Africa’s last true wilderness

Gabon Tour

Gabon is one of Africa’s last true wildernesses. The country consists largely of tropical rainforest and offers a wealth of unspoilt nature. You’ll travel through a unique mix of rainforest, savannahs, rivers, lagoons and deserted beaches, where animals roam freely. In parks such as Loango and Lope, you’ll experience extraordinary wildlife encounters, from elephants strolling along the beach to mandrill monkeys and rare bird species. This makes Gabon an adventurous destination for travellers wishing to discover the authentic, rugged side of Africa.

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Adventurous wildlife paradise

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Discover the highlights of Gabon

Discover Gabon’s unspoilt jungles and stunning coastal landscapes. From the aeroplane, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the vast rainforests, winding rivers and deserted beaches. You can easily reach the most remote lodges in parks such as Loango, where you can spot gorillas, forest elephants or hippos. A boat trip through the lagoons or mangroves is an absolute must, as is a trek through the rainforest in search of unique wildlife encounters, such as elephants walking along the beach or mandrills moving through the forest in groups. But there is so much more! Spending the night in the tranquil wilderness of Ivindo National Park, visiting the spectacular Kongou waterfall complex or venturing deep into the jungle with experienced rangers will make your Gabon adventure truly complete.

Sample itineraries for Gabon

Gabon trip | Ultimate wildlife adventure

10 days

from p.p.

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Gabon trip | Gabon: an exclusive expedition

10 days

from €7,995 p.p.

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Avila Travel Gabon WWF expedition gorilla with piece of fruit

Gabon trip | Adventurous Gabon; gorillas & marine wildlife

9 days

from p.p.

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Adventure

Avila Travel Gabon gorilla in the forest

A well-organised tour of Gabon

We will take care of every detail of your tour of Gabon. Travelling through Gabon with Avila means staying in charming, small-scale accommodation, travelling at a leisurely pace, experiencing the highlights in a unique way and exploring undiscovered places far from the crowds. Gabon is also ideal for impressive treks through lush rainforests, adventurous safaris along rivers and lakes, and discovering remote coastlines and enchanting national parks teeming with wildlife.

Country information about Gabon

Best time to visit Gabon

Places of interest in Gabon

Frequently Asked Questions: Gabon

A natural treasure in the heart of Central Africa
More than 80 per cent of Gabon consists of unspoilt rainforest and offers an exceptional variety of landscapes: from dense equatorial jungle and wild rivers to vast savannahs and deserted beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. The national parks, including Loango, Ivindo and Lopé, form a unique mosaic of ecosystems home to forest elephants, gorillas and colourful bird species.

Loango, Lopé and Ivindo: wilderness at its purest
These nature reserves are renowned for their spectacular biodiversity and iconic natural phenomena. In Loango, you can walk along beaches where elephants and hippos sometimes venture right down to the sea, whilst in Lopé you’ll traverse ancient grasslands and forests in search of mandrills and other primates. Ivindo National Park surprises visitors with mighty waterfalls and remote jungle, offering opportunities for adventurous treks and intimate wildlife encounters.

Cities brimming with life and culture
Libreville, Port-Gentil and Franceville combine modern urban vibrancy with Gabon’s rich cultural and colonial influences. In Libreville, you’ll discover markets brimming with local handicrafts, museums showcasing art from various ethnic groups and a lively coastal promenade. The cities offer a fascinating contrast to the vast natural landscape and are ideal starting points for further exploration.

Travelling through Gabon
Whether you’re travelling by train, 4x4, boat or small plane, Gabon offers an adventurous mix of jungle safaris, coastal explorations and cultural heritage. From boat trips through mangroves and walks with experienced rangers to relaxing moments on deserted beaches: every route reveals a new facet of this mysterious country. Gabon is perfect for travellers who want to experience pure wilderness, combined with special encounters and unspoilt African nature.

