10 TOP best things to do in Malabo
Versión en Español aquí
Top 10 best things to do in Malabo. If you live in Malabo or plan to visit the city, we have done the work for you.
Here you will find a list of 10 activities: they are not in order of preference or from best to worst, you just should do them during your stay. In addition, we have placed a very special one in the last place for you.
Do not miss it and write us in the end if you agree.
Malabo Promenade
It is the ideal place for a walk in the capital and has more than 3 km by the sea, perfect for strolling with the sea breeze. It also offers many possibilities:
- You can exercise in many areas designated for sports. With fitness bars for all ages, it is a good meeting place to get to know people with the same passion for fitness..
- It is a place for children’s entertainment. There are swings and playgrounds every 500 m with rubber floors that are a hit with kids. Perfect for a Sunday of fun.
- It is a meeting place with friends. With more than 25 food stalls, the promenade has a variety of gastronomic options, from the classic ribs or chicken wings to traditional Guinean “picapica”, and even Lebanese food. Of course, ice cream too..
- It is a long avenue perfect for cycling, rollerblading or even running. A paradise for those runners among us.
St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral
The cathedral of Malabo is a neo-Gothic Catholic building inaugurated in 1916 and currently under restoration. In January 2020 a fire due to an electrical failure caused the calcination of part of its structure.
This cathedral facing the Plaza de la Independencia is located in the heart of the city. It is impossible not to admire its beauty and look forward to its early restoration in November 2021.
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Malabo Cathedral is the only example of Neo-Gothic heritage in Africa. And for all Equatoguineans it is part of their memory
Cacao tasting in Sampaka Farm
The Finca Sampaka (Sampaka’s farm) is a historic cocoa farm on the island of Bioko. Founded around 1906, its central colonial structure of green-toned wood and Nordic pine is still in perfect condition. Its name, Sampaka, comes from the name of a Liberian named Samuel Parker, who settled in the area, and over the years the name evolved into the current Sampaka.
This farm has always stood out for producing one of the best cocoa of the island and the world. In fact, its variant has been exported to countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast, which are currently the most important countries in the exploitation of cocoa.
From this wonderful farm, you have the chance to enjoy all the vegetation and listen to the noises of nature. And as a final surprise, you can always sign up for one of the 100% local chocolate tastings and buy some of them.
Are you going to miss it?
Somagec Ranch
It is one of the lesser known sites on this list. Somagec Ranch is the closest to an animal sanctuary in Malabo.
Located on the outskirts of the city (about 15 minutes away from it), you can find different species of animals such as parrots, chimpanzees, crocodiles and amazing Arabian horses.
In addition, there is a riding club where you can learn how to ride a horse, no matter if you are a child or an adult. But that is not all, there is also a Moroccan food restaurant that will delight couscous lovers. We are in love with them.
Evening view of the Malabo National Park
This is the perfect plan for another traditional Malabeño weekend. It is a park of 870,000 m2 ideal for families, with plenty of places to let the kids run free and to take pictures with the wonderful vegetation in the background. All of this in a very controlled environment with no road traffic.
In addition, Malabo National Park has sports areas and a very interesting art gallery. In different seasons of the year, various festivals or big events are held, such as the EGBodypainting festival and the parade of the famous annual gala Ideal Woman
Climb to Basile Peak
The impressive Basile Peak is the highest mountain in Equatorial Guinea with an altitude of 3011 m (9878 ft). Of the three volcanoes, it is the largest and highest peak generated by the overlapping basaltic shields that form the island.
If you decide to hike the trail to its summit, you will love the wonderful view of Mount Cameroon to the northeast on clearer days. You will also want to take a stop at the Bisila Church at an altitude of 2800 m; both the building and the walk around it are well worth the effort.
If you are lucky enough to have a local to tell you the story of this Mother, Virgin and Lady of Bioko Island, you will be fascinated by the spirituality.
Note: this excursion requires a permit from the Ministry of Tourism, which costs 15,000 XAF per person.
Visit to Ilachi Waterfalls
Ilachi waterfalls (also spelled Iladyi) are one of the most breathtaking attractions of Bioko Island, and definitely the largest waterfalls in the country with 250 m of impressive fall. This beautiful setting is located in the city of Moka, about 90 minutes drive from Malabo, which despite sounding like a long journey is enjoyable from start to finish.
Once there you have to walk through forest trails for about 45 minutes or 1 hour depending on the pace you want to take. We assure you that it is an incredible experience that will culminate in watching how the waterfalls flow down the mountain slopes, providing the landscape with an unusual beauty.
Of course, not everything is as simple as it seems. This excursion is not for everyone, as it includes crossing a river and descents of medium difficulty through the mountain, of those that make your muscles ache the next day.
In another post of our blog we tell you how is a day doing this excursion of the Ilachi waterfalls.
Climbing to Biao Lake
We believe that this ancient volcanic crater is one of the works of nature that you have to visit once in your life.
It is located south of Bioko Island, about 90 minutes from Malabo by car. Biao Lake is located in a unique place, and is one of the few lakes on a volcano crater.
The route from Moka to the lake is wonderful, more than 2 hours of ascent among ferns and local flora. If you are looking for adventure and you are in good shape, you should not miss it.
Visit to Ureka
Ureka is, with no doubt, one of the most magical and wonderful places in the country so it definitely has to be on your to-do list.
It’s not just about seeing and bathing in the three most outstanding waterfalls in the area, or the possibility of seeing the majestic leatherback turtles… It’s the whole adventure.
It is about walking for hours along the beach, with no cover, no noise, no lights, just you and nature. That is why it is also important to take precautions and always be accompanied by a local guide, as the tides change drastically and there is a danger of being trapped by them if you are not familiar with the times or with this abrupt mouth, which is also what makes it so beautiful.
Note: in order to go to this site you will need several permits from the Ministry of Tourism that any travel agency or you can get yourself.
Paddle Surf in Sipopo
This is a new activity, and the best thing is that we organize it ourselves. So this is our bonus.
And why paddle surfing in Equatorial Guinea? Because it’s fun, it’s refreshing, it helps you shape up, and it lets you see the coast from the sea, a different and uncommon perspective.
So if you come to Malabo or you are already here, we will be waiting for you.
Summary of the 10 top things to do in Malabo
Traveling to Equatorial Guinea is an adventure itself, and no matter if you are spending a few days or living temporarily or permanently here, we are sure you have wondered what to do or visit. That is why we have put together this list with all our recommendations of the places you should not miss.
We know that, fortunately, there are more, many more, but we cannot fit them all in the same post. So if you think we have forgotten any of them, do not hesitate to tell us in the comments and, if you convince us, we will add them to our list.
Enjoy Malabo!
Rumbo Malabo
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