Guinea has the lowest quality of life in the world, according to the United Nations, but the people display a beauty and exuberance that is almost unnatural considering the poverty. The largest tourism attraction is the expansive, undisturbed countryside.
Guinea is on West Africa's Atlantic coast and borders Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The landscape varies from coastal mangrove swamps and mountainous highlands in the south to wide savanna in the northeast. The capital, Conakry, is on a crowded peninsula.
The international airport on the outskirts of Conakry, the capital, is served by European and African airlines, and various charter airlines. Guinea can be reached via road from all neighboring countries, although a 4WD vehicle might be necessary. Driving is on the right.
Roads in and around Conakry, Kindia and Kankan are reasonably maintained; driving outside of these areas might require a 4WD vehicle, especially during the rainy season. A public bus service operates between Conakry, Kindia and Kankan, and trains run between Conakry and Kindia. For adventurous travelers, bush taxis access the interior.
The telecommunications infrastructure is inadequate. Local and international phone services are unreliable and restricted to major urban areas. Mobile phone services are restricted to Conakry, and so is Internet access. The postal service is also slow and unreliable.
Guinea is not inexpensive, but reasonably priced lodging and food can be found. Credit cards are widely accepted and traveler's checks and foreign currency are easily exchanged.
French colonialists governed Guinea for a long time, and the French influence remains strong today; the official language and the business customs are French. English is spoken sporadically. Numerous tribes are indigenous to Guinea and at least five African languages are spoken. Guineans love music and commonly dance in the streets on Sunday afternoons. A large majority of the population is Muslim.
The country’s weather is among the wettest in the region (Conakry receives more than four meters (13 feet) of rain annually); rainy season is May-October. November-February is cool. From December to February, the Harmattan winds blow from the Sahara, sometimes severely influencing visibility.
Crime is a serious concern in Guinea. The police are incapable of addressing the issue either due to lack of resources or collusion with criminals. Corruption is rife and bribes are common. Crime is frequently directed at tourists, with scam artists, pick pockets and petty thieves especially active at the airport, markets and outside major hotels. Guinea is experiencing instability along its borders with Liberia and Sierra Leone and travel to these areas should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
For a free map of Guinea and more detailed information, be sure to click on the Destination Brief above.
Please note: the situation in Guinea can be volatile and dynamic. You are encouraged to purchase an Intelligence Brief ($7.50) or Destination Tracker ($25) for complete, up-to-the-minute information on the Country, Security and Health, Local Travel Alerts, Entry/exit requirements, Transportation, Communications/Technology, Legal and Financial situation, Environmental concerns and Language in Guinea.