Republic of Guinea

Guinea is a true African hinterland, cherishing its ways and traditions.

At first glance, Guinea does not seem to be in a hurry to keep up with the times. Nevertheless, the country is gradually developing, transforming its image, while trying to preserve its unique exotic flavor, historical heritage, customary way of life and cultural values of the local population.

It is unlikely that you will find Guinea in the ranking of popular countries to visit. But it is definitely worth coming here and seeing with your own eyes.

Despite the fact that Guinea is not in the ranking of the most popular tourist destinations, it is definitely worth coming here and seeing for yourself. This country offers unique opportunities for those looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience and definitely deserves your attention.

Compared to some countries in West Africa, Guinea is considered relatively safe and livable. The country is actively developing tourism and new vacation destinations are opening up.

Guinea is the ideal destination for those who crave a unique experience where nature, history, culture and hospitality are intertwined, where exoticism is found at every turn. Here, as in no other place in the world, the original beliefs of aborigines and traditions of gold miners, local culture and introduced civilization are closely intertwined. Traditional ritual performances of tribal representatives compete in colorfulness and meaning with the best productions of world classics.

This African country is a real paradise for lovers of extreme sports, ecotourism and unusual vacations. Traveling to Guinea will allow you to plunge into the atmosphere of the "real" Africa, to see it in its pristine form without embellishments and European gloss.

We have prepared for you information about Guinea, which will help you plan an unforgettable trip and an unforgettable vacation. You will find information about the most interesting major cities and attractions, learn about the peculiarities of climate and weather in the country, as well as get acquainted with the national and cultural traditions of the locals.

The history of Guinea as we know it today goes back a long way. Traces of the first settlers in Guinea date back to the Middle Neolithic period. According to legend, the name of the country came from the Berbers, who called all foreigners "iguawen" (mute).

Subsequently, the territories of modern Guinea became part of the Ghanaian Empire, which flourished until the IX century and was famous for the extraction of gold and salt. After the collapse of Ghana, small states emerged whose rulers converted to Islam and began to expand their influence. During this period, crafts were actively developed, sea routes were developed, armies were created and beautiful architectural objects were built.

In the 16th century, the Futa Jallon plateau was occupied by Fulbe nomads and a period of Islamic domination and persecution of tribes with other religious cultures began. A century later, the plateau became a slave trading center for European colonizers, including the Portuguese, French and British. At this time, France concluded a treaty of protectorate over the coastal territories, and Guinea became a separate colony of France in 1898.

This led to France establishing clear boundaries for the colony in 1904, imposing high taxes and labor duties on the local population.

Guinea's way to independence began in 1947 with the founding of the Democratic Party, which led the struggle. Independence was granted in 1958, which entailed a deterioration in relations with France.

Since then the Republic of Guinea has been actively developing foreign trade, and already in the mid to late 80's foreign policy was reoriented towards cooperation with France, the USA and Great Britain, as well as receiving support from international financial organizations. The process of democratization of political life began in the country, and from the beginning of the next decade elections were regularly held.

Today, Guinea is a presidential Republic located in the western part of the African continent on the Atlantic Ocean. Its neighbors are Senegal, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone.

The country is divided into four main natural regions: Coastal Guinea, Middle Guinea, Mountain Guinea and Forest Guinea.

Most of Guinea's territory is made up of low mountains and plateaus. The Atlantic coastline is cut by riverbeds and is low-lying, beyond which rises the Fouta Djallon Plateau, a local natural landmark.

In the east of Guinea is the plateau plain, gradually transitioning in the south to the North Guinean Upland, which includes basement plateaus and clay highlands. The highest mountain point, 1752 meters high, is the famous Mount Nimba.

Guinea, among many African states, is a country with a difficult political and economic environment. The country's foreign policy priorities today are the development of international relations and the strengthening of the tourism industry. Guinea's economy is based on the extraction of minerals, including bauxite, gold, ore, base metals and diamonds.

The country's infrastructure is developing slowly. Here you will not meet the usual subway. Many cities still lack even the simplest amenities. Nevertheless, the development of tourism in Guinea is attracting more and more foreign investment, which contributes to the improvement of tourist infrastructure of the country.

The population of the country is made up of African ethnic groups such as Fulbe, Mandinka, Susu and other tribes. In addition to the major cities, there are many small remote villages where the indigenous population of the country lives. The total population of Guinea is over 12 million.

