Gabon

One of the most naturally exquisite and most prosperous countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Gabon attracts adventure travellers and nature lovers in equal measure. The country straddles the equator on the west coast of Africa and is bordered by Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Atlantic Ocean.

Many travellers opt to 4X4 through this rugged country, armed with little more than a French dictionary, some mosquito repellent and a taste for adventure. Verdant tropical rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife such as chimpanzees, elephants and gorillas, the vast green savannahs of Lope-Okanda Reserve, 500 miles (805km) of deserted sandy beaches, lagoons, estuaries and breathtaking African sunsets: what more could one want?

Originally inhabited by the Pygmy people, it was colonised by the Portuguese in the 15th century, who named the country 'Gabão', which is Portuguese for 'cabin', after the shape of the estuary of the Komo River. It was later colonised by France in 1885, and went on to gain independence in 1960.

Gabon is the talk of the town when it comes to eco-tourism, thanks to the government designating 10 percent of the country's land to national parks. Just by being there, visitors are already off the beaten track as everything outside the capital of Libreville is only recently accessible. The Mayumba National Park features leatherback turtles nesting in the sandy beaches and marine life such as sharks, dolphins, and migrating humpback whales.

Travellers are advised to be cautious in Libreville, as in any city that has its fair share of crime, and carry a copy of their passport and visa at all times as police are known to hassle tourists. Female travellers should prepare themselves for plenty of unwanted attention.

For those wanting a more mainstream experience, Port Gentil at the mouth of Libreville and Ogooue River offers some wonderful fishing and is popular amongst European visitors. With so much to see and do, Gabon has enough charm and diversity to appeal to travellers with a hearty sense of adventure.

Passport Visa

All visitors to Gabon must be in possession of a hotel voucher or a letter of invitation issued by their sponsor, a return/onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination; OR, an Autorisation d'entree au Gabon, issued prior to their arrival in the country, by the Direction Generale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration in Gabon. Note that a yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Gabon. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gabon. A visa is required.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gabon. A visa is required.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gabon. A visa is required.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gabon. A visa is required.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gabon. Holders of entry authorisation, issued to them by Gabonese Immigration prior to their arrival in the country, can obtain a visa on arrival. The visa fee is EUR 65, or equivalent in freely convertible currency.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gabon. A visa is required.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gabon. A visa is required.

Health

Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled, and ice and uncooked fruits should also be avoided. Yellow fever vaccinations are required for all visitors over the age of one. Gabon is a malaria zone, and either mefloquine or doxycycline is recommended. There have been recent outbreaks of chikungunya fever and dengue fever, both transmitted by mosquito bites. No vaccine is available for either disease, but stringent anti-insect measures are recommended. Healthcare in Gabon is poor, and traveller's insurance is a good idea. Many doctors will expect cash up front, regardless of insurance.

Embassy Consulates

• 2034 20th Street NW Washington DC. Tel: (202) 797 1000
• 27 Elvaston Place, London. Tel: 020 7823 9986
• 4 Range Road, Ottawa. Tel: (613) 232 5301
• 921 Schoeman Street, Arcadia, Pretoria. (012) 342 4376/8

Foreign Embassies

• Blvd. du Bord de Mer, Libreville. Tel: (241) 76 20 03 or (241) 76 20 04
• Brossette BP 486, Libreville. Tel: (241) 76 22 00
• The Canadian Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon, represents Canada's interests in Gabon: Immeuble STC-TOM, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Tel: (237) 2223 2311
• Les Arcades Building, 2nd Floor, 142 Rue de Chavannes, Centreville, Libreville. Tel: (241) 77 45 30