MAIN Travel Africa Gabon

With big reserves of oil and a relatively tiny population, Gabon enjoys one of the strongest economies in all of Africa.

Its natural beauty - and warm and inviting native population - also make it a popular tourist destination most recently made all the more famous as host country for the U.S. reality TV show Survivor.

Bordering the Atlantic ocean, Gabon is often called "Earth's Last Eden" for its unspoiled natural beauty.

It was in Gabon's Congo basin where author Joseph Conrad's set his novel Heart Of Darkness in which its hero, Marlow, describes his experience as "like travelling back to the earliest beginnings of the world".

Along the country's pristine coast, adventure travellers can surf, go whale watching, or take scenic boat excursions — in stark contrast to inner Gabon where more African wonders await in over a dozen Gabon national parks and in awe-inspirng safari adventures.

From the U.S. and Europe, regular flights to Gabon are provided by Air France (flying directly into Libreville, the capital city) or on Royal Air Maroc which flies from Casablanca to Gabon. Within Africa, there are also direct flights from Johannesburg, South Africa aboard Interair or SAA airlines.

When traveling to Gabon, have your French phrase book ready. The country only gained independence from France in 1960, and French remains the official language with very little English spoken.

More about Gabon travel around the Web:

Gabon Travel Information - Lonely Planet guide with helpful overviews of its culture & history, major attractions, safety & travel tips, photos, visitor forum.

Gabon travel guide - Wikitravel entry with pictures & maps, information on major and lesser-known attractions, getting around by train, bus or car, practical travel & safety tips.

Gabon, Africa - Travel Guide and Tourist Information - Practical guide featuring information on transporation & getting around, browseable directory of hotels, tour & safari operators, practical travel tips, photo gallery, suggested reading.

Gabon facts, Gabon travel videos, flags, photos - National Geographic guide with feature stories on the country's natural wonders including maps, fast facts, photos.

National Parks in Gabon - Quick guide to all national parks within Gabon with map, photos and information on what to see and do, available lodging and tourist facilities.