The majority of Guinea's population is Muslim, which is the main dominant religion in the country. In addition to Muslims, there are Christians, mostly Catholics and Protestants, as well as Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, several evangelical groups, and even atheists. In addition, the culture and customs of some indigenous settlements still retain traditional African faiths.

The national currency of Guinea is the Guinean franc (GNF). It was introduced into circulation in 1986, replacing the old Guinean Sili.

Currently, the Guinean franc is the main unit of payment in Guinea. Banknotes of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000 and 50000 francs are in circulation, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 GNF.

Local prices are generally quoted in Guinean francs. Although large hotels and international organizations may accept payment in US dollars or euros.

The cost of local produce and goods is relatively inexpensive, and the same goes for cafes and catering. Prices for goods and services in Guinea vary greatly depending on the status of the establishment or the nature of the service provided. However, be prepared that prices may be higher for services aimed primarily at tourists. Given that Guinea is a relatively low-income country, many locals will be interested in the opportunity to make money from interacting with foreign visitors. Therefore, tourists should be especially vigilant while in Guinea.

You can exchange money at the airport and banks in large cities, such as the capital Conakry, where the rate is usually more favorable. However, note that banks in Guinea close on Friday after 13:00 and do not open until Monday.

When traveling to remote areas, it is recommended to take cash, as ATMs and payment terminals are often not available there. It is worth considering this also when visiting local markets and small stores.

In Guinea, most credit card and check transactions can only be made in the capital. Credit card payments are also allowed in large hotels, restaurants and some stores, and American Express, MasterCard and Diners Club cards are generally accepted.

Guinea has a subequatorial climate with distinct seasons. The most favorable time to visit the country and rest is the dry season, which lasts from November to April. During these months the temperature can reach +30°C, which makes the climate quite comfortable for tourists.

However, during the dry season, you should also consider periods of drought, when the hot desert wind Harmatan (West African trade wind) comes from the Sahara. At these times, temperatures can rise to +40°C. However, thanks to the natural uplands and mountain ranges in most of Guinea, the damage caused by these hot weather conditions is negligible.

At this time of year, it is recommended to choose beach vacations or exploring natural attractions. For example, the climate on the coast is always more moderate compared to the hotter and more sweltering weather in the cities, thanks to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean.

Between May and October, Guinea experiences the rainy season, when frequent downpours can make it difficult to travel in some areas. During this time, the country receives record rainfall (over 4,000 mm).

The high humidity during the rainy season is due to the country's proximity to the sea and the topography, which prevents hot desert winds from the Sahara from penetrating inland but keeps warm, moist air in. As a result, despite the abundance of rainfall, temperature conditions remain quite comfortable.

Paradoxically, the coldest month of the year in Guinea is August. During this period, even in the warmest regions, average temperatures drop to +25°C. In the interior, more elevated areas of the country, August can reach +18-23°C, and in rare cases even +15°C.

When is the best time to travel to Guinea?

Most tourists prefer to vacation in Guinea in the off-season, for example, in March, April or November. At this time, the weather is quite favorable for traveling around the country - there is no debilitating heat, and the amount of precipitation is minimal.

For lovers of exceptionally dry climate, the optimal time to travel to Guinea is January-February. During this period, the temperature also remains moderate, which creates the most comfortable conditions for exploring the country's sights.

Guinea is a country with a sub-equatorial climate that varies by season and region. Northern areas tend to have cooler temperatures, while the southern parts of the country are hotter and more humid.

When planning a trip to Guinea, choose light, discreet clothing made of natural fabrics. It is important to take into account the peculiarities of the local climate, giving preference to comfortable, functional clothing that will provide comfort and protection in the conditions of the tropical region.

Women should follow a conservative style when choosing an outfit, especially when visiting religious places. Lightweight long-sleeved dresses, sundresses, wide pants, capes and tunics are ideal choices for traveling in Guinea.

For men, linen pants and short-sleeved shirts are recommended for comfort and coolness in the hot African climate.

In Guinea, regardless of the season, it is advisable to wear clothing that covers the body, also to protect against insects that may carry infections. Regular use of repellents should not be neglected.

Because of the abundance of sunny days, it's important to protect yourself from UV rays. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats - wide-brimmed hats or panamas are great for long periods of sun exposure.

Despite the predominantly warm climate, evenings can be quite chilly. A light sweater or windbreaker is perfect for evening walks.

