Wild Bijagós — Guinea-Bissau in Its Purest Form
A journey through the Bijagós Archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Guinea-Bissau
For over 20 years we've been exploring green paradises. So you can be sure we share your passion for discovering the natural world in the most inspiring and authentic way — and that's exactly the spirit we bring to this journey through the Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau. A UNESCO-classified Biosphere Reserve, the Bijagós Archipelago is made up of around eighty islands where untamed nature, pristine mangroves and Bijagó culture live on almost untouched by time. This trip is designed for those seeking a truly authentic destination in Africa — far from mass tourism, close to the purest essence of Guinea-Bissau.
Day-by-day itinerary
Departure from Lisbon on a scheduled TAP flight to Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau. On arrival, transfer to the hotel (5-star) and a first taste of the city: the Handicraft Market, the Central Market and the bustling Port of Bissau, where you can already feel the pulse of Guinean life before heading to the archipelago.
After breakfast, travel to Quinhamel, a small coastal village with strong ties to Papel culture. Lunch in Kéré and a free afternoon — or, for those who prefer to keep exploring, an excursion to Carache. Dinner and overnight stay locally.
Visit to the traditional village of Ossocone and its local school (with the option of bringing school supplies as a donation), followed by the village of Posto and its community health centre. In the afternoon, entry into Orango Natural Park to Anor Lagoon, home to the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) — sightings always depend on the animal's natural behaviour, as this is a wild park rather than a controlled sanctuary.
Visit to the traditional village of Ossocone and its local school (with the option of bringing school supplies as a donation), followed by the village of Posto and its community health centre. In the afternoon, entry into Orango Natural Park to Anor Lagoon, home to the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) — sightings always depend on the animal's natural behaviour, as this is a wild park rather than a controlled sanctuary.
Departure for João Vieira and Poilão Natural Park, crossing the vast mangroves of Orango Island. At night, during high tide, a unique opportunity to observe green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting and hatching — one of the archipelago's most iconic natural phenomena.
At dawn, a chance to still spot adult females on the beach waiting for the tide to return to the sea. After breakfast, departure for Ilha de Meio, where you'll spend the day with a picnic included. Dinner and overnight stay at the iconic Chez Claude.
Early morning dedicated to observing the Timneh grey parrot — a rare native bird and one of the region's ornithological highlights. After lunch, return to Orango Island.
Free morning to rest or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, visit to the village of Eticoga and the mausoleum of Queen Okinka Pampa, a historic figure of the Bijagó monarchy. All meals included.
Morning in the village of Uno, including a traditional Bijagó dance performance — one of the archipelago's most authentic cultural expressions. Free afternoon.
Morning visit to the village of Ampintcha, followed by a day spent with a local family, sharing in their everyday activities. At low tide, join the village women in traditional shellfish gathering — one of the most immersive experiences of the whole itinerary.
Morning transfer to Bissau airport and scheduled TAP flight back to Lisbon, closing this 11-day immersion in the heart of the Bijagós Archipelago.
What's included
- TAP flights with 23kg baggage allowance and airport taxes;
- Agency guide throughout the trip;
- Full board without drinks;
- All activities included;
- All transfers;
- Accommodation in Hotel, Guesthouse and Tents;
What's not included
- Drinks (not included in the Full Board regime);
- Entry visa for Guinea-Bissau;
- Yellow fever vaccination and other travel-related medical expenses;
- Travel insurance;
- Tips and personal expenses;
- Excursions and activities not mentioned in the programme;
- Anything not expressly specified as included in the programme.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Yes. And we can help you with it. Portuguese citizens need an entry visa for Guinea-Bissau, which also covers a visit to the Bijagós Archipelago. The visa can usually be arranged in advance with the relevant authorities or, in some cases, on arrival — we always recommend confirming the latest requirements before departure, as they can change.
The yellow fever vaccine is generally required for entry into the country. It is also advisable to consult a travel health centre in advance for additional recommendations, such as malaria prevention and other routine vaccines.
The best season is between November and February, when the dry season brings milder temperatures and lower humidity. The rainy season runs from June to October, with April and May seeing the peak of heat and humidity before the rains begin.
The Bijagós Archipelago is considered a safe and peaceful area, requiring no special precautions beyond the usual common sense when travelling. The situation can be different in Bissau, the capital and the country's entry and exit point, where we recommend some extra caution, especially during periods of political instability.
The journey begins with a flight to Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, usually with a stopover. From Bissau, travel to the archipelago's islands is by boat — the only way to reach the Bijagós, as there are no regular flight connections between the islands.
Travel between islands is done exclusively by boat. It's already included in our itinerary. Within each island, distances are short and covered on foot, which reinforces the feeling of total immersion in nature and the local pace of life.
The Bijagós Archipelago is classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and comprises around eighty islands and islets, only some of which are inhabited. Extensive mangroves, wild beaches and dense forests coexist with Bijagó culture, one of the peoples with the most preserved traditions in West Africa — a rare combination of untouched nature and living cultural heritage.
The region is an important refuge for migratory birds, sea turtles and several species of marine mammals, benefiting from the richness of the mangrove ecosystems and the protection offered by the archipelago's parks and nature reserves.
This 12-day / 11-night trip starts from €3,000 per person, with a €1,500 booking deposit. The price includes TAP flights, an agency guide throughout, full board without drinks, all activities and transfers, and accommodation in hotels, guesthouses and tents along the itinerary.
Terms and conditions
- Visto e Vacinação: É obrigatória a obtenção de visto de entrada na Guiné-Bissau e o comprovativo de vacinação contra a febre-amarela para todos os passageiros. Recomendamos confirmar os requisitos atualizados junto das autoridades competentes antes da partida.
- Condições de Pagamento: Dado o caráter exclusivo e a disponibilidade limitada deste roteiro, é solicitado o sinal de reserva indicado nesta página, por pessoa, com o remanescente a liquidar antes da partida.
- Gastos de Cancelamento: 50% de gastos após confirmação da reserva.
- Grupo Reduzido: Esta viagem é organizada em pequeno grupo, com acompanhamento de guia da agência durante todo o roteiro.
- Legenda de Regimes: PC (Pensão Completa).
- Adult price
- 3000€
- Single supplement
- +0€
- Book for
- 1500€