Gabon

Gabon is often called 'Africa's Last Eden,' and for good reason. Over 10% of the country is protected within national parks, the most famous being Loango National Park. This is one of the few places on Earth where you can witness forest elephants and buffaloes roaming the white sand beaches, and if you are incredibly lucky, the famous 'surfing hippos' in the Atlantic waves. For those heading inland, Ivindo National Park offers the spectacular Kongou Falls and the Langoué Baï, a forest clearing where you can observe western lowland gorillas and mandrills in their natural habitat.

Because Gabon’s wilderness is vast and infrastructure can be limited, logistics require careful thought. Use the Hello app’s trip planning feature to organize your bush flight schedules and lodge transfers well in advance. Most excursions into the parks are all-inclusive but can be pricey; expect to pay around 150,000 XAF ($250 USD) per night for high-end eco-lodges. Navigating these remote regions is much easier when you have your itinerary mapped out and shared with your travel companions, ensuring everyone is on the same page before you lose sight of the city lights.

Your journey will likely begin in the vibrant capital, Libreville. While the city is relatively modern, navigating the rest of the country involves a mix of domestic flights, ferries, and the legendary Trans-Gabon Railway. The train, operated by Setrag, is a vital link between Libreville and Franceville, offering a slow but scenic journey through the heart of the rainforest. A first-class ticket costs approximately 35,000 XAF ($58 USD) and should be booked several days in advance at the Owendo station.

To navigate the bustling streets of Libreville or coordinate with local guides in Port-Gentil, staying connected is essential. Rather than hunting for local SIM cards upon arrival, you can purchase and activate a Hello eSIM before you even land. This allows you to access maps and translation tools immediately without worrying about expensive international roaming charges. Having reliable data via a Hello eSIM is particularly useful when using ride-hailing apps in the capital or checking the latest train schedules, which can often be subject to delays. It provides peace of mind, knowing you can reach your lodge or contact your driver the moment you touch down at Léon-Mba International Airport.

Gabonese cuisine is a rich tapestry of forest and ocean flavors. You cannot leave without trying Poulet Nyembwe, the national dish made with a rich, creamy sauce from palm nut butter. For an authentic experience, head to the Mont-Bouët Market in Libreville, where you can find everything from fresh tropical fruits to traditional spices. A hearty meal at a local 'maquis' (informal eatery) will typically cost between 3,000 and 7,000 XAF ($5–$12 USD), while a dinner at a seaside restaurant in the Quartier Louis might be closer to 20,000 XAF ($33 USD).

Gabon uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF), which is pegged to the Euro. Cash is king here, especially outside the capital, so you’ll find yourself carrying significant amounts of paper currency. To keep your finances organized, use the Hello app’s budget tracking feature to record your spending in XAF as you go. If you are traveling with friends, the expense splitting tool in the Hello app is a lifesaver for dividing the cost of shared 4x4 rentals or group boat tours through the mangroves. By tracking your outgoings in real-time, you can enjoy the grilled capitaine fish and chilled Régab beer without any financial surprises at the end of your adventure.