Things to Do in Guineabissau

About Guineabissau

Nestled between Senegal and Guinea in West Africa, Guinea-Bissau is a hidden mosaic of untold stories, where Portuguese colonial heritage mingles with vibrant African traditions against a backdrop of pristine coastal landscapes. This small but captivating nation invites travelers to discover a world where cashew forests meet mangrove-lined waterways, and where the rhythm of daily life still moves to the beat of centuries-old customs in both its bustling markets and tranquil fishing villages.

Travel Tips

• Carry cash in CFA francs as credit cards are rarely accepted outside of major hotels in Bissau, and ensure you exchange money at official banks or exchange offices since ATMs are scarce and often unreliable.

• When visiting the Bijagós Archipelago, arrange boat transportation well in advance through your hotel or a reputable tour operator, as schedules are irregular and safety standards vary significantly between providers.

• Pack lightweight, modest clothing but bring at least one business casual outfit, as Bissau-Guineans tend to dress formally for meetings and restaurant dinners, especially in the capital.

• Time your visit between November and May during the dry season, as the rainy season (June-October) can make many roads impassable and interrupt domestic flights to regional destinations like Bubaque.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Guinea-Bissau is during the dry season from November to May, when temperatures range from 24-32°C and humidity drops significantly, making exploration of the Bijagós Archipelago and wildlife viewing in national parks like Orango far more comfortable. February's Carnival is the country's most vibrant celebration, featuring elaborate parades in Bissau with masked dancers and colorful costumes reflecting the nation's Afro-Portuguese heritage, though accommodation prices spike and advance booking becomes essential. Avoid the rainy season from June to October when heavy downpours (averaging 2,000mm annually) turn unpaved roads into impassable mud tracks, ferries to the islands become unreliable or suspended entirely, and malaria risk increases substantially—though this period offers rock-bottom prices and the chance to see the landscape transform into lush greenery. December through February brings the harmattan winds from the Sahara, creating hazy skies but pleasantly cooler temperatures (22-28°C), ideal for budget travelers and those exploring Bissau's Portuguese colonial architecture or visiting the sacred forests of the Papel people, while March to May offers the best balance of accessibility, clear skies for photography, and optimal conditions for spotting sea turtles nesting on remote beaches before the oppressive pre-rain heat arrives in late April.