Best Tourist Places to Visit in Equatorial Guinea, Central Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Equatorial Guinea, Central Africa, Africa

Equatorial Guinea is a Central African country, made up of island and mainland regions, covering a total area of 28,000 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in Africa. Its southern and eastern border is bordered by Gabon while Cameroon shares its northern border thoroughly and its western border faces towards the Gulf of Guinea. In terms of population, Equatorial Guinea is the 150^th largest country in the world, with around 736,296 people, as of the 2012 estimate.

The city of Malabo, on Bioko Island, serves as the capital of Equatorial Guinea while Bata is the largest city of Equatorial Guinea. The geographical coordinates of Equatorial Guinea are 1°30′ N 10°00′ E.

History of Equatorial Guinea:

Colonization in Equatorial Guinea began even before the 16^th century by the Portuguese. The Treaty of El Pardo, signed by King Charles III of Spain and Queen Maria I of Portugal in 1778, pushed Equatorial Guinea under the Spanish rule. It was a disputed region for very long time between many European Empires until it came fully under the control of Spanish in 1926, and ultimately, Equatorial Guinea’s independence was declared in 1968.

How to reach Equatorial Guinea?

The Malabo International Airport is the gateway to Equatorial Guinea, located around 9 km away from the centre of the capital city, Malabo. The airport is connected to Douala, Paris, Cotonou, Abidjan, Accra, Bata, Brazzaville, Mongomeyen, Port Harcourt, Frankfurt, Madrid, Lisbon and other prime global destinations.

Bata Airport is another major airport of Equatorial Guinea, situated in the country’s largest city, Bata. This airport covers some African countries including Bata Douala, Libreville and Cotonou.

To get around cities, buses and rental vehicles are commonly used in Equatorial Guinea.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Equatorial Guinea:

Equatorial Guinea is culturally diverse country which is analyzed through its people belonging to different communities and their respective languages, although Spanish and French are used as the official language of Equatorial Guinea.

Equatorial Guinea uses Central African CFA franc as its currency. Generally international tourists prefer to choose traditional handicrafts including wood carvings in Equatorial Guinea. Cuisine is varied from region to region while Succotash is the national food of Equatorial Guinea.

Places of interest in Equatorial Guinea:

Santa Isabel Catholic Cathedral:

The Santa Isabel Catholic Cathedral is an iconic cathedral, situated on the west side of the Plaza de Independencia in Malabo. Also there is a water fountain before the cathedral, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Equatorial Guinea.

Monte Alén National Park:

The Monte Alén National Park covers around 2000 km² of area, in the west central location of the country. This hidden gem features rich vegetation as well as the typical animal species including gorillas and chimpanzees. It was founded in 1990.

Arena Blanca:

A paradise of water sport and nature lovers, the Arena Blanca is an excellent white sandy beach on Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea. Butterfly watching is also a famous activity here.

The Museum of Biyabiyan:

The Museum of Biyabiyan is a popular cultural attraction, situated around 20 km away from the Ebebiyin town. The museum is noted for its collection of traditional Fang sculptures.

Pico Basilé:

A nature beauty, the Pico Basilé is a mountain, considered as the highest on the Bioko Island with an altitude of 9,878 ft. This symbolic peak is situated in the proximity of Malabo.

Other places of interest in Equatorial Guinea include:

Pico Malabo
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program
Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial
Moca Valley
Evinayong
Ureca

Best time to visit Equatorial Guinea:

Equatorial Guinea experiences a tropical climate and the best and most popular time to visit Equatorial Guinea is from December to February.

Accommodation options in Equatorial Guinea:

As like its size, Equatorial Guinea’s hospitality industry is also small, holding not more than 50 hotels but latest facilities can be get in such hotels. Here are some nice hotels in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea: