Curving around the coast of West Africa like a crescent moon, Guinea is little known for tourism but one of the most exciting places in the region, where visitors are still a rarity and experiences uncontrived.
Our Guinea holidays and tours explore the diverse cultures and astounding landscapes of this beautiful country, venturing into small villages and communities to meet local people for an intimate portrait of local life.
In the highlands of the Fouta Djalon, the mighty Niger River rises and here we hike through a country of mountains, waterfalls and amazing views. This is a hidden paradise of lush green forests where you can listen out for the calls of chimpanzee and other wildlife. Further southeast, beside the borders with Ivory Coast and Liberia, lies Guinea Forestiere, a lush area of dense forests and remote villages where you can see some of the country’s most traditional people.
Top highlights on Guinea holidays and tours
- Check out the lively markets of Kindia
- Listen to a traditional storyteller in a remote highland village of the Fouta Djalon
- Hike through the mountains between small Fula settlements
- Haggle for excellent local crafts in the town of Kindia
- Enjoy some of the most off the beaten track travel in West Africa
There are no ‘big sights’ here – Guinea isn’t about that – but the joy of travelling here is immersing yourself in the vibrancy of local markets, meeting the local people, and being welcomed into communities that haven’t changed much in generations.
Guinea was isolated for a long time after independence, and tourism hasn’t really taken a hold here even to the limited extent of some of its neighbours. Expect authentic and colourful experiences all the way, punctuated by some of the region’s best scenery.
Culture
In Guinea about 80% of the population are Muslim. As well as this, there are significant numbers of people who practice traditional beliefs, which are both complex and fascinating. If you get a chance to see any traditional ceremonies these are not to be missed. Indigenous beliefs are still widely practised even by those who profess to be Christian or Muslim – old traditions die hard here. The official language of Guinea is French.
Guinea has a wide range of people, from the Malinke and Diola to the Fula, or Fulani, a group that spread as far east as Sudan.
When to go on holiday to Guinea
The region experiences two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from October until April, and the wet season from May until September. These can change by a few weeks either side depending on climate variations. Although most people choose to visit in the dry season, it’s also possible to visit in the wet season – the rains, although heavy, do not last the whole day and usually take the form of short sharp bursts. Some roads can be difficult during the wet season though, particularly in the Fouta Djallon and more remote areas.
Start planning your trip to Guinea
Check out our small group tour to Guinea, Guinea and Sierra Leone – the Fouta Djallon and Beyond. Although many of our trips are small group adventures with set departures, as a bespoke operator, we can design and create trips to suit any traveller, from solos to larger group. If you would like to find out more about tailor-made holidays to Guinea or our group tours, call us on 01473 328546 or email us via our contact page. We’d love to hear from you.
