Jungle Stadiums Hidden in the Tropics

9. Stade de l’Amitié Sino-Gabonaise – Libreville, Gabon

Stade de l’Amitié Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville, Gabon, is a modern stadium constructed for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Its sleek design and 40,000-seat capacity positioned Gabon on the international sporting map, showcasing the country’s commitment to nurturing top-tier football. Though Libreville is a growing capital city, much of Gabon remains covered by the Congo Basin rainforest—one of Earth’s largest tropical ecosystems. Set near the Atlantic coast, Libreville offers visitors a mix of urban comforts and gateway access to Gabon’s national parks. Landmarks like Pongara and Lopé National Park invite nature lovers to witness forest elephants, hippos, and rare bird species in protected habitats. These close-to-pristine wilderness areas underscore Gabon’s reputation as an emerging ecotourism hotspot. Stade de l’Amitié, or “Friendship Stadium,” also plays host to concerts and major cultural events, featuring traditional Gabonese music and dance that illustrate the nation’s diverse heritage. The stadium’s very creation was a cooperative effort between Gabon and China, reflecting a broader trend of international partnerships in Africa’s infrastructural growth. Whether you come for high-stakes football matches or cultural festivals, a visit here offers the chance to pair modern sporting excitement with a venture into Gabon’s lush, wildlife-rich rainforests.