Once Upon Gabon feat. Humpback Whales + Bwiti Ceremony | Journey Across Gabon

Bienvenue a Gabon, a little-known Central African treasure perched on the Atlantic Coast. In recent years it has emerged as an under-the-radar ecotourism gem—housing 13 national parks, 10 per cent of the country is protected territory, home to the highest concentration of elephants across all of Africa.

Gabon’s topography is so varied it rivals the diversity of its wildlife, with landscapes ranging from tropical forests and mangroves to savannas and mountains.

The capital city of this former French colony, Libreville, is quaint and quiet metropolis, a melting pot of 40 ethnic groups, among them the Bantu Fang, Tsogo, Teke and Bongo, as well as Lebanese, French, Central and West African immigrants.

Libreville is home to around one million people – almost 70 per cent of the nation’s entire population. That means once you step outside the city, you’re in the wild—literally. With 85% of the country covered in tropical forest, you'll find yourself crossing rivers, chasing waterfalls, navigating mangroves and strolling beaches more than city streets.
Inland, buffalo, hippos, and elephants roam. High in the trees and in the bush you’ll spot baboons, gorillas, chimpanzees and mandrills, while 190 other mammal, 70 reptile and 600 bird species all call Gabon’s national parks home too.

Time your visit right, and Gabon offers up marine wonders too. With a coastline stretching over 800 km, fringed with white sand beaches few outsiders have touched, sea turtles frequent the shores and massive, magnificent humpback whales make their way down the coast on their annual migration routes.

It’s not all wildlife; immerse yourself in Gabon’s landscapes and eventually you’ll find yourself face to face with mysteries of the human kind. Deep in the forests live the ancient traditions of Bwiti, the spiritual discipline of the Punu, Mitsogo and Fang peoples. One of the three official religions of the state, modern Bwiti blends animism, ancestor worship, and Christianity into a unique belief system.
Bwiti is known for its intense ceremonies that blend drumming, firelight, and centuries-old mysticism. A spiritual leader, or N’ganga, with knowledge of healing practices, hexes, and spells, presides over the initiation rites for young Gabonese women and men as they ascend on their path to enlightenment.
A typical Bwiti ceremony starts in the night, and can last for days. A blur of music, dance, and singing, with revelers dressed in Fang and Kota masks, skirts of raffia, beads, and animal skins, this party is one you’ll never forget!

Ripe for exploration, but still unscathed by mass tourism, Gabon invites you on a journey to the last African Eden. Ready for the adventure you didn’t know you were missing?

Pack your boots and your sense of wonder – let’s go!!

Day 1 // Libreville

Arrival in Libreville, drop our things at the hotel, quick tour of the city’s
highlights.

Day 2 // Whale Watching & Bwiti Ceremony

In the morning, we’ll hit the high seas for some humpback whale spotting! July and August are high season for those migratory mammals, so we’ll hope to catch some of their acrobatic shows – which, in fact, are a way they communicate with each other throughout their 8,000 km(!) long route.
We’ll grab lunch back in the city, and in the afternoon head to Mboka Ya Nzambe (Village of God), where we’ll meet the villagers and witness a Bwiti ceremony in the evening.

Day 3 // Mont Cristal

We’ll spend the day immersed in the lush wilderness of Mont Cristal, one of Gabon’s hidden gems. Known for its pristine rainforest and cool mountain air, this area offers scenic trails leading to waterfalls and natural swimming spots. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the river, relax by the cascades, and take in the peaceful surroundings of the forest. It’s the perfect chance to disconnect and soak up Gabon's raw beauty.

Day 4 // Gold Diggers Village & Makabane Waterfall

Today we head to a remote gold miners' village, where we'll get a look at the daily life of local prospectors. It’s a rare opportunity to gain insight into one of Gabon’s lesser-known communities. After exploring the village, we continue to the Makabane Waterfall—a scenic and secluded spot surrounded by forest. Enjoy the tranquil setting, perfect for photography, a quick hike, or simply taking in the sounds of the jungle.

Day 5 // Nyonie Safari & Jungle Trek

In the morning, we board a boat to Nyonie, located across the Komo River and only accessible by water. This region, where the savannah meets tropical forest, is a haven for wildlife. After arrival, we embark on a 4×4 safari, with a high chance of spotting elephants, buffaloes, monkeys and more in their natural habitat.

Day 06 // Return to Libreville & Departure

Today we leave the jungle behind and head back to the city. There will be time for some souvenir shopping before we say bye-bye to Gabon and catch our flight back home.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate - limited facilities ahead.
Activities: Jungle trekking, whales watching, swimming, boating, taking part in Bwiti ceremony, culture immersion.
Room & Meals: Hotels & lodges – double sharing. Restaurant meals excluded.

Cost: 2050 EUR excl. flights (Ethiopian – 4850 AED)

Specifically Excluded: Visas, insurance, restaurant meals.
Visa: E-visa for all passports, except Morocco and SA.

À bientôt au Gabon x

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