Libreville
This port on the Komo River is the capital of Gabon and is a trading and shipping centre for timber, rubber and cocoa. The city was founded as a holding station for slaves waiting to be transported away from Africa in the 1840s.
Freed slaves from the ship L’Elizia were sent here in 1848 and it was named Libreville (Freetown).
The city is very interesting culturally with a thriving market and St Maries Cathedral, the carved wood church of St Michael, the Arboretum de Sibang, Nkembo and the enormous palace housing the president. Gabon’s carved facial masks are internationally celebrated, such as the n'goltang (Fang) and the relicary figures of the Kota. Each group has its own set of masks used for various reasons. They are mostly used in traditional ceremonies such as marriage, birth and funerals. Traditionalists mainly work with rare local woods and other precious materials.
The international airport is located 11kms from the city and it is also the embarking station for the Trans-Gabon railway line to Franceville.
Alongside the Komo Estuary is the Pongara National Park and behind Cap Esterias is Akanda National Park with its famous migrating waterbirds.
Libreville provides air (private charter) and train links to Ivindo National Park and Lope National Park - fascinating and remote African safari destinations.
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Our Recommended Tours
São Tomé and Príncipe Islands - 8 days/7 nights
This itinerary is priced for a set departure date (ask us for the dates) from Douala, Cameroon to São Tomé on a private charter return flights to keep the cost of getting to and from the islands down. Exclusive or independent trips are definitely available however the cost is higher due to the connecting flights to São Tomé and the return flight from Príncipé. For a week, you'll discover the secrets of these two little known islands or simply just relax on the pristine beaches.
An adventurer's safari in Central Africa discovering Gabon
Libreville and 4 Gabonese National Parks - 13 nights/14 days
TRIP NOT AVAILABLE AS OF JANUARY 2012 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Explore Gabon's National Parks including Lope National Park (known for its great apes, mandrills and a wide range of birds), Lekedi National Park (walkways through the canopy of trees), Loango National Park (mammals on the beach) and the Wonga Wongue Reserve.
Other Options
Gabon Safari Spots
Gabon Overview | Ivindo NP | Lambarene NP | Libreville | Loango NP | Lope NP | Principe | Sao Tome
Central African Countries
Central African Republic | Congo | Democratic Republic of Congo | Gabon | Rwanda | Uganda
Safari types
Traditional Safaris | Walking Safaris | Canoe Safaris | Family Safaris | Mobile Safaris | Honeymoon Safaris | Special Interest Safaris | Primate Safaris | Bush and Beach Safaris | Off Beat Explorations | Active Safaris | Migration Safaris | Riding Safaris
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