Day 1 - Bissau
Arrive in Bissau and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Hotel Dunia Bissao or similar
Day 2 - Quinhamel
This morning we head out to Cana to see a colonial era rum distillery, then continue to Quinhamel. Here we meet the Pepel people, and learn about their animist customs centred around traditional ‘fetishes’. Return to Bissau for the evening. Overnight Hotel Dunia Bissao or similar. (BLD)
Day 3 - Varela
Leave the city behind and head north west to Varela. This is the territory of the Diola people, and we will be able to see one of their mask dances while here – an event rarely seen by outsiders. In the later afternoon we reach the beaches of Varela. Overnight Aparthotel Avo Anisa or similar. (BLD)
Day 4 - Bissau
Heading back to Bissau, we leave the main road and travel through a landscape of swamps and streams to the settlements of the Felupes and Baiotes people. Living in large clay built huts under a patriarchal structure, they farm rice by desalinating the soil. We then visit the villages of the local Manjaco people and see their sacred wooden sculptures, before continuing to Bissau for the night. Overnight Hotel Dunia Bissao or similar. (BLD)
Day 5 - Bolama - Bijagos Islands
Sail to the Bijagos Islands, a magical and unique world of authentic tribal traditions and unusual wildlife. First visit the island of Bolama, once a colonial capital but now largely abandoned, its Portuguese buildings slowly being taken over by vegetation and goats. From here continue further into the archipelago. Overnight Hotel Ponta Anchaca or similar. (BLD)
Day 6 - Bijagos Islands
We then head south, crossing dunes and entering an area that saw fighting during the war with Libya – in some places Activities today depend on the departure date of the tour. Some departures will see the impressive Vaca Bruto mask ceremony, unique to the Bijagos Islands where participants assume the roles of wild bulls. Others will travel to the uninhabited island of Poilao, to watch turtles come ashore in the evening to lay their eggs. Overnight Hotel Ponta Anchaca or similar. (BLD)
Days 7-8 - Bijagos Islands
Two more days to explore the archipelago. We head to Orango Island, a national park where the famous ‘saltwater hippos’ live – this is the same species as found on the mainland but unusually here often swims between the various islands. They can sometimes be difficult to locate, but we will search for them amongst the thick mangroves that characterise these islands. We also visit Bubaque, the largest village of the Bijagos, visiting its colourful market and small ethnographic museum, and getting to know the local people. Overnight Hotel Ponta Anchaca or similar. (BLD)
Day 9 - Bissau
Return by boat to the capital Bissau, where we have time for a quick look around the lively old quarter, with its traditional Portuguese architecture, before having dinner and transferring to the airport for your onward flight. (BL)
Included in price:
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation – as listed in the dossier. The nature of the destinations that we operate may sometimes mean that we need to change hotels, but we’ll always endeavour to keep the same standards. Please be aware that as we operate in many countries where tourism is in its infancy, hotel standards may not be the same as you’re used to elsewhere.
- Guides – In most cases you will be accompanied by one guide from start to finish. However there may be occasions when this is not practical, for example if your trip covers a number of different countries. In these cases it often makes more sense to include different guides for each place, to take advantage of their specific knowledge of the destination.
- Meals – As listed within the itinerary / dossier (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner).
Entrance fees – Entrance fees are listed for those sites that we mention within the itinerary. If there are any other sites that you’d like to see, these would be at your own expense.
Not included:
- Visas
- Airport taxes
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
