Gabon Iboga: 11 Days

Itinerary

• Day 1-2   (Libreville)
  

  The group will meet in Libreville, the capital of Gabon at a luxury resort on the beach. Here you will meet your translator Kay who is your guide through the iboga experience with the nganga. There will be optional activities like visiting the Musée des Arts et Traditions du Gabon to explore exhibits showcasing Gabon's rich cultural heritage, including traditional masks, sculptures, and artifacts, heading to the L’Eglise St. Michel for a glimpse of the city's colonial past, exploring the beaches, or relaxing at the beautiful pool.

• Day 3   (Remote Village for Iboga Experience)
  

  Morning: Arrive at the village. Meet with the facilitators to discuss your medical history, intentions, and any concerns you may have.

  Afternoon: Begin the process of dietary preparation, which typically involves abstaining from certain foods and substances to enhance the effectiveness and safety of the experience.

  Evening: Participate in an orientation session where you'll learn about the history and cultural significance of iboga, as well as what to expect during the ceremony. Settle into your accommodation and take time to relax and prepare mentally for the journey ahead.

  Cleansing ceremony, washing off the societal norms-likely given robes/cloths instead of clothing you came in for the duration of the ceremony.

• Day 4-5   (Iboga Experience)
  

  Morning: Begin the iboga ceremony under the guidance of experienced facilitators. The ceremony typically starts early in the morning and lasts throughout the day and into the night.

  Throughout the day: Ingest the iboga medicine and embark on an inner journey of self-discovery and healing. The experience may involve intense visions, emotional release, and insights into your life and past experiences.

  Evening: As the effects of iboga start to wane, engage in integration activities such as group sharing circles, journaling, or one-on-one discussions with facilitators. Rest and allow yourself time to process the experience.

• Day 6   (Integration Post-Iboga)
  

  Morning: Reflect on your iboga experience and any insights or revelations that came up during the ceremony. Participate in integration workshops or activities designed to help you integrate the lessons learned from the experience into your daily life.

  Afternoon: Meet with facilitators for individual integration sessions. Discuss any challenges or issues that arose during the ceremony and develop strategies for moving forward.

  Evening: Practice self-care and relaxation techniques such as meditation, gentle yoga, or nature walks. Allow yourself time to integrate and assimilate the changes brought about by the iboga experience.

• Day 7   (Reflection & Departure from Village)
  

  Morning: Take time to reflect on your iboga journey and the insights gained from the experience. Write in your journal, meditate, or engage in other reflective practices to solidify your understanding and integrate the lessons learned.

  Afternoon: Participate in a closing ceremony or group activity to mark the end of your iboga experience and say goodbye to fellow participants and facilitators.

  Evening: Prepare to depart from the iboga center or retreat facility. Express gratitude for the experience and the opportunity for healing and transformation. Take time to rest and recuperate before returning to your regular routine.

• Day 8-11   (Rest & Recuperation in Pont Denis)
  

  You will travel by boat and spend the next two days recharging at Point Denis before heading home. Whether you choose to bask in the sun, fishing, swimming with the entities or exploring the peninsula of  Point Denis while sleeping in the resort's new bungalows. Point Denis is a lively yet relaxing oasis. The resort staff will take care of you like royalty and treat you like family while we prepare you for your journey home. There will be optional planned excursions to the bay of turtles, a meditation circle and yoga class.

• Day 11   (Libreville - Goodbye)
  

  On the final day in Libreville we will stay at the luxury resort once again. There will be opportunities to visit the bustling shopping district in the city to buy artisan goods and art, spend more time on the beach and enjoy the local cuisine. The group will meet for another meditation and thank you to the gabonese ancestors and entities before all making our way to the airport together

More Information

• Trip Dates

  2025 dates:  Jan. 8th - Jan. 18th
  
  For this Gabon experience, we are working with the individual to cater to their specific needs. For more pricing information, please fill out a contact form by clicking here. 

  You can also book a free discovery call with us by clicking here. 

