GUINEA BISSAU: Carnival & Island Paradise
Experience one of West Africa`s most vibrant carnival before exploring the untouched Bijagos Archipelago Islands and Chimpanzee tracking on the mainland.
10 Days / Carnival – Islands – Culture – Beaches – Adventure
GUINEA BISSAU: Carnival & Island Paradise (6. Feb - 15. Feb 27)
Day 1 – Bissau | Carnival Begins
We kick off the adventure with one of the most vibrant celebrations in West Africa.Carnival in Bissau is loud, colourful and completely local. We join the celebrations from day one, with dancing, live music and evening events.After settling in, we head into the city and experience the first night of Carnival together.
Day 2 – Bissau | The Grand Parade
Today is the main event.Costumes, drums, dancing, crowds and incredible energy fill the streets of Bissau.We spend the day following the parade, celebrating with locals and taking in one of the biggest cultural events in the country.In the evening, we continue the celebrations and experience Bissau at its most vibrant.Food today is not included, giving everyone the freedom to eat at their own pace and explore the local food scene.
Day 3 – Bissau → Bubaque | Into the Bijagós
We leave the capital behind and head towards the islands.A speedboat takes us to Bubaque, the main island of the Bijagós Archipelago.Carnival is still going here, but on a smaller and even more local scale. We explore the port area, experience the island celebrations and, if timing and conditions allow, finish the day with a beautiful beach sunset.
Day 4 – Praia Bruce | Beach & Island Life
Today is all about slowing down.We cross Bubaque by motocarro to reach Praia Bruce, one of the island's most beautiful beaches.A prepared picnic awaits us, and the rest of the day is yours.Swim, relax, explore the beach or simply enjoy the feeling of being on a remote island far away from everyday life.
Day 5 – Hidden Beach, Village Life & Sunset Sailing
Today we discover a quieter and more authentic side of Bubaque.We visit a hidden beach, walk through a local village and stop at a local farm.In the evening, we head out on a small traditional sailing boat and watch the sun go down over the islands.A slower day — but one of the most special experiences of the trip.
Day 6 – Canhabaque Island | Beach Camp
We board a local pirogue and head towards Canhabaque Island.After arriving, we visit a local village and meet members of the community.In the evening, we cook together on the beach over an open fire before setting up camp.Tonight, we sleep in tents on one of the most remote and beautiful beaches of the Bijagós Archipelago.
Day 7 – Canhabaque → Bolama
We leave Canhabaque and continue towards Bolama, one of Guinea-Bissau's most fascinating and forgotten islands.Our journey depends on the tides and local conditions. If conditions allow, we may also fish along the way.After arriving in Bolama, we settle into our glamping accommodation and enjoy a slower evening on the island.
Day 8 – Bolama | Explore the Forgotten Island
Today we have a full day to explore Bolama.We take a motocarro across the island and discover its remote beaches and historic surroundings.Depending on what we explore the previous day, we continue towards Praia de Ofir and finish the day watching the sunset.Bolama has a unique atmosphere — colonial ruins, wide open roads and very few tourists.It's a completely different side of Guinea-Bissau.
Day 9 – Bolama → Cantanhez National Park
We leave Bolama by small boat towards São João before continuing by road through mainland Guinea-Bissau.After a lunch stop in Buba, we continue towards Cantanhez National Park.In the afternoon, we enter the park and settle into our camp surrounded by nature.Dinner is served at the camp before an early night ahead of tomorrow's adventure.
Day 10 – Wild Chimpanzee Tracking → Bissau
We start early and head into the forest with a local ranger to track wild chimpanzees.This is a genuine wildlife experience, and sightings are not guaranteed. These are wild animals in their natural environment — not animals in a zoo.After the tracking experience, we begin our journey back towards Bissau.We drive through the mainland, passing small villages along the way and stopping at Saltinho Falls, where we can take a refreshing swim.We arrive back in Bissau in the evening.The adventure officially ends here.
Day 11 – Optional Return to The Gambia
For those travelling onwards to The Gambia, a shared return drive can be arranged.Extra cost.
