Things to Do in Equatorial Guinea

About Equatorial Guinea

Nestled between Cameroon and Gabon on Central Africa's Atlantic coast, Equatorial Guinea remains one of the continent's most enigmatic destinations, where Spanish colonial heritage blends seamlessly with rich indigenous traditions. This small nation of volcanic islands and lush mainland rainforest offers intrepid travelers a rare glimpse into a world largely untouched by mass tourism, where biodiversity thrives and authentic cultural encounters await at every turn. From the mist-shrouded peaks of Bioko Island to the dense jungles of Río Muni, Equatorial Guinea beckons those seeking to venture beyond the ordinary.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: The local currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), and ATMs are scarce outside Malabo and Bata, so bring euros or US dollars to exchange at banks or authorized exchange offices, as credit cards are rarely accepted.

• Language Preparation: While Spanish is the official language, learning basic French phrases is highly useful as it's widely spoken, and in rural areas of Bioko Island, Portuguese Creole (Fá d'Ambô) is common among locals.

• Transportation Between Islands: To travel between the mainland (Río Muni) and Bioko Island where the capital Malabo is located, book flights with Cronos Airlines or Ceiba Intercontinental well in advance, as ferry services are unreliable and infrequent.

• Photography Restrictions: Never photograph government buildings, military installations, airports, or officials without explicit permission, as Equatorial Guinea has strict laws against unauthorized photography that can result in detention or confiscation of equipment.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Equatorial Guinea is during the dry season from December to February, when temperatures hover around 24-28°C (75-82°F) with significantly lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring Bioko Island's volcanic landscapes and the coastal capital of Malabo. However, this period coincides with higher accommodation prices and the December holidays when locals celebrate New Year's Eve with particular enthusiasm in Malabo and Bata. The long rainy season from March to June brings torrential downpours with up to 250mm monthly rainfall and oppressive humidity exceeding 90%, turning mainland roads into muddy obstacles and making travel to remote areas like Monte Alén National Park extremely challenging, though budget travelers can find significantly discounted hotels during these months. A secondary dry season occurs July through September with moderate temperatures around 26-29°C (79-84°F) and intermittent showers, offering a middle-ground option that includes witnessing Independence Day celebrations on October 12th if you extend into early October, featuring parades and cultural performances in Malabo's central plaza. Avoid October and November entirely, as these months experience the heaviest rainfall (sometimes exceeding 300mm), creating flooding in coastal areas, breeding swarms of mosquitoes that increase malaria risk, and severely limiting wildlife viewing opportunities in the country's rainforest reserves.