Gamba Travel Guide | Things to Do in Gabon

Gamba is a small coastal town in southwestern Gabon, situated along the Atlantic Ocean in the Ogooué-Maritime Province. This remote destination serves as a gateway to some of Gabon's most pristine wilderness areas, including the renowned Loango National Park, often called 'Africa's Last Eden.' The town itself maintains a quiet, laid-back atmosphere with a small population primarily involved in fishing and eco-tourism. What makes Gamba truly special is its proximity to extraordinary wildlife experiences and untouched natural landscapes. From here, visitors can access beaches where forest elephants walk along the shore, witness surfing hippos, and observe sea turtles nesting. The area represents one of Africa's most unique ecosystems where dense rainforest meets the Atlantic coastline, creating a rare opportunity to see jungle wildlife in a coastal setting.

Top Things to Do in Gamba

Loango National Park Wildlife Safari

Experience one of Africa's most unique national parks where forest meets ocean, offering the rare chance to see elephants, buffalo, and hippos on pristine beaches. The park is famous for its surfing hippos and forest elephants that venture onto the sand. Wildlife viewing includes forest species, coastal birds, and marine life in a single ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Book through established eco-lodges or tour operators in Libreville 2-3 months ahead, especially for dry season visits. Expect to pay $200-400 per day including guide, transport, and park fees. Look for operators with certified naturalist guides and proper camping equipment.

Sea Turtle Nesting Tours

Witness the incredible spectacle of leatherback and olive ridley sea turtles coming ashore to nest on Gamba's protected beaches. These nighttime tours offer an unforgettable wildlife encounter during nesting season. The experience includes learning about conservation efforts and the turtles' life cycles from expert guides.

Booking Tip: Available November through February during nesting season. Book with local conservation groups or eco-lodges for $50-80 per person. Tours run at night starting around 8 PM and require advance booking as group sizes are limited to minimize disturbance.

Coastal Forest Hiking

Explore the unique coastal rainforest ecosystem through guided hiking trails that showcase the transition from dense jungle to ocean shore. These walks reveal diverse flora and fauna including primates, tropical birds, and rare plant species. The trails offer excellent photography opportunities and insights into Gabon's biodiversity.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local guides or eco-lodges for $30-60 per half-day including guide services. Best during dry season mornings when wildlife is most active. Ensure guides are knowledgeable about local flora and fauna, and bring insect repellent and waterproof gear.

Traditional Fishing Village Visits

Experience authentic Gabonese coastal culture by visiting local fishing communities around Gamba. Learn about traditional fishing methods, boat building, and daily life in these small settlements. Visitors can participate in fishing activities and enjoy fresh seafood prepared by local families.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local contacts or guesthouses for $20-40 per visit including transport and guide. Best combined with meal experiences for $15-25 additional. Respect local customs and ask permission before photography. Bring small gifts for children if visiting family compounds.

Mangrove Exploration by Boat

Navigate through pristine mangrove channels and lagoons that serve as nurseries for marine life and habitat for various bird species. These boat excursions reveal a hidden ecosystem teeming with fish, crabs, and waterbirds. The peaceful waterways offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.

Booking Tip: Book with local boat operators for $40-80 per half-day trip including boat and guide. Best at high tide for easier navigation. Look for operators with knowledge of bird species and mangrove ecology. Bring sun protection and waterproof camera equipment.

Getting There

Reaching Gamba requires flying into Libreville's Léon-Mba International Airport, then taking a domestic flight to Gamba Airport, which serves the local area. Charter flights can be arranged through local operators, though they're expensive at $300-500 per person. Alternatively, adventurous travelers can drive from Libreville (approximately 6-8 hours on rough roads) or arrange private transport through tour operators, though this requires 4WD vehicles and experienced drivers familiar with the route.

Getting Around

Transportation in Gamba is limited to walking, bicycle rental from local contacts, or arranging vehicle transport through your accommodation. Most eco-lodges and guesthouses provide transport to major attractions like Loango National Park as part of tour packages. For independent exploration, hiring a local guide with a 4WD vehicle is essential, as roads can be challenging and GPS unreliable. Boat transport is available for coastal and mangrove excursions through local operators.

Where to Stay

Loango Lodge area

Gamba town center

Tassi village

Sette Cama

Iguela Lagoon vicinity

Akaka camp area

Food & Dining

Dining options in Gamba are limited but authentic, focusing on fresh seafood and traditional Gabonese cuisine. Most visitors eat at their eco-lodge or guesthouse, where meals feature locally caught fish, prawns, and traditional dishes like chicken nyembwe or cassava-based sides. A few small local restaurants serve grilled fish, rice dishes, and cold beverages. For the most memorable dining experiences, arrange meals with local fishing families who can prepare ultra-fresh catches with traditional spices and cooking methods.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Gabon

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Moods Café-Restaurant

4.8 /5

(7658 reviews)

cafe

View on Map Website

When to Visit

The best time to visit Gamba is during the dry season from June to September when roads are more accessible and wildlife viewing is optimal. However, sea turtle nesting season (November to February) offers unique experiences despite being the wet season. The wet season brings lush vegetation and active wildlife but challenging road conditions. Temperatures remain fairly constant year-round (75-85°F), but humidity is lower during dry months, making outdoor activities more comfortable.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in CFA francs as there are no ATMs or card facilities in Gamba

Pack comprehensive medical supplies and insect repellent as medical facilities are extremely limited

Coordinate all activities through your accommodation as independent exploration requires local knowledge and proper equipment

Things to Do in Gamba