Monte Alén National Park National Park

Monte Alén National Park is a large protected area in mainland Equatorial Guinea’s interior, in Centro Sur province, safeguarding tropical rainforest and montane habitat. The park is notable for its biodiversity and populations of large mammals and forest primates.

Visitors and researchers seek the park for sightings of species including western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as forest elephants and diverse birdlife. Dense forest, rivers and rugged terrain characterise the park’s landscape.

The area was designated and managed to conserve remaining tracts of Guinea-Congolian rainforest and its wildlife during the 20th century, and it continues to be one of Equatorial Guinea’s principal conservation areas. Access is limited and travel typically requires local guides and arrangements with authorities.

Monte Alén sits in the interior of Río Muni in Centro Sur province, away from the coastal cities and within the central highlands of mainland Equatorial Guinea.

• Wildlife: The park protects lowland and montane rainforest that supports populations of gorillas and chimpanzees, making it one of the country’s key wildlife areas.

• Plan visits during the region's drier months (the main dry season around December-February tends to make trails and roads more passable than the heavy rainy periods).
• Arrange a local guide and park permits in advance through Equatorial Guinea's park authorities or a reputable operator-access and navigation inside Monte Alén are best done with experienced local support.
• Go out at first light for the best chances to encounter wildlife such as primates and forest birds; midday in the canopy is often quiet and wet.