Things to Do in Malabo

About Malabo

Perched on the edge of a volcanic island where misty peaks plunge into the Atlantic, Malabo exists in a world apart—a Spanish-speaking enclave of colonial architecture and tropical exuberance that few travelers ever discover. This is equatorial Africa's most unexpected capital, where the rhythms of mainland Central Africa blend with island isolation to create something entirely its own. Here, the well-worn tourist trail gives way to raw, unfiltered encounters with a city still writing its story.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: Bring euros in cash as Malabo uses the Central African CFA franc (pegged to the euro), and ATMs are unreliable with frequent outages—credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.

• Language Preparation: Learn basic Spanish phrases before arrival, as Spanish is the official language and English is not widely spoken, even in tourist areas and government offices.

• Transportation: Negotiate and agree on taxi fares before getting in, as taxis don't use meters; expect to pay 2,000-5,000 CFA for trips within the city center.

• Photography Restrictions: Never photograph government buildings, military installations, the port, or airport—Equatorial Guinea has strict laws about photography, and violations can result in detention or confiscation of equipment.

When to Visit

Malabo experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a drier period from December to February when temperatures hover around 24-28°C with lower humidity and clearer skies, making this the optimal window for visitors seeking comfortable exploration of the colonial Spanish architecture and volcanic beaches, though accommodation prices peak during this time. March through May marks the transition into the wet season with increasing rainfall and humidity levels reaching 85-90%, while June through October brings the heaviest downpours (up to 2,000mm annually) and persistent cloud cover that can make outdoor activities challenging, though budget travelers may find better hotel deals and fewer tourists willing to brave the steamy 26-30°C heat. November offers a brief respite with diminishing rains before the dry season returns, and this shoulder month can be ideal for experiencing local life without peak-season crowds. For cultural experiences, plan around October 12th for Independence Day celebrations with parades and festivities in the Plaza de la Independencia, or visit in early August for the Fiesta de Malabo patron saint celebrations featuring traditional Bubi music and dance performances. Weather-sensitive visitors should absolutely avoid July through September when the combination of torrential rains, 95% humidity, and limited visibility from fog rolling off Pico Basile can significantly hamper sightseeing and even cause flight delays at Malabo International Airport.