Guinea Bissau 5 Day Itinerary

July 18, 2024

Guinea-Bissau 5-Day Itinerary

Arrival: Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau, the capital city of Guinea-Bissau.
Accommodation: Check-in to a hotel in the city center, such as Hotel Mavegro or Hotel 24 Setembro.
Exploration: Spend the day exploring the city, visiting the Fortaleza de São José da Amura, a historic fort built by the Portuguese in the 17th century.
Dinner: Try some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the city center.

Transportation: Hire a car or take a taxi to Orango National Park (approx. 3 hours).
Wildlife Safari: Take a guided safari tour in the park, known for its chimpanzee and hippopotamus populations.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or return to Bissau for dinner.
Accommodation: Spend the night at an eco-lodge within the park, such as Ecolodge de Orango.

Transportation: Take a ferry from Bissau to the Bijagós Archipelago (approx. 4 hours).
Island Hopping: Visit several islands in the archipelago, including Orangozinho and Mene.
Beach Relaxation: Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the islands.
Accommodation: Stay overnight at a local guesthouse or camp on one of the islands.

Transportation: Return to Bissau by ferry and then drive to Cacheu National Park (approx. 2 hours).
Hiking: Take a guided hike in the park, known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or return to Bissau for dinner.
Accommodation: Spend the night at an eco-lodge within the park, such as Ecolodge de Cacheu.

Transportation: Return to Bissau by car (approx. 2 hours).
City Tour: Spend the morning exploring the city, visiting the National Museum or the Mercado de Bandim.
Departure: Depart from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport.

Things to Know

Visa Requirements: Citizens of some countries require a visa to enter Guinea-Bissau. Check with the Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate in your home country for requirements.
Vaccinations: Consult your doctor or a travel clinic about recommended vaccinations before traveling to Guinea-Bissau.
Currency: The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s best to bring cash.
Language: The official language is Portuguese, but many locals also speak French and Crioulo.
Safety: Guinea-Bissau has had periods of instability in the past. Check the latest travel advisories before planning your trip.

Flights: Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) receives flights from Dakar, Senegal, and Lisbon, Portugal.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Bissau and can be hired for day trips or longer journeys.
Car Rental: Car rental agencies are available at the airport or in the city center. 4x4 vehicles are recommended for traveling to national parks.

Festival de Música da Guiné-Bissau: A annual music festival held in Bissau, featuring local and international artists.
Local Markets: Visit the bustling markets in Bissau, such as the Mercado de Bandim, to try local foods and buy handicrafts.
Traditional Villages: Visit traditional villages, such as those found in the Bijagós Archipelago, to learn about the local culture and way of life.