Bioko Island Loop from Malabo

Based in Malabo, take daily excursions to see volcanoes, black sand beaches, and misty highlands.

Since accommodation options outside Malabo are extremely limited, this five-day itinerary uses the historic old town as a base. Each day, you will take a chartered excursion: Pico Basile and Sipopo in the north, Luba and Ureca in the south, and Moka and Lake Biao in the interior. The southern route involves a long drive, but you won't have to change hotels. This is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the whole island on a short holiday, skipping the overnight stay in Ureca and the trek to the great caldera.

Dec–Feb is the driest period; leatherback turtles nest from around Nov–Feb; other months are quite rainy.

Day by day

Day 1 · Stroll Through Malabo's Old Town

Malabo & Bioko（Cathedral of Santa Isabel、Independence Square & Old Town、Mercado Central）

Transfer from the airport to the old town. After settling in, walk to the cathedral, Plaza de la Independencia, and the Central Market.

Do not photograph officials or government buildings. Ensure all permits for travel outside the island are sorted out here.

Stay: Old Town and Independence Square

Day 2 · Pico Basile & Sipopo

Malabo & Bioko（Pico Basilé、Sipopo Beach）

Take an early morning chartered drive up the mountain road to Pico Basile, then drive down to Sipopo in the eastern suburbs (about half a day of driving in total).

Head up the mountain as early as possible, as clouds will block the view later in the day. Expect military checkpoints along the highway.

Stay: Old Town and Independence Square

Day 3 · Southern Route: Luba & Ureca

Malabo & Bioko（Arena Blanca、Luba、Ureca Beach）

Head south in a chartered 4WD, reaching Luba in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, then continue to Ureca, returning to Malabo the same day.

The southern dirt roads become very muddy when it rains, and the final stretch often requires walking; start early.

Stay: Old Town and Independence Square

Day 4 · Moka Highlands & Lake Biao

Malabo & Bioko（Moka & Lake Biaó、Iladyi Waterfalls）

Drive via Baney and Riaba up to Moka (about 1.5–2 hours), then hike to Lake Biao with a local guide.

The cloud forest trails are slippery; wear shoes with good grip. Fog rolls in easily in the afternoon.

Stay: Old Town and Independence Square

Day 5 · Paseo Marítimo & Departure

Malabo & Bioko（Paseo Marítimo、Malabo National Park）

Visit the Paseo Marítimo and the National Park depending on your flight time, then transfer from the waterfront area to the airport.