Equatorial Guinea
Eco-friendly travel guide to Equatorial Guinea advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Equatorial Guinea, Africa.
- Air quality: 2 / 5
- Bus connections: 2 / 5
- Train connections: 3 / 5
- Hitchhiking: 3 / 5
- National parks: 3 / 5
- Outdoor activities: 3 / 5
- Locals' English level: 3 / 5
- Safety: 3 / 5
- Accommodation: US$10 - $50
- Budget per day: US$30 - $80
Contents
Responsible Travel
This country is officially known as the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, and this country is located on the west coast of Central Africa. The area of this country is 28,050 km², and the estimated population is around 1454789 people. This country got its independence from Spain in 1968. The majority of the people living here are Christian. Different ethnic groups present in this country include Fang, Bubi, Ndowe, Annobon, Bujeba, and Igbo. Out of this, majority of people belong to the Fang group. This country is divided into two main parts, which include the insular region and mainland region. This country has a tropical climate with an average rainfall of up to 190 mm.
Air Quality and Pollution
The air quality of this country is not good. According to standards set by the world health organization, it is found that the air of this country is unsafe. Different surveys have found different reasons for such air pollution for example burning of petroleum, natural gas, and sawmilling. The electricity-generating plants which generate high power electricity consume a lot of fossil fuel while converting into electricity. These fossil fuels, when burnt, create a lot of pollution in air in the form of smoke and other harmful pollutants, which degrades the quality of air. It was further found that some of the chemicals other than smoke released by these industries include VOCs, PM, SO2, and NOx; these are the chemicals released in the majority form. Due to updated technology and equipment for supplying electricity to industries and residential areas, there are many blackouts. Therefore many of the industries use small generators which consume diesel as a backup source. Consumption of diesel for the generation of electricity also creates a lot of pollution. The majority of the vehicles which run on the road of this country are not maintained properly, which results in higher emission of smoke. Some other reasons include that the fuel which is consumed by these vehicles is not of good quality. More to this even the public vehicles such as buses are not maintained properly. These are the reasons which deteriorate the atmospheric air thus causing air pollution.
Respect the Culture
As this country is present in Africa, you can witness a lot of African culture in this country. This country still maintains the ancient rituals and practices. The ancient civilization that was living in this country was known as Fang or Ekang. It was a group of people who were living in the rain forest region. There is an influence of Spanish customs and traditions in the capital island of Bioko; this is because of the colonial period. The farmers who belong to the Bantu group still practice ancient customs. One of the famous cultural festivals includes Abira, which is celebrated to clean the evil community. Religion also affects the culture of the place, and the majority of the people living in this country are Christian. Out of all Christian living here, many are Roman Catholics. These Spanish and roman Catholicism religions influence more in Bioko than on the mainland of this country. The majority of the people of this country belong to the Fang group. More to this, the cultural music involves the Pan African style.
Top 10 Places to Visit
The ones listed below are the top ten places you need to visit if you are in this country. These places are the most popular among the country and a lot of tourist visits these places. Some of the places include popular cities, and the rest of them include provinces in which this country is divided. Few of the islands are also present in this list as this country also includes five small islands out of which some are isolated.
- Bioko: It is the northern part of the country and an island with around 335048 populations. The area of this island is 2,017 km². This island is a volcanic island and has mountains, out of which the height of one of the mountain is 3017 meters. This mountain, with a height of 3017 meters, forms the highest elevation of this island. The ethnic group living in this country includes 58% of Bubi, 16% of fang, and 12% of Ferdinando.
- Annobon: It is a province of this country with a total area of around 17 km². The highest elevation of this place is 598 meters. The capital of this province is San Antonio de Palè. This province's total population is 5314 people, which creates a density of 315 people per square kilometer. There is a crater lake in this province called Lago A Por and a mountain called Quioveo, which forms the country's highest elevation.
