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Lastour Memorial

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Historical site
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Lastour Memorial (Gabon)

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The Lastour Memorial, located in the town of Lastoursville, honors the memory of François Rigail de Lastours, a French explorer who played a key role in mapping Gabon's interior. De Lastours was a prominent member of Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza's second expedition and unfortunately passed away in this location in 1885 at the age of 30. Originally known as Mandji, the settlement was renamed Lastoursville in 1886 to commemorate his contributions to the exploration of the Upper Ogooué region. The memorial serves as a historical landmark that highlights the challenging conditions faced by early European explorers in the dense equatorial forests. The surrounding area is also famous for its proximity to ancient cave systems and the Trans-Gabon railway, which connects the mineral-rich interior to the coast. This site is essential for understanding the late 19th-century history of territorial expansion and scientific discovery in Central Africa.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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Rain mm12313419821015438112395267290172

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Lastour Memorial is an outdoor monument that can be visited at any time. It is located in a quiet area of central Gabon and is freely accessible.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, there are no fixed opening hours. Visit during daylight to clearly see the inscriptions and the surrounding nature.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time. The best shot is late afternoon when light emphasizes the stone structure - include the surrounding vegetation.
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Time needed
Visiting the monument itself takes only about 10-15 minutes. Allow extra time to enjoy the quiet landscape and perhaps have a picnic.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with other historical sites in central Gabon, such as the Lastoursville Caves or Lastoursville town itself. The area is rich in colonial history.
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Getting there
The memorial is best reached by 4x4 from Lastoursville - road conditions may be rough. A local guide is recommended.
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Insider tip
Bring insect repellent and water, as the area is remote. Respect the site's silence - it is a dignified memorial.

Geography

Coordinates
-0.82000, 12.72000

Facts

  • Erected in honor of explorer François Rigail de Lastours (1855–1885).
  • The settlement was officially renamed from Mandji to Lastoursville in 1886.
  • Located at the confluence of the Ogooué and Lolo rivers.
  • François de Lastours died at age 30 during a river expedition.
  • Nearby caves are on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
  • Key stop on the Trans-Gabon railway connecting the interior to the coast.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

LastoursvilleLastoursville<1 km · SEExplore →
Lastoursville Timber Processing HubLastoursville Timber Processing Hub3 km · SEExplore →
KoulamoutouKoulamoutou43 km · SWExplore →
Ogooué-Lolo Coffee GardensOgooué-Lolo Coffee Gardens53 km · WExplore →
PanaPana76 km · WExplore →
Mounana Uranium Mining ComplexMounana Uranium Mining Complex81 km · NWExplore →
MounanaMounana83 km · NWExplore →
MoandaMoanda97 km · NWExplore →

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 Lastour Memorial (1)

Paroisse Saint-Pierre Claver📍 landmark

The Paroisse Saint-Pierre Claver is a recognized heritage parish whose historical roots date back to its founding in 1883.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Lastour Memorial dedicated to?
It commemorates Rigail de Lastours, a French explorer and associate of Savorgnan de Brazza.
Where is the memorial located?
It is located in Lastoursville, a town named after the explorer.
Is there information in multiple languages on-site?
Information is usually only available in French, so a guide is helpful.
What else can you visit in Lastoursville?
The famous caves of Lastoursville are nearby and well worth a visit.
Is the memorial accessible for disabled visitors?
Access is mostly on one level, but paths may be uneven.
Lastour Memorial: where is it located?
Lastour Memorial is located in Gabon.
Lastour Memorial: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lastour Memorial: why is it worth visiting?
The Lastour Memorial, located in the town of Lastoursville, honors the memory of François Rigail de Lastours, a French explorer who played a key role in mapping Gabon's interior.
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Nearby cities

Koulamoutou — Lastour Memorial (Gabon)
Koulamoutou
The capital of the Ogooué-Lolo province at the confluence of the Lolo and Bouenguidi rivers.
Lastoursville — Lastour Memorial (Gabon)
Lastoursville
A town on the Ogooué River, named after a French explorer.
Pana — Lastour Memorial (Gabon)
Pana
A smaller center in the Ogooué-Lolo province.
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Iboundji
A town at the foot of Mount Iboundji, one of Gabon's highest peaks.
Dienga — Lastour Memorial (Gabon)
Dienga
A regional center in the southeast of the country.

More places

Lastoursville Caves — Lastour Memorial (Gabon)
Lastoursville Caves
Archaeologically significant caves housing traces of human habitation from prehistoric times.
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Lastoursville Timber Processing Hub
A major inland center for the primary processing of logs.
Offoué River Valley — Lastour Memorial (Gabon)
Offoué River Valley
A deeply incised valley in central Gabon through which the Offoué River flows.
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Mount Iboundji
One of the highest peaks in Gabon, located in the Ogooué-Lolo province.
Sette Cama Lagoon Fauna — Lastour Memorial (Gabon)
Sette Cama Lagoon Fauna
The lagoons of Sette Cama provide a habitat for rare manatees and numerous crocodile species.
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Loango Beach Fauna
Unique in the world, forest elephants, buffaloes, and even gorillas roam directly onto the Atlantic beach here.
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Iguela Game Reserve
A coastal reserve where elephants and hippos are often seen on the beach and in the lagoons.
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Ogooué-Lolo Coffee Gardens
Hilly coffee plantations in the central Ogooué-Lolo region, utilizing the cooler climate for cultivation.