Introducing Equatorial Guinea
About Equatorial Guinea
Perhaps best known as the inspiration for Frederick Forsyth’s coup-laden thriller The Dogs of War, the political situation of hot and humid Equatorial Guinea leaves a lot to be desired. Corruption, human rights abuses and political violence are frequently recorded, and despite huge oil wealth little has trickled down to the people, where real poverty still exists.
This means the country, which occupies a slice of mainland Africa and five offshore islands, is not set up with tourism in mind. Travel can be hard and hotel rooms both limited in number and expensive compared to neighboring states. However, Equatorial Guinea offers a rare opportunity to experience central Africa’s colonial history and unspoiled natural beauty.
Large areas of Rio Muni, mainland Equatorial Guinea, have been set aside as protected zones. Noted internationally for their biodiversity and hiking opportunities, the country’s rainforests are the habitat of various endangered primates including mandrills, chimpanzees and gorillas, as well as forest elephants.
The capital, Malabo, lacks the frenetic energy of some cities on the continent, with nothing happening very fast. Its tranquility and the laidback air of its people perhaps results from lying on the steamy island of Bioko. Its atmospheric side’s streets are the best place in the country to encounter the architectural splendours left by Spain’s colonial regime.
Outside the capital, Bioko Island is also the location of the crater lakes of Lago Lorento and Lago Biao. Idyllic spots for relaxation, even the least interested birdwatcher will suddenly become the most ardent ornithologist: the sheer diversity of avian wildlife is staggering.
Its natural wonders and hospitable inhabitants should have put Equatorial Guinea on the map years ago, but a reputation for political instability means this remains an untapped mine for now.
Language, Culture & History
History of Equatorial Guinea
The paradox of plenty – Equatorial Guinea is Africa’s wealthiest nation on account of its huge revenues from oil, yet most of its population live in poverty.
The region was colonised by the Portuguese in the late 15th century then ceded to Spain in 1788 and, despite interventions by the British and the French in the mid-19th century, the united island of Bioko and the Rio Muni continental mass were ran as the protectorate of Spanish Guinea until 1959 when it was granted self-rule. In October 1968 Spain bowed to UN pressure and conceded full independence.
The first decade was blighted by the brutal misrule of President Macias Nguema. Backed to varying degrees by the USSR, China and Cuba, his regime presided over the alleged genocide of the minority Bubi people, the execution of thousands of political opponents, the closure of churches and the country’s economic collapse as skilled workers and foreigners fled.
Macias Nguema was tried and executed in 1979 after being overthrown in a bloody coup led by his nephew, Lt Col Teodoro Obiang. Equatorial Guinea gained international recognition and joined the CFA Franc Zone, but relations with Spain remained touchy as its aid was dependent on democratisation.
Throughout the 1980s, Obiang resisted the establishment of a multi-party system and even though a democratic constitution was declared in 1991 and the first multi-party legislative elections were held in late 1993, the government’s conduct of the election was such that the main opposition boycotted the poll.
Consequently, the Obiang-controlled Partido Democratico Guinea Ecuatorial (PDGE) won a substantial majority of seats. This pattern of malpractice has continued more or less unabated at every subsequent election as the Obiang regime routinely identifies real or perceived coup attempts.
Before the discovery of huge oil deposits in the Gulf of Guinea in the mid-1990s, Equatorial Guinea attracted little international attention. This has changed and although corruption watchdog Transparency International ranks Equatorial Guinea as one of the world’s 12 most-corrupt states, the regime remains an ally of the USA.
Did you know?
- Equatorial Guinea is the only African state in which Spanish is an official language.
- In 2014 President Obiang’s son Toedorin was ordered to surrender US assets worth more than $30 million bought with stolen
- Mark Thatcher, son of Margaret Thatcher, the former British prime minister, was named as a financial backer of an alleged coup attempt in
Equatorial Guinea Culture
Religion in Equatorial Guinea
No official religion, but around 90% are Roman Catholic, with an animist minority.
