Backpacking or travelling in Gabon?

• Gabon, the green lung of Central Africa with 88% rainforest, offers a unique mix of rainforests, savannahs and beautiful coastlines. As one of the less visited African countries, it is a paradise for adventurous travellers who want to avoid the crowds of tourist hotspots. The country is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoilt national parks in Africa, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
• Activities to spot: safari through the beautiful Loango National Park; take a boat trip through Ivindo National Park; spot elephants on the beaches of Pointe Denis; hike through Monts de Cristal; explore the capital Libreville; snorkel or dive on the Gabonese coast; explore the caves of Lastoursville; spot birds in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park; take a road trip along the Route Nationale 1; visit the small fishing villages. Animal spotting: forest elephants, gorillas, mandrills, chimpanzees, whales, leatherback turtles, leopards, buffalos, manatees etc.
• Food spotting: poulet nyembwe (chicken in palm nut sauce), benga (black bean dish, often with meat or fish), brochette (grilled meat on skewers), foufou (dough dish made of manioc or corn), makongo (fried termites, a local delicacy!), saka-saka (stew with cassava leaves), banana puree, palm wine.

Studying in Gabon?

• Gabon offers an interesting academic environment for students who want to delve into subjects such as forest management, biology, and the oil industry, given the country's rich natural resources. There are several universities and a relatively wide range of study programs.
• Study city: Libreville.
• Language: French, with possibly some English-language programs.

Internship in Gabon?

• You won't find an internship in Gabon in 1,2,3. Speaking French will help a lot, but even then it's still a challenge. You could look in environmental protection, oil and gas industry and sustainable tourism.
• Competencies: intercultural communication, French language skills, experience in challenging circumstances, flexibility and carrying a lot of responsibility.

Volunteering in Gabon?

• Volunteering in Gabon brings you close to nature and local communities. Whether you work on nature conservation, such as protecting sea turtles and gorillas, or contribute to educational projects in villages, your efforts will certainly be appreciated. Volunteer organizations often focus on environmental conservation, healthcare and education.

Working in Gabon?

• The oil industry is the largest employer of foreign professionals in Gabon. In addition, there are opportunities in mining, forestry, international trade and NGOs. Expertise in environmental conservation and sustainable energy is particularly sought after, as Gabon strives for a green economy. Work culture: Gabon’s work culture is formal and hierarchical, but also personal. Building relationships is important, and it’s common to start meetings with informal chats before getting down to business. French is the lingua franca of the workplace, so knowledge of the language is essential.

Working as a digital nomad in Gabon?

• Although Gabon has beautiful natural locations, it’s not a typical digital nomad destination. Internet connectivity can be decent in larger cities like Libreville, but in more remote areas it can be slow or unreliable. Coworking cafes are rare, but you can work from hotels and restaurants with Wi-Fi in the capital. For nomads looking for adventure and nature, however, Gabon can be a super beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destination.

Living in Gabon?

• Living in Gabon, especially in the capital Libreville, offers a mix of modern comfort and African adventure. City life is relatively comfortable, with good schools, restaurants, and an expat community. However, it often comes with a higher price tag than other countries in Africa. Outside of the city, you may be faced with limited infrastructure, but this also offers the opportunity to live close to nature.
• Education: Libreville has a few international schools that teach in French and English, among other languages. Outside of Libreville, there are few options.
• Expat community: Small but growing, thanks in large part to the oil and mining industries.
• Safety: Gabon is generally a safe country, especially compared to other countries in the region. In cities like Libreville, it is safe to walk around, although you should be aware of petty crime such as pickpocketing. In remote areas, it is important to be prepared for natural conditions and to respect local customs.
• Culture: Gabon’s culture is rich and diverse, with influences from various Bantu peoples and French colonial history. Art, music and dance play an important role in daily life. The traditional Bwiti religion, known for its rituals and ceremonies, is deeply rooted in the society.
• Climate: Equatorial, short dry season with occasional rain, long wet season, long total dry season and short wet season.
• Be aware of the rainy seasons, as remote areas can be difficult to reach during certain periods. Also, some areas are prone to malaria, so take precautions when travelling outside the cities. And it certainly helps to know a little French.
• Health insurance: Gabon’s healthcare is reasonable in Libreville, but facilities are limited in remote areas. For extensive care, you may have to travel elsewhere, so make sure you have your own comprehensive health insurance.

Stories, tips and experiences from Gabon