Things to do in Equatorial Guinea

Trek through cloud forest to the summit of Equatorial Guinea’s highest volcano, rewarded with panoramic views over Bioko and the Gulf of Guinea at dawn.

Sink your toes into powdery white sand and swim in turquoise water at this secluded beach fringed by coconut palms, a short drive south of Luba.

Hike deep into one of Central Africa’s most pristine rainforests, home to forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, and mandrills.

Marvel at the twin spires and intricate stained glass of this Spanish colonial cathedral dominating Malabo’s main square, Plaza de la Independencia.

Walk the breezy Paseo Marítimo, watching ferries and oil platforms on the horizon, with the black-sand beach and lively bars beside you.

Stand under the towering flagpole on this spacious oceanfront plaza, surrounded by colonial-era administrative buildings and the lively coastal boulevard.

Get lost among pastel-hued colonial facades, wrought-iron balconies, and wooden shutters on streets like Calle 19 de Septiembre.

See rotating art exhibitions, catch a film screening, or attend a concert in this vibrant cultural hub promoting Equatoguinean and Spanish arts.

View the imposing façade of the Palacio Presidencial, a symbol of modern state power set on the Malabo waterfront, best photographed from across the bay.

Board this converted boat-turned-nightclub moored in Malabo’s harbor for DJ sets, cocktails, and a mix of Afrobeat and Latin rhythms.

Trek to a secluded village where jungle cascades plunge onto black-sand beaches, a nesting ground for leatherback turtles.

Step inside this bright, modern Catholic cathedral with its soaring spire and colourful stained-glass depictions of local saints.

Soak up the cacophony of voices and aromas as you haggle for tropical fruit, bushmeat, aromatic spices, and handwoven baskets.

Try Equatorial Guinea’s beloved spicy pepper soup with fresh fish, chased by cloudy palm wine, in a down-to-earth Malabo restaurant.

Walk among abandoned missionary buildings and crumbling Portuguese colonial structures on this tiny island ringed by ivory sand.

Cruise through mangrove-lined waterways in search of manatees, monkeys, and nesting sea turtles in this protected coastal wetland.

Take a dip at this crescent of volcanic sand near the port of Luba, a favourite weekend retreat for locals with views of small fishing boats.

Attend a vibrant performance of masked Bubi or Fang stilt dancers, where pounding drums and elaborate costumes bring ancestral stories to life.

Scramble through thick jungle to a coastal cave thronging with fruit bats, then cool off in the freshwater stream at its entrance.

Snap shots of candy-coloured, colonial-era buildings lining this photogenic street, a perfect backdrop for Malabo’s urban charm.

Examine Fang reliquary figures, ceremonial masks, and colonial artefacts that trace the country’s cultural and political evolution.

Paddle across calm waters to the tiny Elobey islands, where the ghostly remains of a 19th-century trading post and cathedral lie among palm groves.

Cast a line for barracuda, tuna, and sailfish in the rich Gulf of Guinea waters with a local charter, then grill your catch on deck.

Wander through manicured paths lined with native palms, medicinal plants, and towering tropical trees in the green heart of the city.

Glide silently through a labyrinth of mangrove tunnels, spotting kingfishers and monitor lizards while learning about local fishing traditions.