• What's included in the price?
  • Accommodations - staying in beautiful 4 and 5-Star Hotels*
  • All transportation
  • 4-day traditional Iboga preparation and ceremony*
  • Iboga 101 introduction circle 
  • 2 experienced trip leaders/guides
  • Local guide/translator is provided for the duration of the trip
  • All meals included for the 11-day trip
  • Two 1-hour sessions with a Psychedelic Therapist (pre and post-trip)
  • 2 Sharing circles with the group
  • Tour of how Iboga is made 
  • Visit to traditional market
  • Integration workshop
  • Unwavering support
  • Pre-trip calls and preparation  
  • Post-trip integration calls
  • Self-guided workbook 

  *During the Iboga experience, we will be staying in more basic accommodations in the traditional village. 
  **Payments made through Inward Travel do not include the cost of plant medicine, psychedelics, or similar products. You will pay the local facilitators for the medicine (approx. $10). 

• What is Iboga?

  Iboga is a sacred plant native to Gabon and Central Africa, traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies by the Bwiti people. It plays a key role in rites of passage and healing rituals, believed to connect individuals with deeper layers of consciousness and offer profound spiritual insights. Iboga contains the active compound ibogaine, which has been studied for its potential to treat addiction and trauma by resetting neural pathways and promoting introspection.

  In North America, Iboga is often used in therapeutic settings, primarily to address issues like opioid addiction and emotional healing. However, the ceremonial context is usually absent, making the experience less spiritually immersive.

  Experiencing Iboga in Gabon, its indigenous home, offers a unique opportunity to engage with the medicine in its full traditional and cultural context. Surrounded by the land and people who have revered this plant for centuries, participants can deeply connect with the sacredness and ancient wisdom of Iboga.

  The iboga mix is derived from the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga plant, a shrub native to the rainforests of West Africa. The plant itself is characterized by its small, glossy green leaves, white flowers, and yellow to orange fruits. The most potent part of the plant is its root bark, which contains high concentrations of ibogaine, the primary psychoactive alkaloid. The root bark is typically dried and ground into a powder, which can then be used in various forms, such as teas, capsules, or traditional ceremonial preparations. Iboga's psychoactive properties are revered for inducing deep spiritual experiences and aiding in addiction treatment.

• Who is this journey for?

  Iboga is often sought by individuals seeking deep spiritual awakening or profound personal transformation. Iboga can provide spiritual insights, enhanced self-awareness, and emotional healing. Iboga is particularly beneficial for those struggling with addiction, especially to opioids, and who are seeking alternative treatments to traditional methods.

  People who feel the call to experience Iboga are typically open-minded, willing to explore non-conventional therapies, and prepared to confront intense psychological experiences. Iboga is for people who prioritize mental health and holistic well-being and who recognize the value of traditional indigenous practices, and plant-based medicines.

• Why Gabon for an Iboga journey?

  Visiting Gabon to experience iboga is of great benefit because of the authenticity and depth of the experience offered in its indigenous context. In Gabon, Iboga is traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies, providing a culturally rich and holistic approach to its use. Engaging with local Nganga (shamans) and practitioners ensures proper guidance and safety, enhancing the therapeutic and spiritual benefits.
  
  The natural environment of Gabon's rainforests adds to the profoundness of the experience, offering a serene and immersive setting. Additionally, experiencing iboga in its native land supports local communities and preserves traditional practices, fostering a deeper connection to the cultural and spiritual significance of this powerful plant medicine.

• Secrecy of Authentic Iboga Ceremonies

  We have not posted photos of any iboga ceremonies on our website due to the sacred and secretive nature of the ritual. The ceremony holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, and sharing images would violate the privacy and traditions of those who practice it. We are providing an authentic experience, that will be safe and supported, though this is what has been requested of us. 
  
  If you want to learn more about this traditional experience, some short documentaries and films explore similar ceremonies in Gabon. While these don't exactly mirror our experience, they offer useful insight into how it unfolds.
  
  1. Hamilton's Pharmacpeia - Vice TV

  2. Traditional Bwiti Ritual Gabon - Iceers

• Your leaders / facilitators

  This trip will have a team of people who are providing this 11-day trip to Gabon.
  Clémence - the Ngnaga (Shaman) will be leading the Iboga (Bio below)
  Curtis Smith - Inward Travel leader and trip manager (Bio below)
  Kay - our translator will be with the group the entire trip
  Stephane Lasme - Gabon host and Trip Manager

  Clémence, also known as Menmence, is the founder of the Diaki Diaki village since 2010. Coming from a lineage practicing the initiatory rites of Gabon, Menmence embraced his spiritual journey from the age of 7, guided by a call from his guardian entities. Initiated by her ancestors, guardians of ancestral traditions, she became a respected initiator of various rites, such as Abandji, Ndjembè, ologho, MBOUMBA Eyano, and many others. Among the traditional rituals in which she initiates, some imply that the candidate for initiation consumes Iboga for an inner journey. As a renowned traditional therapist, she offers her care to an international clientele. With more than a hundred spiritual children trained in his rites, Menmence embodies wisdom and healing rooted in Gabonese traditions.
  
