Useful information
Gabonese population is a real melting pot. It has around 2 million inhabitants for around fifty ethnic groups and as many languages.
Nevertheless, French remains the most common language spoken in the country, due to the colonization which lasted for more than a century,
Please note that in addition to French, our guides speak fluently English, some of them also German and Spanish.
The weather in Gabon is warm and wet all year long. Therefore, we recommend bringing clothes which suit the tropical climate: loose, light and breathable. Well known brands have already tailored specific and adapted clothing lines.
There is no specific dress code to comply with in Gabon, exception made of the public administrations: entrance will be denied if you wear shorts and sandals.
Remember to bring long-sleeved tops and pants in order to cover and protect yourself adequately from mosquito and other insect bites.
Also remember to equip yourself with a pair of shoes suitable for walking in the forest. You will need them during our trips.
Finally, bring a waterproof jacket and at least one warm jacket, the temperatures being surprisingly cool at dawn, especially on rivers or at sea.
Gabon belongs to the countries which adopted the Franc CFA (FCFA or XAF). This currency is linked with the EURO at a fixed exchange rate of 1 EUR to 655,957 FCFA).
Merely all payment transactions are made by means of cash. We recommend travelling with the amount of money you wish to spend in euros and/or dollars and changing it in FCFA after your arrival. There are currency exchange agencies at the airport of Libreville.
MasterCard and VISA credit card holders can withdraw cash from ATMs in Libreville or Port-Gentil, whereby it should be taken into account that the local banking system is often subject to shortfalls in terms of liquidity. In addition, only very few stores accept payments by bank card.
Alternatively, Western Union and Moneygram agencies are also reliable cash providers.
Feel free to contact us, should you wish to get any further information in this respect.
The level of delinquency is fairly low, despite the fact that it tends to increase due to the current economic situation.
During your stay, there are a few basic rules to be observed, including:
– stay next to your guides;
– lock the doors when you are on the road and avoid pulling down the window in the city center;
– avoid exhibiting valuables.
During police controls (which happen quite often), please stay calm and rely on your guide.
For any further information, please refer to the country profile updated on the website of your ministry for foreign affairs.
Gabonese people are very friendly and open-minded.
It is not unusual that people call each other with “bonjour Papa” (“hello Dad”) or “bonjour Maman” (“hello Mom”) without being relatives. So do not be surprised if you are approached this way.
If you wish to take photos of people, we invite you to obtain their consent beforehand.
The traditional Gabonese meals are mainly composed of vegetables, fruits, fish and meat. From time to time, bushmeat may also be on the menu. If you follow a specific diet, let us know and we will do our best to answer it with a suitable offer.
You will have the opportunity to jump into the water, so don’t forget your swimsuit!
To enter Gabon, travel insurance is compulsory.
Please note that most bank cards provide you with such insurance, but with less coverage than international travel insurance.
Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory and you must be vaccinated prior to the entry into the territory. Vaccination is usually proposed at a specialized medical center.
During your vaccination, ask for a vaccination certificate or international vaccination card to be issued to you: it will be checked on your arrival in Gabon.
Although not compulsory, usual vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, polio, bacterial meningitis, hepatitis A and B) are highly recommended. Please refer to your medical doctor, or to any recommendations which may be issued by specialized institutions.
We are happy to provide you with any further information in this respect.
Malaria is a relatively widespread disease in equatorial Africa. In this respect, several prophylactic measures have appeared to be successful. Please get in touch with your doctor or a specialized medical center to determine the treatment best suited to your case.
More generally, it is recommended to protect yourself adequately against mosquitoes through which many diseases get easily spread. To do this, use effective repellents.
Solar creme is a must-have, especially during the rainy seasons (from September to December, and from February to May).