Equatorial Guinea is a rustic nestled in central Africa, which you may not have heard of, or at the very least, it doesn’t come to thoughts as the primary vacation spot in Africa to go to. Nonetheless, the nation is a hidden gem consisting of three completely totally different islands and a mainland stuffed with jungle. Equatorial Guinea’s magnificence and cultural treasures are ready to be explored. This 10-day Equatorial Guinea itinerary will take you to the foremost island, Bioko, with the capital Malabo and across the mainland. It contains all of the must-see locations of curiosity in Equatorial Guinea. I’m assured that after studying this Equatorial Guinea journey information, you’ll additionally wish to discover this unnoticed hidden gem in Africa.
Planning a visit to Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is a type of international locations the place you merely don’t e book a flight on the spot and determine the best way to get round. There are numerous factors to bear in mind when planning an Equatorial Guinea itinerary. If you happen to comply with these easy steps, your journey from day 1 to 10 will likely be clean and fulfilling.
Go unbiased or with a tour to Equatorial Guinea
Getting round Equatorial Guinea shouldn’t be simple if you wish to discover past the capital Malabo on the island or Bata on the mainland. Permissions are required in lots of locations, which might be simply acquired however takes time. I booked transportation and dealt with all formalities via Rumbo Malabo Excursions, run by Hector. He was affected person with me as I had many requests, and eventually, we got here up with a superbly deliberate journey. I extremely advocate utilizing Rumbo Malabo as it would save time and alleviate hassles.
Flights to Equatorial Guinea
Let’s begin by stating that you need to keep away from CEIBA, the nationwide airline, in any respect prices. They do function flights, however they have a tendency to stick to their very own schedule. Whereas there are numerous flights from neighboring international locations, there aren’t many choices from abroad. On this case, your finest selections are Air France, Lufthansa, or Ethiopian Airways. I personally booked with Lufthansa as they had been operating a enterprise class promotion from Amsterdam for simply 1250 euros. This promotion was out there to a number of African locations, and I additionally booked for my Togo street journey. The flight features a cease in Lagos, Nigeria, and on the final leg, there have been only some passengers, together with myself—leading to a punctual schedule and good service.
Find out how to get an Equatorial Guinea visa
Getting an Equatorial Guinean visa might be probably the most difficult half. Their e-visa system has skilled delays, necessitating software via an embassy. As a citizen of the Netherlands, the official process could be to use for a visa on the embassy in Brussels, as there isn’t any embassy within the Netherlands. Sadly, they by no means replied to me, however thankfully, the embassy in Berlin, Germany, was exceptionally useful. An enormous 5 stars to them for aiding me in the very best approach.
While you ship all varieties and your passport to the embassy, guarantee every little thing is within the appropriate language. The police conduct I submitted was bilingual, which was not acceptable; it needed to be translated. The interpretation included all the knowledge twice in English. Aside from this error on my half, every little thing went easily.
UPDATE: The e-visa system should be working now. Please word that each one doc necessities with translations stay the identical.
Motels & eating places
There are funds accommodations and luxurious accommodations, however all are expensive by African requirements. Equatorial Guinea is an costly nation in all points, which is ok. I can extremely advocate staying at Colinas Lodge in Malabo; strive their presidential suite! On one night time, I used to be capable of improve for nearly no value, and it was wonderful – the entire high flooring. In Moka, I stayed an evening at Lodge Moka, which is a bit outdated, however the service and meals are nice. On the mainland in Bata, I like to recommend Lodge Panafrica, which is great, however within the new capital, the Grand Lodge Djibholo is wonderful. Extra on that within the Equatorial Guinea itinerary day report under.
Relating to meals, there are low cost avenue meals choices in addition to upscale restaurant selections. I made a decision to strive a little bit of every little thing. If you happen to’re into bush meat, there are many choices out there. Test the every day choices. The native beer shouldn’t be nice, however there are higher choices from Spain and Portugal out there.
Now, let’s take a look on the precise Equatorial Guinea itinerary I counsel doing.
Equatorial Guinea itinerary day 1: Arrival
If you happen to arrive on an intercontinental flight, you in all probability arrive both within the morning or night. In case you arrive within the morning and fly out within the night, be certain to go to Pico Basilé Nationwide Park in your first day.
