Plizio Visual Lab
Moanda
ℹ️Practical info — Moanda
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- As the town's economy is mining-driven, accommodations can sometimes be booked up by corporate staff; reserve in advance.
- Shared taxis are the norm. Make sure to agree on the fare and destination before getting in.
- The red, manganese-rich soil can permanently stain your shoes, so avoid wearing delicate footwear.
- Mosquitoes are active after dark. A good quality repellent is essential.
🍽 Food
A traditional Gabonese chicken dish in a rich palm nut sauce, served at local maquis (eateries).
Excellent grilled freshwater fish best enjoyed at the small restaurants near the market.
Steamed cassava wrapped in leaves, the quintessential side dish to mop up savory local sauces.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Visit the main market to buy fresh tropical fruits like mangoes and plantains directly from vendors.
Some market stalls sell colorful, printed cotton fabrics that make excellent souvenirs.
Take a trip up the higher elevations on the edge of town for cooler air and green vistas.
Walk into the quieter neighborhoods away from the loud mining roads, where life moves at a much slower pace.
Water temperature…
Moanda is one of the most important industrial cities in Gabon, located in the Haut-Ogooué province. It is globally significant as one of the world's primary centers for manganese mining, operated by the COMILOG company. The discovery of high-grade manganese ore in 1953 led to the rapid development of the town, which was officially established to support mining operations. The city is located in a valley surrounded by plateaus, specifically the Bangombe Plateau where the main extraction takes place. Since the completion of the Trans-Gabonais railway in the 1980s, Moanda has been directly linked to the port of Owendo, facilitating the large-scale export of minerals. The local economy is almost entirely centered on the extractive industry, providing employment for thousands of residents. In addition to mining, the city has invested in technical education, hosting the School of Mines and Metallurgy of Moanda. Its growth has transformed a once-remote area into a bustling industrial hub with modern infrastructure and services.
- Location: Gabon
- Nearby: Mounana (14 km)
- Population: ~71.099 (2023)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 144 | 153 | 212 | 213 | 179 | 44 | 13 | 30 | 125 | 280 | 311 | 206 |
Geography
Facts
- Moanda is home to one of the largest manganese deposits on Earth.
- The COMILOG mining company began large-scale operations here in 1962.
- The city is located in the Haut-Ogooué province in southeastern Gabon.
- Manganese from Moanda accounts for a significant portion of Gabon's exports.
- The Trans-Gabonais railway is essential for transporting ore to the coast.
- The School of Mines and Metallurgy of Moanda was inaugurated in 2016.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Moanda (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is Moanda known for?
Can the mines be visited?
How do you get to Moanda?
What facilities are there for tourists?
What is special about the landscape?
Moanda: where is it located?
Moanda: when is the best time to visit?
Moanda: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
More places
