Equatorial Guinea is most definitely one of our more unusual destinations and certainly not an obvious choice for a holiday. This country is still in the early stages of opening up to tourism. It wasn’t so long ago that tourist visas were almost unheard of, and visitors were viewed with suspicion, not least because of an attempted mercenary coup in the mid-2000s.
It doesn’t have an established tourist trail to follow and there are few traditional tourist sights. Coming to Equatorial Guinea is more about the experience of visiting a part of Africa that exists very much on its own terms, with no concessions to visitors. English is rarely spoken here, so learning a few key phrases in Spanish will really help.
With e-visas now available, it is becoming a lot easier to visit EG and earlier this year our team accompanied a group on our Island Africa – Equatorial Guinea tour and loved the sense of adventure and the lack of tourism.
Where is Equatorial Guinea?
Equatorial Guinea sits in the Gulf of Guinea and is split between an island section – Bioko, home to the capital Malabo – and the mainland section, Rio Muni. It’s one of the least-known and least-visited countries in Africa, making it an exciting destination for Africa enthusiasts and irresistible for those wanting to visit every country on the continent.
Much of the country is swathed in dense forest, home to a wide array of primates (including gorillas on the mainland), while its palm-fringed tropical beaches are to die for. Equatorial Guinea also has two far-flung outposts – Corisco, a small island 30km from the mainland, and the island of Annobon, approximately 500km to the south and incredibly remote – closer to Sao Tomé than it is to Equatorial Guinea. See our blog for a more in-depth overview of travel in the Central Africa region.
Best time to visit Equatorial Guinea
Our group tour operates once a year, in January, which is during one of the dry, less humid seasons (June to August and December to February). The weather in January is mainly sunny and dry, with barely, if any, rainfall. Expect temperatures of around 27°C and up. When it comes to packing, lightweight breathable clothing is essential – in light colours (dark colours may attract mosquitos) – and a wide-brimmed hat is also a good idea.
History, colonisation & independence
Before European contact, the region was inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Fang, Bubi, and Ndowe peoples, who developed distinct societies with rich cultural traditions. European exploration of the area began in the late 15th century, with Portuguese, Dutch and British traders establishing trade routes along the West African coast. In the 18th century, the Portuguese ceded control to the Spanish, who focused mainly on exploiting its natural resources such as cocoa and coffee.
Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain in 1968, following a period of nationalist movements. Despite its small size, it has significant oil reserves, which have played a central role in shaping its modern history. The discovery of oil in the 1990s brought newfound wealth, as seen in the modern buildings and shiny 4WD vehicles found in the capital Malabo.
Places to visit in Equatorial Guinea
Malabo
The vibrant little capital of Malabo on the north coast of the island of Bioko was founded by the British in 1827 and chosen to replace the mainland city of Bata as the capital in 1969. A tropical metropolis with an intriguing blend of Spanish colonial architecture and modern developments, it offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and historical tapestry of the region.
As you explore its streets, we encounter bustling markets where locals trade everything from fresh produce and fish to artisan crafts. Malabo’s diverse cultural landscape reflects the fusion of Indigenous traditions with Spanish influences, which is evident in the city’s architecture – most notably the colonial-era Cathedral of Santa Isabel.
Luba and Moka
With few specific ‘sights’, one of the best things to do in Equatorial Guinea (as indeed in much of Africa) is people-watch. Driving through small towns and villages allowed us to witness how locals live and gave us an insight into this tiny nation. On the way to Moka, we passed through Luba, a small town with colonial architecture.
On the heights of the volcanic massif, Moka is a good place to appreciate the island’s endemic forest and learn about the culture of the Bubi people. This is also a great place for hiking – we took a short but steep hike through the rainforest to the Ilayadi waterfalls.
Ureka
A reasonable level of fitness is needed for this – it involves wading through tidal rivers and trekking through rainforest. But once you arrive at your camp, you have the opportunity to see turtles coming ashore at night. The camp is part of an NGO protection project that contributes towards their conservation here. Species that come ashore to nest include green, olive ridley, hawksbill and leatherback turtles.
Bata
The lively city on the continental part of Equatorial Guinea is much larger than Malabo, but you will struggle to find another tourist here, and your visit will be met with curious stares. Strolling down the modern waterfront to the market, we took in everything from mangos to monkeys, before heading to the beach to watch local fishermen at work.
Despite its urban hustle and bustle, Bata maintains a laid-back coastal vibe, with palm-fringed boulevards and pretty waterfront promenades inviting leisurely strolls. The city’s beaches, Mbini Beach and Bata Beach are pristine stretches of sand against the backdrop of the Atlantic waves.
Mongomo and Oyala
On the way to the glitzy town of Oyala, we passed by Mongomo. The highlight here is its basilica – currently the largest religious building in Central Africa, modelled on St Peter’s in Rome. This once quiet town is slowly being transformed into a modern city and the basilica seems to be a key meeting place for locals.
Oyala is a planned city and the proposed future capital of Equatorial Guinea. Situated in the heart of the country, nestled amidst lush rainforests and rolling hills, it’s still very much in the planning stages but the aim is to accommodate a growing population and relocated government departments. It promises to be very much in the same vein as Yamoussoukro in Ivory Coast – a rather odd, specifically created city in the middle of the jungle, at odds with everything around it, but interesting nonetheless.
Visit Equatorial Guinea on a tour or bespoke trip
If our account has intrigued you, have a look at our 10-day Island Africa – Equatorial Guinea tour, which explores both the mainland and the island of Bioko.
To discuss a trip, call us on 01473 328546 or use our contact page. We’d love to hear from you!
Other blog posts you may like:
Visit Socotra – the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean
West Africa Holidays for First-Timers
Central Africa Travel & Tours
Native Eye’s Top Small Group Tours
Pictorial Guide to Senegal
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