Rough Guide to West Africa   Lonely Planet Guide to West Africa   Airlines flying into Guinea Cheapest:  Air Afrique from NY to Dakar, Senegal, connecting to Conakry.  This is connected to Air France. Second cheapest: Royal Air Maroc through Casablanca. For free you can extend your layover into a week in this lovely country. Most comfy:  Air France, Paris to Conakry Safest:  Sabena, Brussels to Conakry.  This is a Belgian airline. Most adventuresome:  Aeroflot.  I think they're Russian?  They can be...unpredictable. SN Brussels Airlines is now serving Guinea from Europe and Cassablanca. Air Afrique One traveller says:  "I traveled to Guinea last July on Air Afrique from Paris to Conakry. Although the plane seemed safe, it was a very uncomforatable eight-hour flight.  The food on the plane was inedible, most of the seats were broken (some would not recline, others were wobbly), and the flight attendants were extremely unhelpful.  If I were to plan another trip, I would fly on either Air France (from Paris) or Sabena (from Brussels).  The tickets may cost a bit more, but it's well worth it to avoid flying on Air Afrique.  Air Afrique is probably not worth the lower price (if it is lower). I've heard too many stories of 3-day delays and completely disappeared luggage." A PCV relates:  "Yes, Air Afrique is pretty safe. It may not be aesthetically pleasing and there are others that are more comfortable but it's safe. They do a pretty lucrative business on the Dakar-New York and West Africa-to-Paris flights so they have a stake in makin sure safety is good."  And another:  " Also, I've found that Air Afrique is unreliable and lack  hugely in the customer service department, but that's why they are so cheap. " Royal Air Maroc -- "New York to Casablanca, Morocco  to Guinea.  You may have to spend a night in Morocco,  but if that's the case, they'll pay for the hotel.  I just flew RAM from Guinea to NYC for $1052 US.  that was a one way, but I believe their round trips are also very reasonable.  The airline is professional and friendly. " Air France:  "We flew Air France and it was wonderful.  Actually, we went from O'Hare to Paris and stayed three days.  Then flew from Paris to Conakry, stayed nine days, then back to Paris and on to Lisbon for five days, back to Paris and home.  The three loops on Air France were very efficient and the service was excellent." Recent airfares July 2000: $1000-$1200. Senegal: $800. Some travelers choose to fly via Senegal to ease into the culture, and airfares to Senegal are cheaper. Roundtrip Dakar-Labe was between $180 and $200 in 2004. In case you're wondering why the airfares to Guinea are so high, there was an article in the Guinean weekly L'Ind�pendant which talked about the subject. The piece spoke of all the different expenses and taxes required by the airport, govt etc. and estimated that on an average flight, the airline has to spend at total of at least 20 million GF (just under US$15,000). That's before staff costs and of course profits. This makes the Conakry airport, according to L'Ind�pendant, "the most expensive airport in the world" Purchasing tickets It is often cheaper to buy two sets of tickets, one between the US and Europe (either Paris or Brussels) and one between Europe and Conakry. I'm not sure why it works that way, but that's what I've found every time . You might also try Spector Travel of Boston.  They specialize in African travel.  Their e-mail address is [email protected]. Web site, http://www.spectortravel.com and their phone # is 617-338-0111. Buying tickets in the US for someone traveling out of Guinea You may want to buy tickets here and ask a traveler to hand-carry the tickets for you. You can find out Who's Going to Guinea. You can buy air tickets in Conakry.  There is a travel agent that Peace Corps uses that is quite good.  Prices can be quite reasonable or even cheap, but it just depends on what deals might be around at the time.  Plan plenty in advance, have the volunteer check out ticket prices around Conakry. If the prices on tickets purchased in Guinea are not good, you may want to purchase their ticket in the U.S. and send it to them via a visitor to Guinea (find them on the Guinea list).  Another factor is that most places in Guinea (correct me if it's changed) do not accept credit cards.  So, the PCV must have enough traveler's cheques or cash to cover their ticket. One PCV says:  "I found  that the best way to get Air Afrique tickets was through a U.S. travel  agent even when I was in Guinea.  The only problem is that they might not  have the flight numbers.  You could have your friend get the flight numbers  you want from a Guinean travel agent and then have your U.S. travel agent  book them. " One parent said, in July 2001, "We just brought our son home for a summer break and found it was much cheaper to get round-trip tickets from Bamako, Mali to Memphis than from Conakry (we saved about $1000). What was neat, it turned out the AirFrance flight he was catching in Bamako actually originated in Conakry and for less than $200 he was able to buy tickets in Conakry and fly straight through." One parent said: We were advised by our local travel agent to purchase the ticket through air france and pay an extra $100 US to hold it at the air france office in Conakry. we bought the ticket a couple of months ago and it came to $1,950 round trip. (2002) Back to top

