From Wikitravel

Equatorial Guinea is a small country in West Africa, divided into two parts, the mainland and the islands. A former Spanish colony, it borders Cameroon and Gabon.

[edit] Regions

from largest to smallest:

• Río Muni - the mainland.
• Bioko - the largest and most important island.
• Annobón - a smaller island some distance into the Atlantic Ocean.

[edit] Cities

• Malabo - the capital, on Bioko

• Acalayong
• Bata - the major city on the mainland
• Ebebiyin - a major access point in the far northeast corner
• Evinayong
• Luba - another town on Bioko
• Mbini
• Mongomo

[edit] Understand

[edit] History

Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Franco's Spain in October 1968. Since then, it has been ruled by two men. Francisco Macías Nguema, the first president, was a brutal dictator who despised intellectuals, killed a large number of the ethnic Bubi minority, banned fishing, and awarded himself a huge number of grandiose titles (including President for Life). He was overthrown by Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in 1979 and later captured and executed. Obiang's rule has seen less violence, but his regime is still brutally repressive. Political power is centralized in his small mainland clan, and most senior members of the government are related. The majority of the people are extremely poor.

[edit] Climate

Equatorial Guinea has two distinctive and very pronounced seasons: rainy and dry seasons. April to October are the wettest months of the year, and December to March are the driest.

[edit] People

The major ethnic groups are the Fang of the mainland and the Bubi of Bioko Island.

[edit] Holidays

Equatorial Guinea recognizes the major Christian holidays. October 12 is Independence Day.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

There are two paved airports, one a few miles from Malabo (SSG), and one in Bata (BSG). The country's main airline is Ecuato Guineana de Aviación, which operates national and international flights out of Malabo International Airport. Other airlines flying to Malabo airport include Iberia (from Madrid), JetAir (from Gatwick airport in London), Air France (from Paris) Swiss (from Zurich), and beginning April 1st, Lufthansa flies direct from Frankfurt to Malabo.

[edit] By car

Major towns are scattered among islands or on the western coast of the mainland, so it is not convenient to access these areas by car.

[edit] By bus

[edit] By boat

[edit] Get around

[edit] Talk

The colonial language is Spanish, and the country is also a member of La Francophonie. There is an Anglophone population in Bioko that is historically linked to British commerce on the island.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] Costs

Everything is extremely expensive in Equatorial Guinea. A decent room with very limited amenities (bring all the necessary stuff like towel, soap, shampoo, etc as the hotel may not have any) will be at the range of $75 to 300. A simple lunch will cost at least $20 (without drinks like wine or beer or softdrinks) in a clean and aircondition restaurant.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are several good places to go to eat particularly in Malabo. The coffee shop at Hotel Sofitel (located just across the Cathedral along the north coast) offers French cuisine. Hotel Bahia's main restaurant is also a favorite destination for both local and expats. If you like pizza and pasta, the Pizza Place is the best place in town. For Asian cuisine, Restaurante Bantu offers authentic Chinese cuisine. For Morrocan and other European food, try La Luna.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Ebebiyin is known for its large number of bars. They drink a lot of wine.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Due to the influx of foreign workers and foreign investment in Malabo as well as in the continent, there is an ample choice of hotels.

[edit] Learn

[edit] Work

[edit] Stay safe

Don't involve yourself in local politics.

Photos: Taking photos of any government properties is strictly prohibited without permission. Don't photograph airports, government buildings, or anything of military or strategic value. Local folks including children are generally averse to foreigners taking their picture. As a general rule, it is not advisable to bring a camera while walking around town as this can cause real trouble with the police.

Clothing: Equatorial Guinea has tropical weather and is normally very hot. It is best to wear lightweight clothing. Avoid wearing dark colors due to mosquito concerns.

[edit] Stay healthy

Food/Water: There are no 'potable' or clean water sources in Equatorial Guinea. Travelers should drink only bottled water. Take care when consuming any fruits or vegetables that may have been washed or drinks that may contain ice cubes or 'water' additives such as coffee, tea, lemonade, etc.

Wear Shoes: Beaches in Malabo and Bata are beautiful however, due to discarded trash and unsafe sand bugs it is a good idea to always wear shoes. This applies to walking on carpeted areas as well.

Malaria Medicine: Malaria is a leading cause of death in this country. It is advised that visitors consult their doctor for malaria tablets.

[edit] Contact

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