I arrived round 7 PM. My guides from Rumbo Malabo Excursions had been already ready for me exterior the terminal. They’ve a ardour for his or her nation, which I respect, and so they went past what I anticipated. After a brief introduction and going over the itinerary, I referred to as it an evening. I’ve made the error too many instances of constructing the primary day a protracted night time after which being drained the entire journey.
Equatorial Guinea itinerary day 2: Malabo metropolis tour
A Malabo metropolis tour seemingly lasts solely half a day, however I favor to take it simple on the primary day to organize for the whole journey. It ensures I’m well-rested, particularly since I plan my journeys to be fairly packed. This holds true for this Equatorial Guinea itinerary, making a Malabo metropolis tour a superb selection for the preliminary day.
Malabo metropolis tour: Historic background
Malabo Metropolis, the colourful capital of Equatorial Guinea, is adorned with architectural gems from its colonial previous. Notably, the Cathedral Isabel stands tall, a testomony to the town’s historic and cultural significance. Wandering via its streets reveals the allure of well-preserved colonial homes, every telling a narrative of a bygone period. Amidst this city tapestry lies the Malabo Nationwide Park, an oasis of biodiversity and pure magnificence. This protected space not solely captivates with its lush landscapes but additionally serves as a sanctuary for indigenous natural world, making it an integral a part of Malabo’s historic and ecological narrative.
Strolling the streets in Malabo Metropolis marked my first encounter with Equatorial Guinean police. Pictures guidelines had been strictly enforced, and after simply quarter-hour, I used to be questioned about my digital camera and lenses. Regardless of having solely six images, 4 of a cultural heart and two of a memorial plaque, they needed to see the images. After a radical dialogue and presenting all permits, I might resume exploring the historic streets, together with the cathedral and library. One specific home, La Casa Verder, caught my eye. It provides the distinctive expertise of reserving a standard dinner. For lunch, I visited Cafe Malabo Sampaka close to the Finca Sampaka, a cacao plantation.
Finca Sampaka tour
Finca Sampaka, situated in Malabo, carries historic significance as a plantation property relationship again to colonial instances. Initially established for cocoa cultivation, it performed a pivotal position in Equatorial Guinea’s economic system. At the moment, the property retains remnants of its colonial previous and a tour is a must-do in Malabo. A Finca Sampaka tour provides a glimpse into the historic roots of agriculture within the area. Their chocolate makes an awesome memento to convey dwelling for household as effectively.
Day 3: Western Bioko island coast day journey
The third day of this Equatorial Guinea itinerary first goes south alongside the western coast of Bioko Island to the town of Luba and additional south to the enduring Batete Church. In Luba, the principle pursuits are the varied colonial buildings, which once more led to a police encounter. This time, there have been two choices: go to the police station to make clear or face arrest. On the police station, permits had been checked, and the tourism ministry was contacted, resolving the state of affairs with out bribes.
After this journey, I explored two trendy church buildings in Luba, visited native cacao plantation buildings, and drove to the doorway of an oil firm. The guards there reside in a colonial home from 1913 however weren’t capable of grant a peek inside because the supervisor wasn’t there. The place holds potential for a small luxurious lodge and I see nice potental for tourism. Lastly, it was time to move to the native landmark: Batete Church.
Historic landmark: Batete Church go to
Batete Church holds a profound historic significance in Equatorial Guinea, embodying the enduring legacy of Christianity within the area. Erected throughout colonial instances, the church stands as a testomony to the cultural and spiritual transformations which have formed the group. Its architectural allure and spiritual heritage make it a notable landmark within the nation’s historical past. It’s the final surviving picket church on the island. I cherished the stained glass home windows and it’s basic ornament. Make certain to stand up within the tower for some wonderful views however be rigorously. Funding lacks, and no repairs are executed so it might collapse.
It was long gone lunch time after I arrived at Playa de Enviornment Blanca which was allright as I usually do not likely have lunch. On the seaside the meals stalls had been open and I had some scrumptious clambs, hen wings and a chilly beer. Within the night I had a stroll alongside Malabo’s (new) waterfront corniche and dinner in one of many eating places. An effective way to finish the day.
