Discover Equatorial Guinea: A Unique Tropical Destination
Lush and lovely, but hiding a complicated history, Equatorial Guinea is certainly off the beaten tourist track. Wealthy in natural resources such as oil, the country has had a troubled past with failed coups and severe corruption. However, adventurous visitors will find plenty of charm on these beautiful shores.
The country consists of a mainland territory, Rio Muni, and five island territories within the Gulf of Guinea, the largest of which is Bioko Island. Rio Muni, despite being the largest region, is not the epicentre of the country. Rather, this is the home of gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and many more fascinating species that call reserves such as the Monte Alen National Park their home.
By a strange quirk, the beating heart of Equatorial Guinea lies to the north, off the coast of Cameroon. The beautiful volcanic isle of Bioko Island plays host to the capital city of Malabo, a city of contrasts where fascinating colonial architecture contrasts with sleek high-rise buildings and the traditional African markets and bustling port. Small villages populate the north of the island, while further south the rainforest takes hold. Rare primates live in the dense forests around Luba Crater, while Ureca is the breeding ground for four different types of turtle.
Equatorial Guinea is a beautiful country, rewarding exploration for those brave enough to visit, but it is not a well-known tourist destination and travel through its rich jungles and islands is not risk-free. Officials make travel difficult by frequently demanding to see papers and sometimes expecting bribes. Tourism infrastructure is almost non-existent and visitors should come prepared to travel rough, but those in search of an adventure will find stunning beaches and pristine rainforest to reward their curiosity.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Spanish and French are the official languages of Equatorial Guinea, although the majority of the population speak African languages.
- Passport/Visa:
All foreign visitors to Equatorial Guinea must provide evidence of their ability to financially support themselves during their stay. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The Central African CFA Franc (XAF) is the official currency of Equatorial Guinea (along with five other central African countries). It is divided into 100 smaller units called centime. Equatorial Guinea is largely a cash economy and credit cards are seldom accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at hotels and banks in major cities but the process is expensive and time consuming and travellers are advised to bring funds in the local currency.
- Electricity:
- Electrical outlets in Equatorial Guinea usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs with round or flat pins are standard.
Overview
Equatorial Guinea is relatively unexplored by tourists due to the lack of infrastructure and the difficulty of getting around, not to mention that officials have a penchant for frequently demanding bribes and permits along the way. For those brave enough to take on the inconveniences and delays that are sadly quite inevitable on a trip to Equatorial Guinea, the beautiful rainforests and beaches will compensate. Although the big cities of Malabo and Bata have a handful of interesting landmarks and markets for sightseers, the country’s attractions are primarily natural, luring conservationists, animal lovers and adventurers.
From Bata it is possible to explore the lovely coastline of the mainland, and it is only a short trip to Monte Alen National Park and all the wonders of the rainforest. Here aspiring naturalists can seek out many different primate species, including mountain gorillas, and enjoy long hikes and rustic campsites in the jungle.
Malabo, the capital, is generally the starting point for a holiday in Equatorial Guinea and the city can keep tourists happily occupied for a day or two with its colonial charm and oil-fuelled expat scene. However, the real paradise lies beyond the city, in the Bioko rainforest and along the black beaches of the volcanic island, where turtles have their nesting grounds. A visit to the small village of San Antonio de Ureca, on the southern coast of Bioko, is a great adventure. For shorter excursions out of Malabo, hiking up one of the three inactive volcanoes near the city is popular and fun, earning visitors amazing views.
Climate in Equatorial Guinea
As the country’s name suggests, Equatorial Guinea has an equatorial or tropical climate, meaning temperatures are high year-round, and there is heavy rainfall and dense cloud cover for most of the year. This means that while it is almost always hot, it is not necessarily sunny. There are variations in climate according to altitude and proximity to the coast and the mainland differs somewhat from the island territories. On the mainland the wet season runs from February to June and from September to December. Rainfall is higher in the coastal regions. The average annual temperature, which fluctuates very little throughout the year, is about 79°F (26°C). Bioko island is slightly less humid and a little cooler, with an average annual temperature of 77°F (25°C) that also remains fairly constant all year. Bioko has a dry season between November and March (although it is seldom completely dry) and is rainy for the rest of the year. Most of the time it is cloudy and overcast.