During the rainy season, Guinea often experiences sudden tropical downpours. Don't forget to bring a compact waterproof raincoat or poncho that can easily fit in your backpack and will come in handy in case of rain.

In terms of footwear, closed models are recommended to protect your feet from insect bites and possible injuries. Comfortable sandals or lightweight sneakers on a flat sole will provide comfort during walks in the city or on the beach. Choose high-quality, comfortable and wear-resistant shoes, especially if you plan to go hiking.

When choosing clothes for a vacation in Guinea, you should be guided by a combination of comfort, functionality and local style. It is important to carefully consider your travel closet to ensure maximum comfort during your stay.

The culture of Guinea is characterized by a variety of unique traditions that are of interest to tourists. When coming to this country, it is important to remember the peculiarities of the local way of life and lifestyle of the African people, follow some rules, be polite and friendly. Respect for the local cultural traditions will help you get a deeper and more positive impression of traveling to Guinea.

Some interesting facts:

• The majority of Guinea's population practiced Sunni Islam. It is important to respect religious traditions and norms of behavior, especially in sacred places.
• Traditional dress in Guinea is very diverse, but usually involves closed attire, especially for women. It is worth wearing clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
• Handshakes and hugs when greeting people are common. It is important to show respect for elders.
• Guineans value politeness, patience, and modesty. It is not desirable to talk loudly or draw undue attention to oneself.
• Guineans are very hospitable and welcome guests. You are expected to accept the treats and drinks offered.
• Guinea is known for colorful textiles, wood carvings and ceramics. Learning about local handicrafts can be a fascinating experience.

Unique cultural characteristics of Guinea

Despite the fact that the vast majority of the population of Guinea-Conakry is Muslim, this does not prevent them from actively using the services of local witch doctors. These specialists not only produce magic amulets and conduct secret rituals, but also often serve as certified doctors.

Moreover, traditional rituals and rites of Guinean tribes, local shamans and sorcerers are quite a unique and specific spectacle, which is of special interest and very popular with foreign visitors.

Muslim traditions have had a strong influence on the daily life, culture and habits of the locals. One such tradition is polygamy. As a rule, all the wives of one man live separately from each other with their own homes and small households. The wives do not know in advance when their husband will visit one or the other, so they always have to be ready for his arrival. In this case, the first wife is chosen by the groom's parents, without taking into account his opinion. The more wives a man has, the more respect he enjoys in society.

Despite the prevalence of Muslim traditions, Guineans also celebrate Christian holidays such as Easter, Christmas and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Given the generally accepted norms of behavior for both locals and tourists, it is worth observing simple rules of behavior in the country:

• Appearing on the street drunk or in too revealing clothes will be perceived as an insult to the religious feelings of the locals.
• Tourists should be careful when taking photos and videos, as it is not welcome everywhere, and some objects are prohibited. When taking photos of people and some sights, it is worth getting permission from the locals.

Guinea's traffic regulations require increased attention and safety measures on the part of drivers and pedestrians.

When traveling on the roads, you should be particularly alert and attentive due to the specificity of the local driving style and transportation infrastructure.

Guinea is right-hand drive and has a relatively small number of vehicles on the road. Despite the lack of a well-established regulatory system and quality road surfaces, the internationally recognized basic rules of road safety are respected.

Many tourists note that Guinea has almost no road signs and crosswalks. Some even claim that there are no rules of the road here. Roads in the country are not in the best condition, and in some places you will not meet the usual paved roads at all.

Nevertheless, both drivers and pedestrians in Guinea show mutual respect and try to be careful, which ensures relative order on the roads.

These points are important to keep in mind when planning a trip and choosing transportation for travel both in the locality and in neighboring cities.

Guinea is a country with a developing transport infrastructure that is gradually being modernized and made more convenient. Mining and the growing flow of tourists have stimulated investment in the transportation system, helping to upgrade and expand travel options.

Conakry International Airport is the country's main air hub, where most tourists arrive. It connects Guinea with various regions of Africa and also has regular flights to Europe. However, most other Guinean airports do not allow for large aircraft.

Domestic air transportation in Guinea, although it exists, is not very popular among the local population. Most often, local "corn planes", which are not particularly comfortable, are used for passenger transportation.

