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: Rely on shared taxis (tocas) and mini-buses for city transport in Bissau. For island-hopping in the Bijagós, charter dugout canoes or small boats through local guides. Roads outside the capital can be challenging during rainy season, so plan accordingly.

Money: Bring euros in cash as the West African CFA franc is pegged to it. ATMs are scarce and unreliable outside Bissau. Exchange money at banks or authorized dealers, and always carry small denominations for markets and transportation.

Cultural Respect: Greet with handshakes and ask permission before photographing people. Dress modestly when visiting villages or religious sites. Show respect for animist traditions in the Bijagós islands, where certain areas may be considered sacred by local communities.

Food Safety: Enjoy fresh seafood at coastal restaurants but ensure it's thoroughly cooked. Try local specialties like jollof rice and cashew fruit juice from reputable establishments. Stick to bottled or boiled water and avoid raw vegetables in rural areas.

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.