taytrum travels

Bioko Island is home to the capital city of Equatorial Guinea, Malabo, as well as other features like Pico Basilé, Ureca Beach, and the Moka Volcano.

Traveling to Equatorial Guinea is a unique adventure as it is one of the least visited countries in the world. Many who make the journey head to the top of Pico Basilé, explore the waterfalls of Ureca Beach, and climb the Moka Volcano to see the view at the Mirador del Lago Biao.

Hiking a volcano can be strenuous and exciting. Luckily the Moka Volcano is dormant and the crater at the top has actually filled with water, forming a lake. This lake is called Lago Biao and the trail leads to an impressive view of the crater lake on a clear day.

To hike the Moka (Moca) Volcano, you’ll probably first need a visa to Equatorial Guinea. I visited Equatorial Guinea in the summer of 2018 and did not need a priorly arranged visa because I am a United States passport holder. However, in May 2023, Equatorial Guinea amended their 1995 decree that all U.S. travelers could arrive visa-free. This means that today U.S. citizens will need a visa. Very few countries are exempt from the visa policy.

Where is Moka and the Mirador del Lago Biao?

Moka itself is a small town where a portion of the population lives on Bioko Island. It is located in the southern half of the island, where roads generally narrow and are less well maintained. The lake is at the top of the volcano in the crater of the now dormant volcano.

Bioko Island is located in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of mainland Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon. It is actually much closer to Cameroon than mainland Equatorial Guinea. It is the largest of Equatorial Guinea’s islands.

Getting There

To get to the Moka Volcano you’ll first need to fly into the Malabo international airport. You can hire a guide or rent a car yourself in Malabo. You could also hire a taxi for the day to drive you to Moka.

From Malabo, you need to head southwest towards Luba. However, you should not go all the way to Luba. Rather, there is a junction towards Riaba that you should follow.

There will also likely be police and military checkpoints along the way. At the checkpoint you should present your passport, visa, and proof of internal travel approval from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. This was necessary in 2018, however it may not be anymore.

It takes about 2 hours to get to Moka from Malabo. The road is generally paved and smooth. On your way to Moka, you’ll pass the Moka Wildlife Center, which contains short trails for exploring as well as a small center with maps and exhibits. The wildlife center is associated with the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, an organization run in conjunction between the National University of Equatorial Guinea and Drexel University.

What to Expect

The trail to the Moka Volcano is moderately difficult. There is some elevation gain, but not too much. The biggest challenge in my experience is the slippery mud. It may not be always raining, but it is often wet, with low hanging clouds leaving moisture on everything.

The trail takes roughly 2-3 hours round trip to complete. I don’t remember the exact distance, but it is not a very long trail.

The trail is also not regularly maintained or heavily trafficked so vegetation can overgrow along the route. It is helpful to bring a machete or use a guide that will have their own to clear passage. While vegetation can be overgrown on the trail, it was not significant enough to lose the trail altogether.

You can also expect to hear and see many birds and if you’re lucky you could spot some monkeys. There are not many large mammals on the island, so safety concerns about dangerous wildlife should be tempered. If you do see monkeys, or any other animals for that matter, do not try to feed or touch them.

General Tips

The first tip is to bring a rain poncho or a waterproof jacket. Waterproof or water-resistant pants would also be helpful. I did not have waterproof pants and my leggings were quickly soaked. Even if it is not raining, there is a near constant mist and dampness.

Second, I would have changed the shoes I wore. I wore regular Nike running shoes and I wish I had had proper hiking boots. The terrain can be rough at times and the trail can be slick.

Related to a wet and slick trial, hiking poles would have also been very helpful on the trail. I slipped once going down and got quite muddy as a result.

Bring plenty of water and a meal to eat at the top of the crater or along the streams. As always, remember to pack-in, pack-out in order to leave the environment as pristine as you found it.

Is it safe to visit Equatorial Guinea?

Travel to and within Equatorial Guinea can be complicated to say the least. You should consult your country’s recommendations and regulations, as well as the most up to date laws in Equatorial Guinea for a smooth trip.

Violent crime is rare, but political unrest can occur as there is sharp inequality and deeply rooted corruption in the country. I felt safe as a woman in Equatorial Guinea in most instances, however the city and countryside exist in a relatively heightened security state. It is true that I rarely went places alone, however I think it would be possible if you are in fact a solo traveler. As many solo female travelers know, harassment is a frequent experience. However, I did not feel harassed in any of my interactions during my time in the country.

While safety usually concerns issues of crime and violence, it is worth noting that there are some risks to your physical health in Equatorial Guinea. There is the chance you could contract a disease and feel ill. Proof of yellow fever and polio vaccines are required to enter the country. The yellow fever vaccine usually comes with a yellow card certification or booklet that you should travel with. Malaria and Dengue are present issues in Equatorial Guinea as well. I took a daily prescribed pill to help prevent malaria. Luckily, I did not get sick while in the country for two months.

Is Equatorial Guinea worth visiting?

Yes, the unique and preserved beauty in Equatorial Guinea make it an incredible place to see. Although this preservation is due to largely closed borders and restrictive policy, traveling in Equatorial Guinea is truly a once in a lifetime experience (and I don’t say that lightly).

I don’t often meet people who have traveled to Equatorial Guinea, but when I do I love hearing about their experiences in this remote and unique place.

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