In short: Owendo is a municipality south of Libreville, about 17 km from the centre. It is home to Gabon's main port, the Trans-Gabon railway station and Owendo University Hospital. Supermarkets, a bakery and restaurants are all within fifteen minutes' drive of our studios.
Many people pass through Owendo without stopping: to catch the train, reach the port or head south. Yet it makes a practical base, calmer than central Libreville and well equipped. Our three studios sit at the entrance to the municipality, at the Cité OCTRA junction, across from EPC school. Here are the places we recommend to our guests.
01Owendo at a glance
The municipality stretches across the Owendo point, on the edge of the Komo estuary. Its port, opened in 1974, is the country's main commercial port, handling containers, timber and minerals. It is also where the Trans-Gabon railway begins, linking Owendo to Franceville.
For timetables and fares, see our guide to the SETRAG train from Owendo.
02Shopping
The municipality's two main supermarkets are grouped at the SNI junction. For your first evening, pick up breakfast and water on arrival.
| Address | What you'll find | From our studios |
|---|---|---|
| Ceca Gadis, SNI junction | Supermarket, fresh produce and groceries | 5 to 7 min |
| Carrefour Market Prix Import, SNI junction | Supermarket, imported products | 5 to 8 min |
| Launderettes | Washing, drying, ironing | under 5 min |
03Eating out and unwinding
Three places our guests enjoy, about ten minutes' drive away.
| Address | Why go | From our studios |
|---|---|---|
| Blé Doré | Bakery, patisserie, café, pizzeria and restaurant. The morning baguettes are worth the trip. | 8 to 10 min |
| Foyer du Marin | Restaurant and bar with a swimming pool. Buffet on Sundays. | 10 to 15 min |
| The Madina | Food truck with a shaded terrace. | about 10 min |
Indicative travel times, by car from our studios, outside rush hour.
04Medical care
Owendo University Hospital opened in 2016. It has 120 beds, 25 of them for maternity and neonatal care, and an emergency department. It was designated the reference centre for trauma care in Estuaire province. Several pharmacies and clinics are also a few minutes from our studios.
Sources: Agence Ecofin, Gabon Ministry of Health.
05Getting around
- Taxi: the most common option. Agree the fare before getting in.
- Gozem: the local ride-hailing app works well in Owendo and Libreville.
- Car: the most comfortable way to explore. Our studios have free, secure parking.
- Train: SETRAG station is less than five minutes away, for trips into the interior.
Weather in Owendo
Tropical climate, hot and humid all year. The rainy seasons run roughly from February to May and from October to December. The dry season, from June to September, is often cooler thanks to the coastal breeze. Pack light clothing and something for the showers.
06Staying in Owendo
Our three furnished, air-conditioned studios are at the entrance to Owendo, across from EPC school, less than five minutes from SETRAG station. Equipped kitchen, fibre Wi-Fi, private bathroom and free parking. Book directly on WhatsApp, with no service fees.
07Frequently asked questions
Where is Owendo in relation to Libreville?
Owendo is a municipality south of Libreville, on the Owendo point at the edge of the Komo estuary, about 17 kilometres from the city centre. It is home to Gabon's main port and the departure station of the Trans-Gabon railway.
Is Owendo a good place to stay before taking the train?
Yes. SETRAG's Owendo station is the terminus of the Trans-Gabon railway, and our studios are less than a five-minute drive away. With departures at 10:00 PM on Tuesday and 1:30 PM on Thursday and Saturday, staying nearby saves you crossing Libreville on the day.
Where can you shop in Owendo?
Two supermarkets sit at the SNI junction: Ceca Gadis, five to seven minutes' drive from our studios, and Carrefour Market Prix Import, five to eight minutes. Several launderettes are less than five minutes from the residence.
Where can you eat in Owendo?
Blé Doré is a bakery that also runs a patisserie, café, pizzeria and restaurant, eight to ten minutes' drive away. Foyer du Marin offers a restaurant and bar, a swimming pool and a Sunday buffet. The Madina food truck rounds things off, about ten minutes away.
Is there a hospital in Owendo?
Yes, the Owendo University Hospital, opened in 2016. It has 120 beds, an emergency department and a maternity unit, and is the reference centre for trauma care in Estuaire province.
What is the weather like in Owendo?
The climate is tropical, hot and humid all year. The rainy seasons run roughly from February to May and from October to December. The dry season, from June to September, is generally the most pleasant, with a coastal breeze.
How do you get around Owendo?
Taxis are the most common option: agree the fare before setting off. The Gozem app, Gabon's local equivalent of Uber, works well. With a car, our studios' free parking makes it easy to explore Libreville.