Must See Gabon - Libreville

With its big ocean-view hotels, office buildings, wide highways, fancy shops and cavalcade of taxis, Libreville looks more like a Miami Beach than a major African city. Just to prove the point, its prices are big-time cosmopolitan as well: Libreville is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

There's no lack of nightlife, either: the African quarters are full of fairly cheap places to eat and drink. They're easy to get to, not half as dangerous or rough as some other African capitals, and the hard-partying locals are always up for a beer or (just as likely), a French champagne.

The Musée des Arts et Traditions is one of the best in Central Africa and definitely worth a visit as long as you can find it. The Fang, Téké and Mitsogho masks are some of the best examples around, complemented by the wonderful collection of carved harps, baskets and an authentic Mitsogho temple.