Equatorial Guinea sits surrounded by five islands in Central Africa, and it's known for its beautiful mountain views, secret hideaway beaches, and thriving jungles. Contrary to popular belief, Equatorial Guinea is not located on the equator, but 96 miles south of it. From picturesque views of mountains and sea to a bustling capital, art festivals, and delicious food, Equatorial Guinea is a fantastic travel option for anyone looking for the adventure of a lifetime.
01 Bioko Island
Bioko Island is approximately 20 miles off the mainland, and it's considered one of Equatorial Guinea's most treasured places. If you're up for a little adventure, take a guided tour of the rainforest in the Luba Crater Scientific Reserve, where you can get up close and personal with the primates, or hike along the Cameroon Line and observe the chain of volcanoes. On your hike you may spot some exotic birds, so be sure to have your camera ready.
02 Equatorial Guinea Body Painting Festival
If you're planning to visit Equatorial Guinea early in the New Year, make sure to block out a few days for the Equatorial Guinea Body Painting Festival. Artists from around the world head to Bioko Island in early January to put on a mesmerizing living art show featuring beautifully painted models, live music, delicious food, and much more. Mingle with fellow travelers, beautify your body with colorful paints, and experience both local and world culture at this amazing event.
03 Colonial Malabo
For a day filled with history and architectural beauty, take a tour of Colonial Malabo. Located in the heart of Malabo, which is also the capital of Equatorial Guinea, Colonial Malabo takes you back in time to the early 1800s. Book a walking tour and visit the Presidential Palace, the National Library, Independence Square, and take in the amazing scenery of the exquisitely preserved architecture. When you're ready for a mid-day snack, stop by the Central Market for delicious food and a taste of local culture.
04 Photo Walk of Sipopo Coast
For some great photo-ops, fresh air, and a day of true sightseeing, book a walking tour of the Sipopo Coast. The guided tour takes you along the coastline, where you'll experience breathtaking views of the ocean and landscapes. Depending on the time and route of your tour, you may also have the opportunity to purchase fresh local seafood and other items along the way, as well as chat with locals about their life on the island.
05 Safari Through Monte Alen National Park
Founded in 1990, Monte Alen National Park is one of Equatorial Guinea's most visited natural attractions. Surrounded by mountains and home to over 265 species of birds, this paradise on earth is the perfect backdrop for a safari tour. 105 mammal species including 16 primate species call the park home, so you're sure to spot elephants, gorillas, and chimps, as well as an abundance of reptiles, including crocodiles and Goliath frogs, also known as the largest living frogs on earth.
06 Freedom Tower
Celebrate Equatorial Guinea's independence with a day trip to the Torre de Libertad, also known as the Freedom Tower. The tower sits along the coast of Bata, surrounded by lush green gardens with views of the mountains in the distance. Its shape is similar to the Eiffel Tower, and it has an observation deck about halfway up for spectacular views from the inside.
07 Malabo Marketplace
For a fun day of shopping, head over to Malabo's outdoor marketplace. The bustling hub in Equatorial Guinea's capital is extremely popular among locals and visitors alike, and the energy of the people is contagious. Browse the abundance of shops, purchase some fresh seafood, sample exotic meats such as tortoise or porcupine, or pick up some souvenirs to remind you of your adventure.
08 Arena Blanca Beach
For a fun day filled with sun, sand, and magical butterflies, pay a visit to Arena Blanca Beach in Luba. Known for its white sandy shores and clouds of gorgeous breeding butterflies, this beach provides the perfect setting for a leisure day on the water. Pack a picnic and stretch out on the sand, or stroll the shoreline with your camera and capture some fantastic Instagrammable photos of the surrounding beauty.
09 Ureka Village
Visit Ureka Village and spend the day watching sea turtles frolic. This quaint, magical spot is just 30 miles from the capital on Bioko Island, and it's known for its sea turtle population during the dry season when they lay their eggs on the beach before heading back to the ocean. Ureka Village is also home to the Eoli River, complete with waterfalls and lush greenery.
10 Cathedral de Santa Isabel
Cathedral de Santa Isabel sits on Independence Avenue in Malabo, and it's one of Equatorial Guinea's most breathtaking sites. The cathedral still holds services and choir performances, and the high vaulted ceilings provide fantastic acoustics for an amazing auditory experience. If you visit during non-service hours, you can tour the historic structure and take in the incredible scenery.
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