Book Cheap Flights to Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is not your typical destination. It is a place that is rugged with history and alive with culture. It is a country that will get under your skin and embed itself into your heart and soul.

The mainland is an exotic tapestry of rustic coastal villages and steamy forests. Bissau is the buzzing capital city and home to a charming Portuguese quarter. Follow the scent of fish and spice through the colourful streets and you will find restaurants serving up traditional Portuguese dishes such as bifanas (Portuguese sandwiches) and bacalau.

But when it comes to food in Guinea-Bissau, the spicy oysters in Quinhamel are legendary. These delicacies are grilled on burning charcoal and dunked into a sauce made from fresh lime, salt, bouillon cube, and chilli pepper. Shucking these tasty morsels down is an early evening ritual before a night out dancing.

When the sun goes down and your oyster shells are empty, chase the hum of tropical African beats through the streets and discover the soul of Guinea-Bissau. If you visit at the right time of year you might be able to experience the flamboyant Bubaque Festival (around Easter) and Carnaval (February or March).

Compare several airlines and book your cheap flights to Guinea-Bissau online at Travelstart!

South African passport holders require a visa when travelling to Guinea-Bissau. You will need to ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months and two blank pages for entry stamps.

Visas can be obtained from the Embassy of Senegal in Pretoria.

Address: 57 Justice Mahomed Street, Bailey`s Muckleneuk, 0181

Phone: (+27) 012 460 5263

Although crime rates in Guinea-Bissau are quite low, it is a poor country and the political situation can be unpredictable so you should take sensible precautions. Follow the local media for updates on the political situation and have a plan of action if you need to get out of the country. Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is recommended. Medical facilities in Guinea-Bissau are limited.

The area bordering Senegal should be avoided. Be vigilant in markets and crowded areas and avoid wandering around at night and into isolated areas. Stick to well-trodden paths and paved roads, as land mines from past conflicts are still an issue in the regions of Bafatá, Oio, Biombo, Quinara and Tombali. Driving at night and during the rainy season is not recommended. Beware of green mambas, cobras, and stingrays in the Bijagós.

Vaccination against yellow fever is required. Mosquito borne diseases such as Zika virus, dengue fever, chikungunya, and malaria are a risk, so precautions should be taken to avoid bites. Recommended vaccinations include: hepatitis A & B, typhoid, cholera, rabies, MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, meningitis, varicella, polio and influenza. Stick to bottled water.