Happy Lama Travels eksklusive grupperejser i Ækvatorial Guinea foregår i små internationale grupper med lokal engelsktalende rejseleder. Derfor er rejsebeskrivelserne på engelsk.

En lokal rejseleder kender sit land bedre end en dansk rejseleder. Det er desuden vores erfaring at en lokal rejseleder giver dig et bedre indblik i, hvordan livet leves i Ækvatorial Guinea.

Passer rejsedatoerne dig ikke eller vil du selv have maksimal indflydelse på dit rejseprogram – Kontakt os hvis du ønsker et tilbud på en individuel rejse i Ækvatorial Guinea.

afrika@happylamatravel.com

Spread across a number of Atlantic islands and a coastal strip of mainland territory, when setting out on this journey you will be following in the footsteps of intrepid Victorian explorers such as Sir Richard Burton and Mary Kingsley. This tiny nation, with less than a million inhabitants, features a stunning variety of landscapes, sights and peoples. Here you will find the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic fused with the biodiverse jungles of Central Africa and the cultures and flavours of Europe and the Americas. Africa’s only Spanish-speaking country is a unique surprise in this part of the world, and the best thing is as a pioneering early tourist, you should have it all to yourself! From the nesting sea turtles of Rio Muni to the cosmopolitan waterfront restaurants of Malabo, Equatorial Guinea is now waiting to be explored.

Fitness** | Adventure**** | Culture**** | History*** | Wildlife**

Arrive in Malabo where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Hotel Yoli or similar.

Our journey begins here, in the nation’s capital. A walking tour will reveal some of the unique aspects of this secluded tropical island. While exploring the markets and colonial architecture you will hear Spanish being spoken, or perhaps pigeon English, hinting at the rich and varied colonial past. The recent influx of oil wealth has led to widespread development in Malabo, and you will be surprised by the choice on offer when it comes to eating and drinking. Whether you want Spanish paella or local pepe soup, you will find it all here. Despite this diversity, this is not a large city. A walking tour of the neatly gridded avenues only takes a few hours, and there are plenty of opportunities along the way to dip into a local cafe for some refreshments or people watching. Overnight Hotel Yoli or similar. (BD)

Taking a short flight over to Río Muni, the country’s mainland region, we touch down in the coastal city of Bata. Far larger than Malabo, this is the throbbing heart of the nation and a gateway to the African interior. Here you can enjoy a relaxing walk along the breezy maritime pathway, which runs the length of this long, thin city, and take in the sea views from your hotel near the municipal stadium. 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 groups have all brought their own food, so the choice of restaurants and bars spread throughout the city is fantastic. As you might expect, there is also a strong cultural scene, centred mainly around the Spanish, French and Equatoguinean Cultural Centres, which feature musical performances, art displays and other events throughout the year. Leaving Bata behind, we head up the north coast towards the border with Cameroon. Here in the Rio Campo Nature Reserve you can explore the deserted beaches and perhaps witness the marvel of endangered sea turtles nesting. A little inland, in the river that marks the border with Cameroon, you may even see hippos or crocodiles. Later we return to Bata. Overnight Hotel Panafrica or similar. (BD)

Today we journey through the forested inland plateau to the President’s home town of Mongomo, on the Gabonese border. Home to a breathtaking series of architectural monuments, a particular highlight is the massive basilica styled after St Peter’s in the Vatican City. Keeping with the theme of architectural wonders, you will also pass through the proposed new capital city of Oyala. Truly isolated in the heart of the jungle, you will have the surreal experience of driving along a deserted eight lane highway until Oyala’s skyscrapers appear on the horizon, seemingly out of nowhere. Due for completion in 2020, the city already boasts a five star luxury hotel and an 18 hole golf course, and seems more suited to Dubai than a patch of land in the rainforest. Overnight Hotel Mongomo or similar. (BD)

Venturing back towards the coast, our next stop is Monte Allen National Park, a vast space which was previously home to an abundance of wildlife including forest elephants, Western Lowland Gorillas and chimpanzees. Sadly as the park has little infrastructure and has suffered from years of neglect and poaching, on a short visit we are unlikely to see any wildlife. Nonetheless, a visit is still recommended so we can enjoy the jungle experience, and explore one of Africa’s least visited national parks. On an optional short trek we can take in stunning panoramic views over the surrounding hills and plains. A great spot to relax before heading back to Bata for the night. Overnight Hotel Panafrica or similar. (BD)

The next stop will be a highlight for any visitor: Corisco. Situated in the Rio Muni Estuary, this tiny island is home to the Benga people and one of the most famous beaches in the country: Arena Blanca. Getting there is not straightforward. There is a large new airport but this is as yet unopened. Instead, we need to hitch a lift from the mainland town of Cogo on one of the construction boats heading out to the island. Upon arrival, we begin exploring on foot as there are no private cars. We will be rewarded with Spanish missionary ruins, the tomb of a local king and a glimpse at one of the most isolated communities in Equatorial Guinea, as well as miles upon miles of unspoilt coastline. Of all the beaches, Arena Blanca is by far the best. Sitting at the south-eastern tip of the island, this long white sandy spit looks like something out of a brochure for the Caribbean, and is usually completely empty. From here you can see both the Equatoguinean island of Elobey Grande, a key trading base in colonial times, as well as the Gabonese coastline. (BD).

Today we make our way back from Corisco to Bata, from where we return to Bioko Island and Malabo via a short flight. Overnight Hotel Yoli or similar. (B and L or D – depending on flight schedules)

After returning to Malabo, the last few days of the tour will focus on Bioko Sur, the protected jungle area which covers the southern portion of the island. Visit a team of conservationists and learn about their work protecting the rare and endemic primates of Bioko. Also pay a visit to the turtle nesting sites of Ureka, and enjoy the waterfall that cascades directly onto the black volcanic beach.

After leaving the beach, we will spend the night in Luba on the west coast, a picturesque port town that played an important role in the colonial history of this nation. It was here in 1778 that the Spanish first landed and laid claim to the island (a monument commemorates this date at the northern end of town). We can also visit the former home of Maximiliano Cipriano Jones (1871–1944), who was the richest non-European businessman on the island at the turn of the twentieth century. Overnight Hotel Nautico or similar. (BLD)

On our final day before returning to the capital, there will be an opportunity to explore Batété, home to a wooden church dating to 1887. We visit the hillside town of Moka, which is a base for conservation work in the area. The Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program field house here has displays on the local wildlife, a fully marked nature trail and is the starting point for longer hikes to the surrounding lakes and waterfalls. The town also offers magnificent views of Pico Basilé, the mountain at the centre of the island. Overnight Hotel Yoli or similar. (BD)

Depending on the exact tour schedule, the final day before departure offers a number of opportunities. We may head east from Malabo, visiting Rebola and Baney to find out more about the local cocoa cultivation, and perhaps even taste some dried pods! Those feeling more energetic could hike up Pico Basilé, which on a cloud-free day offers panoramic views across the whole island. For those who simply want to relax, the beaches of Sipopo and Arena Blanca are a short drive away, allowing you to unwind before the flight back to Europe. (B)