Popular Destinations

Our Destinations

Holidays Types

All Holiday Ideas

About

Our Content

Travelling Safely

When to Go

Best time to Go

All best time to visit guides

Lambarene

Lambarene is located in an area where Bwiti flourishes, often hidden by darkness and practised in unobtrusive temples that hide behind local houses

This relaxed pocket-sized city is spread across a broad section of the Ogooue River, with part of it occupying a large island in the river’s centre. It is famed for its hospital, which was founded over a century ago by Dr Albert Schweitzer.

This remarkable institution seems slightly out of place amidst Gabon’s untamed jungle. Nevertheless, it is deserving of its excellent reputation and a visit to the hospital and associated museum are highlights of any stay.

Dancer at Bwiti ceremony, Lambarene, Gabon — Bwiti dancer, Lambarene, Gabon

Bwiti Rituals

In spite of Gabon’s colonisation by France and its indoctrination into Catholicism, traditional spiritual practices survive in the form of Bwiti rituals. Lambarene is located in an area where Bwiti flourishes, often hidden by darkness and practised in unobtrusive temples that hide behind local houses.

A highlight of any stay in Lambarene is a visit to a local temple, in order to witness these mesmerising ceremonies first-hand. Sit with the believers as they summon the spirits and pray to their ancestors. This is an entirely authentic and powerful experience.

Bwiti blends Christianity with animism and other practices, all fuelled by the consumption of iboga. This potent endemic plant has psychotropic properties, which the local people take advantage of by chewing the bark. Although practised only by a handful of tribes in West Africa, Bwiti remains widespread in Gabon and is one of the official religions.

Spectacular male mandrill, Lekedi, Gabon — Male Mandrill, Photographed by Steppes Travel, Gabon

Group Tour

Bwiti, Mandrills and Gorillas of Gabon

View holiday details

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

View Profile

Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

Talk with our experts

01285 880 980

View Profile

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor-made itinerary I create.

Talk with our experts

01285 880 980

Contact Us

Start planning your trip

01285 880 980

Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Review Contact Form

Where would you like to go?(Required)

Name(Required)

Title First Last

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?

More about Steppes