Equatorial Guinea Encompassed Tour – a 10 day Small Group Tour

Arrive in Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea, located on the island of Bioko, 30km off the coast of mainland West Africa. Equatorial Guinea is a disparate nation comprising five islands and a continental African province. Transfer to hotel accommodation. Overnight Hotel Yoli.

After breakfast your guide will provide a tour briefing at 9am.Travel to Bioko Sur, a protected jungle area covering the southern portion of Bioko. En route to Moka we pass through the town of Riaba, crossing the impressive Puente Cope bridge along the way. In Moka we visit the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program and learn about its conservation work. After lunch we continue to Batété, site of Equatorial Guinea’s oldest church, built entirely from wood in 1887, and sorely in need of some maintenance. Our last stop is Luba, a picturesque port on the west coast where in 1778 the Spanish first landed and laid claim to the island. A monument commemorating the event lies at the northern end of town. Overnight Hotel Nautico. (BLD)

Today we head to the southern coastal village of Ureka. Known as the wettest place in Africa, and one of the wettest in the word, Ureka endures a record-breaking 10,450mm of rainfall per year. Take an umbrella. In Ureka we visit the local office of the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program. From November to March researchers and staff work to protect nearby sea turtle nesting sites. During our visit it may be possible observe turtles laying their eggs in the sand – a remarkable sight. However, it’s not easy. Turtles nest very late in the evening, if they appear at all. Nest sites may lie a two hour torchlit hike away along tidal beaches – take swimwear and be prepared to wade. In the early hours we return to our hotel. Overnight Hotel Nautico. (BL)

After breakfast we return to the capital for a walking tour of the city. Exploring among colonial architecture and local markets you’ll hear Spanish and perhaps Pichinglis – a kind of Creole English that arrived with Sierra Leonean migrants in the early 19th century. The recent influx of oil wealth has led to widespread development in Malabo, leading to a surprising choice of cafes and restaurants. Whether it’s Spanish paella or local pepe soup, you’ll find it all in Malabo. However, the city is not large, and a tour of its neat downtown avenues takes only a few hours. After lunch we visit ‘New’ Malabo, with its 5-star hotel and plush shopping centres, a contrast to the old centre. Overnight Hotel Yoli. (BD)

We enjoy a leisurely start to the day before taking a lunchtime flight to Río Muni, the country’s mainland province, where we touch down at the coastal city of Bata. Far larger than Malabo, this is the throbbing heart of the nation and a gateway to the continental Africa. Here, walk along the breezy Paseo Maritimo which runs the length of this long, thin city, and take in ocean views. If you thought Malabo was a cultural melting pot, then prepare to be amazed by Bata, as you rub shoulders with Spanish businessmen, Italian engineers, Chinese construction workers, Middle Eastern hoteliers and African traders from across the region. These diverse groups have all brought their own food, so the choice of restaurants and bars is fantastic. As you might expect, there is also a strong cultural scene, centred mainly around the Spanish, French and Equatoguinean Cultural Centres, featuring music, art and other events throughout the year. Following an afternoon city tour, we return to our hotel for dinner. Overnight Hotel Carmen. (BD)

Leaving Bata behind, we follow the north coast towards the border with Cameroon. Along the way we stop at the old Punta Mbonda lighthouse and Tika Beach before reaching the Rio Campo in time for lunch. The river marks the border between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, and it’s likely we’ll encounter local people making the international crossing in simple canoes. From Rio Campo we return to our hotel in Bata. Overnight Ibis Hotel or similar. (BL)

Today we journey through the forested inland plateau to the President’s hometown of Mongomo, on the Gabonese border. The town is home to a series of ostentatious architectural monuments, including is the massive Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the second largest church in Africa, styled after St Peter’s in Vatican City. From Mongomo, we continue to the country’s proposed new capital city of Djibloho, also known as Oyala. Truly isolated in the heart of the jungle, it’s a surreal experience to drive a deserted eight lane highway until Oyala’s skyscrapers suddenly appear on the horizon, seemingly out of nowhere. Due for completion in 2020, the city already boasts a five-star luxury hotel, our home for the night, and an 18-hole golf course. Overnight Hotel Djibloho (Oyala). (BD)

Venturing back towards the coast, our next stop is Monte Allen National Park, a vast expanse once filled by abundant wildlife, including forest elephants, Western Lowland Gorillas and chimpanzees. Sadly, the park had little infrastructure and after years of neglect by government attracted the attentions of poachers. We are unlikely to see any wildlife. Nonetheless, a visit still allows us to experience the jungles of one of Africa’s least visited national parks. From Monte Allen, we return to Bata and continue to Mbini, located at the mouth of Benito River. The river landscape here is dominated by the Chinese-built suspension bridge which stretches 800m over the river, linking the southern portion of the coastline to Bata. The bridge is a sight to behold, especially when illuminated at night. However, be careful taking photographs as bridges are designated ‘strategic sites.’ Overnight Complejo Turistico de Mbini or Kogo Ocean Resort, Cogo. (BD)

After breakfast we drive to Cogo, located on a peninsula at the mouth of the Muni River surrounded by the Reserva Natural del Estuario del Rio Muni. The government hopes to make Cogo a commercial and tourism hub for the area, and as a result it’s expanding rapidly. The redevelopment of the waterfront is already underway and it’s clear the walkway by the market aspires to be a smaller version of Bata’s Paseo Maritimo. On a clear day you can see right across the river to Gabon. In the afternoon we return to Bata where there’s time for an early evening dinner before the short return flight to Malabo. (BD)

After breakfast we drive to the summit of Pico Basile, at 3,018m it’s the highest point on the island and in the country. Descending, we call in at the so visit the church of the Virgin of Bisila, an interesting example of the appropriation of a pre-Christian forest deity. Later, we return to Malabo in time for airport check-in and evening flight departures. (B)