Things to Do in Gabon in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Gabon
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- May sits right in Gabon's long dry season, meaning you'll actually see wildlife at waterholes and salt licks instead of them dispersed across flooded forests - Loango's hippos and forest elephants are particularly visible this month
- Sea turtle nesting season peaks in May along the coast, especially at Pongara and Mayumba - you can watch leatherbacks laying eggs at night, which is genuinely one of Central Africa's most remarkable wildlife experiences
- Rivers are lower and clearer in May, making pirogue trips up the Ivindo to Kongou Falls actually feasible - during the wet season these routes are often too dangerous or completely inaccessible
- Fewer tourists than July-August peak season means you'll have national parks largely to yourself, and lodges are more willing to negotiate rates - we're talking 15-20% discounts if you book directly and mention you're flexible on dates
Considerations
- May is technically dry season, but Gabon's equatorial location means you'll still get occasional afternoon downpours - pack as if rain could happen any day, because it probably will at least a few times
- Some forest trails in places like Ivindo National Park can still be muddy from April rains, and the humidity stays high at 70% regardless of rainfall - that sticky, heavy air doesn't really let up until June or July
- Humpback whale season doesn't start until late June, so if whale watching is your primary goal, you're arriving about six weeks too early - May is better for land-based wildlife and turtles
Best Activities in May
Loango National Park wildlife safaris
May is genuinely one of the best months for Loango because animals congregate around remaining water sources and the lagoon edges. You'll spot forest elephants on the beach, hippos in the surf, and if you're lucky, gorillas in the coastal forest. The dry conditions mean 4x4 tracks are passable, unlike the muddy mess of March-April. Early morning drives from 6-9am offer the best wildlife viewing before the midday heat sets in around 28°C (82°F). Typical safari packages run 3-4 days and include pirogue trips through the lagoon system.
Leatherback turtle nesting tours along the coast
May is peak nesting season for leatherback turtles at Pongara National Park and Mayumba National Park. These are the largest sea turtles on Earth - up to 2 m (6.5 ft) long - and watching them lumber up the beach at night to lay eggs is worth the trip to Gabon alone. Tours run after dark, typically 8pm-midnight, when turtles come ashore. The experience is carefully managed to minimize disturbance, with red-light torches only. Weather in May is generally cooperative for beach access, though occasional rain can make sand tracks slippery.
Ivindo National Park and Kongou Falls expeditions
The Ivindo River is at ideal levels in May - low enough to navigate safely but still flowing strongly over Kongou Falls, which drops 56 m (184 ft) in a spectacular horseshoe formation. The multi-day pirogue journey upriver from Makokou passes through pristine rainforest with chances to spot forest elephants, bongo antelope, and grey parrots. May's drier conditions mean fewer mosquitoes than wet season, though you'll still need serious insect protection. The trek to the falls viewpoint involves muddy sections but is generally manageable with decent boots.
Libreville markets and coastal cultural experiences
May weather is actually decent for exploring Libreville on foot - mornings are comfortable around 23-24°C (73-75°F) before the afternoon heat builds. Mont-Bouet Market is the real deal for experiencing Gabonese daily life, with vendors selling everything from smoked fish to traditional fabrics. The waterfront Bord de Mer area is pleasant for evening walks when temperatures cool down. You'll find fewer cruise ship tourists in May compared to winter months, so markets feel more authentic and less performative. The National Museum recently expanded its exhibits on Gabon's 40-plus ethnic groups.
Lope National Park rainforest and savanna combinations
Lope offers something unusual for Central Africa - a mix of rainforest and savanna grasslands in the same park, which means diverse wildlife viewing. May is solid for spotting mandrills, forest buffaloes, and the occasional leopard. The savanna areas are easier to navigate in dry season, and the Ogooue River running through the park is at manageable levels for boat trips. Lope also has significant archaeological sites with 2,000-year-old rock engravings. Morning temperatures around 23°C (73°F) make early hikes genuinely pleasant before humidity builds.
Akanda National Park mangrove kayaking
Just north of Libreville, Akanda's mangrove forests and tidal flats attract massive bird populations in May - flamingos, pelicans, and migratory shorebirds. Kayaking through the mangrove channels at high tide offers close-up views without disturbing wildlife. May's relatively dry weather means better visibility and fewer rain interruptions compared to wet season. The park is easily accessible as a day trip from Libreville, making it perfect if you have limited time. Early morning paddles around 7-9am catch the best bird activity and avoid midday heat.
May Events & Festivals
Fete du Travail (Labour Day celebrations)
May 1st is a major public holiday across Gabon with parades, music performances, and community gatherings, particularly visible in Libreville and Port-Gentil. Government offices and many businesses close, but it's actually a good day to experience local celebrations in neighborhoods and public spaces. Expect street food vendors, traditional dance groups, and a generally festive atmosphere.