Plizio Visual Lab

Ogooué-Lolo Coffee Gardens

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

The coffee gardens of the Ogooué-Lolo province in the heart of Gabon are known for cultivating the Robusta variety (Coffea canephora), which thrives excellently in the hot and humid valleys of the region. Coffee cultivation has a long tradition in towns like Koulamoutou and Lastoursville, having been promoted as a commercial crop particularly during the mid-20th century. The plantations are characterized by their integration into the natural forest landscape, with coffee shrubs often planted under shade trees to regulate soil moisture. Harvesting is laboriously done by hand, after which the cherries are washed or sun-dried to extract the beans. Although production has fluctuated over recent decades, coffee remains an important part of the local agricultural structure and artisanal sector. The Gabonese government is currently seeking a renewal of the coffee economy by motivating farmers through technical support and improved seeds. Coffee from Ogooué-Lolo is valued for its bold flavor and high caffeine content, primarily finding use in the domestic market and small export volumes.

Location: Gabon
Nearby: Pana (30 km)

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

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The coffee gardens of the Ogooué-Lolo region leverage the cooler climate for growing Arabica coffee. They are an emerging producer of specialty coffee, strengthening Gabon's agricultural diversification.

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Visiting

Most plantations are smallholder farms that welcome visitors for a small fee if arranged in advance. A guided tour of the gardens and processing facilities is recommended.

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Where to view it

From the hill roads, there are beautiful views of the terraced coffee plants climbing the slopes. The rows of red coffee cherries during harvest are especially photogenic.

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Local products

The main product is green coffee beans, often sold to local roasters. Roasted coffee and honey from coffee plant blossoms are also available in regional markets.

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Active season

The coffee harvest takes place from May to September when the cherries ripen. Processing (drying and milling) follows immediately, so the peak season on the plantations lasts until October.

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Nearby

A visit to the coffee gardens can be combined with a safari in Lopé National Park or a canoe trip on the Ivindo River. The traditional villages of the Bateke people also offer cultural insights.

Geography

Coordinates

-1.30000, 12.80000

Facts

Robusta coffee accounts for nearly 100% of coffee production in Ogooué-Lolo.
Koulamoutou serves as the most important marketplace for regional coffee farmers.
Coffee shrubs begin to bear fruit approximately 3 to 4 years after planting.
The region receives an annual average of over 1,800 mm of rainfall.
Lastoursville is historically linked to coffee transport on the Ogooué River.
Dried coffee cherries are de-hulled and sorted before the roasting process.