- Bioko North: This province's total area is 776 km², and it is present in Bioko Island on the northern part of it. The total population of evicts was calculated in 2015 was 300,374 people. You will find a lot of people who belong to the Bubi group in this province. There is a national park in this province with an area of 330 hectares.
- Centro Sur: It is a province, and the capital of this province is Evinayong. There are three towns in this province which are Akurenam, Niewfang, and Evinayong. The area of this province is 9931 km². The population of this province is 141,986, which creates a density of 14 people per square kilometer.
- Djibloho: It is the latest province of this country which was formed in 2017. This province consists of a main district called Ciudad de la Plaz. This city was earlier known as Oyala till 2017 when its name was changed.
- Kie-Ntem: The capital of this province is Evebiyin. The area of this province is 3943 km². The total population in this province is 183663. It creates a density of 47 people per square kilometer. The name of this province was kept after river Kie and Ntem river.
- Litoral: This province has the highest population out of the entire provinces. The area of this province is around 6665 km². This province's population is 367,348 people, which creates a density of 55 people per square kilometer. The capital of this province is Bata.
- Well-Naas: The area of this province is 5026 km². The total population of this country is 192,017 people. The largest city of this province is Mongomo which is also the capital of this province. This province also has two national parks named Altos de Nsork National Park and Monte Temelon National park.
- Malabo: It is the capital of this country which was founded in 1827. It is the oldest city in this country with an area of 21 km². It is densely populated with around 297,000 people. The official language of this city is Spanish.
- Bata: It is a port city of this country with a population of 173046 according to 2016 statistics. The elevation of this city is 5 meters. This city also has an airport called Bata airport. If you love to enjoy the nightlife, this is the best city because many tourists visit this city just to enjoy the nightlife. This city is present on the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore
This country's total area is 28050 square kilometers, which means that this country covers a very large area. There are different means of transport through which you can explore the city easily. Walking and cycling are the best means through which will not only help you to explore new things but also will help you to remain fit during your trip to this country. There are different things to explore, and one of the best things in this country is the handicraft market. There is a very famous handicraft market in Malabo where you can find different hand-made items. It is present in this center mark it off Malabo Will stop this local craft market includes statues made from rosewood, mahogany, ebony Woods and the statues are made by Fang tribe. There are other items such as necklaces and bracelets made up of malachite, and also, there are ebony masks and necklace sand statuettes. There are other things in this country which can also be explored such as local food Market where you can find local dishes. There are other things to explore, such as city parks or national parks where you can find trees, plants, herbs, their uses, and animals.
City Parks
City parks include those parks which are very famous in that particular city. City Park does not mean that it should be a well-established park with trees or gardens. Other than this there are amusement parks which are also considered as city parks where you can enjoy a one day picnic or a trip. Other than this, the water park is also counted as City Park, where there are water rides, and you can enjoy it. There is a normal city park present in Malabo. This park is opened for tourists; you can enjoy your time in this park between nature which can help you feel fresh and relaxed. The environment in this park is very fresh, and it is very relaxing. The park authorities mention no closing or opening time; therefore, you have to inquire about this park's timing. More to this, you can walk barefoot on the green grass in this park as it will relax your body. There are walking tracks built in this park to walk on that concrete park and move around the park.
- Parque publico de alcaide
National Parks
Three national parks in this country are established to prevent and conserve nature. The first one is Altos de Nsork National Park which covers an area of around 6700 square kilometers. It is a large park, and towards the west side, this park is connected with Abang River, and on the southern and eastern side, there are roads; you can even find roads present in this park. There are many wild animals in this park, and there is Gabonese forest; these wild animals include chimpanzees, gorillas, black colobus, mandrels, forest buffaloes, and red river pigs. This park was established in 2000. The next park is Monte Alen national park, spread over a large area estimated to be around 2000 square kilometers. As it covers an area of 2000 kilometer square, therefore, this is the largest national park in this country. This park has the highest number of frog species globally; the name of the frog is the Goliath frog which can grow up to 32 centimeters. The elevation of this park is around 300 to 1250 meters. This park was declared as a national park in 2000 by the president of that time. This park even has the two highest mountain peaks: Monte alen and Monte Mitra; these mountains serve as the major source of the river. There are trekking paths present for tourists. On the western side, this park is connected with the Euro River. There are around 265 species of birds in this park. The third national park is called Pico Basile national park, which was established in 2000. It is present in Biko, which forms the northern part of this country.
