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 key 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 nations the place you merely don’t ebook a flight on the spot and work out the way to get round. There are numerous factors to bear in mind when planning an Equatorial Guinea itinerary. In the event you observe these easy steps, your journey from day 1 to 10 might be easy and gratifying.
Go impartial or with a tour to Equatorial Guinea
Getting round Equatorial Guinea will not be easy 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 by means of 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 declaring that it is best 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 nations, there aren’t many choices from abroad. On this case, your finest decisions 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 just a few passengers, together with myself—leading to a punctual schedule and good service.
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 by means of an embassy. As a citizen of the Netherlands, the official process can 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 happily, the embassy in Berlin, Germany, was exceptionally useful. A giant 5 stars to them for helping me in the absolute best approach.
Whenever you ship all varieties and your passport to the embassy, guarantee the whole lot 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. Aside from this error on my half, the whole lot went easily.
UPDATE: The e-visa system should be working now. Please observe that each one doc necessities with translations stay the identical.
Lodges & eating places
There are finances resorts and luxurious resorts, however all are dear by African requirements. Equatorial Guinea is an costly nation in all features, which is okay. I can extremely suggest staying at Colinas Resort in Malabo; attempt their presidential suite! On one evening, I used to be in a position to improve for nearly no price, and it was superb – the entire prime flooring. 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 great, however within the new capital, the Grand Resort Djibholo is superb. Extra on that within the Equatorial Guinea itinerary day report beneath.
Relating to meals, there are low cost road meals choices in addition to upscale restaurant decisions. I made a decision to attempt a little bit of the whole lot. In the event you’re into bush meat, there are many choices out there. Verify the every day choices. The native beer will not 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
In the event you 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 sure that 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 respect, they usually 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 occasions of creating 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 choose to take it straightforward on the primary day to organize for all the 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 alternative 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 by means of its streets reveals the appeal 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 wildlife, 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 digicam and lenses. Regardless of having solely six images, 4 of a cultural middle and two of a memorial plaque, they wished to see the images. After a radical 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 affords the distinctive expertise of reserving a conventional 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 occasions. Initially established for cocoa cultivation, it performed a pivotal position in Equatorial Guinea’s economic system. Right this moment, 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 awesome memento to deliver residence for household as nicely.
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 primary 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 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 go 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 occasions, the church stands as a testomony to the cultural and spiritual transformations which have formed the group. Its architectural appeal 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 liked the stained glass home windows and it’s common ornament. Be certain to rise up within the tower for some superb views however be rigorously. Funding lacks, and no repairs are performed so it may collapse.
It was long gone lunch time once I arrived at Playa de Area Blanca which was allright as I usually do probably not 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 luxurious jungle. It’s a part of the Reserva Científica de la Caldera de San Carlos and likewise residence to the Moaba Turtle Analysis Camp. The Moaba Turtle Analysis Camp contributes to the conservation of sea turtles, including an important ecological dimension to the realm. This scientific reserve showcases the wealthy biodiversity of Bioko Island, making it a really perfect vacation spot for nature lovers. I needed to verify 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 consequence of slim probabilities and restricted time. A day journey is possible and gives a possibility to discover the realm.
When the street concludes close to the seaside, an impressive view unfolds which you’ll be able to see within the above photograph! On the parking spot, I turned into 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 enough water, snacks, and, most significantly, sunblock. Roughly midway by means of, I spent an hour swimming on the waterfalls earlier than continuing to the turtle sanctuary. I introduced alongside chilly beer (which was nonetheless fairly 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 awesome dinner on the resort, 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 positioned 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 at the moment! After having breakfast, and went again to mattress until about 2 PM. Trying again, I believe it was merely not consuming sufficient water the day earlier than and an excessive amount of sunshine on my head. So, in the event you do the hike to Ureka, higher deliver 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 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 realm 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 referred to 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 conventional 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 nicely.
Day 7: Mainland southern coast day journey
South of Bata, there are a number of locations of curiosity, together with town of Mbini with its well-known bridge. There may be additionally a ravishing 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 facet of the river. Visiting the cities there additionally offers an excellent 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 mild snacks and a jungle stroll it was time to go 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
In the event you visited the mainland of Equatorial Guinea then be sure that 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 a crucial 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 achieve Nationwide Park Monte Alén from Bata, the most important metropolis on the mainland. After a fast cease on the colonial church in Niefang, it was time to begin 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 will trigger sleeping illness. The forest is extremely dense at sure elements, and after about 90 minutes of sweating, I instructed 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 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 perfect evening of sleep in Equatorial Guinea, the beds had been simply so snug.
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 growth initiative. Positioned within the Wele-Nzas province, it goals to centralize administrative features and foster nationwide progress. Orchestrated by President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Oyala envisions trendy infrastructure, residential complexes, and state-of-the-art amenities. Town’s development is symbolic of Equatorial Guinea’s aspirations for financial diversification and growth. A lot of the buildings had been nonetheless underneath 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 go again to Bata for the afternoon flight to Bioko. In the event you make home flights in Equatorial Guinea be sure that to fly Cronos Airways. They’re totally on time in contrast to 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 numerous wildlife, together with distinctive fowl species and vibrant orchids, present a shocking backdrop for exploration. The park’s trails provide breathtaking views, whereas its conservation efforts defend this ecological gem for future generations to take pleasure in.
I made a decision to take the simple route and drive as much as the height of Pico Basilé Nationwide Park. Understand 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 yearly for pilgrims. Then, each the guides and I received 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 superb, 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 images to the cloud, and pack some ultimate 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 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 screen gallery of extra images taken throughout this journey. In the event you like to make use of any photograph for business, personal or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.
