Gabon

Gabon is a country in Western Central Africa. It lies on the Equator, on the Atlantic Ocean coast, between the Republic of the Congo to the south and east, Equatorial Guinea to the northwest and Cameroon to the north. A small population, and oil and mineral reserves, have helped Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries. The country has generally been able to maintain and conserve its pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity.

Regions of Gabon

Coastal Plain (Libreville, Gamba, Loango National Park, Mayumba, Tchibanga) flat riverplains and lagoons with dense rainforest on the Atlantic coast as well the national capital and majority of the population

Central Highlands the Cristal Mountains and Chaillou Massif with huge tracts of highland rainforest

Jungle Interior (Franceville) the eastern region mostly bordering Republic of the Congo; more rainforest.

Cities

• Libreville - the capital
• Franceville
• Gamba
• Mayumba

Gabon's Political Turmoil: A Nation Grapples with Election Fallout

In the wake of Gabon's recent presidential elections, held on August 26, 2023, the nation finds itself embroiled in a political crisis. Incumbent President Ali Bongo Ondimba, vying for a third term, was declared the victor by official announcement on August 29. However, allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities swiftly surfaced, casting doubt on the credibility of the election results. Albert Ondo Ossa, the runner-up in the elections, was among those who raised concerns about electoral improprieties. A mere two hours before the polls closed, Ondo Ossa publicly decried what he termed "fraud orchestrated by the Bongo camp." He had already asserted his victory and called on President Bongo to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power based on his own tally of votes. The official election results were suddenly unveiled in the middle of the night via state television, catching the nation off guard. In response to the growing tensions, the government imposed a curfew and severed internet access throughout the country in a bid to curb the spread of what it labeled "false news" and potential violence. Gabon, since gaining independence from France in 1960, has witnessed several coups and coup attempts, with the most recent occurring in 2019 against President Bongo, who has held office since 2009 following the passing of his father, Omar Bongo, a long-serving leader dating back to 1967. Despite being a significant oil producer in Africa, the nation grapples with socio-economic challenges, including a high unemployment rate among its youth, which stood at a staggering 40% in 2020, according to World Bank estimates. The Coup Unfolds Against a backdrop of mounting scrutiny and widespread protests over the conduct of the elections, the Armed Forces of Gabon launched a coup on August 30. Led by senior military officers, soldiers seized control of vital government facilities, communication networks, and key points in the capital city, Libreville. Gunfire echoed through the city as the coup unfolded. Remarkably, the coup transpired just minutes after the Gabonese central electoral commission declared President Bongo the winner with 64.27% of the vote. Approximately ten military personnel appeared on Gabon 24, the state television channel, to announce the end of the existing regime. A military spokesperson claimed to speak on behalf of a "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions." They cited concerns over "irresponsible, unpredictable governance" that had allegedly caused a deterioration of social cohesion, putting the country at risk of descending into chaos. The coup plotters declared the annulment of the 2023 Gabonese general election, the dissolution of state institutions, and the closure of the nation's borders. Interestingly, there were reports of internet access being restored, which had been cut off since the election. This coup in Gabon marks the eighth such event to occur in West and Central Africa since 2020, following similar incidents in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger. The situation in Gabon remains relaxed and internet is working again..

More Destinations

• Loango National Park — a 100-km stretch of virgin beaches and adjacent rainforest, both scenic and a place to view leopards, elephants, gorillas, & monkeys on the beach.
• Lopé National Park — mix of savanna & dense forest along the Ogooue River; float along the river in pirogue, view ancient rock engravings, or track gorillas or mandrill monkeys with a pygmy guide.