The best time to visit Equatorial Guinea is in the dry season. In the rainy seasons many of the roads become impassable without a 4×4 due to mud and flooding and even with a capable vehicle traversing the country is difficult.
Health Notes when travelling to Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is a malaria area and malaria medication is essential. Visitors should consult their doctors to decide which prophylaxis will suit them best. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Those who will be spending a lot of time outdoors and may be at risk of animal bites should also consider a rabies vaccination. Yellow fever certificates are required for any travellers arriving from infected areas in Africa or the Americas, and a yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all visitors to Equatorial Guinea. Travellers should not drink tap water in Equatorial Guinea unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Visitors should also avoid anything with ice in it, as well as fruit and vegetables unless they have been peeled or cooked. It’s best to ensure that meals are eaten while hot and not left to cool. Travellers should note that food bought from street vendors can be hazardous.
Medical facilities are extremely limited in Equatorial Guinea and the country suffers frequent shortages of essential medications and supplies. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended but most doctors will expect payment in cash. Visitors should bring along any medicine they require, in the original packaging and with a signed and dated letter from their doctor detailing what the medication is and why it is necessary.
Safety Notes when travelling to Equatorial Guinea
There is little threat of terrorism in Equatorial Guinea and violent crime is rare. The overall level of criminal activity is low compared to other countries in the region, but petty crime and theft is on the rise and has become common. As tourism is rare there is little evidence of tourist scams. Official corruption, however, is very common and it is not unusual for foreigners to be stopped by uniformed officers and confronted with various ‘violations’ that will go away with a bribe. Visitors are not advised to encourage this corruption and it is best to request an official citation of the violation to be paid at the local court, or to demand a receipt stating the violation, the amount paid and the officer’s name.
There is a risk of piracy off the coast of Equatorial Guinea.
Customs in Equatorial Guinea
Both the people and the customs of Equatorial Guinea are friendly and welcoming. Greetings are important, and may last longer than foreign visitors are accustomed to. People tend to stand close together when conversing. It’s best to ask permission before photographing someone; photographing military personnel or buildings is prohibited. Various things may make officials suspicious in Equatorial Guinea, including camouflage gear, weapons, binoculars and radios, and these things may be confiscated or lead to questioning.
Duty Free in Equatorial Guinea
Visitors to Equatorial Guinea may import the following goods into the country: 200 cigarettes; 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, one litre of wine and one litre of spirits, and an amount of perfume reasonable for personal use.
Doing Business in Equatorial Guinea
Lightweight suits are acceptable attire for meetings and shaking hands is an appropriate greeting. Greetings tend to be formal. Business cards should be in Spanish or French and a translator may be necessary for foreigners who only speak English.
Communication in Equatorial Guinea
Internet is available in the major cities and some internet cafés do operate, though internet usage is not yet widespread among the local population. The international access code for Equatorial Guinea is +240.
Tipping in Equatorial Guinea
Small tips for good service are appreciated and often expected in Equatorial Guinea. Service charges are not usually included in restaurants and tips of about 10 percent for waitrons are customary. Taxi fares should be rounded up if the service is good.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign visitors to Equatorial Guinea must provide evidence of their ability to financially support themselves during their stay. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a valid passport to enter Equatorial Guinea. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea Embassies
- In the United States:
Equatorial Guinea Embassy, Washington DC. United States (also responsible for Canada): (202) 518 5700.
- In the United Kingdom:
Equatorial Guinea Embassy, London. Tel: (020) 3752 6626.
- In South Africa:
Equatorial Guinea Embassy, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 342 9945.
Foreign Embassies in Equatorial Guinea
- American Embassy
US Embassy, Malabo. Tel: (+240) 333 09 57 41.
- British Embassy
British Honorary Consul, Malabo. Tel: (240) 222 277 502.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Malabo. Tel: (240) 333 099 522.
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