Gabon
Meetings are somewhat formal for the region, but tropical suits are appropriate. French is the principal language used in business circles. Translators and interpreters are available through some hotels and embassies. Strong business ties remain with France despite competition from the USA and Japan. Office hours are 0730-1200 and 1430-1800 Monday to Friday.
Petty crime such as pick pocketing and purse snatching is common especially in urban areas, however violent crimes such as armed robbery and mugging are fairly rare. Travelers outside urban areas should expect to frequently be stopped at police checkpoints.
The five principal hotels in Libreville are the Okoume Palace Intercontinental, the Meridien Re-ndama, the Hotel Atlantique, the Novotel Rapotchombo, and the Monts de Cristal.
-Okoume Palace: Managed by Intercontinental Hotels, the Okoume Palace is a 500-room hotel with some apartments, located relatively close to the airport. It has a pool, tennis and squash courts, and a fully equipped health spa with aerobics classes. There are two restaurants. Tel. (241) 732023 Fax: (241) 731629
-Meridien Re-Ndama: Managed by the French group Meridien, this hotel is near the town center, south of the U.S. and French embassies on the main road. It has a well-situated pool on the beach side of the hotel and two restaurants. Tel. (241) 742929 or 766105 Fax: (241) 742924
-Hotel Atlantique: Situated on the best beach front in Libreville, Atlantique is about 200 yards from the airport. It is known for its sumptuous, 3-course brunches. It has a pool. It is located about 10 km north of the U.S. Embassy. Telephone (241) 732446 Fax: (241) 732436
-Novotel Rapontchombo: Only 1 block from the U.S. Embassy, it is on the water but has no usable beach front. It has a pool, casino, restaurant and bar ambiance, but is less luxurious than the Meridian and the Intercontinental. Tel (241) 764742 Fax: (241) 761345
-Monts de Cristal: Situated in Centre-ville, about 1 km from the U.S. Embassy, it is comfortable, not ostentatious and has 49 rooms and a self service restaurant. Tel: (241) 762523
Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 241. No area codes required. Outgoing international code: 00. Airmail from Gabon takes at least a week to Western Europe. Urgent letters should be sent by special delivery to ensure their safe arrival. Post office opening hours are 0800-1200 and 1430-1800 Monday to Friday.
Electricity is 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
C
Most hotels and restaurants serve French and continental-style food and are expensive. Gabonese food is distinctive and delicious, but not always readily available, as most restaurants serve Senegalese, Cameroonian and Congolese food, European food is also served.
Gabon is the world's 20th-largest consumer of French champagne. Licensing hours are similar to those in France. National specialties:
•Braised fish (bass and red fish).
• Nyembwé.
• Manioc leaves.
• Bouillon de poisson (fish stew).Tipping:
10 to 15 per cent unless service is included in the bill.Nightlife
There are nightclubs in Libreville with music and bars. Food is often served, although this can be expensive. The African quarter of Libreville is full of fairly cheap places to eat and drink. There are also casinos at several hotels.
