Malabo - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Toyota for the parts/service. SUV (heavy-duty) for the terrain. Don't bring a compact or tiny car - Apr 2021
Any Toyota, being the only dealer who service car. Not risk of carjackings. Roads are good all over. - Apr 2021
An SUV is ideal for navigating the country, although the main roads are very functional. Nothing too flashy, as that will draw attention, or electric, or low-riding: while the roads are good in some places, there are still rocks and lots of dust. You must apply and pay for an Equatoguinean driver's license before you can drive; I don't know the process for that for someone outside of a diplomatic mission. They use a lot of roundabouts/traffic circles to control circulation, so familiarize yourself with that system before you arrive. - Jul 2020
Most any car will be okay here as the roads are generally well-paved in the capital. Ship spare parts you may need as they will probably be expensive here. - Aug 2017
There is a great road that goes around the entire island, and to get to the "normal" places in town, a 4-wheel drive would not be necessary. However, one is recommended if you want to venture off the beaten track, or for when it rains and you need to get through the flooded streets. I would not recommend a very large car, as the streets can get congested and are narrow. Toyota is the recommended brand of car to bring, as there is a dealership, and often parts available. However, I would recommend getting any car you bring thoroughly checked out before coming, as repairs can be expensive, and they don't always have the parts you need. - Sep 2014
To its credit, the EG government has invested heavily in roads. Almost any type of vehicle will work fine in town and around the island. However, for going more afield, a 4x4 is still the best bet. Most vehicles are Toyota, which makes repairs easier -- but not cheap. Driving here is an art, so be prepared to slip in and out of traffic, straddle center lines, and break a lot of rules that you find unsettling. Beware of drunk-driving. It's a big problem here. Fortunately, you don't need to worry about carjackings or similar violent crimes. - Jun 2012