The best time to visit Gabon is from June to September, when the weather is drier and cooler and the roads are more passable. This is also an excellent time for wildlife spotting, as animals are more likely to be seen in open areas and along rivers. From December to February, there is a second, shorter dry season, which is also ideal for travel and activities in the national parks. The rainy months bring lush vegetation, but make some areas more difficult to reach.

Winter (June – August): The winter months are the best time to visit Gabon. The weather is drier and cooler, and the roads are easily passable. This is also the ideal time for wildlife spotting, as many animals are more likely to be seen in open areas and near rivers.

Spring (September – November): In spring, the rainy and stormy season slowly begins to set in. The countryside is beautifully green and vibrant, but some trails and remote parks may become more difficult to access.

Summer (December – February): Summer features a short dry spell, making this a lovely time to travel. The weather is warm and humidity is higher, but many activities in the national parks are easily accessible.

Autumn (March – May): Autumn is the wettest time of year in Gabon. Rainfall is heavy, which can make roads muddy and difficult to navigate. It is not an ideal time to travel, but nature is at its most beautiful and the jungle is teeming with life.

Avila Travel Gabon whale-watching season

Avila Travel: a small boat on the river in Gabon

Gabon is a destination brimming with unspoilt nature, unique ecosystems and extraordinary wildlife experiences. From dense rainforests to secluded beaches and vast savannahs: every region in Gabon has its own character and exceptional biodiversity.

Discover the highlights of Gabon:

Loango National Park: One of Africa’s most extraordinary parks, where forest, savannah, lagoons and the ocean converge. Here you can see elephants and buffaloes strolling along the beach, hippos bathing in the sea and enjoy spectacular wildlife encounters.
Lope National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a mix of rainforest and savannah. This park is famous for its large populations of western lowland gorillas and mandrills. Perfect for anyone wishing to spot these remarkable primates in their natural habitat.
Ivindo National Park: Home to two of Africa’s most impressive waterfalls: Kongou and Mingouli. A paradise for nature lovers, where you can trek through dense jungle, surrounded by rare wildlife and the sounds of the rainforest.
Pongara National Park: A coastal area featuring mangrove forests, beaches and dunes. Ideal for spotting sea turtles, which lay their eggs here between November and March. Birds and small mammals also call this area home.
Akanda National Park: One of Africa’s most important mangrove ecosystems, rich in bird species and perfect for boat trips, kayaking and peaceful nature experiences.

Whether you love nature, wildlife or adventure, Gabon offers a genuine and unforgettable travel experience.

1. Do I need a visa for Gabon?
Travellers from the Netherlands, Belgium and most European countries generally require a visa to enter Gabon. This visa can often be applied for online in advance via the official e-visa system. Always check the most recent visa requirements for your nationality before you travel.

2. What is the best length of stay for Gabon?
For a tour of Gabon, a trip lasting 10 to 16 days is usually recommended. This period allows plenty of time to explore highlights such as Loango National Park, Lope National Park and Ivindo National Park, without having to rush.

3. What is the best way to travel around Gabon?
Due to the remote nature reserves and limited infrastructure, the best way to travel in Gabon is by 4x4 vehicle, often with a driver/guide. Domestic flights and boat trips are also used to reach national parks and coastal areas. Many travellers opt for organised itineraries due to the logistical challenges.

4. Can Gabon be easily combined with another travel destination?
Yes, Gabon can be easily combined with neighbouring countries such as São Tomé and Príncipe or Congo-Brazzaville. These combinations are particularly popular with travellers who want to combine unique rainforest and coastal experiences in a single trip.

5. Will I get by with English in Gabon?
French is the official language of Gabon and is spoken everywhere. English is increasingly used in the tourism sector, but not everywhere. Some knowledge of basic French words can make your travel experience considerably easier.

Our travel specialists will be happy to help with any questions you may have about a trip to Gabon.

Your travel specialist

Marjet Young

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Accommodations

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Avila travellers on their trip to Gabon

“What an adventure! It was brilliant to travel through such a beautiful country where tourism is still very much in its infancy. It’s like being an explorer!” — Iris

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