuisine. The area provides accommodations, including hotels and furnished apartments for your stay. You can also enjoy the beaches, ideal for swimming, strolls along the Atlantic coast, and various water sports activities.
Akanda National Park
Akanda National Park is a protected reserve established in 2002, located a few kilometers from Libreville. This area is dominated by 35,000 hectares of mangrove rich in aquatic species, as well as swamp forest and savannah that provide nesting grounds for migratory birds, including 35,000 to 40,000 Palaearctic waders. The park offers activities such as hiking to explore typical habitat ecosystems, kayaking, observing sea turtles during nesting season (November to January), humpback dolphin watching (May to July), and visiting historical sites, including the former German post on Assimba Island and the remnants of the prison on Nendé Island.
Gabon Arts and Traditions Museum
This is Gabon’s main museum. It houses a collection of 2,500 Gabonese traditional artworks and objects spread across 16 collections: basketry, kitchen utensils, metallurgy, musical instruments, statuettes, Mbigou stones, archaeology, reliquaries, masks, canes, hunting, dowry currency, pottery, fishing, adornments, and various others. Located in downtown Libreville, the museum features permanent and temporary exhibition rooms, a botanical garden, a bandothèque (sound and audiovisual archive room), a library, a souvenir shop, and a restaurant. This museum will immerse you in Gabonese culture, and a guided tour will help you better understand the traditions of the local people.
Kongou Falls
Kongou Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Africa, stretching nearly a kilometer in length and featuring several gorges. Located on the Ivindo River near the town of Makokou, they are surrounded by a magnificent forest that you can explore during a hike. You might also spot animals, including elephants that come to bathe in the river.
Sibang Arboretum
Sibang Arboretum is a vast area of over 16 hectares that has housed a preserved forest since 1931 in Libreville. This natural conservation laboratory allows for the preservation, monitoring, and conservation of a forest that develops almost in its natural state, with minimal human intervention. Once inside, you feel cut off from the rest of the world, isolated from the city noise. The forest is divided into straight paths that intersect at right angles, creating plots of approximately 50 meters on each side. This layout makes it easier for guides to supervise and for tourists to walk through the forest. The trees in the arboretum are used in woodworking, but especially in traditional medicine and customary life. You will find Irvindinia, a plant used to treat rheumatism; the “Suspended Fountain,” another plant used in the treatment of mental illnesses; Sorro, a plant equivalent to African Betadine used as a local antiseptic; vines used as contraceptives; Dabema for painful menstruation; Bilinga used against malaria; and many other trees whose bark, leaves, or sap have therapeutic properties. It’s a wealth of knowledge that you will be delighted to discover.
II - Threats to Gabonese Tourism
Like many countries, Gabon’s tourism sector faces several challenges, although actions are being taken to address them.
One of the primary threats is environmental degradation. The development of tourist sites leads to significant changes, including the construction of roads and hotels, resulting in deforestation and poaching. To counteract this, the government has established protected reserves such as the Sibang Arboretum, which houses over 170 tree species and serves as a habitat for numerous animals. This arboretum is managed by IPHAMETRA (Institute of Pharmacopoeia and Traditional Medicine) and is part of CENAREST (National Center for Scientific and Technological Research), which operates under the Ministry of Scientific Research.
Another threat is the disruption of ecosystems. Due to its proximity to Libreville, Akanda Park faces numerous issues from fishermen and loggers disrupting its ecosystem, endangering the existence of various animal and plant species. These individuals exploit the park’s resources for illegal fishing and sell smoked fish, planks, and firewood in the city. It is one of the few places in Gabon where human activity is becoming a significant problem.
Lastly, the cultural influence of foreign tourists poses a threat to local populations. To mitigate their impact and preserve cultural values, the government has established the Gabon Arts and Traditions Museum to preserve the history and traditions of the people. This helps Gabonese people maintain their cultural identity.
Although there are many threats to its tourism, Gabon offers numerous sites where you can relax and enjoy a wonderful vacation. If you can’t make the trip to explore the country yourself, you can still send money to your loved ones so they can enjoy these beautiful places. By using Transfergratis for your transactions from Canada to Gabon, you benefit from fast, secure, and, most importantly, free transfers!
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