Stay In Libreville

Libreville and its surroundings

In front of the sea, Libreville is crossed by the Boulevard Triomphal and its several modern buildings. The Gabonese capital surprises you by the diversity of its cityscapes which mixes opulent avenues, trendy seaside and popular districts. Start your visit with the Museum of Arts and Traditions; its collection of masks, reliquaries and musical instruments will teach you more about the rites and traditions of the country. In the heart of the city, the Saint-Michel church of Nkembo is an atypical monument with its carved wooden pillars and pictorial frescos. On the beachfront, next to the former presidential palace, don’t miss the Statue of Liberty! Created by the artist Minko Minzé, this stele commemorates the end of the slave trade in 1849: to be seen for its historical interest. Discover the diversity of the Gabonese capital by walking through the alleys of its Mont-Bouët market, feeling the atmosphere of its neighbourhoods or taking an open-air stroll along the sea.

For more information about Libreville, consult the section Stay in Libreville

Franceville and the Plateaux Batéké region

In southeast Gabon, Franceville is one of the four biggest cities. Thanks to its University of Science and Technology, Franceville brings together many students from all over Africa and is modernizing. Mingle with the local population in the central market, you will discover a joyful bric-a-brac with goods of every kind. The city, located in the province of Haut-Ogooué, is the ideal starting point to visit the unique landscapes of the Batéké plateaus. Discover this ancient volcanic area covered with savannah and rainforests! In the national park, on the border with Congo, the landscape is made of plateaus and hills, spanned by valleys and streams. In its heart, the pink, white and green canyons, carved by erosion, will leave you speechless. Stop for a moment in front of these magnificent panoramas, you will understand how much the biodiversity of the region is an invaluable treasure.

Lambaréné and the Lake region

On the banks of the Ogooué River, west of Gabon, Lambaréné is a welcoming city where people often travel by canoe, to go down or up the river. Discover the history of its hospital, the most famous place of the city. Created in 1913 by Albert Shweitzer, who got the Nobel Peace Prize, it helped to treat the population suffering from chronic diseases such as leprosy. After this historical break, go to the sublime region of lakes! To visit these stretches of water, ask for a canoeist who will help you discover the site over water. Going up the Ogooué, contemplate the forest along the river, and the mangroves whose gigantic roots plunge elegantly into the water. The six lakes are places of total tranquillity. Small or huge, each one has its own charm. Keep your eyes open, the lake region is the home of hippopotamus! You can see them mainly in the dry season, when the water level is low.

Lopé National Park

In the heart of Gabon, in the province of Ogooué-Ivindo, Lopé National Park is an emblematic site of the country, the first to have been protected. And the reason is obvious, with its 5,000 km2 of savannah and forest, the park is home to many mammals. There are no less than three elephants per square kilometre, incredible, isn’t it? The territory gathers a large community of mandrills, the primates that inspired Rafiki’s character in the famous movie The Lion King. Gorillas, chimpanzees and buffaloes also live in these lands, as well as hundreds species of birds: it is a precious sanctuary for African fauna. In addition to its exceptional plant and animal species, Lopé Park is a major archaeological site in Africa. Cut stones and rock engravings dating back more than 400,000 years have been found there, confirming a prehistoric human occupation. Discover the invaluable treasures of this park, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.

Loango National Park

In western Gabon, not far from Port-Gentil, discover a unique land with a mosaic of landscapes. Beaches, lagoons, mangroves, marshes, savannahs and forests are the magical backdrop of Loango National Park. This nature reserve stretches along the Atlantic Ocean. Watch the incredible show of sea turtles climbing out of the water to lay eggs on the sand. The preservation of these lands has allowed many threatened species to prosper, such as the hippopotamus, the elephant, the buffalo, the leopard and the gorilla. From the beach, you may have the chance to see the tail of a whale or dolphins! The landscape is also made of swamps, which are home to manatees and many sitatungas, a species of antelope that is very comfortable in the aquatic environment. The park’s incredible ecosystem is based on a fragile balance, which makes it so rich and beautiful.

