Equatorial
Guinea is a country of luscious vegetation and beautiful scenery,
including tropical forests and snowcapped volcanoes. The capital,
Malabo, is a rather rundown but attractive town, with pleasant Spanish
colonial architecture, a striking volcanic setting and a lively market.
The white-sand beaches around the islands are stunning. No wonder the
country was first of all named 'Formosa', meaning 'beautiful', by the
Portuguese.
The
area was first colonized by the Portuguese in the late 15th century and
handed over to the Spanish in 1788. Self-government was granted in
1959, followed by full independence in 1968.Its economy has expanded
rapidly following the discovery of oil and gas deposits in the Gulf of
Guinea, though little of this wealth has trickled down to the general
population.
The Mesmerizing Malabo
Malabo
is the capital city of Equatorial Guinea. Found on the edge of this
city is a deep-set volcano. This site has endorsed Malabo to have an
exceptional terrain and wildlife, combined with the buzz of being an
African capital city.
The
Santa Isabel Cathedral is a must-see for all visitors to the African
city, positioned in the Plaza de España. The cathedral is built in a
Gothic-Spanish style, and makes available a contrast to the architecture
around it. The Presidential palace is situated in the same square, and
is worth a visit as well. Positioned on a volcano, Malabo offers sights
such as craters and lakes that cannot be seen elsewhere.
The
beaches are a widespread leisure or weekend spot for locals and
tourists alike, and a day must be certainly be spent on the beach.
Getting Around Equatorial Guinea
Air:
There are flights between Malabo and Bata every day except Sunday; it
is advisable to book in advance. Iberia (IB) (website: www.iberia.com)
operates direct flights from Madrid to Malabo. Cameroon Airlines (UY)
operates regular flights to Malabo from London, Paris and Rome. Other
airlines serving Equatorial Guinea include Air France, Brussels
Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Swiss and Spanair.
Road:
Bush taxis connect Malabo with the islands two other main towns, Luba
and Riaba, and also run from Bata to Mongomo and Ebebiyin; they can be
hired hourly or daily.
Water: There is a ferry between Malabo, Bata and Douala. The trip takes about 12 hours. There are four classes of fare.
Shopping in Equatorial Guinea
Markets
sell local produce such as beans, rice, fruit, vegetables, oil and bush
meat as well as fabric and clothing in traditional African prints,
hardware and local crafts. However, prices may not be much cheaper than
at home because many goods have to be imported from the mainland. Expect
to barter in the markets.
Where to stay in Equatorial Guinea
Malabo,
Bata, Luba and Ebebiyan offer several hotels of variable standards. In
Malabo, there are also a few hostels offering basic cheap accommodation
with shared bathroom facilities (two of which are located in Avenida de
las Naciónes).
A Luxurious Leisure Experience Awaits You!!
If
you’re captivated by Mother Nature, Equatorial Guinea is your
Dreamland. Offering a variety of things to do with a splash of vibrancy,
Equatorial Guinea has all of the benefits of a nation which strive to
fascinate inbound leisure tourists, in particular prosperous inbound
tourists. The amalgamation of pleasant weather, African rhythms and
Spanish flair makes for a great day. Its many high-class hotels and
solid infrastructure, pooled with glorious natural sites and unspoiled
beaches make Equatorial Guinea eye-catching for luxury leisure tourists.
It’s Finger Licking Good!!
Equatorial
Guinea has many yummy and delicious foods. Distinctive to most West
African countries in the continent, they use peanuts, tomatoes, cassava,
yams and a few treats, like monkey meat, that isn't readily a v a i l a
b l e in the US - even from an o u t l a n d i s h meat vendor. C u s t
o m a r y b r e a k f a s t foods include: boiled yams or cassava, bean
cakes and ground millet porridge, which is very similar to grits.
French food is common in Malabo, and some of the hotels can make
available very genuine French cuisine. Local food is simply available by
the roadside. A safer play would certainly be the hotel cafeteria or
restaurant, where a dish of smoked beef and pepper is the prevalent
national dish.
What to Do in Equatorial Guinea
Malabo:
The small but striking capital city abounds in Spanish colonial
architecture and pleasant open plazas. The bustling market and the
Spanish Colonial Center are worth a visit.
Climbing
Volcanoes: The spectacular Pico Malabo volcano is an easy day trip from
the city of Malabo. Arrange an expedition to take in its breathtaking
views.
Beaches:
The area around the mainland city of Bata boasts several beautiful and
undeveloped beaches. Those at Mbini, just 32 miles (51.5 kilometers)
south of Bata, are particularly gorgeous.
Local
Liquors: Malamba, made from sugarcane, and osang, a type of African
tea, are the national drinks. Locally brewed beer and palm wine are also
abundant.
Market
Shopping: Markets can be found in most cities and towns. In addition to
local produce, bush meat, and textiles, many markets feature local
handicrafts.
Monte
Alen National Park: This Park’s tropical forests are home to gorillas,
elephants, chimpanzees, and many other creatures. Hire a local villager
for a guided day trek through the park’s 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) of
rain forest.
Bata
Nightlife: This mainland city may feel small by day, but its nightlife
is impressive. Be prepared for a long night; nightclubs typically don’t
get going until quite late and are still jumping in the wee hours.
Moca
Valley: Situated in the southern highlands of Bioko Island, this valley
is home to the indigenous Buki people and offers plenty in the way of
hiking and flora sightseeing.
Annobon:
Head to the island of Annobon to see three of the country’s most famous
mountain peaks, Pico del Fuega, Pico Centro, and Pico Surtado. Pico
Surtado, the southernmost peak, is an inactive volcano whose crater now
contains an impressive lake.
Arena
Blanca: If you visit during the summer, Arena Blanca is a must-see. Its
whitesand beaches are dazzling and enjoyable year-round. They literally
come alive in the summertime with thousands of butterflies that nest
there seasonally.
