Things to do in Gabon
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A
La Dolce Vita
On Port Môle, this place is situated right above the ocean and serves great Italian food in a fantastic setting.
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Mayumba
If you mention Mayumba to someone who has been there, you're likely to be met with a dreamy, faraway look. It's no wonder - with endless and uninhabited beaches, whales spouting in the distance, trees full of magical spirits, and nesting sea turtles on the beach, it's not too far from eco-traveller heaven.
Mayumba would be Gabon's premier beach resort if it weren't so hard to get to. Anyone who gets this far, though, will discover deserted beaches, fishing villages and friendly locals who will offer to take you on fishing trips or boat tours for a small price. It's a great place to spend a few lazy days enjoying the sun, the waves, fresh seafood, and peace and quiet.
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Cirque de Léconi
East of Franceville the savanna rises up into the Bateke Plateau, a dry, cool, flat stretch of land that extends south and east into the Congo. Léconi is a small, quiet place with a couple of bars, a hotel and a cheap case de passage. The spectacular Cirque de Léconi, a deep, circular red-rock canyon of loose sands, is only a few kilometres from town.
Infrequent bush taxis go to Léconi from Franceville, but a 4WD that's capable of handling the deep-sand road is necessary to get to the cirque. It is possible to camp overnight (if you can find equipment). Once there, you can enjoy the views right across the canyon.
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Réserve de la Lopé
The Réserve de la Lopé is Gabon's most accessible and most popular wildlife reserve, where you're likely to see forest elephants, buffalo and a variety of primates. Recently the reserve initiated gorilla walks in an attempt to habituate the gorilla population to the presence of small groups of humans. Tours by pirogue, jeep and foot are available.
The reserve is a patchwork of rolling hills, savannah and dense rainforest, and if you're lucky you'll see some of the largest mandrill troupes in the world.
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Ebando Association
Ebando Association is headed up by the wacky, wonderful shaman Tatayo, a Frenchman who has lived in Gabon forever. On site is a Bwiti temple and many young Gabonese learning and practicing the traditional arts. Costs are variable (if you want to do an initiation, for example), but if you want to go and hang out with Tatayo and chat about Bwiti culture it's free. It's located north of Libreville in the neighbourhood of La Sabliere.
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Jacky Cochon
The most interesting eating establishment in all of Gabon, this place in the Quartier Derriére Prison is decked out in red, green and gold, and hung with portraits of reggae legend Bob Marley. Excellent meals (grilled meat and veggies) served by long-dredded Jacky himself, a pig farmer and musician. Ask for a tour of his saw-dust-floor butcher shop next door and his astral wine cellar.
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Club Saoti
On weekends most of Libreville heads to the beach; young people congregate in front of the Tropicana. There are pools at the Meridian, Intercontinental and Atlantique that can be used for a fee ranging from around US$5 to around US$15, or the price of a meal. Club Saoti offers squash, tennis courts, bowling and other sporting activities and lessons.
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C
Le Phare Du Large
If you want to eat like a king - or maybe a president (Bongo has been a frequent client) - this restaurant is the epitome of fine dining. Though the plush boat-and-sea décor is a little much, the food is top-notch. The proprietor himself catches fish daily, often serving rare varieties.
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D
Musée des Arts et Traditions
The Musée des Arts et Traditions has exhibitions on tribal crafts and culture, and a great collection of masks. Just as interesting are the folk-art sculptures on the waterfront across from the Intercontinental and, a nice walk south along the water, across from the casino.
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Mbehg-Ntame
Cultural Centre Mbehg-Ntame, run by a Frenchman named Cristophe, is located outside of town at PK12, and there are various dances and shows performed, as well as traditional meals served. Call Cristophe for more information.
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E
Village des Artisans
At the Village des Artisans most of the goods (and the merchants) are imports. If you're going to be travelling in other African countries you'll find much better prices for the same stuff.
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Costa Sylvia
This restaurant serves Gabonese and European cuisine with some Romanian specialties in a tranquil, homey environment frequented by regulars - often businessmen, ministers and families.
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L'Odika
A popular choice with a gorgeous open dining area. It serves a mixture of French and African cuisine including good seafood - as well as bushmeat.
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Maison De La Presse
At this French-language bookshop you can get Le Pratique Du Gabon, which has great city listings. English-language books are not easy to come by.
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Le Pelisson
Centrally located, this upscale balconied place is always a good spot to take a load off and munch on a pastry or an omelette.
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Le Bateau Ivre
Gastronomes may prefer this subtler but equally superb restaurant, known for European cuisine.
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L'Indochine
L'Indochine is a decent Asian choices, often serving buffets to crowds on weekends.
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Dakota
Another popular choice for pizzas is Dakota, near the Tropicana.
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Papa Union
The Papa Union chain has decently priced pizza.
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Chez Wang
For Asian cuisine, head to Chez Wang.
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