Ngounié

Ngounie is a province in southern Gabon, named after the Ngounie River that drains the region. The capital is Mouila. The province is covered in dense equatorial rainforest and is home to Waka National Park, a remote protected area with forest elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees. The population is predominantly from the Nzebi and Punu ethnic groups.

June to August is the best time for wildlife viewing in Waka National Park, as animals gather near water sources. The long rainy season (October-December) makes roads difficult.

The N1 highway runs through the province connecting Mouila to Lambarene and Tchibanga. Secondary roads are unpaved and can become impassable in the wet season. Domestic flights connect Mouila to Libreville.

• Mouila — The provincial capital, a market town on the Ngounie River.
• Fougamou — A town on the road to the coast, gateway to Waka National Park.
• Lebamba — A small town with traditional Punu carvings.
• Ndende — A crossroads town near the Congo border.
• Mbigou — A town known for its pottery and traditional crafts.
• Mimongo — A market town in the forested interior.
• Malinga — A riverside settlement.
• Guietsou — A village in the Ngounie valley.
• Waka National Park — A rainforest reserve protecting forest elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees.

Manihot (cassava) in various forms — foufou, chikwangue, and cassava leaves cooked with palm oil — is the staple. Smoked game and river fish are common protein sources.

The Punu people are known for their white-faced masks (mukuyi), used in funerary rituals. The Nyanga and Nzebi communities celebrate harvest festivals with music and dance.

• Trek in Waka National Park to track forest elephants and apes.
• Visit the pottery workshops in Mbigou.
• Attend a traditional Punu ceremony (by invitation).