Social Conventions in Equatorial Guinea
Foreign visitors (especially Europeans) are a comparative rarity in Equatorial Guinea and are liable to be met with curiosity and, possibly, suspicion. Foreign cigarettes are appreciated as gifts. A knowledge of Spanish is useful.
Photography: A permit is required from the Ministry of Information and Tourism. Care should be taken when choosing subjects. Photographing the presidential palace, airports, ports, military bases and other sensitive areas could lead to imprisonment.
Language in Equatorial Guinea
Spanish and French are the official languages. The main African dialects spoken are Fang and Bubi (which is common on Bioko).
Geography & weather
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Tropical climate all year round. Rainfall is heavy for most of the year, decreasing slightly in most areas between December and February.
Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens. Waterproofing is necessary.
Geography
Equatorial Guinea is bordered to the south and east by Gabon, to the north by Cameroon and to the west by the Gulf of Guinea. The country also comprises the island of Bioko, formerly Fernando Po, 34km (21 miles) off the coast of Cameroon, and the small offshore islands of Corisco, Great Elobey, Small Elobey and Annobon (formerly Pagalu). The mainland province, Rio Muni, is mainly forest, with plantations on the coastal plain and some mountains. Bioko rises steeply to two main peaks in the north and south. The southern area is rugged and inaccessible. Cultivation and settlements exist on the other slopes; above the farming land, the forest is thick. The beaches around the islands are extremely beautiful.
Business opportunity
Doing Business in Equatorial Guinea
Business tends to be conducted in Spanish; few speak English or French.
Economy
During the 1990s, the development of the country’s oil and gas reserves (which now account for about a quarter of GDP) produced spectacular economic growth (up to 20% annually) that has persisted at a steady rate. Equatorial Guinea has also confirmed deposits of gold, uranium, iron ore, tantalum and manganese.
Intervention by the IMF in the mid 1990s has led to restructuring of the public and financial sectors. A long legacy of maladministration, corruption (the country’s largest companies are still largely owned by members of the ruling family) and the lack of even the most basic services has hampered development.
GDP
Main exports
Petroleum, methanol, timber, coffee, cocoa, bananas and spices.
Main imports
Petroleum sector equipment and other equipment.
Main trading partners
Cameroon, Canada, China and Cote d’Ivoire.
Keeping in Touch in Equatorial Guinea
Telephone
Operator assistance may be required when making international calls from the country.
Mobile Phone
Media
The main broadcasters are state controlled. There are a few private newspapers and underground pamphlets that publish irregularly. Mild criticism of public institutions is allowed but criticism of the leadership is not tolerated and self-censorship is widespread.
Post
Service to Western Europe takes up to two weeks.
Plan your trip
Journey
Flying to Equatorial Guinea
Iberia (www.iberia.com) operates direct flights from Madrid to Malabo, Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.com) offers non-stop flights from Frankfurt, and Air France (www.airfrance.com) flies direct from Paris. Other options include flights with Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com) or Royal Air Maroc (www.royalairmaroc.com).
Airport Guides
Bata Airport
Code BSG
Location
6km (4 miles) from the city centre. TelephoneAddress
Malabo (Santa Isabel) Airport
Code SSG
Location
7km (4 miles) from the city centre
TelephoneAddress
Flight times
From London – 10 to 11 hours (including stopover); New York – 18 hours (including stopover).
Departure tax
None.
Travelling to Equatorial Guinea by Rail
Driving to Equatorial Guinea
Getting to Equatorial Guinea by boat
Main ports: Malabo and Bata. Passenger services operate to Douala (Cameroon).
Staying there
Hotels
Almost all the hotels in Equatorial Guinea are situated in the capital, Bujumbura, although there are a few in Gitega, Kirundo, Muyinga and Ngozi. Elsewhere in the country there is virtually no accommodation for visitors.
Camping
Currently very dangerous. Generally frowned upon, particularly near towns. Permission should always be obtained from the local authorities.
