Things To Do
in Makokou
Makokou is a forest-fringed town in northeastern Gabon, perched along the Ivindo River. It serves as a gateway to Ivindo National Park, a region famed for dense rainforest, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Daily life centers on markets, river trade, and easy access to nature-inspired adventures.
French is widely spoken here, and the surrounding rainforest offers abundant opportunities for ecotourism and wildlife watching.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Makokou and meet your local guide at the small airstrip. Feel the humid forest air as you transfer to a riverside lodge overlooking the Ivindo River. Unpack, settle in, and enjoy a fresh tropical fruit breakfast while listening to distant bird calls.
Take a gentle riverside stroll with your guide to spot monkeys swinging through the canopy. Visit a nearby Pygmy settlement to learn about traditional life and crafts. Sample palm wine and share stories with your new friends in an open-air hut.
Return to the lodge for a sunset view over the water and the fiery hues reflecting on the river. Savor a dinner of grilled fish and cassava fufu, prepared by local cooks. Gather around a bonfire on the riverbank for drumming, singing, and stargazing under the African sky.
Rise at dawn to the sound of hippos splashing in the river below your cabin. Climb into a dugout canoe with your guide and set off upstream as mist drifts across the water. Keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers, crocodiles, and leaping catfish.
Stop at a sandy riverbank for lunch and explore hidden pools perfect for a refreshing swim. Continue paddling through narrow channels flanked by towering mahogany and ebony trees. Learn about the river’s ecosystem and how local communities use its resources sustainably.
Return to camp and dry off before enjoying an alfresco dinner on a wooden deck. Share a cold drink with fellow travelers as fireflies flicker at the water’s edge. Drift off to sleep to the lullaby of frogs and nocturnal insects.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-90 |
| 🚕Taxi within town | $2-6 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly) | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to rainforest biodiversity and Ivindo National Park
- Warm, friendly locals and affordable travel in-country
- Limited international flight options and some infrastructure gaps
- Longer travel times from Libreville and uneven road conditions, especially in the rainy season
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est ... ?" - Where is ...?
- "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does it cost?
- "Je voudrais de l'eau, s'il vous plaît." - I would like water, please.
- "Je ne parle pas bien français." - I don't speak French well.
Places to Visit in Makokou
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft morning light over the water with silhouettes of palm trees along the riverbank.
Bright stalls, colorful textiles, and daily life scenes that make compelling street photography.
A wide view over the Ivindo with warm evening light and silhouettes of canoes.
Food in Makokou
Makokou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled river fish seasoned with local spices and served with cassava, plantains, or fufu de manioc.
Must-Try!
Chicken simmered in palm butter sauce (moambe) and served with rice or fufu.
Pounded cassava dough served with a peanut sauce and vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh fish, cassava, plantains, and tropical fruits; great for trying grilled fish skewers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Offer a friendly greeting in French or a local language; a handshake is common.
Always ask before taking people’s photos and show respect to elders and local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Makokou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not obligatory; 5-10% is common if service is not included.
Cash is the most reliable; many smaller places don’t accept cards, while some larger venues may support mobile money.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant, cooler nights and lower humidity; good for hiking and river trips, though dust can occur and water levels may be lower.
Lush, vibrant landscapes with frequent rains; plan for rain gear, mosquitos, and potential travel delays; rivers run high.
Makokou at Night
Hiking in Makokou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Guided rainforest hikes with opportunities to see primates, birds, and diverse plant life.
Day hikes offering scenery, wildlife sightings, and easy-to-manage routes for beginners.
Airports
How to reach Makokou by plane.
Main international gateway to Gabon; connections to West/Central African and international hubs.
Regional airport serving the northeast region and nearby communities, providing quicker access to Makokou from other towns.
Regional airport serving western Gabon; useful for combining a trip with the coast and beaches.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Fang and other forest-dwelling communities form the core of the population, with smaller communities of Myene and Kwele groups present in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; you’ll see local matches and well-loved teams around town.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Makokou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Label dishes as 'sans viande'; rely on peanut sauces, plantains, vegetables, and cassava-based meals; ask for olive oil or palm oil alternatives.