The majority of Guineans do not have personal vehicles and travel mainly by public transport: minibuses and cabs. Taxi services in the country are provided by almost any passenger cars, and they often carry several passengers at a time. Moreover, in such cabs there are so-called "standing" seats located on the rear bumper of the car, and the most prestigious place is considered to be on the trunk or on the roof.

It is worth noting that it is not customary to drive slowly in Guinea. The fleet of passenger cars in the country is predominantly old.

Tourists can rent a car to get around Guinea, but this will require obtaining a local driver's license on the basis of existing ones.

Guinea also has water-based modes of transportation. Some of Guinea's rivers, such as the Niger and the Milo, carry passengers and cargo in small local boats. The islands of Ile de Los and Conakry are also accessible by water.

Guinea's main seaports are Boké, Kamsar and the capital Conakry. They are mainly used for exporting minerals, fruits, tobacco and coffee.

Guinea's rail network is about 1,000 kilometers long, but most of the lines are unconnected. The railroads serve mainly industrial areas and ports for exporting products. The main rail line connects the cities of Conakry and Kankan, and station stations are often turned into local markets.

The official and primary language of Guinea is French, as Guinea was formerly a French colony. It is used in government offices, education and business. There are also 39 different local dialects spoken in Guinea, which are considered national heritage. At the same time, most of the population of the country cannot read and write.

The most common local languages are Poular, Malinke and Soussou. They are used by the majority of the population in everyday communication.

Other languages spoken in Guinea include Kisi, Loma, Toma and some others, which are spoken by small ethnic groups.

Often two interpreters may be required for communication, especially for communication with local tribes.

When preparing to travel to Guinea or already in the process, it is advisable to learn some simple everyday phrases in French.

In the capital, as well as in other major cities and tourist areas you can meet people who speak English, but they are very few, especially among the population. Therefore, knowledge of French will be very useful for interacting with locals and navigating the area, particularly understanding navigation.

Communication features:

• French is used by the educated part of the population, but most people prefer to communicate in local languages.
• In rural areas, knowledge of French may be limited, especially among the elderly population. Communication with them will require the use of local languages.
• Non-verbal communication is of great importance in Guinea. Gestures, facial expressions, and touch play an important role in everyday communication.
• Keeping a certain distance when speaking and not making direct eye contact can be perceived as a sign of respect.
• Intermediaries (grios), traditional representatives of local communities, play an important role in communication and act as a link between people.

Guinea's telecommunications infrastructure requires further development, especially in fixed-line telecommunications and high-speed Internet. The Government of Guinea is focusing on modernizing the sector.

The country's telecommunications infrastructure includes radio, television, fixed and mobile telecommunications, and the Internet.

There are 3 cellular operators in Guinea: MTN, Orange and Cellcom. However, stable network coverage is available mainly in major cities and along highways. Among these providers, Orange provides the most extensive coverage.

Points of sale:

Major cities (Conakry, Kangbe, Bokeh) have an extensive network of outlets where SIM cards can be easily purchased. In rural areas, SIM cards are sold by street vendors and small stores. SIM cards may also be available at airports, train stations, and tourist centers.

Internet services in Guinea are provided by both public and private operators. The main access technologies are ADSL, fiber optic and satellite internet. Many hotels in Guinea offer free Wi-Fi access to their guests.

In general, stable mobile and internet connections in Guinea are available mainly in the major cities, while the signal in remote areas may be limited. It is worth taking these features into account when planning your trip and choosing an operator when buying a SIM card.

Health care in Guinea is quite an important issue that requires special attention when visiting the country.

Currently, Guinea is actively reorganizing its health care system, focusing on improving access to medicines, quality of treatment and medical services for the population. The Government is taking steps to attract investment, including for the development of high quality health services for foreign tourists.

These strategies undertaken have already had a significant impact on improving the health indicators of the population and increasing the efficiency and accessibility of health services in general. The Government continues to work towards further strengthening the country's health system.

Nevertheless, it is worth bearing in mind that Guinea's health care system is in a rather difficult state. In addition, the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the country remains rather difficult. Infectious diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, malaria and cholera are prevalent in Guinea.

The public health system includes national hospitals, regional health centers, district hospitals and rural health posts.

In addition to public health facilities, Guinea also has a number of sponsored health centers and private clinics, mostly located in Guinea's capital, Conakry.

The private sector is also represented by laboratories and pharmacies, mainly concentrated in the capital. Medical care and treatment in Guinea for foreign tourists is paid. Therefore, health insurance and prior immunization are mandatory when visiting the country.