Port-Gentil on Mandji Island

South of Libreville, Mandji Island goes a little beyond the territory, like an arm open to the sea. Discover the sublime bay of Cap Lopez! The site has been marked by the history of slavery, so people go there on pilgrimage to remember the tragic past. The island offers beautiful beaches such as the coconut bay, which will charm you with its stretch of white sand and clear waters. The Cape is famous for its exceptional visitors: humpback whales settle in the area between June and September. Go on a boat trip to meet them! Port-Gentil was built on the island, drained by a lot of canals. Identified as Economic capital of Gabon, the city has developed around the port and its petroleum activity. There, you will find architectural gems, sometimes influenced by the colonial period. Explore this dynamic city, nestled in the heart of unique natural resources.

Ivindo National Park

With its unspoiled natural landscapes, Ivindo National Park is an invitation to contemplation. Still untouched by human presence, the forests that cover these lands are very old. Crossed by the equator, the park extends over 3,000 km2, between the provinces of Ogooué-Ivindo and Ogooué-Lolo, in central-eastern Gabon. Along the Ivindo River, monumental waterfalls, named Kongou and Mingouli, mark the landscape, as well as impressive rapids. In the heart of these wild plant expanses, Langoué Bay is a little paradise for animals. This huge forest clearing has the largest number of gorillas in Gabon. The reserve has an incredible biodiversity. Territory of forest elephants and chimpanzees, it is also home to many species of insects and birds. Going to Invido Park is a way of connecting with a preserved nature, and being aware of its inimitable true beauty.

Pointe Denis

On the other side of the Gabon estuary, in front of Libreville, Pointe Denis is a true Eden, with its superb stretch of sand bordered by forests and crystal clear waters. It is the favourite seaside resort of the locals, who like to spend the weekend enjoying sunbathing, walking along the lagoon or having fun with water scooting and quad biking. On site, a few hotels and restaurants will allow you to extend the pleasure for a day or two, and live in harmony with nature. The place is known to be the breeding place for leatherback turtles. Come to see this incredible natural show on the preserved beach! After the bustle of the city, it is nice to take a break and enjoy the tranquillity of a perfect vacation spot.

Akanda National Park

With its 540 km2, Akanda National Park covers a quite small area compared to the others national reserves of Gabon. Nevertheless, it offers a great richness in terms of fauna and flora. Come and observe the thousands of migratory birds that fly over the park and land briefly before going on other adventures. Pelicans, Dominican gulls and black-headed gulls travel from one hemisphere to another according to the seasons. The site is also known for its species of swallows and ospreys; they are fond of small crabs that leave along the beach. Akanda Park extends northeast of Libreville. It is incredible to think that in a few minutes by car, you can move from the city’s bustle to a protected land covered with a mangrove forest. In Mondah Bay, you can even see manatees! The site contains unique plant species such as orchids that only grow in very wet environments. Discover this protected territory, a stone’s throw from the capital.

Saint-Michel Church

You have certainly seen many churches in your life, but one as Saint Michel church, certainly not. Built in downtown Libreville in 1967, this church is clearly atypical. Very large, it was built to replace the old church which had become too small. Many Gabonese come to attend religious ceremonies, so that benches had to be put outside, to accommodate as many devotees as possible. The architecture of the monument is quite unique with its colourful frieze representing scenes from the Old and New Testaments, and above all, its carved wooden pillars, work of the artist Zéphyrin Lendogno. Inside, the blue and white floor with checkerboard pattern contrasts with the rest of the decor, made of wood and warm-coloured stones. Outside, do not miss the bell topped with a cross and the statue of the Archangel Saint Michael, made by Juan Ndong.

Notre-dame de Lourdes

Visit the most atypical church in Gabon! The facade of Notre-Dame de Lourdes, covered with earthenware, was inaugurated in 2015. Its style is inspired by Portuguese constructions such as the church Capela das Almas, in Porto, with its blue azulejos. Located near the bus station, on the national highway, Notre-Dame de Lourdes stands out from the architecture of other buildings in the city. The interior is simple and warm with its central altar and its fine blue paintings. This church is one of the favourite place for Gabonese people to commune with themselves; they come every day to attend the Mass. Thanks to its choir, the celebrations are convivial and very human. Come and take a closer look at this recent place of worship, and contemplate carefully the religious scenes painted in the azulejos. Don’t miss this church, one of the most emblematic monuments in Libreville!