Day 4-5: Ureka paradise & Moka two day journey
Ureka is an unspoiled magnificient place on the southern tip of Bioko Island with waterfalls, seashores and plush jungle. It’s a part of the Reserva Científica de la Caldera de San Carlos and likewise dwelling to the Moaba Turtle Analysis Camp. The Moaba Turtle Analysis Camp contributes to the conservation of sea turtles, including a vital ecological dimension to the world. This scientific reserve showcases the wealthy biodiversity of Bioko Island, making it a really perfect vacation spot for nature lovers. I needed to test this out!
A Ureka day journey
Attending to Ureka takes a while, because it’s a one-hour drive after which a few two-hour hike alongside the seaside, with the identical length for the return journey. Staying in a single day in Ureka is an possibility, particularly if you wish to witness sea turtles, although it’s not necessary. I selected to not keep in a single day attributable to slim probabilities and restricted time. A day journey is possible and offers a chance to discover the world.
When the street concludes close to the seaside, an impressive view unfolds which you’ll see within the above picture! On the parking spot, I became swimwear and commenced the hike. It’s advisable to put on dive sneakers for consolation and safety towards sharp objects. Guarantee to hold enough water, snacks, and, most significantly, sunblock. Roughly midway via, I spent an hour swimming on the waterfalls earlier than continuing to the turtle sanctuary. I introduced alongside chilly beer (which was nonetheless moderately chilly) and snacks. After an hour, it was time to retrace the hike and drive to the lodge in Moka for the night time.
Biao Lake hike
In Moka I had an awesome dinner on the lodge, it was approach an excessive amount of meals. I went to mattress early as the following day a protracted hike into the Reserva Científica de la Caldera de San Carlos was deliberate. The hike would result in Biao Lake which is situated in an outdated volcano. Nonetheless, the following morning, at 8 AM I wakened feeling horrible. It wasn’t the meals, however one thing else. I messaged the guides: No hike right this moment! After having breakfast, and went again to mattress until about 2 PM. Trying again, I believe it was merely not ingesting sufficient water the day earlier than and an excessive amount of sunshine on my head. So, in case you do the hike to Ureka, higher convey a hat too! It wasn’t the Ebola-like virus that hit the mainland of Equatorial Guinea on the similar time. That just about ruined the go to to the mainland, however I did go the following day.
Equatorial Guinea itinerary day 6: Mainland Bata and environment
After a really early flight to Bata, it was time to start out the mainland a part of this Equatorial Guinea itinerary. There are a few locations of curiosity in Bata itself, together with the cathedral, the cornice with the liberation monument, and the world across the library downtown. I might say that Malabo has extra to supply than Bata, however a go to is a must-do. When the morning tour was completed, I checked into Lodge Panafrica, which I extremely advocate. Subsequent to the lodge is a superb restaurant referred to as merely Restaurante Playa for lunch. I had some scrumptious grilled meat so I might be prepared for afternoon actions.
Within the afternon I went a bit north of Bata to Utonde. Right here you discover the river mount of Rio Ue, which is a superb spot for a standard canoe experience. The rest of the afternoon I spend on Utonde seaside. A bit swimming, a chilly beer and a few snacks. As I loved Restaurante Playa I went again for dinner there a effectively.
Day 7: Mainland southern coast day journey
South of Bata, there are a number of locations of curiosity, together with the town of Mbini with its well-known bridge. There may be additionally an exquisite church value stopping by. From Mbini, I like to recommend going all the best way all the way down to Cogo to see the church there and Gabon on the opposite aspect of the river. Visiting the cities there additionally provides a great impression of native life.
On the best way again to Bata I finished at Punta Ilende Pure Reserve. A lush jungle reserve with a small vacationer space the place you may also keep in a single day. The seashores are nice there. After a refreshment, some gentle snacks and a jungle stroll it was time to move again to Bata. Simply earlier than Bata I visited shipwreck seaside and had an awesome dinner at an area restaurant.
