Gabon Safaris: General information

General information

Seasons and weather conditions

The rainy season generally runs from some time in October to May, during which time temperatures  are in the upper 20s (C°) to lower 30s, with high humidity. There are heavy and often stormy downpours every one to two days, followed by clear skies and calm weather (and generally excellent light for photography). Because of an almost constant but light and cool coastal breeze, the rainy season is still a comfortable time to visit. During the dry season, which generally runs from June to September, the sky remains overcast and hazy. Due to a cool coastal breeze (which sometimes stiffens to a wind), temperatures vary from the low to mid 20s. There is mini-dry season during December, with warm and humid temperatures but clear skies (good for photography).

See also : Seasons & animals

General information for staying in the lodge:

Meals
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let it be known in advance so that these can be accommodated. Main meals are three-course, generally French-styled and very good. Breakfasts tend to be continental.

Water
The water provided at the lodge is of excellent quality and fine for drinking. Bottled mineral water is available. Every room is provided with a bottle of water every day.

Drinks
Local beers (which are extremely palatable) and soft drinks cost ?2.3.  French and South African wines are available. Wine ranges in cost from ?11.- / ?46.- a bottle and Champagne, ?50.- / ?76.-. The lodge is a full service hotel and guests are not permitted to bring their own drinks.

Safety & security
The lodge is extremely secure and the area safe. Wallets and passports can also be left behind while on excursions. For those who'd rather not do this, make sure that you have a waterproof bag or Zip-lock for your passport because the chances are that you will get rained on at least once during your visit. Management can lock-up your valuables. All bungalows do have a small strongbox.

General information before coming to Gabon

Visas
Most foreign passport holders require a visa to visit Gabon. A notable exception is South African citizens. Please contact the Gabonese Ambassy in Brussel, London, Berlin, or Washington DC. It normally takes between a week or 3 weeks to arrange your visa. Operation Loango does provide a service to arrange your visa upon arrival. Costs for this are 75 euros.

Language
The lingua franca in Gabon is French. The Lodge staff speaks French, English, Dutch, German and Afrikaans. Guides speak predominantly French but are undergoing English training.

Currency & payment
Tour fares are fully inclusive. The only extras are tips for staff and drinks. The lodge does not have credit card facilities and will not accept foreign currency cheques. The best currency to use in this area is the Euro. It is a good idea to travel with small denomination notes as change is often paid out in local currency (the CFA).

Insurance - Please ensure that you have yourself and your belongings adequately insured before your departure.

Luggage - When transiting Libreville Airport, be careful not to let anyone help you with your luggage as the person doing so will immediately feel entitled to a tip, even if he's only moved the bags 2 meters. If flying with Operation Loango charter aircraft or local domestic airlines, you will be limited to 20 kg of luggage.

What to bring

Clothing

· Clothing should be lightweight, cool and of quick drying synthetic fabric, khaki-green is a practical all-round colour.
· Long sleeved collared shirts that protect against the sun.
· Board shorts
· Long pants (and socks) should be worn at night to avoid contact with mosquitoes.
· Wide-brimmed hat or cap with neck cover
· Light sweater for the dry season (June - September)
· Lightweight raincoat
· Lightweight walking sandals (e.g. Tevas, Chacos, Strops, etc.)

Personal accessories

· Sunglasses (with Polaroid lenses and on a neck strap for fisherman)
· Good quality headlamp or flashlight
· Cameras (a Polaroid filter can be useful)
· Film (high speed, 400 ASA, film is generally required for use in the forest)
· Spare batteries
· Dry bag for storing not-to-get-wet items
· Field binoculars
· Toiletries

Health information

Yellow Fever

A valid Yellow Fever inoculation certificate is compulsory

Malaria

Gabon is a malaria area and while prophylaxis is recommended to visitors for stays, please consult your doctor on this. Do not take Lariam as a prophylaxis unless you have already experienced the side effects, everyone reacts differently. At Iguéla, there are very few mosquitoes (or any other bugs for that matter) and the risk of malaria is low, though much higher should you be visiting towns and villages. The best insurance against malaria is to prevent oneself from being bitten. Wear light-coloured long sleeved shirts and long trousers in the evenings. If you become ill on your return from a trip to Gabon make sure that your doctor is aware that you have been in a malaria area. The bungalows at Iguéla are air-conditioned and therefore do not require mosquito nets. The bungalows in Evengue have fans and screened windows and do have mosquito nets.