Gabon has the moist, hot climate
typical of tropical regions. From June to September, there is virtually no rain
but high humidity; there is occasional rain in December and January. During the
remaining months rainfall is heavy. The excessive rainfall is caused by the
condensation of moist air as a result of the meeting of the cold South Polar
Current and the warm Guinea Current directly off the coast. At Libreville, the
capital, the average annual rainfall is more than 100 inches. Further north on
the coast, it is 150 inches. The temperature varies only slightly throughout
the year, maintaining a daily average of 26.6°C (80°F).
Visas are required by all
nationals entering Gabon and if at all possible, these are best obtained in
your home country . Your passport must be valid for at least six
months.
Although nearly all banks offer a higher rate of exchange for
traveller cheques than cash but with travellers cheques they charge high
commissions. The use of credit cards in Gabon is relatively
limited.
Domestic flights The national
airline, Air Gabon has services from Libreville to Lambaréné,
Port Gentil, Franceville, Oyem, Mitzic and other towns.
Sea:
Sea and river ferries connect
Libreville, Port Gentil and Lambaréné
Train:
The Trans-Gabon Railway runs from
Libreville to Franceville and is rated as being fairly efficient and
comfortable although overcrowded.
Public Transport:
Minibuses and trucks are the main form
of transport for getting around when the roads are dry but these are slow and
overcrowded. During the wet season any form of road transport becomes
difficult.
Driving is on the right hand side and
an International Driving Licence and insurance is required. Road conditions are
poor and access around the country is limited. Car can be hired in Libreville
from main hotels or at the airport.
If you need medical care whilst in
Gabon, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment
through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in
full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated by
licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your
home country.
You can check out the following websites which specialise
in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based
abroad.
Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one
off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off
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world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a
wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price
to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected
while you're away.
- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies,
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Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different
travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such
product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you
the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel
insurance needs. .
Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand
Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly
comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year
students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55
years of age.
