Explore Gabon: Africa’s Hidden Ecotourism Gem

Two buffalo saunter along white sands to splash in the Atlantic Ocean before disappearing into a thick forest stretching down to the beaches of Pongara National Park. In a country where an estimated 88% of the land is still primary forest, wildlife encounters like this soon become all too commonplace.

Welcome to little-known Gabon, the African country that’s home to two million people, 95,000 elephants, and thousands of lowland gorillas and chimpanzees. Gabon is attempting to position itself as an alternative safari destination in 2023, launched to the world in January as “The Last Eden.” This destination is where the lush forests of equatorial Africa collide with the crashing surf of the Atlantic.

Geography and Biodiversity

Look at a map of West Africa, and you can pick out the large landmass of Gabon (which has some 100,000 square miles of rainforest, mountains, and coastline) nestled between Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo. This former French colony is one of the most biodiverse destinations in the region, with 13 national parks protecting 11 percent of the country’s nature and wildlife.

Wildlife Experiences

For the adventurous traveler looking to get off the well-trodden safari circuit, Gabon delivers extraordinary wildlife spotting opportunities. Gorilla trekking is possible in Loango National Park, where permits are more affordable compared to Rwanda or Uganda. Large troupes of mandrills (the world’s largest species of monkey) can be found in Lopé National Park, while Gabon’s unique “surfing hippos” can be spotted along the Atlantic Coast.

Forest elephants and buffalo are abundant and easily spotted in Pongara National Park. Just a 30-minute boat ride away from Libreville, the capital city, Pongara offers unique opportunities for a coastal safari, with buffalo seen on the white sandy beaches and hippos among the dense mangroves. Between July and September, whales can be spotted off the same beaches, while leatherback turtles nest in December and January.

Ecotourism and Conservation

Visit Gabon in 2023, and you’ll experience the nation in its raw state. Historically, Gabon hasn’t prioritized tourism due to its economic reliance on fossil fuels like oil and gas. However, the government is now seeking to pivot towards ecotourism, betting that it can fill an economic void and help protect one of the world’s few carbon-negative countries. Gabon boasts excellent green credentials with innovative conservation programs using AI cameras to track wildlife and combat poaching.

Yet tourism remains a new concept in Gabon, and the infrastructure for ecotourism is limited outside of well-established safari lodges and resorts in Pongara National Park. Visitors may encounter challenges, such as limited space in safari lodges and difficulty securing gorilla-trekking permits, owing to the existence of only one habituated family of gorillas in Loango National Park.

For the intrepid safari-goer, however, this all adds to the destination’s intrigue. Remember that Gabon is very much an emerging tourism destination, and not everything may go as planned. If you’re prepared for occasional tropical rains and early morning run-ins with elephants during bush hikes, then the country’s potential as an alternative safari destination presents an irresistible reason to visit Gabon in 2023.

Culinary Delights of Gabon

You’ll want to fuel up for a day on safari, as Gabonese cuisine offers a wholesome blend of West African spices and French techniques. Breakfast staples include baguettes, pastries, and omelets. Post-safari meals feature barbecued prawns and grilled chicken, complemented by fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.

The nation’s favorite dish is nyembwe chicken, a stewed delicacy prepared with palm butter, onions, and garlic.

Dining and Nightlife

In Libreville, you can explore a variety of dining options, including upscale restaurants that offer eclectic wine menus. Yet, the availability of Bordeaux wines in remote safari lodges may surprise visitors. For a relaxed experience, the beaches offer restaurants or bars overlooking the water, with local beer Regab, best enjoyed ice-cold.

Accommodations in Gabon

Start your Gabonese adventure at Hotel La Sablière, located on the beaches north of Libreville’s airport. The city center offers a selection of hotels, including the Park Inn by Radisson and Hôtel le Cristal. The real adventure begins in the national parks, with Pongara Lodge providing scenic surroundings just steps from the forest and beaches. In Loango National Park, Luxury Green Resorts operates three luxury glamping camps in remote locations.