Where Is Gabon? I Really Want To Know

So where is Gabon? It is located in Central Africa along the Atlantic coast. It is known for its protected national parks within its forested terrain.

Throughout the country and along the coast there is a diversity of wildlife including gorillas, whales, and hippos. It’s a French-speaking nation that does not get nearly the tourist activity of South Africa and Tanzania, but Gabon does have its own unique appeal.

Where Is Gabon? Let’s Start with Some History

Through migration Bantu tribes arrived and replaced the Pygmy population. In the 18th century, the Kingdom of Orungu was formed but collapsed by the 1870s because of the demise of the slave trade.

France occupied the country in 1885 and in 1910 Gabon became a territory within French Equatorial Africa which survived until 1958. In November of that year, Gabon became an autonomous republic within the French Community. It became fully independent on August 17, 1960.

The first president of Gabon was Leon M’ba, who ruled much like a dictator until his death in 1967. With political upheaval and economic distress, in 1990 there were many strikes and demonstrations. This resulted in some political reforms.

A provisional constitution was put in place in May 1990 and ratified in March 1991. The Paris Accords of November 1994 allowed for some power to be given to opposition parties but this was resisted by the then-president Omar Bongo. Election results were questioned and political strife continued throughout his reign.

After his death on June 8, 2009, his son, Ali Bongo Ondimba, was elected president with violent protests as to the validity of the election. In January 2019 a coup failed to oust the president.

Gabon joined the Commonwealth of Nations in June 2022.

Some Interesting Facts About Gabon

• it is officially called the Gabonese Republic
• its population is approximately 2,436,566. There are more than forty (40) ethnic groups in Gabon.
• it is comprised of a savanna (mixed woodland and grassland area) in the east, coastal plains, and mountains in the central area
• it is located on the equator with the Republic of the Congo on the east and south, Cameroon to the north, the Gulf of Guinea to the west, and Equatoria Guinea to the northwest
• the country has a presidential republic form of government
• Gabon is a member of the United Nations
• in the 1990s a democratic constitution and multi-party system were put into place
• French is the official language while the majority of the population speaks indigenous languages
• 95% of the country’s population is comprised of Bantu ethnic groups
• 75% of the population practices Christianity
• tropical forests cover 90% of the country
• because tourists are attracted by the busy cities of South Africa and the savannas of Tanzania, tourism is not a large sector of the economy
• Libreville is the capital of the country
• the country is comprised of rushing rivers, beautiful white sandy beaches, and dense jungle
• there are thirteen (13) national parks with plenty of wildlife to observe. Loango National Park is known for its elephants and surfing hippos, while gorillas, chimpanzees, and mandrills can be found in Lope National Park.
• it has an equatorial climate within a system of rainforests, coastal plains, and mountains
• the economy is based on oil, logging, and manganese mining. Agriculture and logging are limited by poor infrastructure. The processing service sectors are dominated by a few local investors.
• in 1913 a private hospital was established in the town of Lambarane by Albert Schweitzer
• the educational system is hampered by overcrowded classrooms, poorly trained teachers, lack of oversight, and poor management and planning
• although the government controls the media its constitution provides for free speech and a free press
• French cuisine is dominant along with staple foods
• its biodiversity is one of the most varied on the planet with a large number of protected plant and animal species

What to Do in Gabon

* Kongou Falls — located in the town of Makokou it is downstream of the Ivindo River. They have several gorges and are spread out nearly a mile. They are accessible by river within a diverse forest landscape. Many wild animals including elephants bathe in the river.

* Pointe Denis Beach — it’s about thirty (30) minutes by boat from Libreville just east of the Komo estuary. This white sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, taking a stroll, and water sports.

* Minkebe National Park — in the northeastern part of the country the park was established in 2012 and is totally uninhabited other than giant trees, large boulders, and a variety of flora and fauna. It is the second-largest virgin forest in the world.

* Akanda National Park — it’s located in the western part of the country and was established in 2002. It is bordered by the Corisco and Mondah bays. The park is full of wildlife including birds, monkeys, marine turtles, and manatees. Tuna and whales come there to reproduce.

* Evengue Island — located in Omboue in the Ogooue-Maritime province, it is divided between the large and small Evengue Island. The small island is dedicated to the Gorilla Rehabilitation Center, also called the Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Project. It saves and shelters orphaned gorillas as well as educate the local people on the laws protecting the species.

