Guinea-Bissau Travel Guide

Get helpful information about Guinea-Bissau, a less-explored West African country, with its must-visit places, food and drink scene, transportation options, culture, festivals, safety, and health tips.


Guinea-Bissau is an unexplored gem in West Africa waiting to be discovered. With its pristine beaches, national parks, and unique culture, it’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. In this comprehensive travel guide to Guinea-Bissau, we’ll provide all the information you need to plan your trip – from must-visit places to cultural experiences, cuisine, safety, health, and more.

Introduction to Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is a small, independent country located on Africa’s west coast. It’s bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The official language is Portuguese, and the country’s population is estimated to be around 2 million people. Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world but fairly safe for tourists who take the necessary precautions.

List of Places to Visit in Guinea-Bissau

Visitors to Guinea-Bissau have plenty to explore, from the country’s pristine beaches to its natural parks and wildlife. Here are some of the must-visit places to include in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Fortaleza de Amura, Bissau - a Portuguese-built fortress overlooking the city and a great place for scenic views.
  2. National Ethnographic Museum, Bissau - a museum with a collection of traditional masks, instruments, and other artifacts.
  3. Cacheu Fortifications, Cacheu - a series of coastal fortifications and other historical buildings used during the colonial era.

Natural Attractions of Guinea-Bissau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Orango Island National Park - consists of several islands and is home to diverse wildlife, including saltwater hippos.
  2. Bijagos Archipelago - a chain of 88 islands and islets boasting scenic beaches, wildlife, and traditional cultures.
  3. Cantanhez Forest National Park - ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau provides a range of hiking and biking trails, including the Biosphere Reserve of the Bolama-Bijagós Archipelago.

Best Things to Do in Guinea-Bissau: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting the iconic landmarks, there are many compelling activities for travelers. You can:

  1. Enjoy watersports like surfing, jet-skiing or paddle-boarding at Bissagos Archipelago,
  2. You can explore the villages in Bafata,
  3. Attend traditional festivals like Carneval in February and Bubaque - a celebration of indigenous culture and dance.

Week-Long Itinerary for Guinea-Bissau

Here is a sample itinerary to follow if you plan to spend seven days in Guinea-Bissau.

Day 1: Bissau City sightseeing Day 2 - 4: Explore the Orango Island Day 5 - 6: Cantanhez Forest National Park Day 7: Final resting and shopping day in Bissau city

Food and Drink Scene of Guinea-Bissau

Guinean cuisine is known for its blend of African and Portuguese spices, seafood and tomatoes. Here are the popular dishes to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Caldo Frango (chicken stew with rice).
  2. Jollof rice, garnished with vegetables, cumin, and turmeric.
  3. Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice)

Local Beverages

  1. Palm wine, a fermented drink that is only available in the coastal regions of the country.
  2. Djindjing - a blend of local palm liquor, spices and honey.

Where to Stay in Guinea-Bissau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Guinea-Bissau has a few options for accommodation, ranging from hotels like the Azalai hotel, to guesthouses and campsites. Bissau City offers the best choices for lodging.

What to Buy in Guinea-Bissau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The famous souvenirs and gifts are masks, pottery or textiles, and Antiques such as instruments or colonial artifacts.

Local Culture and Customs of Guinea-Bissau

The people of Guinea-Bissau are known for their friendly and hospitable nature. English is not frequently spoken, so learning some Portuguese and Creole is helpful. When interacting with locals, it’s essential to be respectful of their culture, including dressing conservatively and avoiding public displays of affection.

Best Time to Visit Guinea-Bissau

The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to June), when temperatures range from 24 °C to 30 °C. The country is still beautiful during the wet season, but travel is more challenging, and many areas may be inaccessible due to flooding.

Do’s and Don’ts of Guinea-Bissau

Do:

  1. Dress conservatively and appropriately.
  2. Respect local culture and customs.
  3. Practice safe sex.

Don’t:

  1. Engage in drug-related activities.
  2. Give money or gifts to children, as it can foster a culture of begging.

Safety and Health

Safety in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is generally safe, but it is recommended to take some precautions. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings, avoid displaying signs of wealth or carrying large amounts of cash, and stay in well-lit areas at night.

Health in Guinea-Bissau

Visitors to Guinea-Bissau should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and yellow fever. It’s best to consult with a doctor before travel and bring appropriate medication.

Getting to Guinea-Bissau: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Guinea-Bissau

The country has three airports, with Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau being the busiest and largest airport of the nation.

Bus Stations Near Guinea-Bissau

You can rely on local bus services to go between cities and towns or use A Dapada company, the biggest coach company.

Other Options

West African Express Airways, ASKY Airlines, offer flights to and from contiguos countries.

How to Get Around in Guinea-Bissau

You can travel around on foot or use City bikes. It’s possible to rent taxis, but you should ensure to agree on the fare before boarding.

Where to Go Next from Guinea-Bissau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Guinea-Bissau’s neighboring countries such as Senegal and Guinea provide good destinations for further exploration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Guinea-Bissau offers endless adventures for tourists, from cultural landmarks to outdoor activities, architecture, religion, and food. While there is much to learn about Guinea-Bissau before visiting, it’s undoubtedly worthwhile to add to your travel list. Ensure to follow the list of must-do’s and don’ts to have an exciting and comfortable visit.

Savannah landscape with termite hills Savannah landscape with termite hills Visa policy of Guinea Bissau Visa policy of Guinea Bissau Saltinho Waterfalls Saltinho Waterfalls Varela Beach Varela Beach Warga (strong sweet green tea) Warga (strong sweet green tea) Houses in Caravela, one of the Bijagós islands Houses in Caravela, one of the Bijagós islands


    Bafatá
    Bijagos Islands
    Bissau
    Buba
    Gabú
    Varela