The huge roots
Spreading wide.
Estrella230 — CC BY 4.0 · Becky KERS — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Becky KERS — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Becky KERS — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Raponda Walker Arboretum is a protected coastal forest north of the capital, Libreville, on the road towards Cap Estérias. It is one of the last remnants of dense coastal forest near the capital, with huge tropical trees and varied plants. City residents and visitors come to walk in the shade and get to know Gabon's trees. It is named after Monsignor André Raponda Walker, the Gabonese priest and scholar known for studying his country's plants, languages and traditions, who wrote reference works on them. The reserve aims to protect this forest from spreading development and to show people the value and uses of local trees. You walk dirt paths between tall straight trunks and huge spreading roots under a thick roof of leaves. Some of the big trees carry small wooden plates with their local names. Green signs at the entrance point out the trails, and in places the path climbs gently between roots. It is about 22 km from central Libreville in a straight line. Wear closed shoes and carry insect repellent and water. Trails are easier in the dry season, so ask at the entrance about a guided walk.
Spreading wide.
Local names.
A roof of leaves.
North of Libreville towards Cap Estérias, Gabon
A Gabonese priest and scholar of his country's plants and languages.
Yes, the trails are fairly easy.