Field herping expedition in bioko island

Bioko – Africa’s Hidden Biodiversity Hotspot

Bioko Island, in Equatorial Guinea, is a volcanic island of extraordinary biological diversity and one of the most important natural areas in West Africa. It lies within the Guinean Forests of West Africa Biodiversity Hotspot, a global priority for conservation.

Its rugged topography, extremely humid climate, and long-standing insular isolation have allowed vast tracts of pristine tropical rainforest to survive, from sea level to over 3,000 meters. These conditions have fostered remarkable levels of endemism, intact ecosystems, and an exceptional diversity of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals—many of them still poorly studied.

For herpetology enthusiasts, Bioko represents one of Central Africa’s most exciting yet unexplored destinations.

A Unique Herpetological Destination

Low human pressure, dense forests, and high rainfall make Bioko a true refuge for reptiles—especially snakes. Fieldwork here takes place in genuinely wild landscapes, offering rare opportunities for observation, photography, and documentation of elusive species.

Our expeditions combine ethical herping, conservation awareness, and deep immersion in some of the island’s most spectacular natural areas. While the expedition is centered on herpetology, we will also actively seek and enjoy encounters with Bioko’s remarkable primates, birds, and other unique wildlife.

Key Natural Areas Included in the Tour

Pico Basile National Park

Located in the north of the island, Pico Basile is Bioko’s highest mountain, reaching 3,011 m above sea level. This dramatic elevation gradient allows us to explore both lowland and montane forests, each with distinct ecological communities.

Highlights include:

Primates such as Preuss’s monkey (Allochrocebus preussi), the Bioko black colobus (Colobus satanas), and the red-eared guenon (Cercopithecus erythrotis)

Excellent opportunities to photograph iconic snakes, including:

Rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis)

Forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca)

Jameson’s green mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni)

High diversity of forest birds along altitudinal gradients

This park offers some of the best herpetological and wildlife photography conditions on the island.

Moka Highlands

The village of Moka lies in the heart of Bioko and provides access to some of the island’s most rewarding treks.

Beyond their stunning landscapes, these highland forests are prime habitat for Bioko’s most sought-after chameleons:

Bioko mountain chameleon (Trioceros feae), endemic to the island

Spectral pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon spectrum)

This area is also of exceptional interest for:

The Bioko bush viper (Atheris hetfieldi), a recently described species with no confirmed photographs of live individuals

The more widespread Atheris squamigera

Diverse amphibians (Hyperolius, Leptopelis, and others)

Galagos and remarkable birdlife, including the Great blue turaco (Corythaeola cristata) and Guinea turaco (Tauraco persa)

Luba Caldera Scientific Reserve

The wild southern coast of Bioko is, without exaggeration, one of the most spectacular environments you can still experience in Africa. Few places on Earth preserve a continuous belt of tropical forest from sea level to 2,000 m, uninterrupted by roads or settlements.

We reach a remote, rustic camp after a trek of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes through volcanic beaches and coastal forest.

Key highlights:

Nesting sea turtles:

Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

Green turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

Exceptional primate diversity, including:

Bioko drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus poensis)

Red-eared, crowned, and white-nosed guenons

Rich herpetofauna and other wildlife:

Arboreal snakes (Rhamnophis aethiopissa)

Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus)

Mudskippers (Periophthalmus barbarus)

Amblypygids and other invertebrates

Outstanding opportunities for landscape photography, with waterfalls, rivers, dense rainforest, and wild volcanic coastlines

Optional Extension: Mainland Equatorial Guinea

Monte Alén National Park

As an optional extension, we offer the chance to explore Monte Alén National Park, the most important protected area on the mainland of Equatorial Guinea. Here, the landscape shifts dramatically into the vast, continuous forests of the Congo Basin.

Flagship species include:

African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis)

Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)

Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)

Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx)

From a herpetological perspective, Monte Alén is exceptional:

One of the few places where the Goliath frog (Conraua goliath) can be photographed

Iconic reptiles such as:

Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica)

Crested chameleon (Trioceros cristatus)

African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)

All encounters are carried out responsibly, prioritizing animal welfare, safety, and conservation.

Specialized Herpetology Tours

We offer exclusive, small-group herpetology-focused expeditions designed for:

Herpetologists and researchers

Wildlife photographers

Conservation professionals

Experienced nature travelers

Tour Options

9-Day Herpetology Expedition

Focused on snake tracking, night surveys, and rainforest exploration.

15-Day Advanced Herpetology Tour

Extended fieldwork across multiple habitats, intensive nocturnal surveys, and deeper engagement with local biodiversity.

All tours are led by experienced herpetologists and local guides, with a strong emphasis on ethics, safety, and conservation.

📅 First tour starts in February

Join the Exploration

Bioko Island remains a true frontier for herpetology. Every expedition contributes to knowledge, conservation, and awareness of some of Africa’s most misunderstood animals.

📩 For detailed itineraries, availability, and bookings, contact us.

Custom expeditions for researchers and private groups are available upon request.