GABON (Commonwealth Union)_ Some have referred to it as “the last Eden on Earth,” and after visiting, you’re inclined to agree. After leaving the capital city, Gabon’s only true metropolis, you’ll find yourself in a wide and largely unexplored paradise of white sandy beaches, deep forests, rushing rivers, and stunning scenery. In 2003, 10% of the country was designated as protected area, and 13 national parks were established to protect this final Eden. Gabon is distinct from its tropical African neighbours. It is stable and peaceful. It’s also the area’s most progressive and tourist-friendly resort.
Libreville
Libreville is home to roughly one-third of Gabon’s population. It serves as the country’s capital and the only genuine city. You’ll discover paved roads, clean streets, wonderful restaurants, shockingly fine French wine, casinos, and gated communities thanks to an inflow of oil money.
Libreville has a vibrant African heartbeat, complete with congested, chaotic, and oh-so-fun markets, close-knit neighbourhoods, and stunning coastline. Founded in the mid-nineteenth century by emancipated slaves (Libreville means “Freetown” in French), the city grew slowly and attracted a diverse population, resulting in a modern-day eclectic town. Don’t miss the National Museum, the Presidential Palace, L’Eglise St-Michel (St Michael Cathedral), and the Musée des Arts et Traditions du Gabon, in addition to the marketplaces. When you’re ready to unwind, head to a small beach like Ekwata Island and soak up the rays.
Loango National Park
Loango is unquestionably the crown jewel of the 13 national park system. Here you will find one of Africa’s top safari experiences. The park boasts a lovely scenery and great animals. Loango has about 200 kilometres of deserted shoreline, making it one of the remaining really wild coastal locations.
There are woodland, lagoons, wetlands, and savannahs in the park. Aside from the renowned surfing hippos captured by a National Geographic crew in 2004, you’ll also see gorillas, elephants walking down the beach, whales, dolphins, buffalo, and other wildlife. This is one of the remaining spots on the planet where these animals may swim in the water. The park features a catch-and-release fishing programme, and anglers have caught rouge, barracuda, and even sharks. Most people believe Loango to be the best safari destination in the earth.
Pongara
Pongara National Park’s nearly 900 square kilometres were chosen for their diversified landscape. Forest, mangrove flats, seashore, and savannah are all featured. It’s very accessible (for Gabon!) and home to a plethora of bird species, including the endangered Damara terns. Monkeys, duiker, buffalo, elephants, and chimps abound in the woodlands.
Pongara Point, the park’s beach region where the estuary meets the sea, is home to endangered leatherback turtles. This is the location where they crawl ashore to lay their eggs. If you visit between November and February, you can participate in one of the many educational programmes put on by Adventures Without Borders, a group dedicated to protecting turtles and reducing the threat posed by people.
