Equatorial Guinea also known as only Guinea is found in West Africa bordering Guinea Bissau, Niger and other countries. The country consists of a mainland known as Rio Muni and a few islands of Bioko and Annobón, Corisco, Elobey Grande and Elobey Chicoz.
Guinea was first visited by the early Portuguese Explorers around the end of the 14th century and in 1788, the Spanish also arrived. In 1968, it was granted its independence from the Spanish. It is the only country in Africa where Spanish is an official language.
Equatorial Guinea is also famous for the National Swimming Champion Eric Moussambani, known as “Eric the Eel”.
Towns and Cities in Guinea
The capital is called Malabo built on the island if Bioko. This island formerly called Fernando Po is formed by three extinct volcanoes which are also the main tourist attraction on the island. Malabo is located along the Equator with beautiful weather. The town is dotted with very attractive Spanish architecture, bustling streets and busy markets.
Malabo is an oil town seen it is found on the Gulf of Guinea which is a very rich oil region in Africa.
The port is lined with several oil plants and refineries. There are several beaches at the coast and one of the most fascinating is Arena Blanca. At Moca in the southern highlands you can learn the traditions of the indigenous Bubi people.
Bata is a main town of mainland Guinea and quite larger than the capital Malabo. The town also doubles as the port town with several ships and cargo ships. It is the port used for exports and imports into Equatorial Guinea such as coffee, cocoa and timber.
Some of the attractions in this town in the white sand beaches and the local markets
The Museum of Biyabiyan is 20 km (12.5 mile) west of the town of Ebebiyin is a must see for all tourists in Guinea. The museum has traditional Fang sculptures and other works of art.
Wildlife Tours in Guinea
Monte Alen National Park is the only national park in Guinea covering 1400sq km of rainforests, marsh and savannah grassland. Some of the wildlife in Guinea includes leopards, gorillas, sitatunga, buffalo, mandrils, chimpanzees, crocodiles, western lowland gorillas, butterflies and more than 300 birds. Gorilla trekking in Africa is one of the fascinating adventures with many found in the forest clearings.
On the south of Bioko Island turtles come ashore on the beaches at Ureca to lay their eggs during the dry season. Villagers have been employed as guards to patrol the beaches during nesting season since 1996, as turtles and turtle eggs were previously popular food. The Cascades of Moca, Lake Biao and Lake Loreta are home to several species of monkey.
Activities
Walking, Trekking & Hiking are some of the ways to experience Guinea and especially for Monte Alen National Park. Experience the rugged landscape, forested areas, dry savannah grassland and mountain. – Take a walk, trek or hike in the popular Monte Alen National Park. You’ll have to trek slowly and carefully, as the terrain is rugged and steep. Most of the time, your tour operator will hire locals as porters, cooks and guides. You can even do some overnight hiking, as there are wilderness campsites available on a first-come basis.
On Bioko Island you can climb the slopes of the Pico Malabo volcano, which has several secluded hiking trails and mountain climbing opportunities, or enjoy the view from the 3,000m (9,843ft) Pico Basile where you can see Mount Cameroon on a clear day.
Mountain Biking is great experience on Bioko Island with great scenery, greenery and the beaches. A tour from the southernmost town of Ureca to Malabo and back will afford some hilly climbs and decent descents. Other peaks worth your biking experience include Pico Quioveo (598m), Pico Lago (525m) and Pico Do Fogo (435m).
Fishing is a major activity for the coastal region with fishing villages, tribes and tourists. There are many fishing spots along the long coast, or on any of the islands. Boat excursions to and around the islands can be arranged with a tour operator. Some of the best places to have fishing trips include the Benito River (Mbini), the Campo River (Ntem) and the Muni River (Muni).
Travel Guide
Equatorial Guinea is hot, humid and tropical since it lies on the equator. The dry season is during the May to September and is the best time to go. Bioko is dry from December to February. During the rainy season some roads are only passable in a 4-wheel drive vehicle with the heaviest rains during June.
Travel Tips
• Prepare to be routinely stopped if traveling the roads. A guide assures that your group is all ready, with paperwork in its proper order.
• Be prepared for patience when searching out the gorillas. You may to spend hours in search of them. Guides know where best to look but you must have a gorilla trekking permit.
• Though the country is generally safe, check travel reports for foreigners before venturing here.
• Foreign cigarettes are appreciated as gifts.
• Do not photograph the presidential palace, airports, ports, or military bases.
• Carry comfortable walking boots, sun hat, camera, drinking water, light clothing and warm clothing for the chilly nights.
