Libreville
Visited in February 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Gabon
- Region
- Estuaire Province
- Population
- 899,000
- Best time to go
- June to September
- Main airport
- Libreville Léon M'ba International (LBV)
- Coordinates
- 0.39°N, 9.45°E
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Overview
Libreville is Gabon's capital, a sprawling, humid city on the Komo estuary, just north of the equator. Its long seafront boulevard, the Bord de Mer, runs past government buildings, palm trees and beaches.
The city itself has a handful of sights, but it is the gateway to one of Africa's greenest countries, where rainforest covers most of the land. Across the estuary lie sandy beaches and a national park where turtles nest and whales pass offshore.
Things to see
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Photo: Vincent.vaquin, CC BY-SA 3.0 Saint-Michel Church
A church in the Nkembo district, known for its columns carved with Bible scenes by a local craftsman.
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Photo: Delrick Williams, CC BY-SA 4.0 Bord de Mer
The seafront boulevard, good for an evening walk as the heat eases and the sun sets over the water.
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Photo: Estrella230, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mont-Bouët market
The city's biggest market, a busy maze of food, fabric and household goods.
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Photo: Nolween, CC BY-SA 3.0 Pointe Denis
A beach peninsula across the estuary, reached by boat, with sand, palms and weekend lodges.
Things to do
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Photo: Staff Sgt. Ryan Nikzad, Public domain Pongara National Park
Mangroves, forest and beaches where leatherback turtles nest in the season, near Pointe Denis.
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Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper, Public domain Akanda National Park
Mangrove channels and mudflats north of the city, rich in migratory birds.
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Whale watching
Humpback whales pass along the coast in the southern winter months, seen on boat trips from the city.
Where to stay
Bord de Mer
Central seafront hotels, close to restaurants and the main boulevard.
Hotels in Bord de MerQuartier Louis
A livelier district with bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Hotels in Quartier LouisPointe Denis
Beach lodges across the estuary for a slower weekend escape.
Hotels in Pointe Denis
Getting around
Shared and private taxis are the main way to get around; agree the fare before you set off. Traffic can be slow at rush hour.
The airport is just north of the centre, around 15 to 20 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
When to go
The long dry season from June to September is cooler and less humid. Turtle nesting season peaks between November and February, during the rainy months.
Plan your trip to Libreville
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.