Libreville

Gabon's capital on the equator, with its seafront boulevard and a church of carved wooden pillars; take a boat to the beaches of Pointe Denis and watch sea turtles and humpback whales in Pongara National Park.

Libreville is the capital and largest city of Gabon, located on the north bank of the Gabon Estuary almost exactly on the equator, with a population of about 800,000. The city stretches along the estuary shore, and the seafront boulevard is lined with the Presidential Palace, the National Museum, the Hassan II Mosque and the new Baie des Rois waterfront park; in the northern Nkembo neighbourhood stands St Michael's Church, famous for its carved wooden pillars, while Mont-Bouët Market shows everyday street life at its most authentic. Libreville's biggest draw is the nature around it: a half-hour speedboat ride across the estuary brings you to Pointe Denis, with white-sand beaches and resort lodges; further south is Pongara National Park, where leatherback turtles nest at night from November to February and humpback whales can be seen offshore from July to September. North of the city are the mangroves of Akanda National Park, the coastal forest trails of the Raponda Walker Arboretum, and Cap Esterias, known for its seafood. The climate is hot and humid: June to September is the cooler dry season and the best time to visit, while October to May is rainy, especially March and April. Léon-Mba International Airport is on the northern edge of the city, a ten-odd-minute taxi ride from downtown; taxis are the main way to get around, so agree on the fare before getting in. Plan on 3–4 days: one for the city, one for the beach at Pointe Denis, and one or two in the national parks for turtle- or whale-watching. Gabon is fairly expensive; Chinese citizens must obtain a visa in advance; protect yourself from mosquitoes and take malaria precautions, and avoid walking alone at night.

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