Gran Caldera de Luba

The Gran Caldera de Luba is a collapsed volcanic crater several kilometres across on Bioko's southern end, its walls dropping steeply into forest that has never been logged and is reached only on foot after days of walking. Seven monkey species live in it, several of them endemic to the island, and the density here is unusual because hunting pressure has been lower than anywhere else on Bioko.

The landscape

• The caldera walls - steep sides enclosing several kilometres of forest.
• The primates - seven monkey species, several found only on Bioko.
• The undisturbed forest - woodland that has never been logged.
• The isolation - days of walking from the nearest road.

When to go

December to February is the drier season and the only practical window. The wet season makes the trek effectively impossible. Cloud and rain are constant on the massif.

What to expect

This is a serious expedition with guides, porters, permits and days of hard wet walking. It is run rarely and costs accordingly. Primate sightings need patience even here.

Nearby

Lake Biao is east, and Ureca is southeast.

Key facts