Getting around

A French licence must be registered with the Directorate General of Land Transport within three months of arrival.

You need the correct international driving permit together with your UK licence.

The international driving permit, together with your Canadian licence, is valid only for the first 30 days of your stay.

Carry: licence, proof of insurance, inspection certificate, reflective vest, warning triangle, fire extinguisher and first aid kit. Using a phone while driving is prohibited.

A 4x4 is strongly advised outside towns; in the rainy season, some roads become impassable. Check road conditions before setting off.

After an accident, go to the nearest police or gendarmerie post rather than staying at the scene.

The Transgabonais railway links Libreville and Franceville (648 km); express trains stop only at the 7 main stations.

Domestic flights are run by airlines of varying quality, some of which are banned in the European Union: check before booking.