Beaches
There are Beaches present in this country as this country has five islands. One of the beaches named Elena beach, which is present in Bioko island, which belongs to this country, is a small beach, and there are not many people; therefore, you will not find too much crowd on this beach. This beach is best if you want to spend some time with your friends, family or partner. It is a Quiet beach, and it is surrounded by trees all over. The fresh sea breeze and 30s will help you in getting relaxed here. It is a good place if you want to relax or spend some time. Even the water does not have high or many waves. The one thing that can trouble you is that there is no restaurant near this beach; therefore, if you want to have some snacks, you have to bring your own. Next is Corisco beach, which is present on Corisco Island. This beach is present on the eastern coast of this island. The sand is right, and the water is very clean. You must know that the water in this beach is rich in marine life, so you can dive in to do water or even snorkel to experience the rich marine life. While visiting this beach, you should bring your essential items as there are not many of the things available on this island. The next beach is la ferme beach which is present in Bata. There are visitors to this beach, so even if you're traveling alone and visiting this beach alone, then you can make new friends here. There is also a restaurant near the beach that serves popular seafood, and the staffs are highly professional and friendly. There is no issue with swimming in the water. If you are a solo traveler, you can visit ferme beach, and if you want to spend some, then there are corisco beach and Elena beach. There are other beaches also present, such as Otonde beach and del palmar beach.
Landmarks
There are different types of landmarks present in this country to represent different provinces or places. There is a Saint Elizabeth cathedral present in Malabo, which is the capital of this country. This cathedral's unique thing is that this is considered the largest Christian Church in the entire nation. However, it took around 19 to 20 years to complete this cathedral, and it was ready for inauguration in 1916. The architecture of this cathedral is in a new gothic style, and two towers and both are at an equal height of 40 meters. Another landmark is Saint James and Our Lady of the pillar cathedral, which is present in Bata. It is a Catholic Church inaugurated in 1954, and it took around three to four years to complete this Church. This Church was under renovation in 2000, and the renovation of this Church was completed in 2005. One of the natural occurring landmarks and wonders present on this island is Lube Crater, present in Bioko Sur. This crater's diameter is estimated around 5 kilometers, and this crater is surrounded by rims all over heightened around 1 kilometer. Trees and dense vegetation surround this crater. Another is Benson falls, which is 40 meters tall with a width up to 80 meters wide. There are other present such as Mosumo falls, Bantabare caves.
Museums
There are two famous museums present in this country. There are a lot of benefits of visiting a museum. The museum can help you to increase your general knowledge. Museum will help you boost your self-confidence as you'll start beginning To gain a lot of knowledge, therefore, you will become superior to many people around the world. Museums are a great way of learning many things that too in a visual form with understanding proper evidence and as the learning and visuals will be understood by you, therefore, there will not be any barrier. Visuals help us learn better than text. There are different types of museums present in this country so that a person can visit that museum in which he has an interest. Visiting a museum must be through own self-interest so that you can get depth knowledge and not get bored in these museums. You can experience the richness of history, culture, or traditions by visiting museums.