Gabon Halal Travel Guide

History

What is now Gabon has been inhabited for thousands of years, first by Pygmy hunter-gatherers and then starting perhaps as early as 1500 BC, various different Bantu tribes arrived in several waves. Portuguese explorers and traders were the first Europeans to arrive, in 1472. The nation's present name originates from "Gabão", Portuguese for "cloak", which is roughly the shape of the estuary of the Komo River close to the capital of Libreville. Soon, Europeans were trading for natural resources and slaves. In the 19th century and the French became ascendant in the area. The coast was colonized by the French in 1839, and the remainder of Gabon in 1885. Gabon gained independence on 17 August 1960. Since independence, Gabon has been one of the more stable African countries. Autocratic President Omar Bongo was in power from 1967 until his death in 2009. Gabon introduced a multi-party system and a new constitution in the early 1990s that allowed for a more transparent electoral process and for reforms of governmental institutions. A small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous sub-Saharan African countries. Despite being made up of more than 40 ethnic groups, Gabon has escaped the strife afflicting other West African states.

How is the Climate in Gabon

Tropical; always hot, humid. During the months of June to September and the climate is a little cooler (20-25°C).

Terrain

Narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south. Highest point is Mont Iboundji at 1,575 metres. Gabon is crossed by the Ogooué and the nation's longest river which is 1,200 kilometers long.

Important holidays

Independence Day: 17 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Founding of the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), 12 March (1968)

How to visit and travel to Gabon

Visa & Passport Requirements to enter Gabon

Muslims visitors of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa and Tunisia can enter without a visa. Muslims visitors of European Union, Australia, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, China(including Hong Kong and Macau), India, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Türkiye, United States and United Arabic Emirates can obtain visa on arrival for 90 days. All holders of an entry authorisation issued by Immigration prior to arrival can also obtain visa on arrival. The e-visa system is usable by citizens of any country which requires a visa to visit Gabon. The visa it issued 72 hours after the application and is valid only for those arriving via Leon Mba International Airport in Libreville. The fee for a visa to enter the nation is typically €70.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Gabon

Air France flies to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, other airline mostly fly to inner-African destinations. Air France fly from Paris to Libreville, Royal Air Maroc flies from Europe via Casablanca. Turkish Airlines fly from North America, Europe and Asia via Istanbul, RwandAir fly from Europe, West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa via Kigali, Ethiopian Airlines fly from north America, Europe, east Africa, Southern Africa via Addis Ababa. There are also Flights to Brazzaville, Congo with RwandAir.

• Libreville International Airport IATA Flight Code: LBV - Air France

By car

There are several border crossings, though the roads are not good and a 4x4 is recommended.

How to get around in Gabon

The easiest way to get around outside of cities is by bus (typically 6- or 9-seater cars, but sometimes shuttle vanes). There are many and they are very affordable (e.g., #Money|FCFA 7000 to go from Libreville to Lamberene). Within cities, taxis are plentiful and are very cheap. No fare should be more than FCFA 5000 for one person. Fares depend on distance (and whether the driver will be able to find more fares at your destination). A 2- or 3-minutes drive will cost FCFA 100, and FCFA 2000 is plenty to go from Owendo train station to the centre of Libreville. Taxi prices typically double after 21:00.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Gabon

Air Service has scheduled Flights to Oyem, Makouko and Franceville/Mvengue. Air Nationale flies to Franceville/Mvengue. There are Flights to Franceville/Mvengue every day of the week except Tuesdays and Thursdays. Africa's Connection has daily scheduled flights between Libreville and Port Gentil, weekly Flights from Port-Gentil/Libreville to São Tomé & Príncipe and to Loango National Park.

By car

There are some paved roads in Gabon, if you are staying in one of the major cities a vehicle should suffice. If you plan on venturing onto some of the unpaved roads outside the major cities a 4x4 is required. There are less than 800km of tarred roads in Gabon - some of them in a bad condition. During the rainy season it is difficult to travel outside the major city areas even in a 4x4 vehicle.

