Mayumba

Mayumba is a coastal town in southern Gabon, on a peninsula separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Banio Lagoon, near the Republic of Congo border. Mayumba National Park protects a narrow strip of beach, dunes, savanna, and rainforest here, and shelters around 60 km of some of the most important leatherback sea turtle nesting beaches on Earth — an estimated 30% of the world's leatherback population, roughly 550 turtles, nests here between November and April, the highest nesting density recorded in Africa. The park extends about 15 km out to sea and 1 km inland around the lagoon.

Mayumba is reached overland from Tchibanga; the town also has a small airstrip.

The town is walkable. 4x4 is needed for the beach.

• Mayumba Beach — A long, wild Atlantic beach with powerful surf.

• Banio Lagoon — A large lagoon behind the peninsula, good for birdwatching.

• Mayumba National Park — Protecting the peninsula's forest and beaches.

• Watch sea turtles nest (November-April, guided night walks).

• Surfing at the beach breaks.

• Boat trips on the Banio Lagoon.

Fresh seafood — grilled fish, prawns, and crab.

Small bars serve Regab beer. Fresh coconut water.

Small shops sell basics. For a market, go to Tchibanga.

• Tchibanga (80 km east) — The provincial capital.
• Mayumba National Park — Coastal forest and turtle beaches.