WHEN TO TRAVEL to Gabon

Location

Climate

Low and high season periods

Gabon is a country located on the equator, benefiting from a warm, humid equatorial climate all year round. However, it's important to take the different seasons into account when planning your stay.

Dry season (May to September)

The dry season is ideal for visiting GabonThis is especially true if you want to enjoy the national parks and outdoor activities. Temperatures are pleasant, generally fluctuating between 22°C and 30°C, and rainfall is relatively low. This period also corresponds to the high tourist season, with accommodation and flight prices higher than in the low season.

Rainy season (October to April)

The rainy season presents both advantages and disadvantages for travel in Gabon. Rainfall is heavier, especially between February and April, which can make some roads impassable and limit access to tourist sites. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages, it's also the low tourist seasonThe best way to get to your destination is to stay in one of our hotels, with generally lower airfares and accommodation rates.

Major cultural events in Gabon

In addition to weather conditions, cultural events are an essential element to consider when planning your trip. Here are some of the must-see events in Gabon:

• Independence Day (August 16 and 17) Gabon Day: celebrated nationwide, this holiday commemorates Gabon's independence from France in 1960. Festivities include parades, music and dance performances, and fireworks.
• Libreville International Jazz Festival (June) This annual event brings together local and international artists for several days of concerts and shows in the Gabonese capital.
• Gabao Hip Hop Festival (November) Gabon: this festival celebrates hip-hop music and culture in Gabon, with concerts, workshops, breakdance competitions and much more.

Public holidays in Gabon

Public holidays can also influence your choice of dates for your trip to Gabon. Some attractions and services may be closed or limited on these days. Here is a list of the main public holidays in Gabon:

• January 1st New Year's Day
• March-April Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary according to the Christian calendar)
• May 1st Labour Day
• June 5 World Environment Day
• August 15 Assumption of the Virgin Mary
• August 16 and 17 Independence Day
• December 25 : Christmas

The best times to see wildlife

Gabon is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly in its national parks. If you'd like to see the local wildlife during your trip, here's some advice on the best times :

Land safari

The dry season, from May to September, is generally considered the best time to go on a land safari in Gabon. Trails are more practicable and animals congregate near waterholes, making them easier to observe.

Whale watching

Every year, the Gabonese coast welcomes populations of humpback whales, which come to breed between June and September. It's the ideal time of year to set off on a whale watching cruise.

Sea turtle observation

Gabon's beaches are also a preferred nesting ground for several species of sea turtle. The nesting season generally runs from October to February, offering a unique opportunity to observe this natural phenomenon.

Immigration statistics for Gabon

Thanks to its political and economic stability, Gabon attracts a large number of immigrants, mainly from neighboring countries such as Cameroon, the Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea. According to latest available statisticsIt is estimated that immigrants represent around 10% of Gabon's total population, or almost 200,000 people.

Immigrant origin

The majority of immigrants to Gabon come from neighboring countries. Here is an approximate breakdown of immigrant origins:

• Cameroon : 35%
• Republic of Congo : 20%
• Equatorial Guinea : 15%
• Other African countries: 25%
• Rest of the world: 5%

Migration flows

Migration flows to Gabon have fluctuated in recent years. From 2000 to 2010, there was a steady rise number of immigrants, from 120,000 to around 200,000. However, since 2010, figures show a slight decrease in the number of immigrants, probably due to global and regional economic fluctuations.

Most popular visas in Gabon

Gabon offers different types of visa for foreigners wishing to visit or settle in the country. The three main types of visa issued are :

• Tourist visa
• Work visa
• Residence visa

Tourist visa

Tourist visas are intended for foreigners wishing to visit Gabon for a limited period (generally up to 90 days). This is the most popular type of visa, representing more than half of all visas issued every year. Nationals of certain countries, such as those belonging to the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), can enter without a visa for short stays.

Work visa

Work visas are granted to foreigners wishing to work in Gabon. These visas are generally issued for one year, renewable. Applications for work visas are in steady risereflecting Gabon's attractiveness to foreign investors and workers.

Residence visa

The residence visa is intended for foreigners wishing to settle in Gabon for an extended period (generally more than one year). This type of visa is mainly requested by nationals of neighboring countries looking to settle in Gabon for family, professional or other reasons. Residence visas account for around 20% of visas issued each year.

International tourism figures for Gabon

Gabon is banking on the development of tourism to diversify its economy, which is largely dependent on the oil sector. With its beaches, exceptional wildlife and protected national parks, the country has a definite tourist potential.

International arrivals

International arrivals have grown steadily in recent years, from less than 100,000 in 2000 to almost 300,000 in 2019. The majority of tourists come from Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Tourist origin

Here is an approximate breakdown of the origins of tourists visiting Gabon:

• Africa: 60%
• Europe: 25%
• Middle East: 10%
• North America and other regions: 5%

Lodging sector

The accommodation sector in Gabon has also undergone significant development in recent years, with supply diversifying and adapting to growing demand. There are now over 1,000 accommodation establishments in the country, including luxury hotels, wilderness lodges and youth hostels.