From the humid rainforests of Río Muni to the wind-bleached shores of Bioko and the colonial balconies of Malabo, Equatorial Guinea smells of cocoa, sea salt, and wood smoke. Market stalls brim with carved masks, baskets woven from palm fronds, jars of golden forest honey and the steady beat of coupé rhythms — every corner feels handcrafted and immediate.

Whether you want handcrafted keepsakes, culinary treats, or pieces of regional art, here’s what to buy in Equatorial Guinea to bring a piece of this island-and-mainland country home — a curated list of Equatorial Guinea souvenirs perfect for gift-giving or keeping.

1. Fang Masks and Wooden Carvings

Why pick this up: Fang masks carry centuries of spiritual and aesthetic tradition; their bold, elongated faces and smooth patina make striking wall art and a tactile link to the region’s history.
What to look for: Solid hardwoods with a smooth, dark finish, original patina (not over-sanded), and carvings that balance stylization with clear facial features. Ask about the carver and whether the piece is ritual or decorative.
Price bracket (2025): CFA 50,000–300,000 (small pieces ≈ CFA 50,000; larger ritual-style masks up to CFA 300,000).
Where to find it: Malabo Central Market, Bata’s artisan stalls, galleries in Luba on Bioko, and roadside workshops around Río Muni.

2. Handwoven Baskets and Raffia Goods

Why pick this up: Lightweight, practical and vividly patterned, raffia baskets and palm-fiber bags are made by coastal and forest communities and reflect local weaving traditions.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving; natural dyes or subtle colorwork; reinforced rims for durability. Smaller nested baskets make easy, luggage-safe purchases.
Price bracket (2025): CFA 2,000–20,000.
Where to find it: Bata market, artisan stalls in Malabo’s neighborhood markets, village cooperatives on Bioko.

3. Single-Origin Cocoa Beans and Artisanal Chocolate

Why pick this up: Equatorial Guinea is a cocoa producer; beans from Río Muni and Bioko yield intense, fruity chocolate. Small-batch bars capture local terroir.
What to look for: Dark chocolate labeled with origin (Bioko or Río Muni), percentage cacao, and minimal additives; resealable packaging for travel.
Price bracket (2025): CFA 1,500–15,000 (single bars CFA 1,500–4,000; gift boxes up to CFA 15,000).
Where to find it: Specialty shops in Malabo, markets in Bata, and kiosks near cocoa-processing houses in the interior.

4. Bioko (Fernando Pó) Coffee

Why pick this up: Coffee from Bioko—historically called Fernando Pó—has a unique profile shaped by volcanic soils and Atlantic humidity: bright, with cocoa and floral notes.
What to look for: Whole beans roasted locally (check roast date), small-batch labels that mention Bioko or local cooperatives.
Price bracket (2025): CFA 2,000–10,000 per bag.
Where to find it: Cafés and markets in Malabo and Luba; plantations and cooperatives in central Bioko and areas around Mbini on the mainland.

5. Piri‑piri, Spice Blends and Local Condiments

Why pick this up: Homemade piri‑piri sauces, smoked fish seasonings and spice mixes carry the flavor of coastal cooking and make brilliant gifts for home cooks.
What to look for: Glass jars or sealed bottles with clear ingredient lists; small artisanal batches to ensure freshness.
Price bracket (2025): CFA 800–5,000.
Where to find it: Street food stalls, Malabo markets, and specialized food stalls in Bata.

6. Beaded Jewelry and Cowrie Shell Adornments

Why pick this up: Colorful necklaces, bracelets and hair adornments mix local beads, shells and symbolic patterns; they’re wearable reminders of regional style.
What to look for: Strong thread or wire, secure clasps, natural cowrie shells and vibrant, well-strung beads. Custom orders are often possible.
Price bracket (2025): CFA 1,000–10,000.
Where to find it: Market stalls in Malabo, craft vendors in Bata, and seaside souvenir sellers near Luba.

7. Miniature Pirogues and Driftwood Sculptures

Why pick this up: Small carved boats and driftwood sculptures capture the island’s coastal life — great for shelves or as unique desk pieces.
What to look for: Smooth carving, balanced form, protective wax or oil finish to preserve wood in transit.
Price bracket (2025): CFA 5,000–40,000.
Where to find it: Beachside artisans on Bioko and Annobón, craft stalls in coastal towns like Mbini.

8. Local Paintings, Prints and Contemporary Art

Why pick this up: Paintings and prints by Equatoguinean artists depict lush rainforest scenes, coastal life and postcolonial cityscapes — affordable ways to support local creators.
What to look for: Signed works, limited-edition prints, and pieces with provenance from local galleries or artist collectives. Smaller framed works travel best.
Price bracket (2025): CFA 10,000–200,000 (prints on the lower end; original canvases higher).
Where to find it: Galleries and cultural centers in Malabo, pop-up exhibitions in Bata, and art stalls at national festivals.

9. Monte Alén Honey and Forest Preserves

Why pick this up: Honey harvested near Monte Alén National Park carries floral, forest-forward flavors; preserves and jams made with local fruits are unique pantry souvenirs.
What to look for: Tightly sealed jars with producer information; pure, unblended honey or fruit preserves with minimal sugar.
Price bracket (2025): CFA 2,000–12,000.
Where to find it: Rural markets around Monte Alén, produce stalls in Bata, and eco-tourism shops in protected areas.

10. Local Music, Books and Spanish‑language Memorabilia

Why pick this up: Equatorial Guinea’s Spanish-language records, CDs and literature reflect a rare Hispanic-African cultural blend — music and novels are portable ways to continue exploring the country at home.
What to look for: Local pressings or CDs, collections of traditional songs, and books by Equatoguinean authors (often in Spanish or bilingual editions).
Price bracket (2025): CFA 1,000–10,000.
Where to find it: Bookshops and music vendors in Malabo, cultural events and the Museo Nacional gift shop.

Final tip: Always ask about provenance, pack fragile items like masks and ceramics with cushioning, and haggle gently at open-air markets — you’ll come away with authentic Equatorial Guinea souvenirs that tell stories long after you’re home. 🌍

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!