Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Gabon is a beautiful country on the western coast of Central Africa. The long coastline is dotted with lagoons, estuaries, and bays. Abundant mineral and petroleum reserves have made it one of the wealthiest African nations.
Gabon is also rich in flora and fauna that serve as a means of earning tourism-initiated revenue, apart from maintaining the environmental balance. International tourism is on the rise, and the government is working on improving the necessary infrastructure in this regard.
When it comes to travel to Gabon, make sure you purchase travel insurance before you take off on your trip to protect yourself against any unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries.
Gabon Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
So much planning and deliberation precedes an international trip. But a host of reasons like a death in the family, compulsions at the workplace, or issues at the destination can make you have to abort this trip. It causes heartaches and also financial loss in terms of non-refundable advance payments.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Gabon?
In addition to the flight tickets, you might have also made advance payments for hotel accommodations and domestic travel at the destination. You’re staring at a loss of all that money in the event of a cancellation, but luckily, Gabon trip cancellation insurance could protect you financially. If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason (as listed in your policy’s certificate wording), it can reimburse you for the costs of any pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses you might have put down in preparation.
What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Gabon?
Most trip cancellation insurance plans cover the most common reasons for trip cancellation. Do be sure to read the fine print first, but buy Gabon travel insurance to protect your money.
Things to Do for Travelers in Gabon
Libreville, the capital of Gabon, is a city that is European in looks and African in spirit. With its skyscrapers, paved roads, and gated communities, you also find chaotic markets, overcrowding, and lots of free-spirited bonhomie.
However, step out of Libreville, and nature in all its unspoiled beauty will greet you. White beaches, sparkling rivers, verdant forest cover – you name it, it’s there. 10% of the Gabon land area comes under “protected land” status, conserved through 13 national parks.
- Loango National Park: This one takes the cake as far as Gabon’s national parks are concerned. You will get to experience one of the best safaris in the entire continent. The park consists of lagoons, savannahs, forest cover, and more in its 200 sq km (about 77 sq miles) of uninhabited shoreline. Loango is teeming with animal life—elephants, gorillas, hippos, and buffalo, to name a few. This is among the few remaining places on earth where these animals can have access to the sea. You can also indulge in some catch-and-release sport fishing here.
- Fernan Vaz Lagoon: Named after the Portuguese explorer who discovered it more than 500 years ago, this area is famous as a gorilla conservation center. On the island, there is a gorilla reintroduction center, where orphaned gorillas stay before being reintroduced into the wild. You will get to know more details first-hand through the experiences of two gorillas that live here. There is also an old and beautiful church here.
- Ivindo National Park: Ivindo is among the most remote national parks of Gabon – and also among its most beautiful. The Ivindo River runs through the park, creating the spectacular Makoku and Kongou waterfalls. The latter is known as “Gabon’s Niagara Falls.” The park also has two small mountains – Mount Kingue and Mount Ngouadi. Camp for a day or two in the forest, and you’ll get to see more than 400 bird species, as well as animals like elephants, gorillas, colobus, and mandrills.
- Point Denis: A short boat ride from Libreville will take you to this largely secluded but beautiful place. It has a beach several kilometers long where you can take a walk or laze around. Facilities for water sports are also available here. Enjoy some great food at the cozy restaurants here.
- Minkebe National Park: Minkebe is not among the more easily accessible parks, but once you make the journey, your efforts will be rewarded. This park has among the largest elephant populations in Africa, as per the reports from WWF. The park is home to many endangered animal species, and WWF is working hard for their conservation. You can spot leopards, cheetahs, and gorillas, as well.
Gabon Travel Safety
By and large, Gabon is a safe country for international travelers. The government is stable, and there is no major unrest or terrorist activity. However, you can’t be complacent about safety anywhere while traveling. Keep in mind some basic safety tips.
- Stay clear of isolated and deserted locations, including beaches, after dark.
- Malaria and yellow fever are common in Gabon. Carry repellants and other preventives with you wherever you go.
- Torrential downpours during the monsoon season can cause flooding in rural areas, so stay alert about weather warnings.
- Avoid consuming tap water or water from rivers or waterfalls, as well as consuming uncooked or partially-cooked food. In both cases, you might fall prey to diarrhea or other stomach ailments.
Before You Travel to Gabon - Do This
A few important tips for you before you make the trip:
Keep your cash and valuables safe and in different parts of your luggage.
Maintain electronic back-ups of your travel documents.
Be sure to buy Gabon travel insurance to stay on the safe side. Compare a wide variety of plans, and purchase the one that best fits the needs of your travel itinerary, your destination, and your budget.