Must See

Cirque De Leconi

These spectacular red-rock canyons are a favourite area for camping and off-road driving, and are noted for their diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. The red rocks turn a golden colour at sunset.

Lambarene

The famous and still functioning Schweitzer Hospital, founded in 1924 by the great missionary doctor, Albert Schweitzer, can be visited in the heart of the pretty lakes region. A motorised pirogue will take you out into Evaro Lake, where hippos and other wildlife can be sighted.

Libreville

Gabon's bustling modern capital is characterised by big ocean-view hotels, modern offices and fancy shops (the product of the country's oil boom in the 1970s) and is noted for its buzzing nightlife and bustling Mount Bouet Market.

The National Museum contains some of the most beautiful woodcarvings in Africa, particularly the indigenous Fang style of carving which went on to influence Picasso's figures and busts. The Cathedral of St Michael is home to 31 unusual wooden columns, each one depicting a Biblical scene, and carved by a blind Gabonese craftsman.

Within a short distance of the city is the beach of Cap Estérias, which is an excellent place to swim. Visitors may walk along the winding path and through a forest of giant trees to find this wonderful beach, bounded by rocks that are home to lobsters, sea urchins and oysters.

Lope National Park

The Lopé-Okanda Reserve is home to lowland gorillas, mandrills and elephants, along with a host of birds and other wildlife. It is the largest national park in the country, and its landscape includes savannah and rainforests. Whitewater rafting is also available.

Mayumba

Although this beach in the south of the country may be difficult to reach, it remains deserted and enchanting. Whale watching is popular all along the south coast from July to September, when up to 3,000 humpback whales can be seen.

Port Gentil

This town boomed during the discovery and mining of oil in the 1970s. Modern luxury hotels are located at one end of town, whilst the poorer, cheaper quarters and the locals' area is situated at the other. The town has a thriving community of expatriates, and claims to have more evening entertainment by way of bars and restaurants than any other African city. There are also some excellent beaches, with facilities for fishing, waterskiing and other watersports.