Travel by train to Gabon

The Trans-Gabon railway goes from Owendo to Franceville. The trip takes 12-18 hours, and is often delayed. Train times change according to the season. The current timetable (Basse 2014 as of March 2023) has trains both ways on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Two trains are in use - the Omnibus and the Express. Both take a similar time, but the Express stops at less small stations. Air-conditioning is present in VIP, 1st and 2nd on the Express, and only VIP and 1st on the omnibus.

Travel on a Bus in Gabon

A few wealthy Gabonese entrepreneurs have invested in new buses for bus lines to service the larger interior cities. Mostly these buses serve the cities with paved roads leading to and from them. Since Air Gabon closed down and these bus lines have greatly increased their routes.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Gabon

Boat travel is available all along the coast of Gabon and dozens of miles up the Ogooue river to Lambarene. Boats leave daily to/from Libreville and Port Gentil. River trips from the mouth of the big river at Port Gentil to Lambarene (Albert Schweitzer Hospital) are available every few days. Hotel Olako arranges weekly boat transfers between Port Gentil and Omboué (close to Loango National Park), transfers take between 3 and 4½ hours (depending on the type of boat and engine).

Local Language in Gabon

French is the sole national language, with 80% of the population able to speak it. The are various native languages as well and the most significant is Fang phrasebook|Fang, spoken by 32% of the population as their mother tongue. There are moves to promote English in education, but it is generally not widely spoken.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Gabon

Chez Beti - a small seaside safari camp near the village of Nyonie owned and operated by a French ex-pat. Clean, air-conditioned cottages and all-inclusive family style meals accompany the evening Landcruiser and sunrise walking safaris. Wildlife sightings can include elephants, buffalo, monkeys, parrots, hornbills and other local fauna. The camp is located just a few kilometers south of the equator, along a pristine stretch of beach. Prices are very reasonable and include roundtrip transportation from the marina in Libreville; consisting of an hour long boat transit to a small landing in the mangroves, followed by a 45 minutes 4x4 trip along jungle roads to the camp. Contact information: tel. 07 57 14 23 or 06 03 36 36, e-mail: castorene7@

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Gabon

Money Matters & ATM's in Gabon

The currency of the nation is the Central African CFA franc, denoted FCFA (ISO currency code: XAF). It's also used by five other Central African countries. It is interchangeable at par with the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is used by six countries. Both currencies are fixed at a rate of 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs.

ATMs

All Ecobank ATMs in Gabon take Mastercard and Visa card for cash withdrawal.

Halal Restaurants

The Balbool restaurant serves delicious international food with very affordable prices. Ask for the big Balbool soup. Régab - A bottle of Regab Cola The cheapest local organic juice is Regab, it costs FCFA 500-2000 and comes in a 650 mL bottle. There are fantastic fruit juices available: "D'jino" Pampelmousse (grapefruit), Ananas (pineapple), Citron (Lemon) in 300 mL bottles at FCFA 400 and in a 1.5 L bottle at FCFA 900 if bought in a shop.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Gabon

Gabon - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Gabon, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gabon. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Gabon and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Gabon. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Gabon. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Gabon: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Gabon. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Gabon: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Gabon, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Gabon. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Gabon, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Gabon, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Gabon and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Gabon, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Gabon, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Gabon without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gabon is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Gabon. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Gabon is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Gabon, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Gabon Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Gabon

eHalal Group Gabon is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Gabon. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Gabon. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Gabon ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Gabon. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Gabon, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Gabon are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are three international name hotels - Le Meridien, Intercontinental and the Novotel. Apart from these and there are several other budget and economy hotels. Long-term lease on apartments is also an option.

How to work legally in Gabon

A visa and letter of invitation are required for Foreign Muslims working in Gabon.

Medical Issues in Gabon

Malaria is common, so visitors should take malaria pills and a mosquito net when travelling in Gabon. HIV/AIDS is a common disease in Gabon with 8% (1 in 12) of adults infected. Don't drink the tap water.

Local Customs in Gabon

The people are generally very friendly, respectful and helpful to visitors.

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