Libreville

Libreville, the capital of Gabon, is a relaxed, green and comparatively prosperous city stretched along the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Komo estuary, its name, meaning free town, recalling its founding as a settlement for freed slaves. Oil wealth has given it a modern skyline alongside palm-lined coastal boulevards, and its attractions include the striking Saint-Michael's church with its carved wooden pillars, the national museum of arts and traditions, lively markets, and beaches nearby. More a comfortable gateway than a sightseeing destination, it is the arrival point and base for exploring Gabon's extraordinary rainforests and national parks.

What you actually see

• Saint-Michael's church - the church with carved wooden pillars.
• The national museum - the arts and traditions of Gabon.
• The markets - the lively Mont-Bouët and craft markets.
• The coastal boulevards - the palm-lined seafront and beaches.

When to go

May to September, the long dry season, for the most comfortable weather; Libreville is hot and humid year-round given its equatorial coastal setting. A day is enough to see the city before heading to the national parks, for which it is the main gateway, with domestic flights and transfers onward.

Honest expectations

Libreville is a relatively pleasant but expensive city with modest attractions, so it is more a comfortable gateway and base than a destination in itself, and Gabon overall is one of Africa's costlier and less-visited countries with limited tourism infrastructure. As a green, relaxed and prosperous coastal capital, though, with a few worthwhile sights and, above all, as the springboard to Gabon's world-class rainforests and wildlife, Libreville is an agreeable starting point.

Nearby

The Pongara beaches and Gabon's national parks are reached from the city.