GUINEA BISSAU

Paradise Islands in West Africa
Guinea Bissau is a virgin destination yet to be discovered by the Western traveler. In Middle-Africa we foresee a bright future for Guinea Bissau as a tourist destination. On the one hand it has an amazing unspoilt natural and cultural heritage and on the other hand it is just a short flight distance from Continental Europe.
Guinea Bissau’s remarkable Archipelago dos Bijagós is indeed the country’s jewel in the crown. These delta islands are lined with powdery, white-sand beaches, washed by azure waters, and populated by a people whose matriarchal culture, long protected by hidden sandbanks and treacherous tides, is unlike any found in West Africa.
Guinea Bissau’s mainland, by contrast, provides a fine recapitulation of West Africa’s attractions, including Portuguese colonial architectonic heritage, mangrove-lined rivers, a gorgeous beach at Varela and rainforests in the south – home to elephants and chimpanzees.
                                      
10 REASONS TO VISIT GUINEA BISSAU

1. Bissau is the capital of Guinea Bissau and a fine example of an African colonial urban center. One of Bissau’s most outstanding attractions is Bissau Velho - the Old Portuguese colonial centre. Not much life there nowadays, but still a nice place to walk around. Mercado de Bandim is Bissau’s main market and the best way to feel the city’s popular culture. In historic terms one cannot miss the Fortaleza d'Amura, an Old Portuguese fort containing the mausoleum of national hero Amilcar Cabral. To amuse yourself there are plenty of musical bars in Guinea Bissau’s capital. Nightlife in Bissau is legendary due to abundant local music scene. However, the partying relies on electricity.

2. Outside Bissau you can visit Quinhamel town where there is an interesting weavery, "Artissal", producing hand-woven textiles. You have also Saltinho Waterfall, a pleasant little waterfall located just under the bridge where the main road to southern Guinea-Bissau crosses the Rio Corubal.

3. Bijagós Islands or Arquipélago Dos Bijagós are Guinea Bissau’s main centre of tourism. They are truly stunning! And it is not only about the beaches. It is the whole package. Little secluded villages, saltwater crocks and hippos, giant turtles, water fowl. The main draw is the world’s class deep sea fishing. Several islands have comfortable fishermen lodges, usually run by the French. Now the entire archipelago, including its rich marine life, has been declared a biosphere reserve, while two island groups form national parks. Travellers should note that transport to and between the islands is difficult. Also, low tides reveal kilometres-long mud flats, limiting beach going. Finally, telephone service – including mobile service – is unreliable.

4. Orango Islands National Park. Home to rare saltwater species of hippo and crocodile, Ilha de Orango and the surrounding islands together make up the Orango Islands National Park. The island is also the burial site of the Bijagós kings and queens.

5. Varela. Just south of Cap Skirring, but on the Guinea-Bissau side of the border, it is a tour de force to get to Varela on a 50 km long bumpy dirt road from São Domingos - but it is all rewarded when you reach this little paradise, with a superb Italian-owned hotel, beautiful beaches and pine forests and a very relaxed atmosphere with almost no other tourists.

6. Forests of Jemberem - Cantanhez Natural Park, where you can see chimpanzees with a little luck.

7. Bolama. capital of the country until 1941, has some magnificent examples of colonial architecture and has been suggested as a world heritage site. Impressive and decaying colonial buildings from the time when Bolama was capital of Guinea Bissau. There are some good beaches on the island, though you'll have to walk for some km's from town - or rent a bike or motorbike. Make sure to be there at high tide.

8. Bafata is a pleasant town with an interesting colonial centre, located on the Rio Gêba. Hometown of Bissau-Guinean patriot Amilcar Cabral. Ask around near the old market to visit his house. The picturesque old market and tranquil colonial center at the pleasant river bank. Monuments for Amilcar Cabral and the house where Amilcar Cabral was born. Cobble-stone streets and boys in donkey carts. Boys fishing on the river bank or from dugout canoes.

9. Cacheu is a colonial town built on the shores of the Cacheu River in 1675. It has a little picturesque fort that was used to ship slaves to the Americas. Near the town of Cacheu you can explore the protected mangroves of Tarafes de Cacheu Natural Park.

10. Gabú is a busy market town with a predominantly Muslim population. Gabú has a small but interesting colonial centre.