Africa is home to many wonderful and breathtaking countries. Some of tourists’ favourites include South Africa, Mauritius, Madagascar, Morocco and Egypt. But there are some nations on the world’s second largest continent that are often overlooked and never considered. One of them is Equatorial Guinea.
Now, there are many reasons as to why tourists don’t venture there very often. In fact, just 6,000 people are estimated to visit each year, making it the least visited country in Africa, according to United Nations tourism data. Part of the reason is location and accessibility. It’s a small country on the west coast of Central Africa, tucked between Cameroon and Gabon. Few airlines fly there directly, so it’s quite difficult to get there.
Other reasons include the country’s strict visa policy, lack of tourist infrastructure, and a government that controls much of what happens inside its borders.
Many international websites and services are restricted, and tourism is tightly monitored.
But what makes Equatorial Guinea quite unique is the language. It’s the only country in Africa where Spanish is an official language.
This goes back to the late 1700s, when Spain colonised the area after a treaty with Portugal. Spanish became the language of government and education, and it has remained ever since.
Today, Spanish is spoken by the majority of the population, alongside French and Portuguese, which are also official languages. Several local African languages, including Fang and Bubi, are also widely used.
The country itself is made up of a small mainland region and several islands, the largest being Bioko Island, where the capital city Malabo is located. The mainland region is called Río Muni.
Equatorial Guinea is rich in oil, forests and biodiversity. There are beaches, volcanic landscapes, and national parks, but these are rarely visited by outsiders.
A lack of tourist infrastructure, combined with concerns about safety and freedom of movement, keeps many travellers away.
However, some say this isolation is part of its appeal, but it also comes with risks. The UK Government warns that no travel can be guaranteed safe in Equatorial Guinea.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises taking out comprehensive travel insurance and avoiding remote areas.
There is a risk of violent crime, theft, and kidnapping, and past attacks have sometimes targeted foreigners. The country also suffers from power cuts, poor roads, and limited healthcare outside cities.
Travellers must get a visa before arrival, and may also need to meet health requirements. Demonstrations should be avoided, and local laws are strictly enforced.
The FCDO also warns that inappropriate behaviour or speech can lead to arrest, especially near government buildings or military sites.
Despite these warnings, some tourists do make the journey, often for business or personal reasons, and say the country offers a side of Africa that few ever get to see.
The UK Government travel advice can be found here.