Museum of Arts and Traditions of Gabon

Visit the Museum of Arts and Traditions to discover the Gabonese culture! Perfectly located in the centre of Libreville, near the beach, the site houses a disparate collection of objects, which offers an overview of the country’s customs and ethnic groups (Teke, Fan, Punu…). It is a small museum, in which the objects doesn’t have any caption, so it is preferable to go with a guide, who will be able to explain in detail the use of each piece of the collection, and their hidden meaning. Discover these sacred objects so important for Gabonese heritage. Musical instruments, reliquary masks, statues… About 70 art works can be admired in the two rooms of the museum. Don’t miss this place, which will teach you a lot about the country’s cultural richness, its rites and the role played by its different ethnic groups.

Presidential palace

In Libreville, it is impossible to miss the presidential palace, an elegant white building with golden sheen that overlooks the sea. This huge building was constructed in 1977 by Omar Bongo, the former President of Gabon. The exterior is charming with its palm-tree garden, and the interior blends luxurious materials such as marble and gilding. Unfortunately, the inside of the palace is not open to visitors, but the one also called The Seaside Palace is worth a visit, simply to appreciate its modern architecture. The palace is one of the city’s symbols of success with its impressive size and linear glass facade. Don’t leave Libreville without seeing this beautiful construction! Visiting the palace is also an opportunity to enjoy a pleasant stroll by the sea.

Freedom Stele

The Freedom Stele, created by the painter and sculptor Me Minko Minzé, is impressive. Indeed, the statue transmits many emotions, even if you don’t know anything about its symbolic aspect. It represents an androgynous character, half man, half woman, freeing himself from his chains, and positioned in the middle of two sculpted pillars displaying geometric shapes and African masks. The character faces the presidential palace and turns his back on the sea, as if he had just landed from a slave ship. This is the topic: this stele commemorates the end of the slave trade in 1848, and the founding of Libreville in 1849 by freed slaves. Be sure to visit this meaningful monument, which pays tribute to the liberation of an entire people. Located by the sea, in the centre of Libreville, this stele is a must-see in the capital of Gabon.

Hassan II Mosque

Behind the presidential palace of Libreville, the Hassan II Mosque was built in 1983, as a symbol of brotherhood between Morocco and Gabon. The mosque, one of the most beautiful in Gabon, is the pride of all the Muslims of the country. The prayer room, which covers 3,500 m2, has a capacity of 5,000 faithful. Inside, the decoration is made of Zellige Beldi, typical Moroccan ceramic mosaics full of colours. The doors are carved in the Arab-Muslim style. The building is impressive with its 40-metre high minaret, its arcades and its façade with green, white and gold tones. Proudly raised to the sky, the mosque is one of the city’s most beautiful architectural works. Take advantage of your visit in the district to discover the Freedom Stele and the Presidential Palace. These three famous monuments of the capital will offer you a day of visits rich of history and discoveries.

Léon Mba Memorial

Go back in Gabon’s history by visiting the Léon Mba Memorial! Located in the centre of Libreville, this museum pays tribute to the first Gabonese president. Take the tour with a guide who will tell you everything about the life of President Leon Mba, as well as anecdotes about the paintings, engravings and objects on display in the memorial. Don’t miss the statue of the deceased president and the room where his tomb is located, surrounded by two majestic white birds. One of the main missions of the memorial is to transmit the history of the country. A library and multimedia room have been created to teach history to future generations. End the visit with a refreshing stroll in the floral and botanical garden full of fruit trees. A great visit to understand the Gabon of today.

Les chocolats Gabonais de Julie

Fall in love with sweets made in Gabon! Here is the project of Julie Nyangui: create a chocolate brand with the good cocoa produced in Gabon, and be able to follow each step of the product’s transformation. The brand is a great success, and for good reason. Its chocolate is pure and intense; it contains only cocoa, cane sugar, and aromatic ingredients such as ginger, chilli or pineapple. A delight!

