Pint-sized Guinea-Bissau offers real opportunities for adventure and discovery. The Bijagós islands, which scatter into the Atlantic off the compact mainland, have preserved a unique culture, and have escaped most of the unrest that has troubled the country in recent years. . .
The army pulls the strings here, and is also involved in the country’s sinister new status as a narco-state: Guinea- Bissau’s myriad creeks and islands are used for the transhipment of cocaine from Latin America. . .
Mains electricity is rare, which means most hotels, restaurants, ministries and embassies use their own generators. However, generators get rarer and nights darker the further you venture from the capital. . .
Despite their circumstances, Guinea-Bissauans are renowned for being very laidback company, and the country is refreshingly free of hassle – though it’s important to be aware of how unpredictable it has become. . .
(continued on p. 295)
Links we like
Guinee-Bissau.net For French-speakers, detailed tourist information and a good picture gallery.
BBC World Routes: Guinea Bissau Excellent radio documentary on the country’s infectious music.
This page last edited 9 June 2011 © Richard Trillo and Emma Gregg
First-Time Africa: know before you go 