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Country Guide > Africa > Gabon | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Most hotels and restaurants serve French and continental-style food and are expensive. Gabonese food is distinctive and delicious, but not always readily available, as most restaurants serve Senegalese, Cameroonian and Congolese food. Licensing hours are similar to those in France. Nightlife There are nightclubs in Libreville with music and bars. Food is often served, although this can be expensive. There are also casinos at several hotels. Shopping In Libreville there are two bustling markets at Akebe-Plaine, Nkembo and Mon-Bouet. Stone carvings can be bought on the outskirts of both, fashioned by a group of carvers who have adapted traditional skills for the tourist market. Crafts from local villages can also be bought from stalls in the streets or from the villagers themselves. African (Fang) mask carvings, figurines, clay pots and traditional musical instruments can also be bought. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1900. Some shops close Monday. Special Events The following is a special event celebrated annually in Gabon: Aug 16 Independence Day (the biggest celebration in Gabon). Other events are celebrated on Muslim holy days. Social Conventions Dance, song, poetry and myths remain an important part of traditional Gabonese life. Photography: It is absolutely forbidden to photograph military installations. In general, permission to photograph anything should be requested first, to prevent misunderstandings. Tipping: 10 to 15 per cent unless service is included in the bill. |