Nyanga

Nyanga is the southernmost province of Gabon, bordering the Republic of Congo. The capital is Tchibanga. The province is dominated by the Nyanga River and its forested valley, leading to the Atlantic coast at Mayumba, a small town with some of Gabon's best beaches. Mayumba National Park protects a coastal strip of forest, savannah, and sea-turtle nesting sites.

June to September is the dry season and the best time for visiting coastal areas. Sea turtles nest on Mayumba's beaches from November to April.

The N1 highway reaches Tchibanga from Mouila. Roads to Mayumba and the coastal areas are unpaved and often difficult. Scheduled flights connect Tchibanga to Libreville.

• Tchibanga — The provincial capital, a market centre in the Nyanga valley.
• Mayumba — A coastal town with pristine Atlantic beaches and sea-turtle nesting sites.
• Moabi — A forest town on the road to the Congo border.
• Mabanda — A small settlement in the Nyanga River basin.
• Ndindi — A village in the Nyanga valley.
• Moulengui-Binza — A remote settlement near the coast.
• Mayumba National Park — A protected coastal zone with rainforest, savannah, and important sea-turtle nesting beaches.

Fresh seafood is abundant along the coast — grilled fish, prawns, and crab. Inland, the diet centres on cassava, plantains, and smoked meat.

The Punu and Nzebi communities are predominant. Traditional ceremonies include the mukuyi mask dances. Fishing festivals are held in coastal villages.

• Watch sea turtles nest on Mayumba's beaches (November-April).
• Surf or swim at Mayumba's remote Atlantic beaches.
• Explore the Nyanga River by pirogue.