- Claretiam Mission Ethnological Museum
- Museum of Modern art Equatorial Guinea
Eat
Every country has its dishes which are famous and most preferred by the locals of that country. This country's national dish is succotash; it is a culinary dish made up of sweet corns mixed with lime beans, beef, potatoes, turnip come-up park, and other spices. In soup, pepper soup is one of the famous soups available in almost every cafe or restaurant. Pepper soup is this African soup that generally includes pepper, meat, and nutmeg; however, different restaurants or cafes customize this soup by adding different spices. However, many of the restaurants in this country's major cities also serve international and continental cuisine such as Italian, including pizza, pasta, and other cuisines, including Chinese or Asian dishes. The traditional food of this country has an influence on the Spanish; of course of the colonization boots this was done by the Spanish in the past. Staple food available in this country includes bananas, rice, yam, and cassava.
Drink
There are different types of drinks which are present in this country. You can find alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks present in this country. There is a famous drink called Malamba; sugarcane brewed juice that is sweet in taste. Other than this, alcoholic beverages include beer available inside variety in major cities of these countries. Other than this, there is also palm wine available which is created with the help of leaves of palm trees; the different variety of wine is available in this country, including coconut palm wine. If you are fond of tea, then there is a special tea called Osang, an African tea.
Tap-water
Equatorial Guinea is a small country on central Africa's west coast that ranks much more impoverished than other sub-Saharan nations. Accessibility is also low as fewer households in Equatorial Guinea have access to safe drinking water than most neighboring countries. There is no proper sanitation, and the government installs no water purification plants. According to the reports, around 51 percent of the population has access to adequate sanitation. Therefore, while traveling in and around Equatorial Guinea, try not to consume drinking water from taps. You can purchase bottled water from general stores; otherwise, you must boil the tap-water first and then fill it in steel water bottles for later consumption.
Activities
Equatorial Guinea offers you plenty of activities to make the trip a fulfilling one. Although travel can be hard concerning tourism, the country does not lack in providing you a rare opportunity to experience Central Africa's colonial history and unspoiled beauty. Its natural wonders and hospitable inhabitants make this country unique in every way. Here are some activities you must consider while traveling in and around Equatorial Guinea:
- Visit Arena Blanca: The only white beach on Bioko Island, where you can see thousands of butterflies during the dry season.
- Explore the main cities – Bata and Malabo: They have plenty of the best restaurants, bars, hotels, and markets, with pleasant Spanish colonial architecture.
- Enjoy hiking in Pico Malabo volcano and opportunities for mountain climbing.
Accommodation
Equatorial Guinea offers you a wide range and an exclusive selection of top-class reasonably priced accommodations. The country's tourism plays a significant role in Equatorial Guinea's growing economy. You can get any accommodation ranging from environment-friendly hotels, luxury apartments and guesthouses, hostels, and many others. Since the country is blessed with beautiful surroundings, you can get most accommodations nearby spectacular locations. Here is a list of different types of accommodations according to your requirements:
Green Hotels
Equatorial Guinea has a large number of green hotels than most countries in Central Africa. These hotels are usually well-maintained with all necessary facilities that help in sustainability. Eco-friendly hotels ensure great comfort for their customers and that they do not cause any harm to the environment. Such hotels play a vital role in luring tourists/travelers with their alluring beauty and unique locations. If you desire to stay in a green hotel, here are some best ones in the country:
- Ibis Malabo
- Hotel Bahia
- Sofitel Malabo Sipopo Le Golf
- Grand Hotel Djibloho
- Colinas Hotel
Hostels and Guest Houses
Hostels and guesthouses are another type of accommodation you can choose while in Equatorial Guinea. Many options are available for such accommodations, including large bedrooms with attached bathrooms, modular kitchens, balconies, refrigerators, and many other things. Many of such accommodations are in beautiful locations where you can have a spectacular view of the city. Here is a list of some hostels and guesthouses in Equatorial Guinea:
- Magno Suites
- Internet Hostel
- Hostal Residencia Morenita
- Hotel Bahia II
Apartments
Most travelers coming to Equatorial Guinea for long-term and short-term business/leisure purposes prefer staying in rented apartments. In such apartments, you can feel at home with all necessary facilities and well equipped to make your stay easy-going and unique. Most apartments are located only a few minute's walks from the city center, from where you can visit most of the city's attractions, monuments, historical buildings, and much more. Apartments provide you with all kinds of facilities, including parking area and security in addition to nearby supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants, bakery, and city beaches.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is another type of accommodation you can find in Equatorial Guinea. There are around 518 hosts in total. Couch surfers share their residencies in profound, meaningful ways, making travel anywhere in the world a truly social experience. Not only do they allow you to stay free of cost, but they make you a part of their family and shares equal bond and friendship. It can be a good experience for most tourists/travelers, but there are certain disadvantages regarding this accommodation type. Therefore, you must choose your host carefully while in Equatorial Guinea. You can ask any local citizen about hosts available for Couchsurfing; otherwise, you can visit various websites concerning the same.
