Happy TravellerMoanda, located in the Haut Ogooué region of Gabon, is a city that is often overlooked by tourists. However, this hidden gem has a lot to offer for those who are willing to explore. Moanda is one of the largest towns in Gabon and is known for being one of the most important manganese mining towns in the world. The city has a population of around 39,298 inhabitants (2010 est.) and is the second largest city in the Haut Ogooué Region, after Franceville. It is also a border town, lying 100 km away from the border with the Republic of Congo.
History
Moanda was originally a village lying on the swampy banks of the Miosso River. The discovery and exploitation of manganese in the nearby Bangombe Plateau from 1953 led to the emergence of the city. In 1977 Moanda had an estimated 230 million tons of manganese, some one-fifth of the world’s deposits. The city further grew during the 1990s owing to an influx of refugees from then war-torn Republic of Congo.
Geography and Climate
Moanda lies on several adjacent plateaus lying between the higher and larger Bangombe plateau in the north, and the Miosso swamp in the south. Rocky formations Mount Boundinga and Mount Moanda lie further south. The climate is equatorial, with an alternation of thunderstorms and hot temperatures between January and March, and cool temperatures from July to September.
Divisions
Moanda is divided into three areas. The first area is built on the main plateau and its slopes and includes the commercial centre and populous districts Ankoula, Montagne Sainte and Fumier. The second area includes the most populous districts Alliance, Rio and LOasis. The third area is on the easternmost plateau and includes Lekolo and Leyima. Another plateau is home to Rigobert Landji High School, the largest high school in the city. Other districts include the Third Zone in the southwest, and the Mukaba District, on the slopes of the Bangombe Plateau.
Economy
Moanda is now one of the largest manganese mining centres in the world. The operating company, COMILOG, exports an average 3.5 million tons of manganese a year. This makes Gabon one of the three largest manganese exporters in the world. The manganese so far is exploited on the Bangombe Plateau (42 km²).
Education
French international schools include: Lycée Henri-Sylvoz École primaire Comilog
Sport
The main stadium is Stade Henri Sylvoz, the home of AS Mangasport.
Transport
Moanda is served by Moanda Railway Station situated outside the city, north of the Bangombe Plateau. Moanda is also home to an airfield, and lies about 50 km to Mvengue Airport, none of which, as of 2016, had any commercial airline service. The city is crossed by the N3 road and is the northern end of the Moanda-Mbinda Road, which connects Moanda to Mbinda, Congo. Moanda Railway Station is the last stop before Franceville, the southern terminus of the Trans-Gabon Railway. The road to the Republic of Congo goes between Mount Moanda and Mount Boundinga.
Moanda may not be the most well-known destination in Gabon, but it is definitely worth a visit. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, Moanda is a city that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler.