Overview
- Best Time to Visit: November to March (dry season)
- Main Entry Point: Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), Bissau
- Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
- Languages: Portuguese, Crioulo
Day 1: Arrival in Bissau – The Capital Experience
Morning:
- Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
- Check into your hotel (e.g., Hotel Dunia, Ledger Plaza Bissau)
- Enjoy a local breakfast – try cuscuz and café touba
Afternoon:
- Visit Bissau Velho (Old Town) – colonial architecture, Casa dos Direitos
- Stop by Fortaleza d’Amura (historic fort, home of national heroes)
- Lunch at Coqueiros Restaurant (local seafood)
Evening:
- Explore Bandim Market – vibrant open-air market
- Dinner at O Bistro – mix of African and European dishes
- Optional: Local music at Churrasqueira Kalliste
Day 2: Bolama Island – Colonial Echoes
Morning:
- Ferry/boat ride to Bolama Island (former capital)
- Explore colonial ruins, palm-lined streets, and sleepy charm
Afternoon:
- Visit the old governor’s palace and Catholic cathedral ruins
- Enjoy a picnic lunch with ocean views or dine at a local guesthouse
- Birdwatching and photography – Bolama is quiet and scenic
Evening:
- Return to Bissau by boat
- Dinner at Bambu Restaurant (Portuguese and African cuisine)
- Rest at your hotel
Day 3: Bijagós Archipelago – Escape to Bubaque
Morning:
- Early boat ride to Bubaque Island (most accessible island in Bijagós)
- Check into Hotel Kasa Afrikana or a local eco-lodge
Afternoon:
- Relax on Bruce Beach – white sand, palm trees, no crowds
- Visit Bubaque town – charming markets, port area
- Lunch at a local beachside eatery
Evening:
- Sunset walk or kayaking
- Fresh seafood dinner with traditional palm wine
- Optional: Traditional dance show at lodge (check availability)
Day 4: Orango Island – Nature and Wildlife
Morning:
- Boat transfer to Orango National Park
- Guided trek through mangroves and savannahs
Afternoon:
- Spot saltwater hippos, monkeys, and rare birds
- Visit local Bijagó villages – learn about matriarchal society
- Picnic lunch with guides
Evening:
- Return to Bubaque
- Dinner and stargazing at your lodge
Day 5: Return to Bissau and Departure
Morning:
- Return boat to Bissau (or early charter flight if available)
- Visit Centro Cultural Franco-Bissau-Guineense for last-minute culture
- Shop for handcrafted souvenirs – woven fabrics, wooden art
Afternoon:
- Light lunch at Casa Lisboa
- Airport transfer
- Departure from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
Travel Tips
- Transport: Boats between islands run a few times a week—plan ahead or consider chartering.
- Safety: Guinea-Bissau is generally peaceful but avoid isolated areas at night.
- Cash: ATMs are limited; carry enough local currency.
- Vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination required. Antimalarials recommended.