  Curtis has been working with plant medicine for over 25 years and as the founder of multiple travel companies, Curtis has designed and lead hundreds of trips over that time.  Working with plant medicine opened up something real and deep in his life, so much beauty that it could not be contained, and it has been his passion to lead these groups and share transformational experiences with others in authentic settings around the world. 

  Our trip leaders were chosen because of their passion for travel, plant medicine, and sharing their love for what they do with others. They are extremely dedicated to providing the most impactful and supportive experience possible.

• Accommodation - Gabon

  
  Click here for a photo album of the accommodations throughout the 11-day trip. 

  When you arrive in Gabon you will stay in a luxury hotel in the Capital City. Nestled on the beachfront in Libreville, Gabon, this luxurious hotel offers a blend of elegance and convenience and is located just a short drive from the airport. The spacious, stylish rooms feature plush furnishings and private balconies with stunning ocean or garden views. The highlight is a sparkling swimming pool and porch set by the beach, complemented by comfortable loungers and a bar. Dining is exceptional at the onsite restaurant, which serves a blend of international and local cuisine with ocean views. The hotel ensures a secure environment with 24-hour surveillance, providing a perfect retreat for both relaxation and convenience.

  Each hotel room features spacious sleeping quarters with luxurious bedding and ample space for relaxation. The large bathrooms are elegantly designed, offering modern fixtures and ample room to unwind. For comfort, every room is equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a cool and pleasant atmosphere throughout your stay.

  During the ceremony, the group stays in a village within the jungle, where the lodgings provide a unique and immersive experience. These accommodations are often crafted from natural materials like wood and palm leaves, blending harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Each hut offers basic comforts and protection from the elements, allowing guests to experience the authentic rhythms of jungle life while participating in local rituals and festivities. The remote setting enhances the connection to nature and culture, providing a memorable and immersive adventure. Within the limits of the small village there is a house with modern amenities to ensure all your needs are met. This setting provides a serene environment for participants to engage deeply in rituals and the spiritual use of iboga, offering a blend of comfort and cultural immersion in a setting that honors both tradition and modern amenities.

  Pre departure integration will take place in the beautiful Point-Denis. Guests can unwind on the sun-drenched sands, in the pool, watching wildlife at the river, or in their beach bungalows, each designed with private decks and plenty of privacy. The resort’s private bungalows offer exclusive tranquility, while the shared bungalow provides a more communal but still luxurious experience. For an added touch of personalized luxury, the resort offers private cooks for the group, crafting gourmet meals using ingredients from the land, and serving your meals on the pristine beach deck, enhancing the sense of indulgence and relaxation. 

• Meals - Gabon

  A typical Gabonese meal is a vibrant and flavorful feast that reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage. It often centers around hearty, satisfying dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.  Brochettes (grilled skewers) featuring marinated meats like beef, chicken, or fish are also commonly enjoyed, often accompanied by a side of plantains, green beans, or yams, which are either fried, boiled, or roasted. Grilled fish and chicken are very common with rice and plantains. Crab farci is a delicious treat on the side or a light main course. For a lighter option, salad is a fresh, colorful salad made with tomatoes, onions, and avocados, sometimes mixed with local greens.  

  There is a strong French influence on Gabon for breakfast. The hotel offers omelets, pastries, fruit, coffee and so much more. 

  During the ceremony and pre-ceremony time in the village, you will eat a cleansing nutritious diet to prepare you for your journey. 

• Climate - Gabon

  The climate of Gabon is tropical and characterized by high humidity and consistent temperatures year-round. The region experiences a long rainy season from October to May, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms common during this period. The short dry season, from June to September, is slightly cooler and less humid, although occasional rain showers still occur. Temperatures typically range from 75°F to 86°F (24°C to 30°C). The dense rainforests and coastal location contribute to the area's lush vegetation and biodiversity, making it a vibrant, green environment throughout the year.