Guinea Bissau 5 Day Itinerary

Guinea-Bissau 5-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival in Bissau

  • 🛬 Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (from your point of origin)
  • 🏨 Check-in at Hotel de la Paz or similar, centrally located and offers comfortable accommodation
  • 🍴 Lunch at Casa De Papa Bissau, a popular local restaurant offering traditional Guinean dishes
  • 🛍️ Afternoon stroll in Centro Histórico (Historical Center), explore the colonial architecture and vibrant local life
  • 🚶‍♂️ Evening walk along Avenida 24 de Setembro, enjoy the city views and the bustling atmosphere

Day 2: Bissau Sightseeing & Culture Exploration

  • ☀️ Morning visit to Palácio das Necessidades (Presidential Palace), a beautiful example of colonial architecture
  • 🚢 Afternoon boat trip along Corubal River, observe local fishing communities and mangrove forests
  • 🎭 Evening performance at Casa de Cultura, enjoy traditional music, dance, and storytelling performances

Day 3: Exploring the Regions - Bafata & Bolama

  • 🚌 Morning transport to Bafata, approximately a 4-hour drive (arrange transportation in advance)
  • 🏰 Visit the abandoned Bolama Island, once the capital, now a ghost town with fascinating colonial ruins
  • 🌄 Overnight stay at a local guesthouse in Bafata

Day 4: Return to Bissau - Casheu & Tabancará

  • 🚌 Morning return to Bissau
  • 🐘 Afternoon visit to the African Elephant Sanctuary at Casheu, learn about conservation efforts and see these majestic creatures up close
  • 🏖️ Evening relaxation at Tabancará Beach, enjoy the sunset and swim in the Atlantic Ocean

Day 5: Last Day - Craft Markets & Departure

  • 🛍️ Morning visit to the local craft markets, pick up souvenirs such as Batukumba masks, Guinean fabric (lafa), and traditional music CDs
  • ✈️ Late morning/afternoon departure from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport

Things to Know

  • Guinea-Bissau is a cash economy; credit cards are rarely accepted
  • The official language is Portuguese, but Crioulo (a local dialect) is widely spoken
  • Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites or rural areas
  • Mosquito repellent is essential due to the prevalence of malaria in certain regions

Visa Requirements Check the latest visa requirements for your nationality as they may have changed. Most visitors can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, but some may require a visa beforehand. Always check with your local embassy or consulate before traveling.

Transportation Taxis and shared taxis (almoxarifes) are common for urban travel. For longer distances, arrange transportation in advance through a reputable tour operator.