The capital and its coast
Nearly every trip begins in Libreville, the relaxed seaside capital, with its seafront boulevard, museum, markets and grilled fish on the beach. Across the estuary, Pointe-Denis is the weekend beach escape, right next to Pongara National Park and its nesting leatherback turtles.
The river
Lambaréné sits on the mighty Ogooué river, a few hours south east of Libreville by road. It is home to Albert Schweitzer's historic hospital and museum, and to quiet lakes explored by pirogue.
The great parks
Lopé National Park, reached by the Transgabonais train, mixes savannah and rainforest, huge groups of mandrills and ancient rock art, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the south west coast, Loango National Park is where elephants and hippos walk on the beach and whales pass offshore.
Further afield
Adventurous travellers head for Ivindo National Park and the Kongou Falls, the Crystal Mountains, or Franceville and the Batéké Plateau in the south east. These need more time, more planning and specialist local operators.
How to combine them
A classic ten day trip runs Libreville, Pointe-Denis, Lopé and back, or swaps Lopé for Lambaréné. With two weeks, add Loango via Port-Gentil. Shape your own route with the free trip planner, and find markets, museums and stays on the places to visit list.