Bioko Island

Bioko is a volcanic island in the Gulf of Guinea that forms part of Equatorial Guinea and hosts the national capital, Malabo, on its northern shore. The island covers roughly 2,000 square kilometres and supports montane forests, coastal plains and a volcanic interior.

Major features include the city of Malabo and the central volcanic massif crowned by Pico Basilé, which at about 3,011 metres is the highest point in the country. Bioko’s terrain ranges from low coastal areas to cloud forest and highland habitat.

Historically known as Fernando Po during colonial eras, the island’s economy and settlements developed around its ports and administrative centre. Bioko lies off the coast of Cameroon and forms a distinct ecological and cultural region within Equatorial Guinea.

The island’s proximity to continental Africa and its volcanic soils contribute to varied habitats that support endemic species and a mix of coastal and highland human settlement.

• Size and location: Bioko covers roughly 2,000 square kilometres and lies in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Cameroon.
• Geology and capital: The island is volcanic in origin and hosts the national capital, Malabo, on its northern shore.

What to See#

• Malabo: The national capital **Malabo** is located on the island’s north coast and serves as Equatorial Guinea’s political and economic centre.
• Pico Basilé: Pico Basilé, the island’s central highland volcano, rises to about 3,011 metres and dominates the interior landscape.

Bioko is reached by air: fly into Malabo International Airport on the island. Malabo is the island’s main town and transport hub; from the airport you can reach other parts of Bioko by taxi or hired vehicle.

• Use Malabo as your primary gateway to Bioko-flights and most services are concentrated there, so plan inter-island or inland logistics from the capital.
• If you want quieter experiences, explore outside Malabo: inland rainforest trails, small coastal villages and coffee plantations receive far fewer visitors than the capital's shoreline.
• Arrange local guides or transport in advance for interior hikes and wildlife watching-many of Bioko's best sights (forest birding, volcanic landscapes) are reached via unmarked tracks or private roads.