Guinea-Bissau is a tiny country on the coast of west Africa
bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south. Very few
people come here but those that do travel to Guinea-Bissau describe
it as one of Africa's true gems, a land of great beauty, variety
and warm welcomes. Chief highlights include the beautiful and
mostly unspoiled beaches, abundant wildlife including significant
populations of chimpanzees and rare salt-water hippopotamuses, and
elegantly decaying colonial architecture from the Portuguese era.
Guinea-Bissau is a flat country characterised by two distinct
terrains. The coast is lush and forested, while the interior is dry
and dusty, although intersected by myriad rivers, pools and
lagoons. The country's best natural splendour can be viewed in the
celebrated Cantanhez Natural Park in Jemberem, while the Bijagos
Archipelago offers some of Africa's best island experiences,
including incredible snorkelling and diving, and indigenous tribes
with rich traditions. The capital Bissau has the country's best
tourist facilities although these are still very limited. Roads are
notoriously rough with one traveller advising that the road to Goba
is for 'perverse masochists' only! In general the very limited
tourist infrastructure makes Guinea-Bissau a destination that
attracts only adventure travellers and overlanders. A terrible
civil war broke out in 1998 and although hostilities have ceased a
succession of military coups since then has ensured the country
remains in state of uncertainly. Currently the borders are open and
conditions favourable for intrepid travellers, however you are
strongly advised to stay abreast of current developments before
departure.