Day 8: Nationwide Park Monte Alén hike
If you happen to visited the mainland of Equatorial Guinea then be certain so as to add a Nationwide Park Monte Alén hike to your Equatorial Guinea itinerary. Nationwide Park Monte Alén is a biodiversity haven protecting over 1,400 sq. miles of pristine landscapes. Famend for its dense rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and numerous wildlife, the park is an important conservation space. Residence to uncommon species like forest elephants and chimpanzees, it displays the wealthy biodiversity of Central Africa.
It takes about 90 minutes to succeed in Nationwide Park Monte Alén from Bata, the biggest metropolis on the mainland. After a fast cease on the colonial church in Niefang, it was time to start out the hike. It’s really useful to put on long-sleeved garments because of the presence of tsetse (TEE-tsee) flies, which you don’t wish to get bitten by as they’ll trigger sleeping illness. The forest is extremely dense at sure components, and after about 90 minutes of sweating, I advised the native information it’s sufficient, and we took the quick route again out. I did see elephant tracks, however to really observe them, you need to camp in a single day deep within the jungle close to the watering gap they go to within the morning to drink. After the hike, I freshened up a bit and continued to Oyala to sleep within the magnificent 5-star Djibholo lodge.
The Djibholo lodge in Oyala is a real 5-star lodge, in the course of the jungle. Oyala is the deliberate new capital, extra on that on day 9. Within the afternoon I loved some pool time after which I had a scrumptious dinner on the lodge. This night time I had the perfect night time of sleep in Equatorial Guinea, the beds had been simply so comfy.
Day 9: Central Equatorial Guinea Oyala day journey
After a heavy breakfast I packed, and with the guides went to discover Oyala. Oyala, the deliberate capital of Equatorial Guinea, represents a visionary city improvement initiative. Situated within the Wele-Nzas province, it goals to centralize administrative features and foster nationwide development. Orchestrated by President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Oyala envisions trendy infrastructure, residential complexes, and state-of-the-art amenities. The town’s development is symbolic of Equatorial Guinea’s aspirations for financial diversification and improvement. Many of the buildings had been nonetheless below contruction, together with the presidental palace, however two massive towers had been prepared. I used to be fairly impressed to see these in the course of the jungle.
After the Oyala tour it was time to move again to Bata for the afternoon flight to Bioko. If you happen to make home flights in Equatorial Guinea be certain to fly Cronos Airways. They’re totally on time in contrast to Ceiba Intercontinental which might be hours late or not fly in any respect. I used to be on time however one of many guides took the Ceiba flight an was hours late after midnight.
Equatorial Guinea itinerary day 10: Pico Basilé Nationwide Park & departure
Nationwide Park Pico Basilé makes this Equatorial Guinea itinerary full. It showcases the awe-inspiring great thing about Mount Pico Basilé, the nation’s highest peak. Spanning 3012 meters, the park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Its numerous natural world, together with distinctive chook species and vibrant orchids, present a shocking backdrop for exploration. The park’s trails provide breathtaking views, whereas its conservation efforts shield this ecological gem for future generations to get pleasure from.
I made a decision to take the straightforward route and drive as much as the height of Pico Basilé Nationwide Park. Remember that you require a allow to enter the park, which is checked on the base. Simply earlier than reaching the height, I visited the Basilica of the Virgin, which sadly is generally closed and opens every year for pilgrims. Then, each the guides and I bought fortunate as we had been allowed to drive all the best way as much as the radio station. Contemplating that photographing such issues is strictly forbidden in Equatorial Guinea, it felt unusual to be allowed to roam the station freely. The views all the best way up are wonderful, however attempt to go up on a transparent day.
Time to say goodbye
Within the afternoon, I returned to the Colinas Lodge to refresh, add all images to the cloud, and pack some last issues. My flight was within the night, as soon as once more with Lufthansa, heading again to Amsterdam by way of Brussels and Zurich.
Time handed rapidly as I used to be captivated by the great thing about Equatorial Guinea. I prolong my gratitude to Rumbo Malabo Excursions for all the help in placing collectively this Equatorial Guinea itinerary and making it a memorable journey. The nation is a real gem in Africa.
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Gallery
Click on a picture for a full display gallery of extra images taken throughout this journey. If you happen to like to make use of any picture for business, non-public or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.
