Bienvenue au Gabon, a Central African treasure on the Atlantic Coast, emerging as a dark horse of Africa. A former French colony, its land, 10 per cent of which is protected territory, houses 13 national parks, and the highest concentration of elephants across all of Africa.
Gabon’s topography is so varied it rivals the diversity of all wildlife here, with landscapes ranging from tropical forests and mangroves to savannas and mountains.
Its capital city, Libreville, is quaint and quiet. Inhabited by around one million people, who make up almost 70 per cent of the country’s entire population. Libreville is a melting pot of 40 ethnic groups, among them the Bantu Fang, Tsogo, Teke and the Pygmies Babongo. The capital is also home to Lebanese, French, Central and West African immigrants too.
However, it is outside the city where the greatest of all natural spectacles begin. Almost 85 per cent of Gabon’s territory is covered in tropical forest, dotted with rivers, waterfalls, and lagoons as far as the eye can see. Not to mention lush streams flowing along 800kms of coastline, flanked by endless white sand beaches.
And, depending on the season, humpback whales and sea turtles frequent the shores here. While inland; buffalo, hippos, and elephants roam. Baboons, gorillas, chimpanzees and mandrills; alongside 190 other mammal, 70 reptile and 600 bird species all call Gabon’s national parks home too.
Yet the only way to truly experience this place is through complete immersion; mostly on foot, wading through the wilderness. Where you will eventually find yourself face to face with the ancient spiritual traditions of the Bwiti. Best of all though, Gabon remains unscathed by mass tourism, and so effortlessly sends travelers back to the roots of our kind, on a journey to the last African Eden.
BWITI
The Bwiti is a spiritual discipline of the forest-dwelling Punu and Mitsogo peoples of Gabon and the Fang peoples of Gabon and Cameroon. Recognized as one of the three official religions of the state, modern Bwiti incorporates animism, ancestor worship, and Christianity into a syncretistic belief system.
Their ceremonies are led by a spiritual leader, or N’ganga, with knowledge of healing practices, hexes, and spells and dressed in robes of red, black, and white will preside over the initiation rites for young Gabonese women and men as they ascend to a higher grounds during their way to spiritual enlightenment.
Depending on how much enlightenment the initiate seeks, the Bwiti ceremony starts in the night and lasts for days. Filled with music and dance, singing, drums, and shakers and dressed in Fang and Kota masks, skirts of raffia, beads, and animal skins, the party will surely make a lasting impression!
With psychedelic ceremonies, mask wearing high priests, butterfly spotting and a little whale watching, you can’t go wrong once upon Gabon!
Let's go!
Day 1 // Libreville
Arrival to Libreville, check in to hotel, quick look at the urban highlights.
Day 2 // Whales + Bwiti
In the morning, we head for humpback watching. July and August mark high season for those migratory mammals – occasion that can not be missed! Their acrobatic show is in fact a way they communicate with each other on their 8,000 km (!!) long route. Back to the city for lunch.
In the afternoon we head to MBOKA YA NZAMBE – Village of God. We will get involved with villagers activity, followed by BWITI CEREMONY in the evening.
Day 3 // Mont Cristal Exploration
Spend the day immersed in the lush wilderness of Mont Cristal, one of Gabon’s hidden gems. Known for its pristine rainforest and cool mountain air, this area offers scenic trails leading to waterfalls and natural swimming spots. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the river, relax by the cascades, and take in the peaceful surroundings of the forest. It’s a perfect day to disconnect and soak up Gabon's raw beauty.
Day 4 // Gold Diggers Village & Makabane Waterfall
Today we head to a remote gold miners' village, where you'll witness the daily life of local prospectors. It’s a rare opportunity to gain insight into one of Gabon’s lesser-known communities. After exploring the village, we continue to the Makabane Waterfall—a scenic and secluded spot surrounded by forest. Enjoy the tranquil setting, perfect for photography, light hiking, or simply taking in the sounds of the jungle.
Day 5 // Nyonie Safari & Jungle Trek
In the morning, we board a boat transfer to Nyonie, located across the Komo River and only accessible by water. This region, where the savannah meets tropical forest, is a haven for wildlife. After arrival, we embark on a 4×4 safari, with a high chance of spotting elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, and more in their natural habitat.
Overnight in a jungle lodge or camp.
Day 6 // Nyonie - Libreville- departure
Today we leave the jungle behind and head back to the city for souvenir shopping before flight back home.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate - limited facilities ahead.
Activities: Jungle trekking, whales watching, swimming, boating, taking part in Bwiti ceremony, culture immersion.
Room & Meals: Hotels & lodges – double sharing. Restaurant meals excluded.
Cost: 1950 EUR excl. flights (Ethiopian – 4850 AED)
Specifically Excluded: Visas, insurance, restaurant meals.
Visa: E-visa for all passports, except Morocco and SA.
À bientôt au Gabon x
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