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The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a West African country located on the North Atlantic coast. It borders Senegal to the north, Guinea to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its capital is Bissau. A former Portuguese colony, Guinea-Bissau is one of the world's twenty poorest countries, with a low per capita income, widespread infectious diseases, an economy primarily based on agriculture and fishing, and a foreign debt exceeding $900 million. In 1998, civil war severely damaged the country's economy and infrastructure. In recent years, cashew nut production has increased significantly, and the country is now the sixth largest producer in the world.
Guinea-Bissau has a tropical maritime monsoon climate, which is usually hot and humid, making it suitable for travel year-round.
Bissau
Bissau is the capital and port of the African nation of Guinea-Bissau, situated on the Atlantic Ocean. From the port of Bikigidi, where the Reba River meets the sea, a wide street leads directly to the Presidential Palace. Catholic churches, foreign companies, banks, post offices, and other buildings line the main street. Castles and forts built during Portuguese rule dot the city center, serving as irrefutable evidence of colonial rule. The multi-ethnic, thatched domes and low-rise mosques in the suburbs offer a unique landscape.
Orange Islands National Park
Established on December 1, 2000, and located in the heart of Bubaque, it is the largest nature reserve in Guinea-Bissau. The Orange Islands National Park's boundaries include a 10-kilometer offshore area, which includes forests, coastal tropical savannah, mangroves, tunnels, and shallow beaches. The mangroves cover 17,400 hectares.
João de Melo Islands National Marine Park
One of only two national parks in Guinea-Bissau, it is renowned for its exotic fauna and flora, making it a key tourist destination in the country. It boasts a wealth of wildlife and is home to a rare species of turtle.
Saltinho Waterfall
The "small waterfall" is what the local Chinese call this attraction, known locally as "Saltinho Waterfall." It's about 200 kilometers from Bissau, a three-hour drive. The waterfall is actually located upstream from the mouth of the Rio Corubal, Guinea-Bissau's largest river. To reach it, you need to go east, skirting the massive river near Bissau, and then south to the southern part of Guinea-Bissau, near the border with Guinea.
It is recommended to visit for about 2 days
Guinea-Bissau has a history shaped by indigenous African kingdoms, Portuguese colonization, and independence in 1973–1974. The Bijagos Islands are culturally unique, preserving traditional lifestyles and rituals, while Bissau is the political and cultural center of the country.
Guinea-Bissau is in West Africa, bordered by Senegal and Guinea. The main entry is Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Travel within the country is mainly by taxis, local minibuses, boats to the islands, and walking in urban or small village areas.
Most attractions and parks are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The dry season, November to May, is ideal for wildlife viewing and island travel.
For guided tours and island excursions, book 1–2 months in advance. Most urban attractions do not require advance booking.
10–14 days are recommended to explore Bissau, the Bijagos Islands, and surrounding national parks.
Guided tours are available in Portuguese and sometimes English. Audio guides are generally limited.
Night visits are limited, but cultural performances, festivals, and guided night walks in some parks may be available.
Urban areas can be busy during weekdays; islands and parks are least crowded during the dry season, especially outside peak holidays.
Urban areas and larger lodges are moderately accessible. Remote islands and park trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash (West African CFA franc) is needed in most areas. Cards are only accepted in major hotels and some restaurants in Bissau.
Vegetarian and halal options are limited but available in major hotels and lodges, particularly in Bissau and island accommodations.