Gabon

Tucked into the western corner of central Africa, Gabon has yet to be discovered by most travelers. Heralded by Travel + Leisure as a "must-visit safari destination," and long known as the world’s Last Eden. It’s a country of staggering diversity, both in terms of culture and languages, but also wildlife. The superlatives are almost endless! The biggest population of forest elephants in Africa, almost a hundred thousand, live in Gabon. The world’s most colorful primate, the mandrill is found here in the thousands, as are chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Gabon is in its infancy, but it’s another African destination where you can visit a family of gorillas and approach within 22 feet (just 7 meters!). There are also more than 10,000 plant species that grow in Gabon, which is more than the entire plant diversity in all the countries of West Africa and some 15% of these are endemic. While other African countries are known for safaris, the discerning traveler will find an experience unlike any other in Africa in part because the infrastructure is lacking, the adventure is real and the animals are prolific (albeit harder to find than in many African countries)! 

Conservation

The forests of Gabon are part of the Congo Basin tropical forest which, after the Amazon Basin, is the largest tropical forest ecosystem in the world, spanning six countries of Central Africa. Gabon is the African country that’s off the travel radar yet boasts 13 protected areas and national parks covering some 22% of the country. The history of conservation efforts in Gabon is fascinating and the country is committed to maintaining a healthy balance of nature and people.

In addition to the land, an impressive 27% of Gabon’s marine waters are designated marine protected areas through the Gabon Bleu initiative. The initiative began in 2012 in recognition of the need to protect over 20 species of whales and dolphins that swim and live in the Gulf of Guinea. This includes the critically endangered Atlantic humpback dolphin as well the largest population of humpback whales in the Southern Hemisphere that come here to mate, give birth and raise their young.  

Gabon’s beaches are also unique in the world. Where the forest meets the sea, elephants and hippos come at certain times of the year, giving rise the idea of the “surfing hippos of Gabon.” These beaches are also home to the largest population of leatherback and olive-ridley turtles in the world with the highest nesting density in Africa. 

Culture and History

Culturally, Gabon is as diverse as it’s flora and fauna. While French is the official language, there are over 40 spoken languages which are all part of the Bantu language group. With millions of acres of forest, Gabon remains home to the Baka people, sometimes referred to as forest pygmies. These hunter-gatherers continue to roam the forests of Gabon where they forage, hunt and fish. Some of our itineraries include visits with these people.

The famous German doctor Albert Schweitzer came here in 1913 and opened a hospital in the town of Lambaréné, in the interior of the country. He spent his life dedicated to providing medical care to the local community and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.  He was also a published author covering topics such as theology, music and philosophy. A visit to his home and hospital is of keen interest to many who are familiar with his work.

Our own exploration of Gabon began in the fall of 2022 and we’re thrilled to bring this rising star of African nature tourism to our guests.

Note: Tourism infrastructure is not well developed and Gabon is a suitable destination only for those who are flexible, have a true sense of adventure and want to see an Africa that few people see. Travel to Gabon must be planned with plenty of lead time. A visa is necessary and should be obtained ahead of time through the Gabon Consulate in your country. In addition to group departures, custom travel requests for groups as small as two are welcome.