The animal and plant life in the coastal, West-African country of Gabon is said to be some of the world's most diverse. Government initiatives to revitalize tourism in Gabon have opened up the country so foreign visitors can view the native flora and fauna in Gabon's enormous national parks. But Gabon isn't all wildlife and safaris -- museums, exotic resorts and cultural sites make the country an ideal African destination.
More than 10 percent of Gabon's land is covered in national parks, and Loango National Park makes up a significant portion of that land. Famous for its surfing hippos, this coastal park is home to countless animal species, including humpback whales rolling gently near the shore, squawking tropical birds and a variety of monkeys. Loango is a key park in the ecotourism circuit, so you shouldn't have trouble booking a tour, which might include a brief boat ride to see the whales up close. Active travelers will enjoy the plentiful hiking trails in the park.
The Musee des Arts et Traditions is located in Gabon's capital city, Libreville, and is open from the early morning to mid-afternoon. Exhibits vary, but the museum typically carries a sprawling collection of tribal masks, musical instruments and statues. Many of these artifacts have specific cultural significance that can help orient you to Gabonese culture and history, which you can learn about on a guided tour of the museum for a small fee. The museum is closed on weekends.
Gabon's northwest coast is home to Point Denis, just across the bay and near the Gabon Estuary. Point Denis is a stretch of coast dotted with hotels, resorts and beachside water sport agencies that offer kayak rentals and other gear. Diving is good along most of the beaches. The best way to reach Point Denis is by boat from Libreville, with Port Mole or Michele Marina being the two most popular points of departure. They run ferries throughout the week except Mondays, but the service can be limited due to low passenger numbers, so it's best to call ahead.
The presidential palace in Libreville is a popular destination for visitors due to its exterior beauty alone -- visitors are not allowed to enter. Despite this fact, architecture fans will marvel at the palace's smooth and modern exterior, with none of the old-world charm commonly found in Gabon. Built in the 1970s by then-president Omar Bongo, the palace is a point of pride for the Gabonese and dwarfs the surrounding buildings. You can spend an afternoon visiting the palace grounds, but officials have forbidden taking pictures of the building.
Gabon is relatively safe, but the U.S. Department of State recommends staying aware of safety concerns specific to the country, including political rallies or protests that can turn violent without notice. Do not go near any public demonstrations. Most of what you'll encounter is likely to be petty crime, but bigger scams do exist. When driving in the capital, keep your doors locked and windows up. Always carry your identification to avoid problems with local police. Avoid being in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, especially at night, and avoid traveling in taxis by yourself. Also exercise caution with credit cards -- fraud is common and many businesses don't accept cards, so it's best to carry a limited amount of cash instead of cards.
