Frequently Asked Questions
• What do I need to visit Gabon ?
In order to enter Gabon, you will need a passport with a valid visa, and proof of a yellow fever vaccination.
• Who flies to Gabon?
Commericial flights to Gabon from Europe are via Paris with Air France. Air Maroc flies via Casablanca and is one of the less expensive routes into the country. You can also fly direct from South Africa and a number of other north and central African cities.
• How can I get to Mayumba from Libreville ?
You can fly with ‘La Nationale' to Tchibanga, then after staying a night in town (‘Modiboté Hotel') you pay for a seat in a pick-up truck heading to Mayumba – journey time 3 hours, price $12. The hotel will help you make the arrangements. Otherwise you can follow the same procedure by flying into Gamba with Air Service. There are two flights a day, but the trucks heading South only go direct to Mayumba on Saturdays. The rest of the time, you alight at the village of Lubomo and catch another truck for the last hour of the drive (5hrs total). Alternatively, continue on to Tchibanga and come down the following day.
• How much do hotels cost in Mayumba Town ?
Hotels in town cost between 9,000 and 15,000 per night ($17-$30).
• Is the town safe? Yes. Mayumba is a safe place and you are unlikely to run into trouble. People here are almost always friendly and outgoing, and since tourism is relatively new here, they're genuinely interested in who you are and why you're visiting. However, you might prefer not to leave all your cash in the hotel room, and it is always advisable not to flaunt expensive watches, jewelery, and cameras, as much from a respectful effort not to be ostentatious as it is a security measure. |
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• What about malaria?
As with all of Central Africa , malaria can be a problem and before visiting the region, you should consult your doctor to find out the most appropriate prophylactic course available. Start taking them before you travel. Use bug spray to keep ‘mossies' off you, especially in the evenings. Ankles and arms are especially vulnerable. Carrying a lightweight mosquito netting, string and clothes pegs is always a good idea in Africa in case you end up in a hotel room without adequate protection.
• Can we arrange visits to the National Park?
Tourism is in its infancy in Southern Gabon, however the Park is working hard to establish an itinerary for visitors to Mayumba, which could include nesting turtles, forest and savanna walks, historical and cultural visits, and with a little additional investment, sailing and kayaking, and even whale-watching. At the moment we can offer advice and logistical assistance to visitors, but a full service is not yet available. Watch this site!
• Can we buy food in town?
There are many small local shops selling tinned food and basic supplies. Fresh vegetables are harder to come by, but there are always fish and plantain bananas available, and usually some kind of seasonal fruit like mangoes, avocadoes, or mandarin oranges. There are many small bars to get a drink in and chat with the locals, and a few small African style restaurants.
• How big is the Park?
The terrestrial sector is a strip of 1km wide, by 60km long, stretching from just South of Mayumba town to the Congo border. The marine sector stretches 15km offshore and follows the same 60km to the South. Therefore, the total area is 960 km 2
• What are the main species encountered in the Park?
Our specialty is leatherback turtles. The park has more nesting leatherbacks than any other beach in Africa and is one of the two top sites in the world. We also see olive ridley turtles, though in lower numbers. At sea, the stars are humpback whales and dolphins. On land we see sitatunga antelope, forest buffalo, mandrill, gorilla, chimpanzee, monkeys, and occasionally elephants and leopard.
• What are the best times to visit?
Turtles nest from Oct/Nov to April, but the best months are December, January, and February. The whales are around mostly in July, August, September, and are tailing off in October. The cool, pleasant, but overcast dry season stretches from May to September, while the rest of the year is a humid mix of brilliant sunshine and tropical downpours. October and November are the most interesting months for birdwatchers. The new rains bring on flowering and fruiting, and there is an influx of migrants to the area.
• Are the animals dangerous?
Even if marine turtles wanted to be dangerous, they are just too slow and awkward out of water to pose any threat. As it is, there is nothing to worry about and you can approach to a few feet in complete safety. Getting closer is not advised as the powerful flippers could bruise an unguarded shin. Despite the enormous power of whale displays, and their fabulous strength and weight, incidents involving whale watching boats are globally extremely rare. Whales are either very mellow in their behavior, or too engrossed in their own behavior to notice you. On land, walkers should be aware of forest buffalo, which can be unpredictable. It is always better to take a guide with you into the ‘bush', and this is mandatory in the park. There are no more or less snakes in Mayumba than in any other region of Gabon. Good footwear in the forest is wise, but in general, visitors are disappointed not to have had the chance to see a snake rather than alarmed by them.