To date, there is a severe shortage of medical equipment, medicines and consumables at all levels in Guinea, as well as a shortage of health workers and qualified specialists, especially in rural areas.

That is why Guinea's health system still requires significant investment and reforms to improve the accessibility and quality of health services for the population. Attracting external funding from international organizations plays an important role in the development of the country's health system.

Medical insurance is a prerequisite for travel to Guinea.

There is a charge for any medical services in Guinea for foreign tourists. Therefore, it is mandatory to have travel medical insurance to enter the country, which covers any necessary medical care.

The insurance should include payment for transportation to a medical facility or specialist, consultations, tests, treatment, hospitalization, as well as the cost of repatriation of the tourist in case of need.

In addition, an international yellow fever vaccination certificate is a mandatory requirement for entry into Guinea. This rule applies regardless of the length of stay in the country.

In addition to the mandatory vaccination against yellow fever, it is also recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, meningitis, typhoid and diphtheria.

It is worth considering certain risks to which a tourist is exposed when visiting Guinea. These are poor quality of drinking water, which can lead to intestinal disorders; specific infectious diseases: malaria, yellow fever and others; high crime rate due to the low standard of living of the population.

In case you need to call a doctor or urgent medical assistance in Guinea, you can contact the large clinics located in the capital Conakry. All necessary contact information, as well as the procedure to be followed, should be specified in the medical insurance policy issued for travel. If you have any questions, it is recommended that you contact the company providing the insurance at the phone number listed in the documents for advice and clarification.

You can buy a medical insurance policy for travel to Guinea and ask any questions you may have about insurance in this country.

Guinea has many holidays and folk festivals that reflect the cultural and religious diversity of the country. These events take place at different times of the year.

Transportation accessibility to festivals and celebrations varies depending on their location. However, major cities such as Conakry tend to have a well-developed transportation infrastructure including buses, car and motorcycle cabs.

It is worth noting that on national and religious holidays, Guinea has a day off and many institutions, stores and businesses are not open. Tourists should take this into account in their travel plans.

Holidays in Guinea are celebrated quite brightly and traditionally. On New Year's Day, locals organize mass festivities and folk celebrations in the central squares of the cities. The fun is accompanied by festive concerts, dance performances and fireworks, as well as traditional family feasts.

Independence Day, the country's main public holiday, is traditionally celebrated with a solemn procession and parade with the participation of the military. People display national symbols, flags and portraits of the country's leaders. Like any celebration in Guinea, the holiday is not without cultural performances and folk dances and music

Muslim and Christian holidays in the country are obligatory religious rituals and prayers, solemn masses and services, decoration of houses and streets in national colors and religious symbols.

If you want to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Guinea, here is a list of the main public and religious holidays:

Muslim holidays are celebrated according to the Islamic lunar calendar, which has 354 days as opposed to the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, the dates of sacred events are unique and change annually.

Annual celebrations in Guinea include:

• Prophet Muhammad's birthday,
• Ramadan,
• the Night of Power and Predestination,
• The Feast of Feast of Feast of the Unwelcoming (Uraza Bayram),
• The Feast of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha).

Guinean national cuisine is a unique combination of African and French culinary traditions. For centuries, Guinea has welcomed guests from various countries. The rich history and rich story enriched the local cuisine with new, original and unusual for these places dishes.

Guinea's food is quite simple. Today the basis of Guineans' diet is cassava, rice and sorghum, from which thick soups and porridges are prepared. Seafood and river fish play an important role, attracting the attention of tourists, for example, exquisite lobster dishes.

British travelers introduced meat dishes to Guinean cuisine, which are now widely available, although not as popular as fish dishes. In addition to European traditional meats, sub-equatorial wild animals have entered the local cuisine. However, due to the predominantly Muslim population, pork is not eaten.

Peanuts, African peppers, okra and other vegetables are used as condiments. A variety of African fruits are also common.

Although Guinea has vineyards, a legacy of French colonization, the most popular alcoholic beverage remains palm wine, the fermented sweet sap of palm trees.

In addition to the national cuisine, the major cities, especially the capital, offer a wide range of international restaurants, including Italian and French. Fast food, which came from America, is also represented.

It is worth noting that in Western-type restaurants it is customary to leave a tip of 10% of the bill. In small private establishments, the amount of remuneration for service may vary, so it is better to check with the staff.

