DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Poubara Dam

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°1
Poubara Dam (Gabon)

Weather…

The Poubara Dam, located on the Ogooué River in the Haut-Ogooué province, is a cornerstone of Gabon's hydroelectric infrastructure. Situated near the impressive Poubara Falls, approximately 15 kilometers south of Franceville, the dam was primarily built to supply electricity to the intensive manganese mining operations in Moanda and the surrounding industrial facilities. The original hydroelectric plant dates back to the mid-1970s, but a massive expansion known as 'Grand Poubara' was undertaken between 2008 and 2013. This upgrade increased the dam's total installed capacity to 160 megawatts, significantly boosting the national power grid's reliability. The project reflects Gabon's strategic commitment to renewable energy and reducing reliance on thermal power plants. The dam harnesses the immense hydraulic power of the Ogooué, Gabon's largest river, providing a stable and sustainable energy source for the region's urban and industrial growth. In addition to power generation, the dam infrastructure has improved local accessibility and water management. It stands as a vital symbol of national modernization and the effective utilization of natural resources to drive regional economic development in eastern Gabon.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525252524242525242424
Rain mm13814320619416532926112261295196

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Poubara Dam is accessible from the outside; the interior is usually not open to the public. Visitors can view the facility from lookout points along the bank.
🕒
Typical hours
As a working facility, there are no set visiting hours. The best time to visit is during the day when water discharge is visible.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed from public viewpoints. Entering restricted areas is prohibited for safety reasons.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit lasts about 30 minutes to an hour to enjoy the view and take photos. Travel time and parking may add extra time.
➕
Combine with
Combine the dam visit with a safari in the adjacent rainforest or a boat trip on the Ogooué River. The region has diverse nature experiences.
🧭
Getting there
The dam is located on the Ogooué River in Gabon, about 30 kilometers from Franceville. It is accessible by car via paved and unpaved roads.
💡
Insider tip
Ask on site if a guide is available to explain technical details. Respect the operator's safety instructions and stay on designated paths.

Geography

Coordinates
-1.78000, 13.55000

Facts

  • The initial phase of the Poubara Dam was completed in 1975.
  • The 'Grand Poubara' expansion project was officially commissioned in 2013.
  • The dam currently features an installed electrical capacity of 160 megawatts.
  • It is located on the Ogooué River, which has the largest discharge of any river in Gabon.
  • The project was executed through a strategic partnership with Sinohydro.
  • The dam provides the energy required for 70% of the industrial activity in eastern Gabon.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bridge of Vines of PoubaraBridge of Vines of Poubara<1 km · SWExplore →
Memorial of Omar BongoMemorial of Omar Bongo16 km · EExplore →
Baniaka MountainsBaniaka Mountains19 km · NEExplore →
M'Passa CanyonsM'Passa Canyons20 km · EExplore →
Biniomi Manganese MineBiniomi Manganese Mine20 km · EExplore →
DiengaDienga26 km · SExplore →
Batéké HighlandsBatéké Highlands31 km · NWExplore →
BongovilleBongoville36 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Poubara Dam (1)

Les chutes de Poubara📍 landmark

Les chutes de Poubara is a striking set of waterfalls on the Ogooué River, located near the Poubara hydroelectric dam.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the dam?
It serves to generate electricity for the city of Franceville and the manganese mines in Moanda.
Which river is it located on?
The Poubara Dam is located on the Ogooué River, the most important river in Gabon.
Can you visit the dam?
Access to the power station is restricted, but the surrounding nature and waterfalls are worth seeing.
When is the water level highest?
During the rainy season from October to May, when the water volume is particularly impressive.
How do I get there from Franceville?
It is a short drive (approx. 30-45 minutes) by taxi or private car from Franceville.
Poubara Dam: where is it located?
Poubara Dam is located in Gabon.
Poubara Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Poubara Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The Poubara Dam, located on the Ogooué River in the Haut-Ogooué province, is a cornerstone of Gabon's hydroelectric infrastructure.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Gabon →

Nearby cities

Franceville — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Franceville
One of the largest cities in Gabon and the terminus of the Transgabon Railway.
Moanda — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Moanda
An important mining town known for its manganese deposits.
🗺️
Okondja
A significant center in the Haut-Ogooué province.
Léconi — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Léconi
Known for the surrounding canyons and the plateau.
Mounana — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Mounana
Formerly a center of uranium mining in Gabon.
Akieni — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Akieni
An important agricultural center in the Haut-Ogooué region.
Bakoumba — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Bakoumba
A significant town formerly known for its cable car transport.
🗺️
Bongoville
The birthplace of former President Omar Bongo.
🗺️
Boumango
A remote town in the far southeast of Gabon.
Onga — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Onga
A settlement in the northeast of the Haut-Ogooué province.

History & landmarks

Bridge of Vines of Poubara — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Bridge of Vines of Poubara
A traditional bridge made of vines, representing an impressive artisanal achievement.
Memorial of Omar Bongo — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Memorial of Omar Bongo
A monumental memorial in Franceville dedicated to former President Omar Bongo.
Saint-Hilaire Cathedral — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Saint-Hilaire Cathedral
The prominent cathedral of Franceville, a spiritual center in eastern Gabon.
Moanda Manganese Mine — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Moanda Manganese Mine
One of the largest manganese mines in the world, an industrial landmark of Gabon.
Bateke Plateau National Park — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Bateke Plateau National Park
This unique park features rolling savanna, forest galleries, and canyons, offering a stark contrast to Gabon's typical dense rainforests.

More places

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Site — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Site
Historical site related to the famous explorer who laid the foundations for today's Gabon.
Franceville Colonial Administration — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Franceville Colonial Administration
Historic administrative buildings from the time of French Congo in eastern Gabon.
🗺️
Baniaka Mountains
A range of hills in southeastern Gabon known for its significant iron ore deposits.
M&#39;Passa Canyons — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
M'Passa Canyons
Deep canyons formed by the M'Passa River in the sandstone plateau of Franceville.
🗺️
Biniomi Manganese Mine
A new manganese extraction site expanding capacities in the Moanda region.
Franceville Metallurgical Complex — Poubara Dam (Gabon)
Franceville Metallurgical Complex
Industrial facilities for processing manganese ore into ferromanganese.
🗺️
Batéké Highlands
The higher parts of the Batéké plateau, offering a barer but fascinating landscape.
🗺️
Mounana Uranium Mining Complex
A historic mining complex that was once one of the world's most important uranium suppliers.