Guinea-Bissau

Welcome to Guinea-Bissau

Like a microcosm of Africa, this tiny nation contains multitudes – of landscapes, peoples, cultures and plant and animal life. All of it within reach of the capital, Bissau. Faded colonial-era houses sag, from tropical decay and the weight of history. Decades of Portuguese colonisation were followed by a long painful liberation struggle and then cycles of civil war and political chaos.

Despite hardships and poverty, Bissau-Guineans persevere. The jokes, like the music, are loud but tender. The bowls of grilled oysters are served with a sauce spicy enough to give a kick, but not so strong as to mask the bitterness.

The jewel in the country's crown is the labyrinth of tropical islands that make up the Arquipélago dos Bijagós. Long white-sand beaches are lapped by waters brimming with fish. Hippos, monkeys, chimps and buffaloes thrive in protected reserves and hundreds of bird species call its vast mangroves and wetlands home.

Highlights

Tan and swim on the islands of Bijagós
Explore the ruins of the original capital of Bolama and the neighboring island of Bubaque
Tour the vibrant capital of Bissau and its Portuguese Quarter
Observe wildlife in its natural habitat at the splendid Cantanhez Nature Park
Discover culture and tradition in the Museum of African Artifacts
Island-hop around Orango Islands National Park, with its charming beaches, light woodlands, mud flats, and mangroves
Visit Joao Vieira Polao Islands Marine National Park and the Lagoas Cufada Natural Park