Trip to Equatorial Guinea ► Bantu cultures and colonial heritage

Trip from 9 to 17 December 2024 (9 d. / 8 n.) / TRIP COMPLETED

On this trip to Equatorial Guinea, we will value both the Spanish colonial heritage (a differentiating fact of the destination) and the cultural elements of the Bantu and Creole societies, which populate the island of Bioko and Río Muni (the continental area of Equatorial Guinea).

We will begin the route through the old Fernando Poo Island, the territory of the Bubi and Fernandino (creoles). The landscape of this volcanic island is of great beauty. There, we will investigate the ancient Bubi kingdom of Moka and the colonial remains of the Spanish era. We will jump to Río Muni, the mainland, Bantu Fang territory. These ancient anthropophagi amazed the explorer Manuel de Iradier, who described them in his memoirs.

The trip will pass through jungle landscapes, colonial towns and tribal communities, where we will have the privilege of witnessing ancestral ceremonies and dances. We will travel by private bus and take internal flights to go from Malabo to Bata.

Download the itinerary for this trip to Equatorial Guinea

If you want to know the detailed itinerary of this trip to Equatorial Guinea you can download it through the form that you will find below. Click here to easily reach the form.

The guide for this trip will be Agustín Eya Miko, expert in the culture and history of Equatorial Guinea.

Discover the highlights of this trip to Equatorial Guinea

► Mainland part of Equatorial Guinea

Fang tribe

The Fang tribe is the dominant Bantu ethnic group in the country since independence from Spain in 1968. After decades of cultural assimilation and missionary action, the Fang ethnic group has lost much of their ancestral culture. But in some inland towns, the Fang preserve some pre-colonial practices, such as music and dances with masks. Our trip to Equatorial Guinea will pass through a Fang village to learn about its culture as well as these cultural practices that have been preserved.

Bwiti ceremony

During this trip to Equatorial Guinea, we will immerse ourselves in the world of 'Bwitism', a syncretic religion that mixes elements of the Fang animist religion with Catholic rituals. We will witness a ceremony that mixes medical and initiation elements by Bwiti priests.

Ndowé tribe

The Ndowe tribe, also known as sandpipers, is a Bantu ethnic group that is dedicated to fishing and agriculture. In a fishing village, we will organize a traditional dance known by the Spanish name 'mamarracho'. It will be a unique opportunity to admire their traditional masks in action.

Badgeli tribe

Near the Cameroonian border, we will meet the Badgeli tribe, a pygmy people who have traditionally lived by hunting and gathering. Currently, they live among the Fang, and their traditional way of life has changed a lot, but they still retain some aspects of their original culture as well as their link with the mother jungle.

► Exploration of Bioko Island

Malabo city tour

During this trip to Equatorial Guinea, we will walk through the streets of old Malabo in search of historical buildings. Also, we will explore the most popular neighborhoods, where you can feel the heartbeat of the city. We will investigate the ancestral beliefs and popular culture (fusion music and Creole dances). In addition, we will visit the neo-Gothic-style cathedral, designed by a disciple of Antoni Gaudí in 1897, to attend the sung mass.

Bubi tribe

We will visit Moka, the spiritual center of the Bubi tribe and the seat of their ancient monarchy. We will meet with some Bubi elders to learn about aspects of traditional culture. Although most Bubi are Catholic today, they still maintain some of their traditional beliefs. We will try to talk to a priest and witness a traditional dance.

Ureka Beach

We will admire the black volcanic sand beaches of Ureka. Without a doubt, it is one of the last unspoiled paradises in West Africa.

Visit to the unique wooden Church of Batete

The main curiosity of the town of Batete is a church that dominates the entire region and is among the most unique religious buildings in the world. During this trip to Equatorial Guinea, we will visit the Church of Batete, that is completely built in wood.

Sampaka cocoa farm

It was founded in 1906, with the old colonial-style 'masters' house made of green and Nordic pine wood. Sampaka is one of the few farms of colonial origin still in operation, and for that alone and also for its exceptional cocoa, it is worth visiting.