Gabon is great for seeing wildlife because it is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including rainforests, savannas, wetlands, and coastal areas. This variety of habitats provides a rich and abundant environment for a wide array of wildlife …
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backpacking Africa
Gabon
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Backpacking Gabon in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Gabon with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Gabon
Welcome to Gabon, an unexplored paradise for backpackers seeking pristine rainforests, diverse wildlife, and a taste of authentic Africa. Pros? Immerse in untouched nature, encounter gorillas, and relish the laid-back vibe. However, infrastructure is limited, and travel can be challenging. For the intrepid backpacker, Gabon offers a rare chance to explore off the beaten path, where each step unveils a unique ecological wonder, making it a distinctive choice for those seeking a genuine and immersive African adventure.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Gabon
Wildlife
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Gabon
- Loango National Park: Known as the ”Land of Surfing Hippos,” this park offers a unique opportunity to witness wildlife, including elephants, gorillas, and the famous surfing hippos.
- Ivindo National Park: Home to the awe-inspiring Kongou Falls, this park allows visitors to explore the lush rainforest, go on thrilling hikes, and spot various species of primates and birds.
- Lopé National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lopé National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystem and ancient rock art. It offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including forest elephants and mandrills.
- Pongara National Park: Located near Libreville, this coastal park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 100 species of birds. Visitors can also enjoy pristine beaches, spot marine turtles, and explore mangrove forests.
- Makokou: This vibrant city serves as a gateway to exploring the Ivindo National Park and offers a unique cultural experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local way of life, visit markets, and learn about Gabonese traditions.
But Gabon offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Gabon
The best time to visit Gabon for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. This period offers pleasant temperatures and lower chances of rainfall, allowing for easier exploration of the country's diverse landscapes and wildlife. Additionally, visiting during this time reduces the risk of encountering impassable roads or disrupted travel plans due to heavy rains.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Gabon
- Gabon has a transitional government following a military takeover in August 2023. There's an increased military presence throughout Libreville and other areas of Gabon. Local authorities are on high alert. Ensure you carry identification and evidence of the purpose of your travel.
- A nighttime curfew is currently in place. Monitor the local media, as this is subject to change without notice. Respect the curfew.
- Borders have reopened, but travel may still be disrupted. Monitor local media for updates.
- There have been reports of violent crime, especially in Libreville and Port Gentil. Incidents include robberies and armed attacks. Don't walk alone or at night. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches.
- Protests and civil unrest may occur with little warning and may turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings and government buildings and avoid unnecessarily attracting the attention of local authorities.
- Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching and vehicle break-ins, is common in Gabon. Keep your valuables out of sight.
- Flooding occurs during the rainy seasons. Check local conditions before driving. You may need a 4WD vehicle on some roads.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
GabonMy tips to get you on the way!Does Gabon sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Gabon. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Gabon may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Gabon. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Gabon may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Gabon, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Gabon, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024