Guinea Quick Guide

Whether you are traveling with family or friends or just looking for an exciting new destination, a Guinea Travel Guide will be able to point you in the right direction. Guinea is a sparsely populated country in West Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, east, and west. It is recognized for the majestic Mount Nimba National Park, in the southwest. The park is home to a vast forested range of wildlife and indigenous plants, such as the vivipara, chimpanzees, and macaque toad.

Sepik is the largest city in Guinea, housing over half a million people. A lively, metropolitan center, Sepik is home to a number of popular hotspots, including a swanky discotheque on the beach, the Hagen Museum, a beautiful hotel, restaurants, and even Sepik International Airport. The town is also ideal for a variety of leisure activities. A Sepik travel guide can take you to the best secluded beaches and scuba diving sites in the region, like those off the northern coast. The Hagen Museum features beautiful ancient sculptures, plus many original artifacts dating back to medieval times. Many visitors also enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling in the beautiful coral reefs around Sepik.

For those interested in history, there are several good museums in Sepik. One is the Musee des Beaux-arts de L'Amour, which boasts an impressive collection of ancient statues. The other is the Hagen Museum, which offers a great deal of information about the world's history, right up to the Second World War. You can also take a scuba diving class here or sign up for a hiking expedition through some of the more amazing rainforests in central Africa. There's something for everyone in this part of the country.

For even more excitement, Sepik is home to several wildlife reserves and national parks. The Central Park is particularly popular with visitors who love to feed monkeys or watch wild boars. The park also offers one of the best opportunities for bird spotting in Africa.

If you're looking for more adventure, you'll want to head to the mountainous region of Bambuhu. Here, you can try some great trekking, mountain climbing, or river rafting. Hiking in this region is particularly popular in winter as it provides the much needed exercise to stay fit during the cold months. River rafting and camping are also popular activities in Bambuhu. In recent years, however, organized sports have become quite popular along the river, with both competitive and non-competitive events held on a regular basis.

Another area to consider when planning your trip is the equatorial rainforest. This region is located on the western coast of Guinea and is a world heritage site due to the rich fauna and flora that can be found here. If you're a nature lover, this is an exceptional place to visit. Guided tours are available, but it is also possible to explore the rainforests on your own. Guided tours generally provide great insight into the way that humans have adapted to the environment over the centuries and what can still be enjoyed today.

There's also plenty of opportunity to sample the cuisine of Guinea. It is widely believed that French culinary traditions are deeply rooted in this African country. The people are proud of their culinary heritage and there are a number of excellent restaurants in Guinea to sample during your time there. The next time you have a little free time, why not join in a local food party the perfect excuse to try some new foods!

A final thought on this Guinean travel guide is the incredible diving opportunities that are available. Many dive sites can be explored by scuba divers, but there are many others that can only be seen by deep sea divers. The water surrounding Guinea and its coral reefs offer some of the best opportunities for snorkelling and diving in the region. Booking a dive trip will give you the opportunity to see the underwater ecosystem of Guinea. What you'll see under the water will amaze you!

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Guinea are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

The climate is tropical and humid with a wet and a dry season. Guinea is one of the wettest countries in West Africa. The monsoon season with a southwesterly wind lasts from June to November; The dry season with a northeasterly harmattan lasts from December to May.

Do I need a Visa?

All British nationals need a visa to enter or live in Guinea. You can apply for visas for both private and business travel and residency at the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea and on the Guinea Online Visa Portal.

See which forms you may need for entry into Guinea.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of Guinea is the Guinean Franc (GNF). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Guinea you can grab amazing Guinean Franc deals via Wise.com (GBP to GNF).

What about the wildlife?

The continental region has a rich animal life that includes gorillas, chimpanzees, various monkeys, leopards, buffalo, antelope, elephants, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and various snakes, including pythons. Insects abound, including the tsetse fly and the malaria-bearing Anopheles mosquito, as well as hosts of ants, beetles, spiders, and termites. Bioko has no big game but has various monkeys, dwarf antelopes, and rodents, as well as mosquitoes and other insects.

What is the traditional food?

French food? National Dish of Guinea – Poulet Yassa. Poulet Yassa is a simple chicken dish that is popular in the West African region. It is distinguished by an onion and lemon infused marinade which tenderizes the tough meat of the African fowls found in these regions. This dish is considered to be the national dish of Guinea although it is also prepared in neighboring countries like Senegal.

What Languages are spoken?

The official language is French. 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. You can learn some basic French before you travel to Guinea and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in Guinea is the Guinean Franc (Restaurants In the best restaurants in Conakry a 10% tip is normal. Elsewhere tipping is not expected. Tourist guides and drivers A tip is expected. If you hired a guide or driver for a week expect to tip the equivalent of one extra day's work.).

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported. We may receive a small commission from affiliate links you follow from this Guinea travel guide.

Useful Numbers

  • Police: 117
  • Ambulance: 18
  • Fire: 442-020
  • UK Embassy: +44 (0)1908 516 666

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is -1 hours

Travel Apps

Grab a travel app or two


Learn French

Learn some French before your trip to Guinea


Guinea Guidebook

Stay informed before, during and after your trip to Guinea by buying a guidebook.