Day 1: Arrive in Libreville
Start your trip by arriving in Gabon’s bustling capital, Libreville. This is the perfect place to get your first taste of Gabonese culture. Libreville is a lively city with a great mix of African and French influences.
Spend the day visiting the seaside Boulevard de l’Indépendance, where you can stroll along the coastline and see the beautiful Presidential Palace from a distance. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try Gabon’s famous poulet nyembwe (chicken with palm butter sauce).
For your first night, unwind and enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the city’s seafood restaurants.
Day 2: Explore Libreville’s Sights
Take today to dive deeper into Libreville’s main attractions. Start with the National Museum of Arts and Traditions to learn about Gabon’s rich cultural history. The exhibits showcase the country’s traditional masks, sculptures, and tools.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby St. Michael Cathedral, a stunning building with 31 hand-carved wooden pillars. The craftsmanship here is truly impressive.
Wrap up your day by exploring the Marché du Mont-Bouët, Libreville’s largest market. Here, you can shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and fresh produce.
Day 3: Lambaréné and Albert Schweitzer Hospital
This morning, take a road trip to Lambaréné, which is about 4 hours from Libreville. Lambaréné is known for its beautiful landscape, set along the Ogooué River, and for the Albert Schweitzer Hospital.
Visit the hospital, which was founded by Dr. Albert Schweitzer in 1913. It’s an important piece of medical history in Gabon. You can also check out the attached museum for more insight into the life and work of Dr. Schweitzer.
Stay overnight in Lambaréné at a local guesthouse for a peaceful night by the river.
Day 4: Ogooué River Exploration
Spend the day embarking on a river excursion along the Ogooué. This is a great opportunity to see both the wildlife and everyday life along the riverbanks.
You might spot some unique birds, and even hippos if you’re lucky. Pack some snacks, take your camera along, and enjoy this relaxing escape into Gabon’s natural beauty.
Head back to Lambaréné in the evening for one more night before heading out early the next day.
Day 5: Loango National Park
Today, head to one of Gabon’s most famous wildlife destinations: Loango National Park. You’ll have around a 6-hour drive, but it will be fully worth it. Loango is known for its untouched wilderness and diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and gorillas.
Once you arrive, settle into your safari lodge and take in the views. You can spend the evening relaxing by the lodge or take a short walk to enjoy the park’s peaceful surroundings.
Day 6: Loango National Park – Safari Adventure
Today is your first full day in Loango. Start early with a game drive. This national park is unique because you can sometimes see elephants and other wildlife walking along the beach.
In the afternoon, you can take a boat trip through the mangroves to see birds, hippos, and maybe even some crocodiles. It’s a slower-paced experience that lets you enjoy the rhythms of Gabon’s jungle life.
Return to your lodge in the evening for some well-earned rest.
Day 7: Loango National Park – Gorilla Tracking
On your second day in Loango, wake up early for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: tracking western lowland gorillas. This activity is available seasonally, but if you’re visiting in the right time of year, it’s not to be missed.
Trackers will guide you through the forest, where you might get lucky and spend time observing these incredible primates in the wild. After your trek, head back to lodge and relax after an unforgettable adventure.
Day 8: Pont Gentil – Beach Time
Leave Loango and travel toward Port Gentil. Known for its oil industry, Port Gentil is also home to some stunning beaches that’ll allow you to unwind after a few days of hiking in the forest.
Take your afternoon to relax on the sandy shores, soak up the sun, or swim in the calm waters of Cape Lopez. Port Gentil’s beaches offer a break from the adventure-filled days you’ve had so far.
Day 9: Port Gentil – City Tour
Spend today getting to know Port Gentil a little better. Start the day with a walking tour of the city to see a lot of the French colonial architecture that still remains. Port Gentil also has a range of restaurants where you can grab a meal with fresh seafood.
In the afternoon, visit a nearby beach or head out to explore the surrounding marshland and mangrove forests. There’s plenty here to keep you busy while still managing to feel relaxed.
Day 10: Pongara National Park
Today, take a boat from Libreville to Pongara National Park for a day trip. The trip takes about an hour, and the park is well known for its beachside forests and the famous leatherback turtles that nest here (if you’re in the right season).
Spend the morning walking along the beach, keeping an eye out for dolphins and turtles. A guide can also take you through some of the forest trails to look for birds and monkeys.
Return to Libreville in the evening, where you can get some rest at your hotel.
Day 11: Off to Franceville
Head from Libreville to Franceville today. You can fly (about 1 hour), which is quicker and easier. Franceville is one of Gabon’s oldest towns, with historical sites and access to nature.
Spend the rest of the day visiting Poubara Falls and the nearby rapids. It’s a great place to stretch your legs after traveling and enjoy a refreshing riverside environment.
Day 12: Lekedi Park – Wildlife Experience
Lekedi Park is close to Franceville, and it’s a must-visit for wildlife lovers. It’s a mix of savanna and forests, home to mandrills, antelopes, and, sometimes, elephants.
Take a guided tour of the park to learn more about the efforts being made to protect Gabon’s incredible biodiversity. Spend your day enjoying a blend of hiking and wildlife watching in this unique setting.
Day 13: Relax and Explore Franceville
Today, keep things relaxed. Wander through Franceville, visit the market, and take in a little bit more of Gabonese everyday life. You can also stop by the Saint Hilaire Church, a beautiful building with a lot of character and history.
Use the rest of the day to shop for any last-minute souvenirs or just enjoy a slow-paced afternoon in one of Gabon’s more remote towns.
Day 14: Departure from Libreville
For your final day, head back to Libreville via a quick flight. Spend your last few hours exploring any corners of the city you missed or having one more meal at your favorite local restaurant.
Once you’re ready, make your way to the airport for your departure.
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