Guinea is a country in West Africa, bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, in the southeast. The reserve protects a forested mountain range rich in native plants and animals, including chimpanzees and the viviparous toad. On the coast, the capital city, Conakry, is home to the modern Grand Mosque and the National Museum, with its regional artifacts.

Imagine you’re traveling on smooth highways, and then get tempted by a dusty turn-off signed Adventure. Well, that turn-off is Guinea. Little known to most of the world, this is a land of surprising beauty, from the rolling mountain plateau of Fouta Djallon to wide Sahelian lands and thick forests. Overland drivers have long been drawn here for the challenge of steering their vehicles over rocks and washed-out paths. Nature lovers lose themselves on long hikes past plunging waterfalls, proud hills, and tiny villages; or by tracking chimpanzees through the sticky rainforest. But the best thing about Guinea is that almost nobody else bothers to take this turn-off – meaning you’ll likely have the country to yourself.

How to get to Guinea

Conakry International Airport, also known as Gbessia International Airport, is an airport serving Conakry, capital of the Republic of Guinea in West Africa. It parallels the south shore of the Kaloum Peninsula approximately five kilometers from its tip. Autoroute Fidel Castro connects the airport to Conakry proper. Some of the flights to look out for include

• Turkish Airlines
• Via İstanbul, Ouagadougou

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• Egypt Air, Tap Air Portugal
• Via Cairo, Frankfurt, Lisbon

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• Brussels Airlines, Tunisair
• Via Brussels, Tunis

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• Fly Dubai, Emirates
• Via Dubai

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• Kenya Airways, Ethiopian
• Via Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Abidjan

Passport, Visa, and Entry requirements for Guinea

Most citizens must have a visa to travel to Guinea for any trip purpose, including tourism and business travel. In addition to a visa, a valid passport for at least 3 months and proof of the yellow fever vaccination are required for entry.

The health sector of Guinea

The Republic of Guinea suffers from a critical shortage of health workers Density trends are not consistent across cadres of health workers, with increases in overall densities per 10,000 population for physicians and severe decreases in densities for nurses and midwives during that same time period.

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Guinea

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry and malaria is the leading cause of health consultations, and is responsible for 31 percent of hospitalizations and 14.2 percent of deaths. All people, particularly children under 5 and pregnant women are at risk.

Currency of Guinea

Guinea francs is the official currency of Guinea, this can be converted in form of American dollars and Euros and travelers have advised to budget enough cash for their travel ensuring they carry new notes and do not put the use of ATM and credit card as it might be tricky and even not acceptable in some areas.

Official Language of Guinea

The official language is French, which was inherited from colonial rule. Several indigenous languages have been given the status of national languages: Fula (or Pular); Malinké (or Maninka); Susu; Kissi; Kpelle (known in French as Guerzé) and Loma.

Best time to travel to Guinea

The best time to visit is November and December, after the rains and before the dusty harmattan winds, though the Fouta Djallon is at its greenest and best during the rainy season. April is very hot everywhere and is not a pleasant month to travel to Guinea.

What to wear in Guinea

Travelers to Guinea should pack loose, conservative clothing. Women should be sure their midriffs and thighs are covered by clothing. Skirts that go below the knee, long dresses, and long pants are all reasonable choices for women. Men should bring light long pants.

What to bring while traveling to Guinea

• Bring a day pack.
• Take a good camera, comfortable pants, and loose shirts (it is humid even in the rain).
• For shoes: Tevas work well. If you plan on hiking, running shoes are better than hiking boots because they are lighter. Bring comfortable shoes (dirt roads and paths have lots of rocks) that you don’t mind getting muddy or full of red dust. The same holds for clothing.
• water bottle
• Cash
• Hut or cap
• Water proves cover to cover your property from dust

Car hire and driving in Guinea

Roads and vehicles are poorly maintained, road signs are insufficient, and roads and vehicles are frequently unlit. Valid international driving licenses should be sufficient to drive in Guinea but I would recommend also carrying an International Driving permit. But we don’t advise self-driving in Guinea.

Accommodation in Guinea

Conakry, also spelled Konakry, the national capital, largest city, and chief Atlantic port, western Guinea. Conakry lies on Tombo (Tumbo) Island and the Camayenne (Kaloum) Peninsula.

Here you can accommodation facilities ranging from Budget, mid-range to Luxury but outside the main capital things start to get more remote and poor accommodation facilities to ensure you plan your accommodation in advance.

Local food of Guinea

Poulet Yassa is a spicy dish prepared with onions and either marinated poultry or marinated fish. Originally from Senegal, Yassa has become popular throughout West Africa. Chicken Yassa, prepared with onions, lemon, or mustard, is a specialty from the Casamance region in Guinea.

Tipping while Travelling in Guinea

Tipping in Guinea isn’t very common but usually is expected. Taxis: When taking a taxi in Guinea you can round up the fare if you had a nice ride. Hotels: Tipping in Hotels isn’t common or expected. But for safaris, you can give decent tips to the Guides.

Further information for Guinea

Despite the wealth, these resources generate, Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the world. Guinea has the highest per capita income on the continent of Africa, yet more than half of the population lives below the poverty line, with around 20 percent in extreme poverty.

Safety of Guinea

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Guinea due to violent crime and the potential for civil unrest. Violent crime is prevalent in Guinea, especially in Conakry. Armed robberies, car high jackings, break-ins, and muggings are becoming increasingly common throughout the country, especially at night. We recommend booking a safari with a tour operator and reframe from moving at night.

Badiar National Park

National Park of Upper Niger

Wildlife

Birds

Vegetation

7 Days Experience Guinea safari

8 Days Discover Guinea safaris

Cape Verga Beach holidays

Conakry city tours Guinea

Hiking Mount Nimba in Guinea

Safari tours to Iles de Los

Safari tours to Moca Valley

Tours to Kassa Island Guinea

Turtle viewing in Ureca Guinea

Visit Bata City in Guinea

Visit Fouta Djallon region in Guinea

Visit Grand Mosquée de Conakry

Visit Sante Marie Cathedral in Guinea

Visit the National Museum of Guinea