Things to Do in Guinea-Bissau

About Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau produces nearly 20% of the world's cashews, yet almost nobody visits. The country sits on West Africa's coast with clean Atlantic beaches, the Bijagós Archipelago scattered offshore, and mangrove forests thick enough to hide hippos. Time moves slower here. Bissau's markets smell like cashew wine and fish. Vendors speak Crioulo—a Portuguese creole—and won't rush you. The pace is deliberate. The Bijagós islands follow animist traditions that predate colonialism by centuries, with sacred sites the locals still protect from development and outsiders. Portuguese rule left its marks: crumbling colonial buildings, the language mixed into daily speech, Catholic churches standing near traditional shrines. Mangrove channels wind through the coast. Bird species number in the hundreds. You'll see hippos if you're patient—they use the rivers more than you'd expect this far west. Fishing boats go out daily. They return at sunset, silhouettes against orange and purple skies, crews unloading the catch while the light fades. It is the same routine families have followed for generations. This place demands you slow down. You can eat cashews straight from the tree, spend time in villages where everyone knows each other, and talk to people instead of checking off attractions. Community ties here are tight. Every conversation reveals something—resilience, humor, or just how people get by in a country the rest of the world ignores.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use shared taxis (tocas) for 500-2,000 CFA francs ($0.81-$3.24) within Bissau city—they follow set routes. Inter-island flights to Bubaque cost 25,000-45,000 francs ($40.52-$72.94) with local airlines. Rent motorcycles for 8,000-15,000 francs ($12.96-$24.31) daily but roads are challenging.

Money: Exchange euros or US dollars at banks like Ecobank for rates around 617 CFA francs per dollar. ATMs are very limited and unreliable; bring cash. Budget 15,000-30,000 francs ($24.31-$48.62) daily for meals and basic accommodation.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'bom dia' in Portuguese and shake hands with everyone. Learn basic Creole phrases like 'kuma bu sta' (how are you). Remove shoes when entering homes and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Food: Try canja de galinha (chicken rice soup) and fresh fish at local restaurants for 3,000-8,000 francs ($4.86-$12.96) per meal. Sample cashew fruit juice—Guinea-Bissau produces excellent cashews—for 1,000-2,000 francs ($1.62-$3.24) per glass. Avoid tap water; bottled water costs 500-1,500 francs ($0.81-$2.43).

When to Visit

Guinea-Bissau's dry season (November to May) offers the most comfortable travel conditions with temperatures ranging from 24-32°C and minimal rainfall. December through February represents peak season with accommodation prices 25-40% higher, but roads are accessible and wildlife viewing is optimal. March to May brings increasing heat (up to 35°C) but fewer crowds and reduced prices. The rainy season (June to October) transforms the landscape into lush green great destination, though heavy downpours (200-300mm monthly) can disrupt transportation. July and August see the heaviest rains but offer 30-50% lower accommodation rates. For cultural ensoiasts, visit during Carnival season (February/March) or the Bijagós sacred ceremonies (varies by lunar calendar). Bird watchers should target November to March when Palearctic migrants arrive. Budget travelers benefit from June to September's dramatic price drops, while luxury seekers should book December to February despite higher costs. The shoulder months of November and May provide the best balance of pleasant weather, moderate prices, and manageable crowds, making them ideal for first-time visitors seeking real feels without extreme weather challenges.