Plizio Visual Lab
Lastoursville
ℹ️Practical info — Lastoursville
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Prepare for high humidity and always carry enough water with you.
- The Trans-Gabon railway is a reliable and scenic way to reach the town.
- Visit the local caves only when accompanied by an experienced local guide.
- French is the main language, so knowing some basic phrases is highly beneficial.
🍽 Food
Look for this chicken cooked in palm nut sauce at traditional local eateries (maquis).
Try the catch of the day at the small restaurants along the banks of the Ogooué River.
Popular side dishes that are often freshly prepared at street food stalls.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Buy fresh tropical fruits and basic travel supplies here.
Look for hand-carved wooden goods at small artisan stalls.
Enjoy peaceful views of the river away from the busy town center.
The nature immediately surrounding the cave entrances is quiet and unspoiled.
Water temperature…
The city of Lastoursville is situated along the banks of the Ogooué River in the Ogooué-Lolo Province of eastern Gabon. Originally established as Madiville, it was renamed in 1883 in honor of the French explorer François Rigail de Lastours. The settlement became a significant logistical hub, especially after the Trans-Gabon Railway reached the town in 1986, connecting it to the capital, Libreville. Geographically, the area is renowned for its complex system of over 35 limestone caves, which are currently on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list due to their geological and archaeological significance. The local economy is driven primarily by the timber industry, as the surrounding dense rainforests provide valuable tropical wood for international markets. Today, Lastoursville serves as an essential administrative center, facilitating trade and transportation between the coastal regions and the mineral-rich interior of the country.
- Location: Gabon
- Nearby: Pana (77 km)
- Population: ~14.411 (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 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 123 | 134 | 198 | 210 | 154 | 38 | 11 | 23 | 95 | 267 | 290 | 172 |
Geography
Facts
- Founded as Madiville before being renamed in 1883.
- Located in the Ogooué-Lolo Province on the Ogooué River.
- Connected to the Trans-Gabon Railway network in 1986.
- Home to over 35 scientifically documented limestone caves.
- Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
- Primary administrative seat of the Mulundu Department.
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 Lastoursville (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is Lastoursville known for?
Is there a train station in Lastoursville?
On which river is the city located?
Can the caves be visited?
What is the price level for hotels?
Lastoursville: where is it located?
Lastoursville: when is the best time to visit?
Lastoursville: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
More places