Camping
Camping offers you an excellent opportunity to live among nature. Setting up camps in Equatorial Guinea makes sure to find a perfect spot large enough to fit your tent. There are several places nearby hills and natural shade where you can easily camp without any inconvenience. Official websites for camping are also available so if you want to camp in the best location, try searching for campsites in Equatorial Guinea with beautiful views. Although no restrictions or rules are imposed for camping, therefore you can set your camp wherever you see fit, but make sure that you are within proximity to water sources and toilets.
Regions
| Río Muni (Bata) all of the mainland |
| Bioko (Malabo) island in the Gulf of Guinea, includes the capital city |
| Annobon small island between Sao Tome Island and Principe Island out in the Atlantic |
Cities
- Malabo - the capital, on Bioko
- Acalayong
- Bata - the major city on the mainland
- Ebebiyin - a major access point in the far northeast corner
- Evinayong
- Luba - another town on Bioko
- Mbini
- Mongomo
Getting There and Moving Around
'Getting in Equatorial Guinea might involve some complicated process as it is one of the most problematic countries in the world to get a visa to. Only a few countries are allowed for no-visa entry; rest for most countries, you have to follow various procedures for obtaining permits. For tourism, the country is a safe place to visit, but through traveling via cars or 4-wheel drives, you could face many unpleasant situations with military checkpoints on the roads. You can easily explore some cities in Equatorial Guinea on foot, but cabs or taxis also operate within the city limits. You can get rides at cheap rates in taxi/cab services than in other neighboring countries, but rates are pretty expensive at night times.'
Air
Equatorial Guinea has two paved airports - One is nearby Malabo (SSGIATA), including Ceiba airlines, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, and Lufthansa airlines, and the other one is in Bata (BSGIATA). The country's leading airline is based in Malabo as Guinea Equatorial Airlines (GUESA) that operates in domestic charter services, and its main base is Malabo International Airport. Airways are always the easiest and fastest mode for safe travels.
Bus
Bus services are a common form of public transportation in Equatorial Guinea, especially minibuses. Traveling in minibuses can be uncomfortable as it is usually overcrowded. Still, they are the perfect means of transportation for getting around and heading to the outskirts of Malabo, Bata, and many other major cities in the country. Various bus routes in this country cross several tourist destinations; therefore, bus services might come in handy to tourists/visitors.
Train
There are no passenger train services in Equatorial Guinean; hence you have to rely on other transportation modes for moving around in the country. Trains, however, are the best mode of transportation as they can carry more passengers than buses or taxis. Earlier in 1913, rail transportation came into existence for Equatorial Guinea citizens, but the line was unprofitable after some years; therefore, railway services were closed.
Hitchhiking
Even though hitchhiking can be a free trip, but it is undoubtedly a dangerous game to gamble. As a tourist, the decision to travel is entirely your choice, and you are responsible for your safety abroad. Concerning the situations in Equatorial Guinea, you mustn't ask for lifts along the roadside. Hitchhiking is not always a perfect choice until necessary. You must avoid traveling after dark. Many locals do not pick hitchhikers; therefore, you must prefer taking other means of travel for your safety.
