Equatorial Guinea is a rustic nestled in central Africa, which you may not have heard of, or at the 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 filled 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 consists of 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 guide a flight on the spot and determine find out how to get round. There are numerous factors to remember when planning an Equatorial Guinea itinerary. For those who comply with these easy steps, your journey from day 1 to 10 might be easy and satisfying.
Go impartial or with a tour to Equatorial Guinea
Getting round Equatorial Guinea isn’t 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 may 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 at last, we got here up with a superbly deliberate journey. I extremely suggest utilizing Rumbo Malabo as it’ll save time and alleviate hassles.
Flights to Equatorial Guinea
Let’s begin by mentioning that you need to keep away from CEIBA, the nationwide airline, in any respect prices. They do function flights, however they have an inclination 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 greatest selections are Air France, Lufthansa, or Ethiopian Airways. I personally booked with Lufthansa as they had been working 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.
The way to get an Equatorial Guinea visa
Getting an Equatorial Guinean visa might be essentially the most difficult half. Their e-visa system has skilled delays, necessitating utility 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 a embassy within the Netherlands. Sadly, they by no means replied to me, however luckily, the embassy in Berlin, Germany, was exceptionally useful. A giant 5 stars to them for helping me in the absolute best means.
Whenever you ship all types and your passport to the embassy, guarantee every 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 data twice in English. Other than this error on my half, every thing went easily.
UPDATE: The e-visa system should be working now. Please observe that each one doc necessities with translations stay the identical.
Resorts & eating places
There are finances lodges and luxurious lodges, however all are dear by African requirements. Equatorial Guinea is an costly nation in all points, which is okay. I can extremely suggest staying at Colinas Resort in Malabo; strive their presidential suite! On one evening, I used to be in a position to improve for nearly no value, and it was wonderful – the entire high ground. In Moka, I stayed an evening at Resort Moka, which is a bit outdated, however the service and meals are nice. On the mainland in Bata, I like to recommend Resort Panafrica, which is superb, however within the new capital, the Grand Resort Djibholo is wonderful. Extra on that within the Equatorial Guinea itinerary day report beneath.
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 thing. For those who’re into bush meat, there are many choices out there. Examine the each day choices. The native beer isn’t 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 recommend doing.
Equatorial Guinea itinerary day 1: Arrival
For those who arrive on an intercontinental flight, you most likely 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 outdoors the terminal. They’ve a ardour for his or her nation, which I admire, they usually went past what I anticipated. After a brief introduction and going over the itinerary, I known as it an evening. I’ve made the error too many instances of constructing the primary day a protracted evening after which being drained the entire journey.
Equatorial Guinea itinerary day 2: Malabo metropolis tour
A Malabo metropolis tour doubtless lasts solely half a day, however I want to take it simple on the primary day to arrange for your entire 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 wonderful 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 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 in addition 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. Images 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 pictures, 4 of a cultural middle and two of a memorial plaque, they wished to see the pictures. After an intensive dialogue and presenting all permits, I may resume exploring the historic streets, together with the cathedral and library. One specific home, La Casa Verder, caught my eye. It presents 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, positioned in Malabo, carries historic significance as a plantation property relationship again to colonial instances. Initially established for cocoa cultivation, it performed a pivotal function in Equatorial Guinea’s financial system. At this time, the property retains remnants of its colonial previous and a tour is a must-do in Malabo. A Finca Sampaka tour offers a glimpse into the historic roots of agriculture within the area. Their chocolate makes an excellent memento to convey house for household as properly.
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 town of Luba and additional south to the enduring Batete Church. In Luba, the principle pursuits are the assorted 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 fashionable 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 in a position to grant a peek inside because the supervisor wasn’t there. The place holds potential for a small luxurious resort 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. Be certain to stand up within the tower for some wonderful views however be rigorously. Funding lacks, and no repairs are executed so it may collapse.
It was long gone lunch time after I arrived at Playa de Area 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, rooster 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 in addition house 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 great vacation spot for nature fanatics. I needed to examine 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 period 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 obligatory. I selected to not keep in a single day as a result of slim possibilities and restricted time. A day journey is possible and offers a possibility to discover the world.
When the street concludes close to the seaside, a powerful view unfolds which you’ll be able to see within the above photograph! On the parking spot, I become swimwear and commenced the hike. It’s advisable to put on dive footwear for consolation and safety in opposition to sharp objects. Guarantee to hold adequate 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 resort in Moka for the evening.
Biao Lake hike
In Moka I had an excellent dinner on the resort, it was means 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 positioned in an previous 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 now! 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, if you happen to 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 identical 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 begin 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’d 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 Resort Panafrica, which I extremely suggest. Subsequent to the resort is a superb restaurant known as merely Restaurante Playa for lunch. I had some scrumptious grilled meat so I’d 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 journey. 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 properly.
Day 7: Mainland southern coast day journey
South of Bata, there are just a few locations of curiosity, together with town of Mbini with its well-known bridge. There may be additionally a stupendous church value stopping by. From Mbini, I like to recommend going all the way in which right down to Cogo to see the church there and Gabon on the opposite facet of the river. Visiting the cities there additionally offers a very good impression of native life.
On the way in which again to Bata I finished at Punta Ilende Pure Reserve. A lush jungle reserve with a small vacationer space the place you can even keep in a single day. The seashores are nice there. After a refreshment, some mild snacks and a jungle stroll it was time to move again to Bata. Simply earlier than Bata I visited shipwreck seaside and had an excellent dinner at an area restaurant.
Day 8: Nationwide Park Monte Alén hike
For those who 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 overlaying over 1,400 sq. miles of pristine landscapes. Famend for its dense rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and various wildlife, the park is an important conservation space. House 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 begin the hike. It’s beneficial 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 elements, and after about 90 minutes of sweating, I informed the native information it’s sufficient, and we took the quick route again out. I did see elephant tracks, however to truly observe them, you must 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 resort.
The Djibholo resort in Oyala is a real 5-star resort, in the midst 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 resort. This evening I had the very best evening 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. Positioned within the Wele-Nzas province, it goals to centralize administrative features and foster nationwide development. Orchestrated by President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Oyala envisions fashionable infrastructure, residential complexes, and state-of-the-art amenities. Town’s development is symbolic of Equatorial Guinea’s aspirations for financial diversification and improvement. A lot of the buildings had been nonetheless below contruction, together with the presidental palace, however two huge towers had been prepared. I used to be fairly impressed to see these in the midst of the jungle.
After the Oyala tour it was time to move again to Bata for the afternoon flight to Bioko. For those who make home flights in Equatorial Guinea be certain to fly Cronos Airways. They’re totally on time not like Ceiba Intercontinental which may 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 fantastic thing about Mount Pico Basilé, the nation’s highest peak. Spanning 3012 meters, the park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Its various natural world, together with distinctive chook species and vibrant orchids, present a surprising backdrop for exploration. The park’s trails provide breathtaking views, whereas its conservation efforts shield this ecological gem for future generations to take pleasure in.
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 usually closed and opens every year for pilgrims. Then, each the guides and I received fortunate as we had been allowed to drive all the way in which 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 way in which up are wonderful, however attempt to go up on a transparent day.
Time to say goodbye
Within the afternoon, I returned to the Colinas Resort to refresh, add all pictures to the cloud, and pack some closing issues. My flight was within the night, as soon as once more with Lufthansa, heading again to Amsterdam through Brussels and Zurich.
Time handed shortly as I used to be captivated by the fantastic thing about Equatorial Guinea. I lengthen 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 pictures taken throughout this journey. For those who like to make use of any photograph for industrial, personal or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.
