Equatorial Guinea Hotels and Resorts

Summary: Located on the western African coast between Cameroon and Gabon, Equatorial Guinea comprises five volcanic islands near the mainland which is hilly in the interior dropping to coastal plains that became independent from Spain in 1968. With new oil reserves and large untapped natural resources, Equatorial Guinea has the potential to make strides in improving living conditions, as most locals are involved with subsistence agriculture, forestry or fishing.
Capital: Malabo
Time Zone: UTC+1
Population: 523,051
Languages: Spanish, French, pidgin English, Fang, Bubi, Ibo
Power: 220V, 50 Hz
Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine Franc - Currently 1 XAF = 0.0018 USD $
Climate: Equatorial Guinea has a tropical climate and is almost always hot and humid yearround, although a drier season runs from November to April.

Malabo: The capital Malabo, on the volcanic island of Bioko, you can find the nation’s strong Spanish colonial roots and a city that is culturally distinct from the mainland. Most visitors enjoy the central market, or the mountains for hiking, but many love simply sitting in an open bar drinking a cheap beer. At Luba, 28 miles from Malabo, you can find quiet beaches, hiking trails, and green spots to picnic and watch the locals.

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Bata: Bata is a great town to visit after the capital, 125 miles away by boat, to see the difference in culture between the island and mainland life. Most visits include the beaches on the surrounding coasts and include a trip to the markets, but you should also stop by the Plaza del Reloj, or clock square, or just walk along the Maritime Walkway. 32 miles to the south is Mbini, where you can get away for some swimming and another view of locals and the countryside.

Point and Click: Ask permission before taking pictures of locals, and don’t photograph national guardsmen or other military folk. Enjoy your trip, as tourists can be somewhat of a spectacle when they travel around through smaller villages.
Cash on Hand: Banks are open every morning except for Sundays, and exchange facilities are limited to major currencies like the Euro and the US Dollar, an important thing to note as credit cards and traveler’s checks are not commonly accepted.
When To Visit: The winter dry season from November to late March is the best time to visit as the backroads are drier and more easily traveled. October 12th is when the country celebrates its independence, so parades are common in all the larger cities.
Food: One of the most traditional meals starts with gari, flour made from cassava that is a staple of many dishes turned into porridge, or spiced as a side dish with added crushed seeds or leaves, and mushrooms, snails, plantains and skewered chicken are all popular parts of dinner time. Or you can break away to Spanish cooking at one of the local restaurants and have a malamba, a home brewed beer.
Tipping: Check your bill as a service charge may already be included, otherwise, add an extra 10% to 15% for great service.