Artisans' Village

To discover local arts and crafts, visit the Artisans’ Village. In the south of Libreville, near the seaside, this market is a kind of “Ali Baba’s cave”. There are all kinds of fine objects such as wooden statuettes, masks, jewellery, sandals and paintings. As a reminder: don’t forget to bargain! On site, you will find good places to eat and discover African typical dishes.

Mont-Bouet Market

The largest market in Libreville is located in the popular district of Mont-Bouet. This place of exchange gathers different cultures and an impressive number of goods and food. Walk through its lively alleys and discover an impressive selection of clothing, jewellery, cosmetics, fruit, vegetables and spices. In peak times, it is difficult to find your way around as the market is crowded. An unforgettable experience to feel the bustle of the capital.

Galerie Ephémère

Discover local artists at Galerie Ephémère! This address dedicated to arts and crafts organizes exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, jewellery, clothing and decorative objects. Here, everything is made in Africa and in Gabon particularly. The collections change regularly, and mix the colours and materials in a pretty way. The goods on display are available for sale, to leave with a unique creation made by a local artist.

Park Inn by Radisson Libreville

Settle down at the Park Inn by Radisson! Ideally located along the beach and close to the city centre of Libreville, this hotel offers all the comfort you need. The spacious and modern bedrooms are perfect to spend a quiet and delightful night. Relax at the pool with a fancy cocktail before enjoying African typical food in one of the restaurants. For business or tourist trips, the Park Inn is the place to be.

Radisson Blu Okoume Palace

Enjoy a stunning ocean view from one of the luxurious rooms at Radisson Hotel. Located on the boulevard de Nice in Libreville, the establishment offers convenient access to the beach and the main attractions of the city centre. With its large swimming pool, restaurants and elegant bars, it is the perfect place to enhance your stay in the capital. The staff will take care of your every need to make your stay close to perfection.

ONOMO Hotel Libreville

As a model of eco-responsible architecture, the hotel Onomo is built around a large modern hall with a magnificent green wall. The bright rooms have a large bay window, and a shaded balcony with a view on the interior garden. More than a comfortable hotel, Onomo is a friendly and innovative place to stay, with a smiling and professional team available to meet all your needs. Close to the beach, this unusual establishment is the promise of an unforgettable stay in Libreville.

Royal Palm

The Royal Palm Hotel looks like a Riyadh with its palm trees, Moorish gates and swimming pool nestled in the heart of the hotel, with a breathtaking view of the sea. The team, attentive and smiling, takes care of every detail to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Enter into your room, you will immediately feel at home! To relax at the end of the day, make a stop by the wellness area, the beach bar and the delicious restaurant of the hotel.

Résidence Hôtelière du Phare

The Residence Hôtelière du Phare offers the incredible opportunity to stay in front of the ocean, while being able to reach Libreville airport in five minutes by foot! The establishment, with its blue facade and glass balconies, overlooks the sea. Sit on the restaurant terrace for dinner in front of a beautiful sunset! The spacious and bright rooms and suites are ideal for relaxing to the rhythm of the waves.

Hotel Leet Dorian

Stay in the heart of downtown Libreville, and have an easy access to all the attractions of the capital! Leet Dorian Hotel is a warm place where you feel like at home. From the hotel, you can reach Oloumi industrial area, the best place for business, in 10 minutes only. You will be seduced by the colourful rooms decorated with works of art. In the restaurant, the chef offers French and Gabonese specialities, and is particularly famous for his recipes with fish.

Nomad Suites Residence

Enter a haven of peace! More than being ideally located on the road to the airport and next to the beach, Hotel Nomad seems to be far from time requirements. This small village of houses with balconies, equipped with a swimming pool, bar and restaurant, combines comfort and tranquillity. Spacious and elegant, the suites are decorated with sobriety and are opened onto the gardens and pool. In this authentic and intimate setting, you will enjoy a delicious stay in the capital.

Le Patio

What makes the hotel Le Patio different? A charming interior patio that gives access to all the rooms. On the walls, coconut paintings bring a touch of originality, as well as many exotic plants and multicoloured mosaic floor. Settle down in one of the comfortable rooms before discovering Libreville. Located in the heart of the lively district of Louis, the hotel is the best place for experiencing the unique atmosphere of the Gabonese capital.

