Do I Need an International Driver's License in Gabon?

Although an International Driver’s License, widely known as International Driving Permit (IDP), is not a requirement, many tourists that have traveled and explored countries by themselves highly recommend it.

Our IDP allows you to drive vehicles from local car rental companies in any 165+ countries worldwide with just your driver’s license, as long as it is supported by an International Driving Permit. Whether your valid driving license is in English or not, not all locals are guaranteed to be knowledgeable of this language.

Additionally, our IDP is widely accepted in countries such as the following:

• Canada
• Congo
• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Angola
• Armenia
• Australia
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Chile
• Comoros
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• Georgia
• Guinea-Bissau
• Haiti
• Italy
• Cote D’ Ivoire
• Japan
• Jordan
• Jordan
• Kenya
• South Korea
• Kuwait
• Malaysia
• Mozambique
• Nepal
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Panama
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Thailand
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• Yemen
• Bolivia
• Hong Kong
• Spain
• Sri Lanka

One might think that Gabon is just another Sub-Saharan country filled with trees and nothing more. True enough, most of the region’s land is covered with thick greenery, savannas, and wetlands. You will also find their culture quite admirable as they have retained the French perception even up to this date.

Loango National Park

Loango National Park entices nature travelers with its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems that maintain animal life. Photographers love to bring cameras and take snaps of hippos swimming in bodies of water, gorillas resting under the trees, and elephants walking in groups. There is much more to see in Loango National Park, such as the different birds that give color to the landscape, migrating whales, and red river hogs roaming around.

The best time to visit Loango is October through March. If you want to watch whales in the area, July through November is your best chance. You can do a lot of activities in the park aside from whale watching. Tourists go fishing, cultural walks to the nearby village, or you can venture into the forest with their eco-tour.

Foreign drivers must always secure an International Driver's License in Gabon city or any other region. If you’re looking for an International Driver's License in Gabon samples, just head straight to the International Driver’s Association’s website. Once you’re ready to apply, you can fill out the form as fast as 20 minutes.

Pongara National Park

Pongara National Park is also a famous destination that is only 60 minutes away from Libreville. Boasting its natural beauty, it doesn’t only have forests, but it has a beautiful dusky beach where tourists and travelers can camp and experience the authentic vibe of nature. The park also acts as a protected marine ecosystem for the animals living underwater.

There are many things to do once you arrive in Pongara National Park. You can go canoeing, fishing, canopy, and cultural tours, as well as cycling around the vicinity. The best time to visit the park is between November and March if you want to see the turtles and June to August to witness whales and dolphins.

Libreville

Libreville is the capital of Gabon and the center of trade and transaction of the country. The place has pubs here and there, educational museums, exotic exhibits of tribal crafts, and so much more. There are shopping malls, restaurants serving refined delicacies, and not to mention the nightlife you should experience for yourself.

The best time to visit Libreville is from January until September and December. This point is the time it is usually warm with less rainfall. Activities in Libreville are something to look forward to, such as visiting bars and pubs. Some famous pubs are Lokua Restaurant and Bar and L’Odika. Le Pelisson is a popular café that entices coffee lovers and those tourists and travelers who just want to chill and enjoy the ambiance.

Makokou and Kongou Falls

Makokou and Kongou Falls is an untouched destination that will not disappoint tourists and travelers who long for nature reconnection. A thick jungle hides this 60-meter drop falls, but once you reach the place, it will take your breath away in an instant. You can take a dip in its cool fresh water and shower through its fast cascading currents. This site is a must-visit in Makokou village that has accommodations for stay-ins.

This waterfall is part of Ivindo National Park. Any time is the best time to visit Makokou and Kongou Falls, but it is advisable to go there during the dry season. You can enjoy sight-seeing, hiking, or you can hire a tour company to guide you properly. Wild animals such as elephants and wild boars roam the area, but you have to respect their space, so set some adequate distance.

Pointe Denis

Pointe Denis is a place for tourists and travelers who want a secluded beach for relaxation and meditation. It is a 12 km boat ride from Libreville but is worth the ride because of the calming ambiance it exudes. The white sand and trees shading you from the sunlight is a perfect getaway trip if you need to unwind for a day or two.

Almost all sorts of water activities can be enjoyed in Pointe Denis. You stroll along its shorelines, go for a quick run, or set up a family picnic as you gaze at the twinkling waters of the ocean. The best time to visit Pointe Denis is in March, where the temperature is at its peak around 30 °C (86 °F). If you want to enjoy water activities, visiting this place during the rainy season is not ideal. The authorities will check your papers if there are checkpoints to secure an International Driver's License in Gabon. Address them adequately and comply as they’re just following the standard protocol when vehicles pass the road.

If you plan to drive and go to Pointe Denis, you will need an International Driver's Permit in the Gabon region. The International Drivers Association produces IDPs that can be beneficial to all foreign drivers. The International Driver's License in Gabon is numbered should there be instances that the holder lost his IDP while he is traveling.

Réserve de la Lopé

Réserve de la Lopé stretches about 4,910 sq. m. and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, and is covered with giant trees and wetlands. Tourists and travelers visit the place to watch wild animals in their natural habitats. Like other parks in Gabon, you can see different animals such as elephants, buffaloes, and wild boars walking and searching for food. Researchers continue to study the area as they have built a station to monitor the animals’ health and behavior.

You can visit Réserve de la Lopé any time of the year. Although you can visit the site during the rainy season, it's best to travel during the dry season, usually from July to August, if you want to watch the Mandrills Visitors bring their smartphones or camera to capture pictures of every wild animal they spot along the way. Bird watching is also a popular activity since 412 bird species can be found in the territory.

Sometimes, people in Gabon don't follow the rules when they drive. But people from other places should always follow them. The Gabon government sometimes sends out people to make sure drivers are following the rules. If someone doesn't follow the rules all the time, they might get in trouble.

Let's remember the French Polynesian driving rules are just as important. Just like in Gabon, people should always follow these rules when they drive in French Polynesia. The rules are there to keep everyone safe on the road. So, no matter where you drive, always follow the rules.

Drunk Driving Is Prohibited in Gabon

Drunk-driving is one of the significant causes of car collisions, so the Gabonese government has mandated an alcohol blood limit of 0.08% or 80 mg per 100mL of blood to solve this problem. Some cities and municipalities may have different drinking laws, so you can check this information before going straight to the place. When typing your information on the IDA’s website, you have to provide a valid contact number.

Parking Rule in Gabon

It is not advisable to park your vehicle on the side of the road. Though the car has insurance documents, you have to look after it and return it with the same appearance as you rented it. Some tourists and travelers take advantage of free parking when booking accommodation in hotels. When traveling, you can spot spaces designated for parking, so there won’t be any problem with that. However, parking in built-up areas might be challenging, unlike in rural areas.

Regulate Your Speed Limit

A lot can happen in the middle of the road, and if you’re not mindful enough, it will lead to some trouble. The Gabonese government has imposed a standardized speed limit depending on the street you’re taking. In rural areas, the limit is 120 km/h, while in built-up areas, motorists and drivers should follow 60 km/h. As much as possible, do not attempt to go beyond the speed limit at night and during the rainy season as there could be potholes and pedestrians crossing that you might not see because of the inadequate lighting.