Contents
Introduction vii
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1
Chapter 1 Background Information 3
Geography 3, Climate 3, History 3, Government and politics 12, Economy 12, People 16, Language 17, Religion 17, Culture 18
Chapter 2 Natural History and Conservation 23
Habitats and vegetation 23, Conservation 25, Wildlife 32
Chapter 3 Practical Information 43
When to visit 43, Highlights 43, Suggested itineraries 43, Tourist information 44, Tour operators 45, Red tape 46, Embassies 46, Getting there and away 47, Safety 49, Women travellers 50, Gay travellers 50, Travellers with disabilities 50, Travelling with children 50, What to take 50, Money 52, Budgeting 53, Getting around 53, Accommodation 57, Eating and drinking 58, Public holidays and events 59, Shopping 61, Media and communications 61, Cultural etiquette 64, Travelling positively 65
Chapter 4 Health 67
Preparations 67, In Gabon 70
PART TWO THE GUIDE 79
Chapter 5 Libreville and L'Estuaire 81
Getting there and away 82, Orientation 84, Getting around 85, Tourist information and local tour operators 87, Where to stay 88, Where to eat and drink 90, Entertainment and nightlife 93, Shopping 94, Other practicalities 95, What to see and do 97, Around Libreville and L'Estuaire 99
Chapter 6 Moyen Ogooue 107
Lambarene 107, Ndjole 114
Chapter 7 Ngounie 117
Mouila 117, Sindara 120, Fougamou 120, Ndende 120, Massif du Chaillu 120
Chapter 8 Ogooue Maritime 123
Port Gentil 123, Fernan Vaz Lagoon 131, Loango National Park 132, Gamba 136
Chapter 9 Nyanga 139
Tchibanga 139, Moukalaba-Doudou National Park 142, Mayumba 143
Chapter 10 Woleu-Ntem 145
Oyem 146, Bitam 147, North of Bitam 148, Mitzic 148, Minkebe National Park 150
Chapter 11 Ogooue-Ivindo 151
Lope National Park 151, Makokou 158, Ivindo National Park 159
Chapter 12 Haut Ogooue 163
Franceville 163, Moanda 168, Mounana 169, Bakoumba and Lekedi Park 170, The Bateke Plateau 173, Leconi 174
Chapter 13 Ogooue-Lolo 177
Koulamoutou 177, Lastoursville 179
Appendix 1 Language 181
Appendix 2 Further Information 184
Index 188
