Exploring Libreville and Lambarene on Your Gabon Safari

How to Check Gorilla Permit Availability in Uganda

April 8, 2025

Cost of Visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park

April 8, 2025

Exploring Libreville and Lambarene on Your Gabon Safari

Exploring Libreville and Lambarene on Your Gabon Safari — Discover the beauty and cultural richness of Libreville and Lambarene during our unforgettable 9-day safari in Gabon. This journey offers a perfect blend of historical exploration and natural beauty, giving you an authentic experience of Gabon’s vibrant culture and wildlife.

Day 1 – Arrival in Libreville

Your adventure begins as you arrive at Leon Mba International Airport in Libreville, where our friendly staff will greet you and handle all immigration formalities. You’ll then enjoy a comfortable 25-minute transfer to your hotel. After check-in, relax and enjoy dinner at the Radisson Okoume Blue Palace Hotel or a similar accommodation, where you’ll spend your first night in Gabon.

Day 2 – Transfer from Libreville to Lambarene

In the morning, we’ll set off on a scenic drive from Libreville to Lambarene, passing through Ndjole and Bifound. This journey takes about 5 hours, as the road, while paved, can be bumpy in some sections. Along the way, you’ll witness the stunning greenery of Gabon’s vast rainforest and pass through small villages where locals engage in activities like farming, fishing, and palm wine tapping.

Upon reaching Lambarene, we’ll visit the Albert Schweitzer Hospital, built in 1913 by the renowned humanitarian doctor. Now a museum, this hospital gives insight into Schweitzer’s groundbreaking work in the fight against tropical diseases. The nearby 1926 hospital has been partly converted into guesthouses and is home to local residents. If time permits, we’ll also explore Lambarene, visiting highlights like the Francois Xavier Cathedral, the riverside fish market, and the nearby lakes.

Day 3 – Return to Libreville

After breakfast, we’ll head back to Libreville, a scenic drive that offers views of lush fields and charming villages. Along the way, we’ll cross several bridges over the Komo River and its tributaries, offering spectacular views of Gabon’s countryside. We’ll arrive in Libreville in the afternoon and check in at our hotel for the night. After a long day of travel, relax and unwind at the Radisson Okoume Blue Palace Hotel.

Day 4 – Libreville City Tour & Bwiti Ceremony

Start your day with a city tour of Libreville, the capital of Gabon. Once a French colony, Libreville blends colonial architecture with modern influences. As we explore, you’ll visit key landmarks such as:

The Church of St. Michel, renowned for its intricate mosaics and wooden columns carved by a blind Gabonese artist, each depicting Biblical stories.
The St. Mary Cathedral, another fascinating site showcasing Gabon’s Christian heritage.
The Art and Tradition Museum, featuring ancient masks, traditional costumes, and artwork that tell the story of Gabon’s rich cultural history.

You’ll also have a chance to explore the Art Market, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs. Other notable stops include the central market, Angondje Stadium, and Boulevard de l’Indépendance, a vibrant street lined with historic buildings, including the Presidential Palace.

In the afternoon, experience the Bwiti ceremony in the Bolokoboué village, located in the Cape Esteria Region. This traditional Gabonese ritual offers a profound cultural experience, where you’ll gain insight into the spiritual practices of the Bwiti people. After the ceremony, return to Libreville for the evening.

Day 5 – Tour La Baie des Tortues Luth in Pongara National Park & Return Flight

On the final day of your Gabon safari, we’ll begin our adventure with a departure from the hotel at 8 AM. From there, we’ll head to Michel Marina to board a boat for a 30-minute transfer to La Baie des Tortues Luth, an exclusive beach resort nestled within Pongara National Park.

Once at the resort, you’ll have a full day to unwind and explore the many activities on offer. You can enjoy a thrilling game drive through the park on a buggy bike, or simply relax at the resort, which offers a variety of beach leisure activities. In the forest, you might spot wildlife such as Dwarf Buffalo, Forest Elephants, antelopes, and various bird species. On the water, enjoy deep-sea fishing or other water sports at your leisure.

Pongara National Park is renowned for its leatherback turtle population, which nests along the beach between October and March. While visiting for the day doesn’t allow time for a turtle safari (which takes place at night), you can still enjoy the pristine, white sandy beaches, play a game of ping-pong or badminton, or take a refreshing swim in the resort’s beautiful pool.

By 4 PM, we’ll take the boat back to Libreville, with a short 20-minute transfer to the hotel. From there, we’ll enjoy a final dinner before heading to the airport for your flight home.