Features and popular dishes of Guinean cuisine

Main Ingredients:

• Rice - is the main side dish and the base of many dishes,
• Manioc (cassava) - used to make porridge, flour and baked goods,
• Peanuts - widely used as an ingredient and for sauces,
• Bananas, yams, sweet potatoes - common vegetables and side dishes,
• Fish and seafood - due to its location on the Atlantic Ocean coast.

Popular dishes:

• Fufu - national dish made from cassava or bananas, served with various sauces and meats,
• Tieboudien, a rice dish with fish, vegetables and spices,
• Mafe - meat stew with peanut sauce,
• Akaru, cassava fritters,
• Grill - fried or stewed meat, fish and seafood.

Traditional drinks:

• Ataya - green tea with mint, often served in tea drinking rituals.
• Palm wine - an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of the palm tree.

Despite its simplicity and lack of sophistication, Guinean cuisine will surprise lovers of exoticism and open up a world of unique traditional dishes.

Located on the west coast of Africa, Guinea is an interesting and promising destination for tourists. The country has seen a steady increase in tourist traffic in recent years, fueled by travelers' increased interest in the little-explored destinations of West Africa. Guinea is known for its picturesque natural landscapes, which include dense tropical forests, mountain ranges, full-flowing rivers and long Atlantic beaches.

The capital city is a good place to start your trip. Conakry is a lively city with colonial architecture, local markets and mosques.

In Conakry you can find comfortable five-star hotels, cozy cafes and restaurants. For those who love nightlife, the capital city has many interesting establishments. The National Museum of Guinea is one of the capital's attractions, which features exhibits about the historical influence, traditions and peculiarities of African art and culture.

Besides the national museum, Conakry is worth a visit:

St. Mary's Cathedral - the seat of the Archbishop of Conakry and an important place of Christian worship.

The Faisal Mosque is the largest in West Africa and the fifth largest of its kind in the world, built with grants from Saudi Arabia and Guinea's Muslim community.

What other places to see in Guinea?

The largest seaport in the country is the city of Komsar. It is characterized by its peculiar atmosphere, charming streets and local markets.
Interesting fact: it was in the city of Komsar that famous soccer players such as Gaston Camara, Daouda Peters and Ismael Bangura were born.

Another interesting city is Nzérékoré, located in the southeast of Guinea. It is an industrial center for silver mining and trading. Experienced tourists know Nzérékoré as a starting point for ecotours into the forested areas, home to local fauna such as elephants and primates.

Another town worthy of note is Boke. It was once a natural barrier to conquerors and has a rich history. Today it is a bustling port town with a vibrant nightlife.

Be sure to take time to visit the local Guinea villages and settlements. The rituals and dances of the local tribes deserve special attention - they immerse travelers in the original culture and traditions of these peoples.

Guinea hosts many traditional festivals and celebrations throughout the year. These include music and dance celebrations, religious celebrations, and other cultural events.

Guinea is of particular interest to lovers of extreme tourism, eco-tourism and beach vacations. Local beaches are extremely attractive for those looking for a secluded and quiet vacation.

The Ile de Los Islands, in particular the Cite de Cassa Resort, is a popular destination for fans of active sports. Here you can enjoy relaxing on the Atlantic Ocean coast, sailing, diving and surfing. This resort is also known for its landscaping and comfort, corresponding to European standards.

This African country will please connoisseurs of pristine beauty, as well as inquisitive travelers interested in local legends and stories. Natural sights and rich fauna of Guinea will give you incredible emotions and impressions. Here you can find mangrove forests, coconut palms and other types of exotic plants that make the cities look like botanical gardens.

Popular tourist spots:

• Nimba Mountains,
• Futa Jallon Plateau,
• Kakimbon Caves,
• Badiar National Park,
• Mont Nimba Reserve,
• Upper Niger National Park and others.

Guinea's tourism infrastructure is under development, as is the country's infrastructure in general. In the major cities you can find stores, shopping centers, hotels, banks, clubs, restaurants, markets and souvenir shops. Cab and car rental services are also available. Foreign guests are offered sightseeing tours with visits to major attractions.

Due to the many peculiarities of tourism in Guinea, this African region is not the most suitable destination for family vacations, especially with children.

