Guinea-Bissau and Bijagos Islands Tour

Day 1 – Arrival in Bissau

Arrive in Bissau and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Take time to settle in and relax after your journey.
Overnight at Hotel Dunia Azalai Bissau, 4 stars or similar (all rooms en-suite and air-conditioned).

Day 2 – The Ghost Capital and Bijagos Archipelago

Board a speedboat for a five-day adventure through the Bijagos Archipelago. This remote paradise, located about 40 miles offshore, consists of 88 islands, of which only 21 are permanently inhabited. Its pristine landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it a true geographical gem. Our first stop is Bolama, the former capital of Portuguese Guinea from 1871 to 1941. The town, abandoned after the Portuguese departure, now lies partly reclaimed by tropical vegetation. Stroll along wide, sunlit avenues and admire neo-Palladian buildings, dry fountains, and bush-covered gardens. Inside the Administration Palace, classical columns remain, where goats now graze. Bolama feels like a living ghost town with a surreal charm. Continue to Rubane Island and check in at a comfortable oceanfront lodge, your base for the next four days.
Overnight at Ponta Anchaca Resort, 4 stars, or Lodge les Dauphins, or similar (en-suite bungalows). (BLD)

Day 3 – Villages and Cultural Traditions

Take a speedboat excursion to visit an ancient Bijagos village. Later, head to Bubaque, the largest settlement in the archipelago and the only one linked to the mainland by a weekly ferry. Explore its unpaved alleys, colourful market, local bars, and the small ethnographic museum dedicated to Bijagos' heritage. With guidance from locals, you may witness traditional mask dances or initiation rituals in nearby villages. Return to Rubane for a relaxing evening.
Overnight at Ponta Anchaca Resort, 4 stars, or Lodge les Dauphins, or similar (en-suite bungalows). (BLD)

Day 4 – Searching for Saltwater Hippos

Travel to Orango, a protected area made up of four islands separated by tidal channels. This pristine habitat shelters a rare species, the saltwater hippo. These remarkable mammals live in mangrove ponds and occasionally swim in the ocean. During the right season, a local ranger will guide you on foot to observe them in their natural environment. Return to Rubane for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight at Ponta Anchaca Resort, 4 stars, or Lodge les Dauphins, or similar (en-suite bungalows). (BLD)

Day 5 – Island Life and Leisure

Enjoy a day of relaxation on the beach or by the pool. For those seeking more activity, take an optional walk to explore lush vegetation and visit traditional fishing communities.
Overnight at Ponta Anchaca Resort, 4 stars, or Lodge les Dauphins, or similar (en-suite bungalows). (BLD)

Day 6 – Back to Bissau

Spend the morning unwinding on the island. Departure time depends on tides and weather. Travel by speedboat back to Bissau and check in at your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Dunia Azalai Bissau or similar. (BLD)

Day 7 – Sacred Art and Cultural Heritage

Leave the main road and follow a narrow track to remote Manjaco communities. Some households maintain ancestor altars made of sculpted wooden poles called “Pecab,” housed in sanctuaries known as “Cab Balugun.” With the elders' permission, view these sacred carvings, ranging from centuries-old abstract forms to more recent naturalistic styles influenced by outside contact. Continue to Cacheu, a historic town on the river of the same name. Founded in 1588, Cacheu became an important Portuguese trading post. Visit the small fort and museum dedicated to the slave trade, which will open exclusively for your group.
Overnight at the Delta Hotel (modern rooms with air-conditioning). (BLD)

Day 8 – Magical Villages and Local Traditions

Spend the day exploring an area inhabited by the Pepel people, who live in clay huts with thatched roofs. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before meeting a fetish priest who consults ancestral spirits, a practice rooted in animistic beliefs. Later, visit a colonial-era rum distillery powered by firewood. The scent of freshly crushed sugar cane fills the air as you learn about traditional production methods. On the way back to Bissau, stop at an open-air bar for a tropical mojito, then enjoy dinner in the city’s lively district.
Overnight at the Hotel Dunia Azalai Bissau or similar. (BLD)

Day 9 – Bissau Carnival and City Tour

Start the morning with a guided tour of Bissau. Explore Bissau-Velho, the old Portuguese quarter, where colonial architecture blends with African character. Stroll through streets that echo Portugal’s past and feel the unique cultural mix. Continue to key landmarks, including the Presidential Palace, Catholic Cathedral, Fortaleza Amura, Independence Monument, and Che Guevara Square. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before the festivities begin.

Afternoon Carnival Celebration

Carnival is Guinea-Bissau’s most vibrant national celebration, blending African and Portuguese traditions. In the afternoon, the streets come alive with colourful parades. Sacred masks, warriors in crocodile skins, and papier-mâché creations share the stage with dancers in dazzling costumes. Music and movement fill the air as hours of lively performances create an unforgettable atmosphere. The celebration continues into the evening. Late-night transfers to the airport are available for departing guests.
Day Rooms: Hotel Dunia Azalai, 4 stars or similar (en-suite rooms). (BL)