What budget to travel Gabon? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Gabon?

Prices vary from park to park, and you'll need to allow for a substantial budget, depending on the type of visit and accommodation. A daily fee of 15,000 FCFA per person per day must be paid to the National Parks Agency.

Gabon offers a wide range of activities. First and foremost, fishing. Gabon's world-renowned reputation as a first-rate fishing site is well established, particularly for its prodigious catches of tarpon and many other species. A popular leisure activity, fishing attracts hundreds of tourists every year, especially to sites ranked among the best in the world. The lagoons of Iguéla, Ndogo (Sette Cama) and Fernan Vaz are renowned for their captains, reds and the famous tarpon. Surf-casting, trolling, at sea or in the lagoons, sport fishing remains one of the country's flagship activities. Numerous agencies and tour operators offer holidays devoted exclusively to this activity. Prices are still high, but everything is included in the package. Among nautical activities, sailing (all types of craft) can give rise to a competition in Port-Gentil, in front of the Sogara club. Kitesurfing has been popular in Libreville for some years now, and often takes off from the Guégué bridge. With a bit of luck, you can even ride alongside dolphins. Surfing is practiced at the end of Pointe Denis, near the Gombé lighthouse or on the Cap beaches in Port-Gentil. However, weather conditions are rarely excellent. Finally, more and more private quad and jet ski owners are organizing raids along the coast of Gabon. In Libreville and Port-Gentil, you'll find enthusiasts offering their services.

São Tomé's seabed is particularly beautiful, especially around Santana and Rolas Island, as well as in Príncipe. The few diving centers on the island are run by professionals. Finally, in Gabon, many French-speaking Europeans are involved in organizing sports such as horse-riding at the Libreville equestrian center or golf in Libreville, Port-Gentil or Moanda. Followed by a privileged fringe of society, of all origins, and in particular by French cooperation workers, international meetings are held every year.

Few stores offer local arts and crafts. However, you will find some interesting art galleries in Libreville. Many decorating houses work with West, South and North African countries, or bring in objects and furniture from Asia and even the Philippines. You'll find some very fine pieces at high prices, and import duties are particularly onerous.
In the town center, there's a large craft village where you can find local items and objects from West and North Africa, as well as a smaller village near the seafront. If you're interested in an item, you'll have to bargain hard!
When it comes to food, you'll find everything in Libreville, but prices, especially for European products, are quite high. All the major supermarkets and even the small local mini-markets are well-stocked, with the exception of fresh produce, which is really only available in supermarkets. Everywhere, small stores, "Chez le Malien", even if today the owners are less and less from Mali, stay open quite late in the evening, on weekends and public holidays. They sell essentials and telephone top-up cards. At the markets (Mont-Bouët, Petit Paris, street stalls), fresh fruit and vegetables are readily available.

Some discotheques are open to the public, but you'll have to drink on the premises. Prices start at 5,000 FCFA. The Institut Français regularly organizes shows, conferences and concerts. Find out more about the program!

What budget to eat Gabon?

From the maquis to the luxury restaurant, Gabon has something for everyone. In the big cities, some establishments are true gastronomic references. In such cases, you should expect to pay between 25,000 and 45,000 FCFA for a menu. For more modest restaurants, expect to pay around 7,000 FCFA for a main course. In the maquis, you'll be able to feast on good meat or fish kebabs for around 3,500 FCFA. However, avoid those set up on sidewalks, to avoid turista. In São Tomé and Príncipe, expect to pay around 250 STN in a village outside the capital. In more comfortable restaurants, expect to pay around 350 STN for a meal.

In Gabon, there are many maquis where you can drink a large Régab, the Gabonese beer, or a soda for around 800 FCFA, in a 100% local atmosphere.

What is the budget for accommodation Gabon?

In Gabon, the hotel industry is booming, except in the most remote villages. Unfortunately, many new accommodations are being built without any thought to renovating or restoring existing ones. In Libreville, accommodation remains expensive. It's hard to find a decent room for less than 30,000 FCFA. Average prices are around 60,000 FCFA. Outside the capital, rates are becoming more affordable. For those on a budget, Christian missions are an attractive option whenever possible. You can camp anywhere in Gabon, at your own risk and peril, except in the forest where the animals represent a real danger that will not allow you to leave without a guide. On the beach near Libreville, beware of attacks. With the exception of the national parks, the only real option is to visit wilder areas along the beach.
In São Tomé and Príncipe, you have a wide range of accommodation options, from camping sites to luxury hotels, charming roças and family-run guesthouses at a variety of prices. Unfortunately, it's the same old maintenance problem. Always make a reservation, or at least give advance notice of your arrival, otherwise you risk being turned away (full house, no food or bed linen, etc.).

Travel budget Gabon and cost of living

In Gabon, your budget will depend above all on the way you travel and your individual requirements. In any case, Gabon remains a relatively expensive destination if you want to get around (by plane or 4x4 in certain areas) and discover the interior of the country. Safaris must be organized in advance. So it's often easier - and not always more expensive - to go through a travel agency or directly to the destination.

Small budget. Accommodation in missions or small hotels, meals in the bush, travel by public transport (city cab and bush cab). Allow around 50,000 FCFA (€75) per day per person.
Medium budget. Accommodation in a mid-range hotel, travel by taxi-brousse, boat or train, meals in restaurants or maquis. FCFA 60,000 to 120,000 (€90 to 180) per person per day.
Large budget. Accommodation in luxury hotels, meals in gourmet restaurants, travel by own means (car rental), by plane or through a travel agency that prepares an à la carte tour. Expect to pay between 150,000 and 300,000 FCFA (€228 to €450) per person per day.

In São Tomé and Príncipe, the local currency is weak, so a trip to the archipelago is not necessarily very expensive. It all depends on your choice of accommodation and activities, as there are also some luxury options.

Small budget. Lodging in small hotels or camping, eating in the village or on sandwiches, getting around on your own using public transport (motorcycle cabs and taxi-buses). Expect to pay around 500 STN (around €20) per person per day.
Medium budget. Lodging in a mid-range hotel, car rental, guide for a few excursions, meals in São Tomé restaurants. Allow around 4,000 STN (approx. €162) per person per day.
Large budget. Accommodation in top-of-the-range hotels, meals in hotel restaurants, car rental with guide, tours organized on your own or with a travel agency that prepares "à la carte" tours. Allow between 4,500 and 6,500 STN (€183 to €264) per day per person (for a couple).