Practical information : Sightseeing Guinea
Timetable
During holidays and public holidays, some well-known sites can be very crowded, especially by local youth. Check with your local authorities before visiting, especially if you want to spend some time in peace and quiet.
During Ramadan (which changes every year according to the lunar calendar), many activities slow down or come to a complete halt
If you want to visit the markets, we advise you to do so in the middle of the morning when the traders are in place and it is not yet too hot.
In the artisanal fishing ports, the fishermen often return in the middle and late afternoon. However, at any time of the day, there is always a lot of activity on site.
Main events
Every year after the Tabaski festival, Kankan is in a state of excitement during the Grande Mamaya, organized in the city over three days. These festivities see groups of dancers, women and men, dressed according to a specific dress code, "compete" to the rhythm of traditional Mandingo music. A major cultural event in the region.
Also in Upper Guinea, every year in May, there are water festivals, the most famous of which is that of Baro. These festivals are an occasion for popular rejoicing and epic fishing sessions in ponds that are more or less full of fish. If you have the opportunity to attend one of them, do not hesitate. You will certainly come back with great memories and maybe a fish..
Beyond these major celebrations, if you have the opportunity to attend more private celebrations such as weddings or baptisms, do not hesitate to come and mingle with the guests to share a little of their culture and traditions.
Tourist traps
The profession of tourist guide does not really exist in the country, there is no official guide recognized except at the National Tourist Office. However, there are experienced people who work as tour guides, either full time or part time, especially in the different regions of the country. We mention some of them in these pages to help you make the right choice.
What's very local
Local handicrafts and dyes specific to each region, long neglected, are once again very fashionable. Dressing in a garment made of lepi from Fouta or sacred forest from Guinea is a sign of attachment to local know-how that will be greatly appreciated.