GUINEA BISSAU: The Island Paradise
From hidden beaches and hatching turtle babies, to unique saltwater hippos and pure island life.
10 Days / Culture – Nature – Peace
GUINEA BISSAU: The Island Paradise (19. Nov - 29. Nov 26)
Day 1 (First Night in Bissau: Caldo Branco and Caipirinhas)
You land in Bissau on Thursday the 19th of November and check into Casa Cacheu. The first night is simple: a bowl of Caldo Branco, a caipirinha, and good conversation with the people you'll be exploring with for the next 10 days
Day 2 (Cross to Bubaque: Welcome to the Bijagós)
Friday morning you head to the port and catch the speedboat to Bubaque Island. Lunch at the port restaurant, then dinner at Native Bijagós. This is your first real taste of island life.
Day 3 & 4 (Orango: Hippos, Villages, and Jungle Silence)
This is the one people remember. A local pirogue takes you deep into Orango National Park — two nights, no crowds, no noise. Day one: walk through the village, hit the beach, slow down. Day two: the hippo trip. Going to spot unique saltwater hippos in their natural habitat. After that, we have a little village history tour before we all cook together our dinner.
Day 5 & 6 (Back to Bubaque: Hidden Beach and Praia Bruce)
Two more nights on Bubaque, but this time you explore it properly. Day one: hike to the hidden beach, check out a farming project. Day two: full day at Praia Bruce by motocarros — lunch on the beach, back at sunset. This is the kind of day that makes you forget what month it is.
Day 7 & 8 (João Vieira Island: Sea Turtles Before Sunrise)
Wednesday you go by boat to João Vieira and check into the only existing lodge. Empty, white beaches with pure calmness. The highlight: an early morning boattour to watch sea turtles hatching at Poilão — one of the most important turtle nesting sites in the Atlantic. That's a once in a lifetime experience. You won't forget it.
Day 9 & 10 (Final Bubaque Chapter: Culture, Gardens, and Canhabaque)
Back on Bubaque for the last stretch. Friday afternoon: a garden visit and traditional cultural performances. Saturday: a boat trip to Canhabaque Island — one of the most traditional and least-visited islands in the entire archipelago.
Day 11 (Ferry Back to Bissau: End of the Road)
Sunday morning, the ferry takes you back to Bissau. One last meal. One last look at the water. You fly out Sunday night or Monday morning.
