Checklist
Be well prepared before you arrive in Gabon
Passport
Obviously, do not forget your passport. But please also check the expiry date (needs to be more than 6 month valid) so you do not end up in trouble because your passport expires.
Visa
At least one month prior but best 2 month prior, apply for a Gabon VISA. Check your VISA when you got it. Your VISA must end at least 1 weeks after you’ve left the country. If your visa has expired, for example one day, than that will cost you around € 250,- per person.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR VISA BEFORE TRAVELLING TO GABON !
If not you will be send to Ethiopia.
Yellow Fever
Do not forget to bring your yellow vaccination booklet with you
ECG and Liver test
Complete your liver and heart test that shows the QT interval. Take that with you to Gabon.
Pre-paid 50%
Make sure you have already pre-paid the 50% for your spot at mama Aline's ceremony. Take the other 50% cash with you.
Anti-malaria medication
Buy Artemisinin or Malarone for malaria protection. Start taking them 2 days prior to your arrival in Gabon.
DO NOT SKIP THIS THINKING YOU WILL BE FINE WITH HOMEOPATHIC SOLUTIONS OR PROTECTION !
Upon arrival you can stop in Lambarene and buy a pack of Malacure. This is just in case you still get malaria due to diarrhea that inhibits the artimesia or malaron effectiveness. We write this all out of experience. If you want to go the extra mile, also buy the Abbott BinaxNow Malaria testing kit. They are the best.
Pre-initiation form
Do not forget to bring your pre-initiation form with you Go to form
First aid kit
Buy a small first aid kit
Cash
Bring enough cash with you that you can exchange at the airport to pay for all the extras. Almost everyone ends up short in cash as Gabon is expensive. It is difficult to get money out of an ATM. You’re lucky if it works so having cash is better. And make sure you have a lot of CFA money if you travel around.
Toiletries
- Skincare Products:
- Cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Makeup remover or micellar water
- Hair Care:
- Shampoo and conditioner biodegradable (travel-sized)
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair ties or bands
- Oral Hygiene:
- Toothbrush (travel-sized or foldable)
- Toothpaste (travel-sized)
- Floss
- Personal Hygiene:
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Menstrual products (e.g., tampons, pads, or menstrual cup)
Natural soap
Use natural biodegradable soap in the shower and in the river
Sunscreen
Even though there is a lot of moisture in the air, making the sun not so strong, if you are sensitive, bring sunlotion with you.
Towels
Bring your own towels with you
DEET
Bring DEET or other mosquito repellent with you.
Light
A head torch or light can be useful, even though our place has its own lights.
Power supply
Keep in mind that Gabon has european power supply with 50Hz, so buy an adapter that fits into european socket
Light anti-mosquito clothing
You can buy anti-mosquito clothing, they are useful. Make sure you buy thin breathable long socks, they protect against the furu's. Also clothing with long sleeves and trouser are a good idea, but keep in mind it is warm during the wet season.
Clothe that dry fast after rain
If you go during the rainy season, make sure you have clothe that can dry fast. A raincoat is too warm.
Jungle shoes
If you plan on going for a trip into a National park, it is a good idea to pack some shoes that can handle rough terrain and mud.
Batteries
Even though you can buy them in Gabon, At mama Aline's place it is good to have some spare batteries if you have a flashlight or recorder or something similar needing batteries. The powersupply at mama Aline is stable and has a silent generator as backup.
Snacks
Nuts and chips, snacks that can survive the heat and moisture of Gabon
Wet tissues
This can be useful to bring along
Pro-biotics
This is almost a must. Good quality pro-biotics. Best ones are from seed
Diet restrictions
Make sure you tell us in advance what your diet restrictions are, so we can prepare
Download Gabon map in google maps
Get a local simcard
Journal and pen
If you like take a journal and pen with you so you can make notes where needed.
Read the instructions about our village
Before you arrive, get familiar with the rules and safety of our village
Practice the staff pose (Dandasana)
This is actually very important. Make sure you practice the staff pose, that is sitting down on the ground with legs straight. You should be able to keep in this position for 2 hours before arriving for a ceremony. This can take 4 month of training for those not flexible.