GUINEA BISSAU
Guinea Bissau is one of the smallest countries of Africa bordered by Senegal to the north, and Guinea to the south and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west. This small country stands out from its neighbours by the welcoming and helpful nature of the local people which gives an overall relaxed feel to the country. Guinea Bissau was formerly a Portuguese colony and upon independence the capital name Bissau was added in the name of the country to avoid confusion with the Republic of Guinea. It has a tropical climate like all other African countries being hot and rainy from March to October and dry with mild winter from November to February. Most of the country is swampy along the coast and low lying inland and has Cachew, Mansoa and Geba as the main rivers.
Although Guinea-Bissau is not well recognised as a tourist destination due to the lack of infrastructure and tourist facilities, the country has exceptional beaches and wildlife. The tourists can also visit the islands off the beach of Guinea-Bissau which is home to a group of indigenous people and aquatic animals like shark, turtles and a very rare form of hippopotamus. These delta islands are washed by blue waters, white sand beaches and populated by native people which are an exception on their own.
ECONOMY
Guinea Bissau is an agricultural based country having more than 50% of its contribution in agriculture, 12% from industry and 30% from services. However, the country’s per capita GDP and Human Development Index is one of the lowest in the world. With the support of IMF, Guinea Bissau has shown some economic advances by bringing reform in trade and linearization of prices. Fish, ground nuts and cashew nuts form the major exports even as tobacco, coconut and sugar are also grown for exports. Guinea Bissau has brought in some monetary stability by adopting CFA Franc as the currency like many other African nations.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Guinea Bissau has ethnically diverse population with many distinct languages, traditions and customs. The largest portion of the population consists of Fula and Mandinka mainly concentrated in the north. Others include Balanta and Papel living in south, Manjaco and Mancanha in central and a small percentage of Portuguese natives. Portuguese is the official language spoken by only 14% of the people, where as 44% speak Kriol and African languages as second languages. French is also taught in schools as the country is surrounded by French speaking countries. Islam is the main religion practised by almost 50% of the population. 10% are Christians and the rest 40% continue to practice traditional African beliefs. The health conditions of the people are not very good due to lack of doctors in the country.
ATTRACTIONS
Bijagos Achipelago
These comprise of a group of small islands with cool breeze, swaying palms and spectacular white sand beaches exerting a miraculous spell. Foreigners rarely visit these islands and most of them are uninhabited, the government has thus declared this entire archipelago a biosphere reserve including its rich marine life. The most accessible islands are Bolama and Bubaque though there are very limited accommodation and transportation facilities available here. Tourists can visit the striking ruin in Bolama which was the former capital of Guinea Bissau along with several worth seeing powdery beaches. Bubaque is an untouched island easy to reach from Bissau protected by swift tides and perfidious sandbanks. This is the largest town of the archipelago and ideal for nice strolls and evening walks along the beaches. The population on these islands has eluded Portuguese control until the 1930s and has been successful in maintaining their original aura. It is easy to find comfortable stay here in comparison to other remote islands.
Museum of African Artefacts
This is a must visit for people who want to know about the art and culture of the country. The museum gives an insight of African pottery, weaving and basket ware. It is a valuable treasure of traditional sculpture and many other artefacts. Thus folk art and handcrafted items are the main attractions of this small museum.
River Zoo Farm
The wildlife breeding River Zoo Farm is extended to 500 acre area surrounded by two freshwater rivers and a lake. The nature lovers can visit this farm to encounter thousands of different birds, mammals and other indigenous animals roaming around and living freely in this official fauna reserve.
Varela
Varela is a beautiful yet undeveloped beach near the border from Senegal’s Cap Skirling where the tourists can laze around in the sun and bathe in the clear waters.
Jemberem
The tourists seeking for adventure can enjoy the dense forests around Jemberem and Catio which is famous for its habitat of African chimpanzee. The tourists can also visit the Cantanhez Natural Park, a community based conservation project initiated to protect fauna including birds, monkeys and chimpanzees. Many wild African elephants can also be seen in these tropical rainforests.
Orango Islands National Park
These islands are the burial site of the Bijagos kings and queens and are home to exceptional saltwater species of crocodile and hippopotamus. There is also a magnificent hotel at the island, Orango Prague Hotel offering gorgeous bungalows right on the beach. The visitors can enjoy lavish food served by Italian Portuguese owners. Fishing is the main activity on these islands.
BISSAU
Bissau, the capital city of the country has a distinct characteristic of its own with mango shaded winding streets and pastel coloured Mediterranean style buildings. The city has a very relaxed atmosphere with minimal crime or hustle. Tourists can visit the ruined monuments like Former Presidential Palace and Fortaleza d’Amura remind of the history. There are lively cafes in the city which is a meeting point for the country’s elite everyday. The tourists can enjoy the lively ambience and colourful stalls of the street market of Bissau. Mercado Central is one of the covered flea markets offering a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The works of the spirited young artists can be purchased in the Centro Artistico Juvenil market where they are usually found on site painting, carving and sculpting. There are also a couple of clubs in Bissau providing good entertainment to the tourists. Bambu 2000 and X Club are two popular clubs for late night party visitors catering to everyone from locals to UN workers. They have trendy European décor with awesome dance and free snooker tables.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Guinea Bissau has an international airport on the outskirts of the capital Bissau catering to many international flights from Europe like Air Luxor and Air Portugal. Travellers can also take Air Senegal and TACV Cabo Verde Airlines to travel within Africa. Taxi service is available for the pick up and drops at the airport. The land infrastructure is not too great though there are daily taxis from Gabu and Koundara. Slow going taxis (bush taxis) are also available to cross the border between Farim and Tanaf. It is also easy to travel by water as a new commercial river port has been constructed at N’Pungda and the main port at Bissau has been upgraded over the past few years. Ferry services running between coastal and inland ports form an integral part of the transportation system.
In communications, there are very limited facilities of postal, mobile and internet connection. All outgoing international calls are done through the operator and are quite expensive. The country does not have any English language newspapers although there are some TV and Radio channels.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
There are several hotels and restaurants in Guinea Bissau offering delicious food though some places can be costly. Yam, maize and cassava are the staple food along with Jollof rice served with fish or chicken with is a national speciality and a must try for the food lovers. The local people enjoy drinking rum made from cashew nuts and the palm wine which form the national drinks. The travellers should know that mant restaurants are closed during the day and there can be ban on drinking and smoking being a Muslim populated country.
Guinea Bissau offers a range of hotels suiting to the needs of both luxurious and comfortable stay to small and inexpensive ones. It is preferable to book accommodation in advance as the tariffs keep fluctuating. Camping facilities are available at the Bolama islands for the outdoors loving travellers. There are also good hotels in Gabu and Bissau. There is normally a single entry visa required by all nationals except the transit passengers. The visitors should carry hard cash around the country although travellers’ cheques and debit and credit cards can be used in the capital city.
This undiscovered gem of Africa is a must visit for travellers who want to go off the beaten track. The exceptional beaches and wildlife is worth seeing along with the cordial welcome of the local people. After the peaceful elections in 2005, the country is safe to visit and explore.
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