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Equatorial Guinea is a rustic nestled in central Africa, which you may not have heard of, or not less than, 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 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 need 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 work out easy methods 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 clean and satisfying.
Go impartial or with a tour to Equatorial Guinea
Getting round Equatorial Guinea just 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 might 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 wonderfully deliberate journey. I extremely suggest utilizing Rumbo Malabo as it would save time and alleviate hassles.
Flights to Equatorial Guinea
Let’s begin by declaring 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 finest decisions are Air France, Lufthansa, or Ethiopian Airways. I personally booked with Lufthansa as they have been working a enterprise class promotion from Amsterdam for simply 1250 euros. This promotion was accessible 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.
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 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 is no such thing as 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 aiding me in the very best approach.
If you ship all varieties and your passport to the embassy, guarantee all the things 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 knowledge twice in English. Other than this error on my half, all the things went easily.
UPDATE: The e-visa system should be working now. Please be aware that every one doc necessities with translations stay the identical.
Motels & eating places
There are funds motels and luxurious motels, however all are dear by African requirements. Equatorial Guinea is an costly nation in all elements, which is okay. I can extremely suggest staying at Colinas Lodge in Malabo; attempt their presidential suite! On one night time, I used to be in a position to improve for nearly no value, and it was superb – the entire high 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 superb. Extra on that within the Equatorial Guinea itinerary day report beneath.
Concerning meals, there are low cost avenue meals choices in addition to upscale restaurant decisions. I made a decision to attempt a little bit of all the things. For those who’re into bush meat, there are many choices accessible. Test the day by day choices. The native beer just isn’t nice, however there are higher choices from Spain and Portugal accessible.
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, make sure that to go to Pico Basilé Nationwide Park in your first day.
I arrived round 7 PM. My guides from Rumbo Malabo Excursions have 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 an extended 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 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 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 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. Images guidelines have 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 needed to see the pictures. 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 gives 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 function in Equatorial Guinea’s financial system. In the present day, 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 important memento to deliver 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 long-lasting 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 have 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 non secular transformations which have formed the neighborhood. Its architectural attraction and non secular 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 basic ornament. Be sure to rise up within the tower for some superb views however be rigorously. Funding lacks, and no repairs are performed so it might 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 seashore the meals stalls have 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. 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 luxurious 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 a vital ecological dimension to the world. This scientific reserve showcases the wealthy biodiversity of Bioko Island, making it an excellent 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 seashore, with the identical length for the return journey. Staying in a single day in Ureka is an choice, particularly if you wish to witness sea turtles, although it’s not obligatory. I selected to not keep in a single day because of slim probabilities and restricted time. A day journey is possible and offers a possibility to discover the world.
When the street concludes close to the seashore, a powerful view unfolds which you’ll see within the above photograph! On the parking spot, I became swimwear and commenced the hike. It’s advisable to put on dive sneakers 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 moderately chilly) and snacks. After an hour, it was time to retrace the hike and drive to the resort in Moka for the night time.
Biao Lake hike
In Moka I had an important 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 outdated volcano. Nonetheless, the subsequent morning, at 8 AM I awoke feeling horrible. It wasn’t the meals, however one thing else. I messaged the guides: No hike as we speak! 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, 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 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 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 Lodge 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 trip. The rest of the afternoon I spend on Utonde seashore. 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 a number of locations of curiosity, together with town of Mbini with its well-known bridge. There’s additionally a ravishing church price 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 aspect of the river. Visiting the cities there additionally offers a great impression of native life.
On the way in which again to Bata I ended 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 seashore and had an important dinner at a neighborhood restaurant.
Day 8: Nationwide Park Monte Alén hike
For those who visited the mainland of Equatorial Guinea then make 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 overlaying 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 biggest metropolis on the mainland. After a fast cease on the colonial church in Niefang, it was time to begin the hike. It’s advisable to put on long-sleeved garments because of the presence of tsetse (TEE-tsee) flies, which you don’t need 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 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 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 resort. This night time I had the perfect night time of sleep in Equatorial Guinea, the beds have 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 improvement initiative. Positioned within the Wele-Nzas province, it goals to centralize administrative capabilities and foster nationwide development. Orchestrated by President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Oyala envisions fashionable infrastructure, residential complexes, and state-of-the-art services. The town’s building is symbolic of Equatorial Guinea’s aspirations for financial diversification and improvement. A lot of the buildings have been nonetheless underneath contruction, together with the presidental palace, however two massive towers have 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. For those who make home flights in Equatorial Guinea make sure that to fly Cronos Airways. They’re totally on time not like 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 wildlife, together with distinctive hen species and vibrant orchids, present a surprising backdrop for exploration. The park’s trails supply breathtaking views, whereas its conservation efforts shield this ecological gem for future generations to get pleasure from.
I made a decision to take the simple route and drive as much as the height of Pico Basilé Nationwide Park. Take into account 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 acquired fortunate as we have 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 superb, 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 pictures to the cloud, and pack some remaining 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 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 pictures taken throughout this journey. For those who like to make use of any photograph for business, personal or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.
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