* The Arts & Traditions National Museum — located in Libreville it has four (4) sections representing traditional crafts, plastic arts, traditional life and musical arts, and a historical section. You will get a good feel for Gabonese culture and guided tours are available.

* Albert Sweitzer Museum — located in Lambarene, the facility traces the life of this physician, musicologist, and theologian. He opened one of the first hospitals in Gabon in 1913 and he ran it treating diseases until he passed away in 1965. The museum contains an array of documents, photographs, canoes, musical instruments, souvenirs, and masks.

* Saint Michael’s Church of Libreville — constructed in 1964 it was built with local materials and sculpted by the Gabonese artist, Zephirin Lendogno and Juan Ndong.

* Alibandeng Artisanal Village — this is both a shop and a workshop featuring the Mbigou Stone. It is a Gabonese precious stone used in manufacturing works of art. The village is a cooperative of artists and is located about 500 miles (800 kilometers) from Libreville.

* Angondje Stadium — it is located in the Agondje district and was built in 2011. While the main area is used for football and track & field, it also has a sports platform for tennis, volleyball, handball, and basketball. It is the second largest stadium in the country after Omar-Bongo Stadium.

* Stele of Freedom — located near the presidential palace in Libreville, this monument, created by the sculptor and painter Me Minko Minze, commemorates the end of the slave trade in 1848.

* The French Institute — built in 1991 it is located in Libreville and offers a variety of cultural activities including French classes and cultural events. It has a library with over 30,000 books, a film library, a national archive on Gabon, and an auditorium.

* Tropicana Beach — located in Libreville this beautiful beach is a favorite place to watch the gorgeous sunsets.

* St. Peter’s Cathedral — internationally known for its architecture, it is located in Libreville and is a much-visited structure.

* The Sandy Beach — also known as Plage de la Sabliere, it’s located in Libreville and is known for the utter beauty of its landscape. It is not crowded and has plenty of small restaurants with regional specialties.

* Hassan II Mosque — built in 1083 it can accommodate up to 5,000 people/. It is a symbol of the good relations between Morocco and Gabon as a place of worship for the Muslim population.

* Sibang Arboretum — built in 1931 and about three (3) miles from Libreville it is a forest with a variety of plant life and tree species. Guides are available.

* Democracy Hostel — also known as Cite de la Democratie, was built in 1977 to host guests of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). In addition to conference and banquet rooms, there are several residential villas. Many political, cultural, social, and economic events take place here.

* St. Mary’s Cathedral — it was built in 1958 on the site of the old Aumale fort. Known for its gorgeous stained-glass windows it is a beautiful setting to experience.

* Aventure sans Frontieres (Adventure without Borders) — this association was created in 1992 with the objective to preserve the natural wonders of Gabon. They stress the importance of their beaches for the reproduction of sea turtles as well as the littoral waters for the migration of marine mammals. Several national parks have been designated protected areas.

* Leon Mba Memorial Foundation — opened in 2007 in Libreville, it was constructed at the request of President Omar Bongo Odimba. It highlights the work and history of Leon Mba the father of the Gabonese nation. It has become the epicenter of Gabon culture providing visitors with a variety of services. There are paintings and other works of art on display as well as a floral and botanical garden. Guided tours are offered.

Where Is Gabon? Now That I Know, Why Should I Visit?

Located on the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean it has many attractions with its white sandy beaches, tropical rain forests, numerous national parks, gorgeous landscapes, outstanding flora and fauna, as well as a very welcoming local population.

On the safety side, it is best to be aware and cautious, especially in Libreville and Port Gentil where there is a significant level of crime. Like any major city take precautions and don’t walk alone at night and avoid isolated areas. According to the US State Department Gabon is considered Level One advising to “exercise normal precautions”.

That being said, it’s important to do some additional research and get reliable information on what to expect. Keep up with current travel advice.

This is a beautiful country with few tourists and many interesting sites. But because of poor infrastructure, it is more challenging getting about than more popular African countries such as Kenya and South Africa. When visiting it is advisable to be part of a guided tour.

The nature and beauty of Gabon outside the city centers make the trip worthwhile.

As far as accommodations there are various lodges in the national parks as well as satellite camps for a true jungle experience. In the cities, there are a variety of options for places to stay.

With its rich culture, friendly locals, and natural beauty, Gabon deserves serious consideration as part of one’s destination choices.

Happy travels,

Joseph William

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