Hotel Boulevard

Go for the charm of a seaside hotel! The Boulevard Hotel is located in the south of Libreville, about a 30-minute walk from downtown, and offers a superb view of the ocean. Lying on a deckchair by the pool, with the sea as far as the eye can see, you will understand the sweetness of life that reigns in the city. The bedrooms are spacious and bright, for you to enjoy the most comfortable stay.

Roma Restaurant

Taste the best of Italian food! Located in Libreville, Roma restaurant recreates with finesse the classics of Mediterranean cuisine. The flavours of its fresh tagliatelle with clams and asparagus, the refinement of its salad with parma ham, and the insolent delicacy of its profiteroles with mango will leave you speechless. With products imported directly from The Boot, Roma is a paradise for gourmets who are looking for a taste of Italy in the Gabonese capital.

L'Odika

In the beautiful setting of its colonial-style veranda, Odika offers a varied choice of food dominated by African and Creole cuisine. The restaurant is the place to be in Libreville, it’s simple and tasty, and people like it over the years! The signature dish is the Odika chicken of course! This 100% Gabonese recipe is made from acacia fruit, which looks like a wild mango and taste like cocoa; accompanied by plantain bananas, it is delicious.

Le Wapety

The most special thing about Wapety is its setting. One of the rooms looks like a cave with a lost forest inside, but when you go to another room, surprise! You find yourself under dimmed lights, with clip projections on a big screen. Le Wapety is a warm place where people gather to drink a cocktail or eat a good and generous dish. There is a festive ambiance until late, making it the ideal place to go out with your friends.

Les Paillottes

Welcome to Les Paillottes! In addition to its traditional dining room, the establishment has a terrace made with small islands covered with a straw roof: a peaceful setting in the heart of the city. The house speciality is grilled meat. Come and enjoy a grilled fish or lobster and a delicious stuffed crab! In a familial and friendly atmosphere, the owners serve a quality homemade cuisine, which makes you want to come back soon.

La Voile Rouge

In a beautiful landscape where the sea flirts with the sand, settle down in La Voile Rouge. This restaurant, located in nice wooden huts, enjoys an exceptional location on the beach with an incredible view of the sea. On the menu, meat skewers, grilled lobsters and other international dishes such as couscous, mussels and chips, and chili con carne will satisfy all appetites. Food is even better in a nice setting, don’t you think?

La Dolce Vita

Located on the port Môle of Libreville, La Dolce Vita is a restaurant with a rustic setting that gives it a special charm close to the 80s. On the menu, you will find a selection of 100 pizzas! Something for everybody, to satisfy all the cravings and appetites. The restaurant also offers grilled meats, fish and shellfish, hamburgers and homemade pasta. Besides the generous dishes, the friendly staff will make you spend a really good time.

Restaurant U Piscadore (Le Sud)

At U Piscadore, there is no menu! The boss himself comes to share the daily specials with you. Here, all the food is fresh, especially the fish, the speciality. Get ready to enjoy fish carpaccio, semi-cooked tuna or grilled langoustines. Whichever way the fish is cooked, it will be perfectly done. The establishment also offers meat dishes, in a wooden decor reminiscent of the interior of a boat.

Sakura

At Sakura, enjoy an authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of Africa! California makis and sushis are very well made, and elegantly dressed with wasabi and ginger. On the menu, you will also find some Thai food such as pad-thai, this traditional dish made with fried rice noodles. In a sober setting with black furniture and white walls, go on a delicious trip to Asia!

Le Lokua

At Lokua restaurant, come and taste a fusion cuisine, a clever mix of French cuisine and exotic ingredients from Gabon. The dishes are precise and reinvent the traditional flavours of local cuisine. With its wine bar and its warm dining room decorated with wood, the establishment masters the blending of tastes, to make each plate a unique creation that awakens the senses and delights the palate.

Le Confidentiel

With its red walls, geometrically designed black armchairs, mirrors and artistic paintings, Le Confidentiel welcomes its guests in a chic and cosy setting. This gourmet restaurant located in the centre of Libreville offers an exceptional cuisine made from fresh products. Duck foie gras, Bresse chicken supreme and other delicious dishes share the menu, to delight the palate of the most discerning gourmets.