Equatorial Guinea is a rustic nestled in central Africa, which you won’t have heard of, or at the very least, it doesn’t come to thoughts as the primary vacation spot in Africa to go to. Nevertheless, 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 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 kind of international locations the place you merely don’t e-book a flight on the spot and determine methods to get round. There are numerous factors to bear in mind when planning an Equatorial Guinea itinerary. For those who observe these easy steps, your journey from day 1 to 10 will probably be clean and gratifying.
Go unbiased or with a tour to Equatorial Guinea
Getting round Equatorial Guinea will not 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 may be simply acquired however takes time. I booked transportation and dealt with all formalities by 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 wonderfully deliberate journey. I extremely advocate utilizing Rumbo Malabo as it’s going to save time and alleviate hassles.
Flights to Equatorial Guinea
Let’s begin by stating that you must 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 decisions 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 just a few passengers, together with myself—leading to a punctual schedule and good service.
Easy methods 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 by 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 is no such thing as a embassy within the Netherlands. Sadly, they by no means replied to me, however fortuitously, the embassy in Berlin, Germany, was exceptionally useful. A giant 5 stars to them for helping me in the very best approach.
Whenever you ship all varieties and your passport to the embassy, guarantee the whole lot is within the right 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 have to be working now. Please be aware that every one doc necessities with translations stay the identical.
Resorts & eating places
There are price range lodges and luxurious lodges, however all are expensive by African requirements. Equatorial Guinea is an costly nation in all features, which is ok. I can extremely advocate staying at Colinas Lodge in Malabo; strive their presidential suite! On one evening, I used to be capable of improve for nearly no price, and it was wonderful – the entire prime ground. 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.
Concerning meals, there are low cost avenue meals choices in addition to upscale restaurant decisions. I made a decision to strive a little bit of the whole lot. For those who’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 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, ensure 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 exterior 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 referred to as it an evening. I’ve made the error too many occasions of constructing the primary day an extended 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 desire 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 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 the town’s historic and cultural significance. Wandering by its streets reveals the attraction 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 digicam and lenses. Regardless of having solely six photographs, 4 of a cultural middle and two of a memorial plaque, they needed to see the photographs. After an intensive dialogue and presenting all permits, I might resume exploring the historic streets, together with the cathedral and library. One explicit 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, situated 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. At present, 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 a fantastic memento to convey house 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 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 capable of 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 occasions, the church stands as a testomony to the cultural and spiritual transformations which have formed the group. Its architectural attraction and spiritual heritage make it a notable landmark within the nation’s historical past. It’s the final surviving wood church on the island. I cherished the stained glass home windows and it’s basic ornament. Make certain to rise up within the tower for some wonderful views however be fastidiously. Funding lacks, and no repairs are accomplished so it might collapse.
It was long gone lunch time once 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. A good 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 house 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 world. This scientific reserve showcases the wealthy biodiversity of Bioko Island, making it an excellent vacation spot for nature fans. 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 necessary. I selected to not keep in a single day as a result of slim possibilities and restricted time. A day journey is possible and supplies a possibility to discover the world.
When the street concludes close to the seaside, a powerful view unfolds which you’ll 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 towards sharp objects. Guarantee to hold enough water, snacks, and, most significantly, sunblock. Roughly midway by, 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 a fantastic dinner on the resort, it was approach an excessive amount of meals. I went to mattress early as the subsequent day an extended 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 previous volcano. Nevertheless, the subsequent morning, at 8 AM I wakened feeling horrible. It wasn’t the meals, however one thing else. I messaged the guides: No hike immediately! After having breakfast, and went again to mattress until about 2 PM. Trying again, I feel it was merely not ingesting sufficient water the day earlier than and an excessive amount of sunshine on my head. So, when 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 identical time. That just about ruined the go to to the mainland, however I did go the subsequent 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 resort 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 just a few locations of curiosity, together with the town of Mbini with its well-known bridge. There’s additionally a phenomenal church price 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 very good 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 move again to Bata. Simply earlier than Bata I visited shipwreck seaside and had a fantastic dinner at a neighborhood restaurant.
Day 8: Nationwide Park Monte Alén hike
For those who visited the mainland of Equatorial Guinea then ensure 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 various 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 helpful to put on long-sleeved garments as a result of 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 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 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 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 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 fashionable infrastructure, residential complexes, and state-of-the-art amenities. The town’s building 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 large 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 ensure that 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 hen 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 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 every year 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 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 photographs 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 great 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 photographs taken throughout this journey. For those who like to make use of any photograph for business, non-public or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.
