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Equatorial Guinea is a small country located on the western coast of Central Africa. Its territory is covered with wide plains and dense forests, which are home to rare birds and animals.
Things to do in Equatorial Guinea
The country, colonized by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century, gained independence in 1968. The discovery of oil reserves increased government revenues and made African Guinea one of the richest on the continent.
Equatorial Guinea consists of the mainland, several islands and is washed by the Gulf of Guinea. It has a tropical climate with alternating dry and wet seasons and is famous for its beautiful nature. Despite this, the tourism industry is underdeveloped. Modern hotels and shops are found only in large cities; wild beaches without the usual infrastructure prevail on the coast.
The country attracts travelers who love the tropics and an active lifestyle. Large areas are occupied by national parks created to preserve the flora and fauna of Central Africa. Excursions provide a lot of vivid impressions. Tourists are offered hiking through the forest, boating in the bay and provide the opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat.
Huge beaches are strewn with the purest white sand. It is nice to sunbathe, swim, go diving and fishing. During the dry season, turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. During this period, wildlife protectors patrol the beaches and guard the nests.
The capital of Malabo is located in the north of the island of Bioko. The main cultural objects are concentrated here. Of interest are the Palace of Justice, the presidential palace, the Cathedral of St. Elizabeth, the harbor, Independence Square.
The cuisine of Equatorial Guinea, which has absorbed the traditions of local tribes and Spaniards, attracts gourmets from all over the world. It is based on simple foods: bananas, sweet potatoes, yams, breadfruit, peanuts. Many dishes include wild meat and fish caught in the bay. In restaurants, you can try sardine fillet meatballs with onion and pepper sauce, crispy roasted peanut nougat, and aquada, a dessert made from coconuts and bananas.
Cities and islands
Bata
The largest city in the mainland of the state and the administrative center of the province of Littoral. It is famous for its good infrastructure, clubs, lively nightlife. There are craft and fish markets, souvenir shops, and boat rentals in the city harbor.
An important attraction of Bath is the cathedral, built in the Spanish Gothic style. The national university and the international airport of Equatorial Guinea are located within the city.
Evinayong
At the top of a mountain in the center of the mainland is the capital of the province of Centro-sur — the city of Evinayong. A typical African town clearly demonstrates the life of ordinary people. Tourists can see frame huts with a cone-shaped roof, palm alleys, colorful markets.
Beyond the hills begins the tropical jungle. In Evinayong, you can hire a guide to the forest — locals are happy to show foreigners picturesque waterfalls and other beautiful places.
San Carlos de Luba
In the 18th century, the Portuguese founded a small settlement on the west coast, which they named San Carlos in honor of the king. It gradually grew and turned into a big beautiful city. Under the rule of Francisco Macías Nguema, it was renamed San Carlos de Luba, commemorating the leader who led the rebellion against the Spaniards.
The town with a magnificent coastline attracts lovers of ecotourism. The bay is an ideal place for fishing and diving. The wide beach is surrounded by coconut palms, creating a natural shade for vacationers.
corisco
The island, located 29 km from the mainland, has an area of 14 km². A small part of the land is famous for its sand dunes and pristine beaches. From the sea wind, the coastal zone is reliably covered by mango thickets and ficuses. The ruins of a Spanish mission built a couple of centuries ago have been preserved in the jungle. And in the east of the island, during archaeological excavations, ancient burials dating back to the Iron Age were discovered.
Cultural attractions
St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral
Independence Square in Malabo adorns the Cathedral of St. Elizabeth — the largest Christian church in the country. Its construction began in 1898 according to the project of Luis Segarra Llairado and was carried out at the expense of donations from the townspeople.
This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Equatorial Guinea, easily visible from different parts of the capital. The neo-Gothic facade of the temple is decorated with a rose window, large arches, and carved ornaments. Pointed towers with crosses rise on the sides.
Modern Art Museum
In Malabo, there is a museum presenting the contemporary art of the African continent. It exhibits collections of prominent artists, including Placido Guimarães and Desiderio Manresa Bodipo. Tourists are shown pencil sketches, paintings, graphic drawings. In separate rooms there are wooden figurines, stone sculptures and ceramic products created in different regions of Equatorial Guinea.
Equatorial Guinean Cultural Center
In 1950, a cultural center was opened in Malabo, including an archive, a museum, a library, and exhibition halls. The organization is engaged in the development of art at the regional and national level. She sponsors traveling film festivals and an international hip-hop festival.
The main office is located in a large colonial house on the main street of the capital. There are also galleries inside that highlight various historical events, art exhibitions, souvenir shops.
Torre de la Libertad
In 2011, a magnificent monument appeared on the Bath embankment, the opening of which was timed to coincide with Independence Day. It is a tall tower with a pointed spire and a large arch in the center. At night, the walls of the building glow in different colors. At the top there is a revolving restaurant, and the tower itself is surrounded by a well-groomed garden. In front of her was a square square with lanterns, benches and flower beds.
National parks
Nature reserve on the island of Bioko
The volcanic island of Bioko has a unique ecosystem. On the southern slopes it is covered with humid tropical jungle, in the east — closed rainforests.
In the mountains there are palm trees, lianas, ficuses, small rivers and waterfalls. The protected area of 51,000 hectares is inhabited by African animals: red monkeys, colobus, leatherback and olive turtles, Ogilby antelopes. The reserve is also home to endemic bird species.
Several villages are scattered throughout the national park. Local residents are engaged in forest protection, agriculture and organize excursions for tourists.
Monte Alen
In the center of Equatorial Guinea, in 1990, the Monte Alen National Park was created with an area of 2000 km². This is the largest nature reserve in the country. Within its limits are Lake Atok, the river Waro, the mountain peaks of Monte Mitra and Monte Alen. Hiking trails are continued in the green zone, camping sites are equipped.
Travelers come here to watch elephants, chimpanzees, gorillas, tropical birds and butterflies. Crocodiles and giant Goliath frogs grow up to 32 centimeters in the southern part of the park.
Moka Cascades
Volcanic ridges in the Moka Valley in the south of Bioko Island are a popular tourist attraction. The rocky hills are covered with lush vegetation, among which live a variety of primate species, African predators and snakes.
Traveling here is better for people with good physical fitness. Climbing the mountains, you can see the lakes formed in the old volcanic craters, and go to the village of the Buki tribe.
Altos de Nsorc
In 2000, the Altos de Nsorc National Park was opened in the west of the country, covering 700 km². The territory includes untouched jungles, alpine ecosystems, turbulent rivers. You need to explore the forest with a guide, since the path among the vines and ferns often has to be paved with a machete.
During the tour you can observe the life of animals in their natural environment. Tourists explore the paths carved by forest elephants, admire the black colobus and mandrills in the trees, meet gorillas and wild buffaloes.
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