Guinea was once ruled by one of the most oppressive regimes in Africa, but these days the country exudes a marked energy and growing economic vitality. High on the country’s list of attractions is the vibrancy its cultural traditions, particularly in music and dance, and its natural beauties include lush rainforests and breathtaking highland scenery. Visitors to Guinea can trek through the jungles of the southeast, watch an amazing dance performance in Conakry or browse through one of the many busting markets.
November to February (the dry season)-or between the 13 th and 15 th centuries when Guinea was part of the Empire of Mali
Strolling the streets and takin in the vibrant neighbourhood life in Conakry Hiking in the beautiful green hills of Fouta Djalon Scouring the enormous Wednesday market at Gueckedou Visiting the Grande Mosquee and sculpture workshop at Kankan Viewing the Bridal Falls (during the rainy season) at Kindia Lying in the sun on the beach at Cape Verga
Read L’Enfant Noir by Guinean writer Camara Laye, full of fascinating insights into traditional daily life
Listen to Bembeya Jazz National by the popular Guinean group Bembeya Jazz, one of Africa’s premier dance bands
Watch Djembefola by Laurent Chevallier, the story of Guinean drummer Mamady Keita’s return to his remote native village
Eat Kulikuli-peanut balls made with peanuts, onion and cayenne peoper; grilled fish; brochettes (kebabs)
Drink café noir-small cups of espresso-like coffee drunk with lots of sugar
l bedi (hello in Maninka)
Lndigo cloth; vibrant nightlife; gorgeous beaches; traditional music and dance; great street food; French colonial influences; mangrove swamps; rich wildlife
The open-air cinema at Mamou; French-style patisseries in Conakry; chimpanzees and hipopotamii in the Transfronalier Niokolo-Badier
Traditional music remains popular with most of the people in Guinea, despite the rise in popularity of modern from. National and international stars have blended western instruments with African rhythms and instruments, and the two types of music still exist side. Over 80 recordings have been made by Syliphone, the country’s home-grown music label. They cover an enormous range of popular and traditional styles.