Here are some tips and recommendations for tourists:

• It is advisable to carry your passport and cell phone with you at all times when traveling in Guinea. Avoid traveling and walking at night, including in the capital city.
• It is also worth being vigilant and not leaving personal belongings unattended.
• Officially there are no prohibitions for tourists to visit certain areas of Guinea. However, long trips around the country and visiting some tourist centers may not be safe.
• Before traveling, be sure to check the political and epidemiological situation in the country, as well as the safety measures to be taken.
• It is recommended to carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene: always wash your hands and wash fruits and vegetables with soap and water, drink only bottled water, keep doors and windows tightly closed at night, use repellents and fumigators.
• Don't forget to prepare in advance the necessary medicines and protective equipment that you may need for your trip. Chances are, you may not find what you need in Guinea.
• If you suddenly feel sick with a fever, do not self-medicate, it is better to go straight to a medical facility.
• In case of serious illness, it is strongly recommended to leave the country as soon as possible. It should be borne in mind that airlines may refuse to carry passengers in serious condition.

The hotel industry in Guinea is in the stage of active development and recovery. The government is working hard to attract foreign investment in the sector and is supporting the construction of new hotel facilities.

A wide range of accommodation options is available in Guinea, from budget hotels to premium class options.

The bulk of the hotels are located in Guinea's capital city of Conakry. These hotels are not inferior in comfort and quality of service to five-star hotels in traditional resort areas.

Speaking of resort hotels, very many of them have their own access to the sea and a private stretch of beach. This is undoubtedly a great advantage for tourists, because they can enjoy not only a high level of hotel service, but also a pleasant vacation on the picturesque beaches of Guinea.

In addition to the capital, comfortable hotels with a pleasant and cozy atmosphere can be found in other major cities. New hotels in Guinea are often located in close proximity to popular tourist attractions.

With all the variety of hotels in the country, tourism in Guinea is rapidly gaining momentum, and in high season demand for hotel rooms may exceed supply. Therefore, it is better to book accommodation in advance.

For both business and leisure travel, you can consider recommended options such as Palm Camayenne, Riviera Royal Hotel or Grand Hotel Central Conakry.

Among the well-known expensive accommodation options in Guinea are La Grand Hotel de l'Independance and Palm Camayenne Hotel, both located in Conakry and renowned for their high level of service.

More affordable mid-range options in Conakry include Hotel Mariador Palace and Riviera Taouyah Hotel, here you'll find comfortable rooms at more moderate rates.

Five-star hotels offer all the amenities, including spas, swimming pools, and fitness centers.

In addition to hotels, other popular accommodation options in Guinea include renting apartments as well as guesthouses and hostels. These are known to be cheaper options.

On the seaside, you can book secluded villas. This option is perfect for both lovers of privacy and large companies.

Thus, you can be sure that Guinea can easily find suitable accommodation options for travelers with any preferences and budgets.

Guinea offers a wealth of unique local products for those looking for unique souvenirs and locally produced goods.

The country is known for its bustling markets where a variety of local goods can be found, from fabrics and jewelry to food.

A wide variety of goods can be found in Conakry's central market, in the markets and streets of major cities, and on popular tourist routes. The most popular markets are Marché Madina in the capital and Bolovens Market in the town of Nzérékoré.

You can also go shopping in souvenir stores and shopping centers of major cities of Guinea, where you will also find a lot of unique African goods and will be able to find a memorable gift for yourself or your loved ones.

As souvenirs from Guinea most often bring statuettes of animals (elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, hippos), masks, musical instruments, pottery, totems and national costumes.

Guinean artisans are ubiquitous, producing a variety of wooden, leather, ceramic, and woven goods. The most famous of these are leather goods from Bokeh and wooden carvings from Nzerekore.

Guinea is particularly famous for its handmade wooden objects, from dishes and figurines to luxury furniture with intricate carvings.

Interesting fact: unlike in many countries, mahogany is not considered a prestigious and valuable material in Guinea. It is used to make furniture, doors, toys, shoe racks, and even shovel handles. Such love for mahogany is explained by the fact that it is not subject to attack by termites and is the most practical material.

Local hand-woven fabrics, known for their colorful traditional patterns, are quite popular.

African incense, tropical fruits and aromatic spices, including the popular meleguette pepper or peppercorns of paradise, which is used both as food and as an antioxidant and flavoring agent, are also in great demand among tourists.

Guinea is rich in gold, and jewelry made from local gold is an equally popular souvenir.

Guinea will thus present you with a unique shopping experience, where you can find both familiar handicrafts and unusual, exotic products.