Others
Other means of transportation include local taxis, rental cars, and water ferries. Taxis are the main form of transportation in Equatorial Guinea that connects Malabo with other significant towns like Luba and Riaba, and many others. You can also rent them on a daily or hourly basis at cheap rates. While traveling in cars or motorbikes, you are most likely to come across military and police roadblocks where they will question you. You must have proper paperwork and documents for safe travels in Equatorial Guinea. Ferry services operate between Douala, Malabo, and Bata and are significantly cheaper than what you would pay for flights. You can also take passenger boats to few tourist destinations and nearby islands.
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Sustainable Shopping
The concept of sustainable development in Equatorial Guinea plays a significant role in ending poverty in all its forms everywhere. It promotes the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and strengthens the means of implementation of sustainable development. There are several markets and stores where you can purchase environment-friendly clothes and materials like souvenirs, potteries, jewelry, and many other items. As a responsible tourist, try to shop from local markets and small shops to support local culture and people. This gesture improves the economy of the local shopkeepers and promotes eco-friendly means in every way possible.
Recycling
Recycling plants in Equatorial Guinea are run excellently with environmentally sound processes. These plants process in separating wastes on larger scales into recyclables, non-recyclables, and compost. Recycling, however, plays a significant role in improving the surrounding societies causing less harm to the environment. There is a massive improvement in recycling over the years, making Equatorial Guinea a developing country regarding recycling waste materials into something productive. Local people also play a vital role here, as they put particular wastes in separate dustbins, making it easier for the garbage collectors to collect such scraps for recycling.
Waste
Waste Management System in Equatorial Guinea is not well managed. There is a dump yard/landfill on the outskirts of town that is not as proper as it should be. The local government has not taken any serious steps regarding dumping waste. Nowadays, open dumps are used for dumping wastes which helps in reducing littering. Due to the increase in allergies and diseases, local people are now conscious of maintaining cleanliness in the society. Most locals gather their trash to burn, which causes air pollution in the region. Hence, proper waste management ideas need to come into action in Equatorial Guinea.
Work and Study Abroad
Those who desire to school/study in Equatorial Guinea can easily apply for admissions. Students who choose Equatorial Guinea universities can learn various specialties such as language and many other things. It is essential to learn Spanish and French if you want to study in this country. In the context of work, jobs in oil and gas are in much demand than other fields. Most importantly, the government has underdeveloped education and healthcare systems; therefore, anyone working in the country must ensure they have proper insurance and access to private provisions for security purposes.
Exchange Student
Concerning exchange student programs, the U.S. Embassy in Malabo offers educational and cultural exchange programs. This program helps to promote mutual understanding and broaden language between U.S. citizens and Equato-Guineans. Not only for U.S. citizens, but there are various other special programs (short-term and long-term) to continue studies or participate in internships provided by the local universities. You must follow multiple websites regarding such programs to inherit their culture and advanced teachings. Apart from such educational facilities, studying in Equatorial Guinea allows students to explore tropical rain forest ecosystems and various other essential landmarks.
Au Pair
Several websites help people to find great Au Pairs in Equatorial Guinea. They provide you the most advanced search tools and security systems available for safe and easy jobs with specific traits you want, whether you're seeking part-time or full-time or even live-in jobs. Websites like greataupair, aupairquest, findaupair etc, will lead to some great au pairs in the country. Au pairing provides you with jobs as nannies and improves your overall personality as an individual.
Volunteering
Few volunteer work placements in Equatorial Guinea focus on promoting education, health care, nutrition, and family strengthening. Several social and volunteer projects are imposed by the government where outsiders/travelers/tourists can also participate. For gaining access to volunteering opportunities, you can search on websites available online to find some tremendous responsible volunteering opportunities abroad, or you can ask any local or private organizations for the same. Volunteering in Equatorial Guinea is not hard to find. You can even participate in local events or celebrations to help the locals in every way possible. It is a noble cause and enables you to grow as an individual, therefore as a tourist, you should partake in such activities to create a good tourist image.