|
Warning: Guinea-Bissau can be a very dangerous country.
Check with your nearest embassy or consulate before attempting
to plan a trip here
A small, developing country bordered by Guinea, Senegal
and the Atlantic Coast to the East. Life is difficult for
the inhabitants of this tropical 'paradise', as the country
is very poor. Independence was declared in 1973 after the
longest fight for liberation Africa has seen, and Portuguese
Guinea became Guinea-Bissau. The war for freedom from the
fascist Portuguese regime was fought and won by the PAIGC
(the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape
Verde). The leader of the party was murdered about six months
before independence was declared, and his half-brother stepped
in to lead the country to victory.
The country experienced a civil war in 1998 -1999, which
effectively crippled the economy; the political situation
is still less than stable. Travellers to the region should
be aware of landmines still scattered throughout the country.
The capital, Bissau, is small, but is increasingly becoming
'Senegalised'. Crime is low, but it is advisable to avoid
the port at night. The most accessible of the Bijagos islands
are Baloma, Bubaque and Galinhas.
Climate
Guinea-Bissau experiences heavy rainfall, especially over
its offshore archipelago of islands. The hottest months are
during April and May, it gets slightly cooler in December
and January, and however it remains humid throughout the year.
Accommodation
Places to stay in Bissau are extremely limited, especially
if you are looking in the budget price range. However further
inland, or in many of the islands, accommodation is easier
and cheaper to find.
Food
The economic situation in Guinea-Bissau means that the country
struggles to feed its population. You may find it difficult
to even track down a street stall. However, in recent times
the capital has sprung up a few patisseries, ice-cream shops
and more up-scale restaurants. Portuguese brand beers, such
as Sagres or Superbock are fairly available,
as is the local palm wine or cana de cajeu, a rum made from
cashew nuts.
Language
Being part of the Portuguese empire, the population of just
over one million kept Portuguese as its official language.
African languages also widely spoken include Kriolu and
Wolof, and you may find French is fairly well understood.
People
The main tribal groups residing here are the Balante,
Fulani, Manjak and Mandinka, there are also many
of mixed European and African descent. After independence,
most of the Portuguese and Lebanese traders left, however
they have been slowly returning to take up their former businesses.
The majority of Guinea-Bissau maintain the traditional tribal
religion, with about 40% practising Islam, and the remaining
Christian.
Cash
It is a cash-only economy, so come prepared with your francs.
French francs are more widely accepted for exchange, compared
to US Dollars or Sterling. Guinea-Bissau uses the CFA (Communaute
Financiere Africaine) franc, along with many other francophone
African countries.
Travel
Again, travellers are advised the road and transport system
here is generally poor, with little roadside lighting at night.
The active mines left over from the war demand you stick to
the beaten paths. You can fly to Bissau via Lisbon (Portugal)
or Dakar (Senegal), Conakry (Guinea), and Banjul (Gambia).
Port ferries operate from Bissau, on a rough
schedule, leaving approximately once a week for different
islands within the Bijagos archipelago. It is advisable to
check with the Rodofluvial (the ferry operator) office
in Bissau for up-to-date times and fares. Buses and
bush taxis are available on the main routes throughout
the country, or kandongas (pick-up trucks) will carry
passengers cheaply. Expect to pay about 10% extra for baggage.
Visas
Cape Verde and Nigerian citizens are exempt, however all
other nationalities require a visa to enter Guinea-Bissau.
They are typically valid for one month, but extensions are
easy to obtain from the Police Station in Bissau. Be aware,
if you do stay longer than one month, you may need an exit
visa.
Health
As with the other West African countries, malaria is a severe
disease rife in these parts and precautions should be arranged
before departure from your home country. As medical facilities
in Bissau are unreliable and underdeveloped, travellers are
recommended to fly to neighbouring Senegal capital, Dakar
for treatment.
Guinea-Bissau highlights:
Praia Bruce (Bruce Beach) on Bubaque Island is one
of the better beaches in the islands. |
