Equatorial Guinea is one of the least-visited countries in Africa and for a long time has also been one of the more difficult countries to visit because of the visa unless of course you were a US citizen who were visa free. Now thanks to the introduction of an E-visa the process is much easier, especially if you visit on a Saiga Tour.
Equatorial Guinea is split between two parts, Bioko Island where you can find the capital Malabo and the mainland, known as Rio Muni where you can find the cities of Bata, Mongomo and Ciudad de la Pais. Most people that visit this small African country end up only in Bioko as Malabo is the main point of entry. Bioko is a beautiful little island covered in thick rainforest with some great beaches too. If you do come to explore this country though, it absolutely is worth checking out the mainland, especially if you’re looking for something different on your holiday.
So, what is there to see on the mainland?
Bata
When you arrive in on the mainland you will find yourself in the city of Bata. Bata is a quiet little town with a couple of monuments to visit. Here you can find the independence monument which has a revolving restaurant (yes it does actually revolve), the subterranean library and the seaside boulevard which is great for a stroll.
Mongomo
Mongomo is the hometown of the first President Francisco Marcia, and is one of the more developed cities on the mainland. Here you can find some big mansions and the largest church in all of Central Africa, known The Basillica of the Immaculate Conception. Mongomo sits right on the border with Gabon and you can see right in when you’re diriving through the town. You can definitely feel that there is investment going on in this town with golf courses and mansions a common site.
Ciudad de la Pais
This is the new capital that is currently being built on the mainland and is about a 45 minute drive from Mongomo in the eastern part of the country. The construction of this city started around 10 years ago and is still a work in progress. Currently, it consists of several roads some paved some not, some that just end into nothing and some that just stop at the edge of the thick jungle. There are some unfinished buildings such as the new Presidential palace and some other military buildings. The main finished building here is the American University of Central Africa, which is said to be the best in the country.
In addition to unfinished buildings you will also find a slice of heaven nestled against the thick jungle, a 5-star hotel called Hotel Djobloho. This is an amazing hotel with a golf course that has great faculties and is definitely a must visit if you find yourself in far eastern Equatorial Guinea.
Cogo and the Island of Corisco
Cogo is a sleepy little town right at the southern edge of the country at the mouth of the Rio Muni just across from Gabon. This cute little town has a lovely resort which is a great place to unwind. This is also the launching pad for visitors wishing to visit the beautiful Corisco Island.
Corisco Island is a gem in Equatorial Guinea, located about a 1-hour boat ride off the coast. It offers beautiful white sand beaches and no phone signal, so it’s perfect for those wishing to unwind. It is also possible to stay on Corisco, however the majority of people who visit will do it as a day trip from Cogo.
How to get there?
Everyday there are two flights from the island of Bioko to Bata on the mainland. There is also a ferry, however the most reliable way is to catch a flight, even if they are regularly delayed. There are two options for the airline with flights available on Cronos Airlines or Ceiba Airways. The flight is short at about 45 minutes from Malabo.
Do you need to go with a tour?
Technically you don’t need to go on a tour, however with numerous permits required and with numerous checkpoints on the road, going with a local guide or in a tour group (with us preferably) will save you a lot of hassle. We will be running three tours in 2026 which can all be viewed here on our
Equatorial Guinea tours page.
If you’d like to join us in Equatorial Guinea in 2026, then send us an email to
[email protected]
to secure your spot.
