Best Tourist Places to Visit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Central Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Central Africa, Africa

Malabo is the capital city of Equatorial Guinea in the Central Africa, situated on the Bioko Island. Holding a population of 187,302 (as of the 2012 census), Malabo is the 2^nd largest city of Equatorial Guinea, following Bata on the mainland Río Muni. The climate of Malabo is tropical wet and dry and the city receives an average of 1,800 mm of rainfall annually. Malabo geographically coordinates with 3°45′7.43″ N latitude and 8°46′25.32″ E longitude.

Oil industry is the backbone of Malabo’s economy and is followed by the tourism industry, which features the historical buildings, beaches and churches, especially the Malabo Cathedral.

History of Malabo:

The history of Malabo begins with its foundation as a naval station with name Port Clarence, made by the British in the year 1827. It was renamed Santa Isabel when it came under the Spanish rule in 1926 and it was selected as the capital of Equatorial Guinea replacing Bata in 1969. The city got its current name in 1973 under the name changing campaign of the President Francisco Macías Nguema.

Connectivity to Malabo:

Malabo hosts the most important airport of Equatorial Guinea, the Malabo International Airport, is located around 9 km away from the heart of the city. The airport covers many prime global destinations like Douala, Paris, Cotonou, Abidjan, Accra, Bata, Brazzaville, Mongomeyen, Port Harcourt, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Lisbon.

Taxis are the convenient options to get around Malabo city, which costs around 500 cfa. Buses are also commonly available.

Food and Shopping in Malabo:

Malabo is home to National University of Equatorial Guinea and Colegio Nacional Enrique Nvó Okenve.

Those who want to purchase traditional clothes and wood carvings can head towards traditional market in the city centre.

List of the famous food corners in Malabo include:

ICEF Malabo Restaurant
Hotel ibis Malabo
Candy Irish Pub
Cafe Kristania

Things to do in Malabo:

Exploring beaches
Shopping
Hiking

What to see in Malabo?

Malabo Cathedral:

The Malabo Cathedral is a landmark historic structure with a water fountain in front of the facade. The cathedral is located on the west side of the Plaza de Independencia, renowned as one of the identities of Malabo.

Malabo Government Building:

Official residence of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the Malabo Government Building was constructed in the year 1965 and its distinct construction and pleasant location have made it as one of the top tourist attractions of Malabo.

Sofitel Malabo President Palace:

The Sofitel Malabo President Palace is a 5-star hotel in Malabo, housed in the Spanish colonial palace dating from the 18th century. This elegant hotel is situated in the Plaza de la Independencia near the Malabo Government Building.

Beaches in Malabo:

Beaches are the focal point of Malabo’s tourism, attracting groups of tourists from the mainland Río Muni and other parts of Africa. Restaurants and cafes are also abundant on the beach line with a variety of modern features.

Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial:

The Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial is the national university of Equatorial Guinea, housed in the Spanish colonial building. The university building is surrounded by eye-catching landscapes and palm trees.

Other places of interest in and around Malabo are as follows:

Malabo International Airport
Malabo Court Building
Colegio Nacional Enrique Nvó Okenve
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program
Arena Blanca
The Museum of Biyabiyan
Pico Basil
Moca Valley
Evinayong
Ureca
Pico Malabo

Best time to visit Malabo:

Malabo generally experiences nine months of wet season annually expect from December to February, while dry season runs, which would be the ideal time to travel Malabo.

Accommodation Options in Malabo:

Malabo is home to more than 20 standard hotels including star rated options like Sofitel Malabo President Palace, Hotel Bahia, Hotel Impala and Hotel Ureka. Most hotels in Malabo offer advance booking facility for visitors’ convenience. The prominent hotels in Malabo are listed below: