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During the dry season, turtles come ashore on the beaches at Ureca to lay their eggs. Since 1996, the Spanish conservation group Los Amigos de Donana has employed villagers as guards to patrol the beaches during nesting season, and the local market for both turtles and eggs has gradually decreased.
Although Ureca is undeservedly lacking in tourist infrastructure, there is a small guesthouse here that makes for a convenient base. When you're not sunning yourself on the beaches or watching the cycle of life unfold, there are excellent opportunities for hiking in the nearby jungle.
(80km (50mi) S of Malabo, Bioko island)
tel info 94098
elephant shared taxi from Malabo
Monte Alen is one of Central Africa's best-kept secrets, and reason enough to take a trip to Equatorial Guinea. A protected area covering 1400 sq km (540 sq mi), the park is an excellent place to experience the lush rainforests and wildlife of Rio Muni. There are well-maintained and accessible trails as well as a series of accessible campements (campsites) to spend the night in.
The trails lead to lakes where it's possible to spot mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, crocodiles and a whole range of other African animals. Be aware that hiking in the park can be hot, slippery and strenuous - stock up on water, dry clothes and other supplies.
Evinayong Rd
(60km (37mi) SE of Bata)
bus bush taxis from Bata; alight at Moka
Capital of the mainland region of Rio Muni (and larger than Malabo), Bata is a clean, charming town with wide streets, colourful buildings and a bustling atmosphere. Lacking the spectacular volcanic views of Malabo, Bata is nonetheless quite lively, with busy markets and lots of restaurants, bars and hotels.
Bata has a dilapidated colonial charm that is appealing enough, though the city is used primarily as a base for day trips to the nearby islands. There are however a few attractions on the mainland, especially if you're searching for a secluded African beach experience. Just to the north and south of Bata are some of the most beautiful strips of sand on the continent, and it's fairly likely that you'll have them all to yourself.
(Rio Muni)
ferry irregular
plane regular
Small, beautiful and Spanish in influence, Malabo is not the biggest city in Equatorial Guinea, but it's certainly the most vibrant and tourist-friendly. Outdoor bars, thriving nightclubs and colourful markets are the highlights of a town in the heart of the real African tropics.
With ocean waves to the north and the imposing mountain to the south, Malabo is seemingly the perfect recipe for tourism - just drink local brews as beer is pricey. The petroleum boom has created strong contrasts in wealth and modernization, the city's fancy neighborhoods sit alongside shantytowns.
Capital of the mainland region of Rio Muni and larger than Malabo, Bata is a clean, charming town with wide streets. Lacking the spectacular volcanic views of Malabo, Bata is nonetheless quite lively, with busy markets and lots of restaurants, bars and hotels.
There are few man-made attractions on the mainland, however those wanting a secluded African beach experience are in luck; to the north and south of Bata are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Bata is over 200km (125mi) across the Bight of Biafra from Malabo.