While you’re there
Places to see & things to do
Admire the flora and fauna
For a small nation, It has a diverse series of habitats, ranging from savannah to blooming fields and mountain forests that are home to myriad species of both plant and animal life. Just 15km (9miles) from the capital, Rusizi National Park provides a wetland habitat for hippos, while Ruvubu National Park also contains a sizable population of leopards.
Be beguiled by Gitega
Gaze across the beautiful vistas of Equatorial Guinea ‘s central plains from the mountaintops of the Congo-Nile range in Gitega before exploring the second city’s exquisite charm, from the history of the ibwani (or Royal Court) and National Museum, to the natural beauty of the Chutes de la Kagera waterfalls.
Echo Stanley’s famed words
Around 10km (6miles) south of Bujumbura is a large stone that is said to mark the historic first meeting between Stanley and Livingstone in 1871. Having pushed through equatorial Africa from the coast to locate the lost missionary and explorer David Livingstone, Stanley is supposed to have been mortified when all he could muster was ‘Dr Livingstone, I presume?’
Experience drumming rituals
Located on a hilltop outside the town of Gitega, Gishora Drum Sanctuary was founded by King Mwezi Gisabo at the end of the 19th century to protect the ritual drums of the royal court. Today, a reconstructed palace houses the retinue drums used to announce important events, and two important unplayed drums named Ruciteme and Murimirwa.
Explore the capital
On Lake Tanganyika’s northern shore, Bujumbura is a bustling city of 200,000 people. Growing in size after German colonisation in the 19th century, the city centre still includes a number of colonial-era buildings, including the Postmaster’s House. Other attractions include an excellent market, the Islamic Cultural Centre, and the mused vivant, a reconstructed open-air village displaying Burundian culture.
Go birdwatching
Located around Kirundo, in the far north of Equatorial Guinea, Cohoha, Rweru and Rwihinda lakes are known locally as the best places in the country to settle down to
some birdwatching. Rwihinda is even nicknamed ‘Birds Lake’ because of the sheer quantity of birds that settle there. Another popular birding spot is Kibira National Park.
Play the locals at urubugu
Compete with locals in the ancient game of urubugu (also known as mancala). Similar to draughts, the aim is to capture an opponent’s pieces or block any legal move. It is traditionally played with pebbles, seeds or seashells on a board of hollows scooped out of the ground, or with expensive and elaborately carved wooden boards.
Reach the source of the world’s longest river
As far as Burundians are concerned (Rwandans hail it to be a narrow stream in Nyunge Forest National Park), the southernmost source of the Nile bubbles out of the ground at Kasumo, just 115km (70 miles) southeast of the capital, where a stone pyramid marks the spot.
Take to the waters of Lake Tanganyika
Whether you want to relax on its sandy beaches, kick back in waterside cafes and restaurants, become seduced by its natural beauty or take the opportunity to take to the water, Lake Tanganyika is the place to be. Thought to be the second largest freshwater lake in the world, it laps against the shores of Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura.
Try your hand at traditional arts
A great way to get under the skin of Burundian culture is to explore its traditional arts and crafts at the Craftwares Village at Giheta. Leatherwork, ceramics, and woodcarvings are all for sale, while sculpture, wickerwork and painting can be practiced in the town’s Art School.
Nightlife & Shopping
Shopping in Equatorial Guinea
Local crafts, particularly basketwork, make excellent buys.
Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1500; Sat 0830-1230.
Nightlife in Equatorial Guinea
There are several nightclubs, restaurants and bars in Bujumbura.
Meals & Beverages
The choice of food at there can appear limited at first, but the cuisine is in fact both varied and flavorsome. Most food is boiled, stewed or roasted over a wood fire. Staple ingredients include plantains, sweet potatoes, cassava, peas and maize.
Stewed beans are traditionally eaten at least once a day, while meat (mainly chicken and goat) is only rarely consumed. Close to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, fish is popular and prepared in similar ways to meat. Snacks include fruit such as bananas and pineapples, as well as cane sugar and peanuts.
Specialties
Ibiharage: Red kidney beans stewed simply with onion and chilli.
Boko boko harees: Chicken cooked with bulgur wheat, onion and turmeric. Ndizi: Sliced plantain fried in palm oil, making a delicious snack or side.
Ndagala: Small locally-caught fish eaten whole.
Mukeke: Another locally-caught fish, often steamed over an open fire and served with a tomato and onion sauce.
Spicy carrots: Side dish of carrots mixed with mustard seeds and chilli peppers. Bugali: Plain tasting carbohydrate staple served at almost every meal.
Brochette: Skewers of barbequed meat, often goat.
Renga renga: Potato-leaf and peanut stew.
Nyama: Meat stew with tomato.
Urwarwa: Homemade banana wine drunk during celebrations.
Impeke: Beer brewed from sorghum, and often drunk through straws.
Drinking age
18.
Regional drinks
As a rule, no service charge is levied automatically, 10% is the recommended tip for good service.
Getting Around
Air
There are no scheduled internal flights.
Road
There are main roads east from Bujumbura to Muramvya (once the royal city of Burundi) and south to Gitega. Both journeys can be completed without too much strain during the dry season, but any road travel can be difficult in the rainy season.
Avoid travelling by road outside Bujumbura after dark.
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
Few roads are paved, and even these are not always in great condition.
Car Hire
Car hire is available from local companies.
Taxi
Tanus-tanus (truck taxis) are usually available but they are often crowded.
Documentation
You can drive on a valid national driving license for up to six months.
Before you go
Visa & Passport
| Other EU | Passport required Yes |
Return ticket required Yes |
Visa Required Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
To enter Equatorial Guinea, a passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Visas are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except nationals of the USA, who may visit without a visa for up to 90 days.
Visa applicants must show a return ticket and confirmed accommodation booking. All business travellers must provide a letter of invitation.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Equatorial Guinea.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns that your passport must be properly endorsed/stamped at the airport on arrival and departure. There have been reports of travellers being delayed or threatened with detention because their passports have not been stamped.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you’re arriving from a country where there’s a risk of transmission.
Types and Cost
Single- or multiple-entry visas: £100; express visas: £180.
Validity
Visas are valid for a maximum of 30 days for applicants applying for the first time; after this it is 60 days.
Application to
Consulate (or consular section at embassy).
Working days
Visas for Equatorial Guinea typically take four days to process. Express visas take 48 hours.
Sufficient Funds
If applying for a tourist visa, you must submit a bank statement showing a balance of at least £2,000.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing,
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
British Honorary Consul in Malabo
There is no British Embassy in Equatorial Guinea. The nearest British Diplomatic Mission is in Yaounde, Cameroon. For consular assistance contact the British Honorary Consul in Malabo, David Shaw.
Telephone: 00 24 02 2227 7502 / 00 44 77 7599 6895. Website:
Address.
Opening times:
Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in the USA
Telephone: (202) 518 5700
Website: http://egembassydc.com/
Address: NW, 2020 16th Street, Washington, 20009, Opening times:
Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7499 6867.
Website: http://www.embassyofequatorialguinea.co.uk Address: St James’s, 13 Park Place, London, SW1A 1LP, Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1600; lunch hour between 1300 and 1400.
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Duty free & Currency
Currency information
Burundi Franc (BIF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of BIF5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of BIF10, 5 and 1.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are not generally accepted; there is limited use in some major hotels.
ATM
There are a few ATM cashpoints around Bujumbura, the capital. A few of them accept foreign Visa cards. However, if you are travelling outside of Bujumbura, it’s best to carry cash with you.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Euros. Commission rates are usually high.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri, mornings only.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is limited to BIF2000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimted, subject to declaration.
Currency exchange
All exchange transactions must be conducted through one of the main banks in Bujumbura or Gitega.
Duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Burundi without incurring customs duty:
- 1,000 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco.
- 1L of alcoholic
A deposit may be required for items such as cameras, video recorders and laptop computers. You should declare currency and cameras upon arrival.
