Guinea is situated on the western coast of Africa. Its neighbouring countries are Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The capital is Conakry and the local currency used is the Guinean Franc (GNF),
Fun Fact! Grand Mosque de Conakry is the largest mosque in Sub-Saharan Africa.
If you’d like to know more interesting facts about this African country, click here.
So, let’s break this country up into PARTS.
People
The country’s demographic is made up of 24 different ethnic groups. With the largest ethnicities being Fulani, Malinke, Sisi, Guerze, Kissi and Toma. Over 40 languages are spoken in Guinea with French being the official language. Other native languages such as Pular, Maninka and Susu are commonly spoken.
Attractions
If you are in Conakry, why not visit, Conakry Grand Mosque; this is the largest mosque in Sub-Saharan Africa. I visited the mosque but did not enter it, but if the inner architectural design is anything like the outer design, then it is well worth a visit. The Camayenne Botanical Garden is also a great getaway from the hustle and bustle in the city. The amazing garden is home to various bird species and is a spacious place to relax and take in the surrounding nature.
For more information about attractions in Conakry, Read our ultimate guide!
Mt. Nimba Nature Reserve; A UNESCO World Heritage site. This mountain is the tallest mountain in the country covered by dense forestry.
Kambadga Falls is a breathtaking waterfall in the middle of the jungle. Why not take a tour through the jungle as the view will be more than worth it.
Rituals and Culture
Islam is the predominant religion in the country with Christianity being the second largest religion. Football is the national and most popular sport within the country.
Guinean diet contains many staple foods such as rice, plantain and fufu. French culture has also really influenced Guinean cuisine, meals such as baguettes and omelettes, which are commonly eaten.
Tips
– Keep your wits about you, especially if you are a solo female traveller. The country is not as developed as other African countries and thought most people are kind-hearted there are those who will look to exploit you.
– Learn the language, Guinea is a French speaking country and speaking French will really help you get by!
– Respect the culture, Guinea is a Muslim country and though the country is quite relaxed in term of female dress code etc. please dress appropriately and do not drink in public places.
– Get the currency, as Guinean franc is a weak currency many travellers pay with dollars or euros at their hotels, but I advise you to get some Guinean franc to pay in shops, markets, taxis and restaurants
– Strapped with cash. There are few ATMs in the capital Conakry and even fewer in rural areas, so it’s always best to carry some local currency on you.
For more travel advice check out; FCO: Travel Advice
Outside of the UK: Please check your government’s travel advice carefully.
Story
My entrance to this country started off really rocky and I won’t lie it tainted my experience of the country a little. If you haven’t already heard seen any of my travel stories, including this one, please click this link to hear the story.
Apart from the incident that occurred which I mention in my crazy travel stories. I found most Guinean people very warm and kind. Those who could speak English (mainly from neighbouring country Sierra Leone) gave me tips on how to navigate through the city of Conakry. Something I did notice was a bit of an issue in Guinea for me was my weight. Taxi drivers in the city cram as many people as they can fit into taxis and me being plus-sized meant that I was taking up more space than the average person. Some tried to charge me double, but I don’t part with my money that easily! Tell me, have you ever had an experience where your height/weight has been an issue?
During my visit around Conakry, I visited 1 miniature museum, the crafter’s market, a few botanical gardens and saw different monuments scattered around the city. Unfortunately, the country’s attractions for tourists are very limited. But boy do they know how to party, the nightlife there is right up my street with clubs like MLS attracting international celebrities, it’s a place where the good times never end.
Click here to read our blog with more stories about Guinea.