Download the Visa Application Form by clicking here. This is a PDF file, viewable in Adobe Acrobat.

Contact the Guinean Embassy in Washington for current requirements.

As of September 2005, here are the visa requirements.

Past Experiences:

October 2003: One parent says: "Travel tip I was unaware of: when applying for a passport, you need the "long" form of your birth certificate. Evidentally, certificates that say "abstract" on them or have a baby footprint on them are not acceptable. "Must have the seal" I was told by our post office where we'll go to get our passports."

Another says:  "We got applications for the visa from the Guinean Embassy in Washington. Basically, you need the form, a letter of invitation, a copy of your immunizations, two passport pictures, $45 in the form of a cashier's check or money order, and your passport.  Have to mail all this and we included a
pre-paid priority mail envelope for the return.  Our daughter mailed the letter of invitation but it didn't arrive promptly and we ended up calling Washington and getting one faxed from Kathy Tilford.  Now, they are not as efficient as we like to think we are so all the pieces not in our control took a while.  But it all worked out.  The visas are good for 60 days.  At least that's how our are dated."  June 2000.

In July, 2000 a brief survey of travellers indicated that:  The consensus seems to be that it is all right for the visa applicant simply to write a letter explaining that he or she is a tourist.", and send this to the Guinean embassy along with a visa application.

In July 2001, a frequent traveller said: There is no need to pay an expediter fee for Guinea. Send a self-
addressed, stamped legal-sized envelope to: Ambassade de Republique de Guinee 2112 Leroy Place North West Washington, DC 20008 requesting a visa application form. You need to submit this in triplcate with original signatures, with passport sized photo on each and $45 (if you're American citizen) money order (NO checks) with your passport & yellow fever proof of vaccination, a letter stating your reason for visiting, and stamped return envelope. The instructions will tell you to send a letter of invitation from someone in Guinea, but this is not necessary. It usually takes them less than a week to process. Their telephone number is 202-483-9420. Guinea is a financially poor country; it is unlikely the embassy is going to return a FAX.

Leave plenty of time, send the application and passport(s) registered mail. If you have someone in the DC area who can either drop off or pick up,even better.

Back to top

The CDC Health Information for West Africa is the gold standard for vaccinations you may want, as well as other health considerations.

The only required vaccination (as of 12/2004) is Yellow Fever -- you need your WHO card indicating that you have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever in order to enter the country.

You will need to take anti-malarial medicine while you are there, and for 2 weeks prior (at least).  It is also good to get checked out for any bugs you might have picked up once you return.

One traveller says:  "As far as immunizations, we got yellow fever (required), Hepatitis A, and my daughter and I needed tetnus and a polio booster.  We took Lariam for malaria preventative, one week before we went, while we were there and for four weeks afterwards.  My husband and I had varying side effects from that drug.  I really didn't sleep well until I was finished with it and he had some degree of anxiety attacks and shortness of breath.  We found out, after the fact, that these are some of the known side effects."

Another writes: "I went to Ohio State travel health clinic and they recommended the following: hep A meningococcal, polio buster, tetanus buster, yellow fever, prescription from malarone and I took the live oral vivotif typhoid tablets. They told me not to worry about hep B."

Back to top

Things to bring to villagers

It is nice to bring small gifts to the villagers where you volunteers is stationed. It is not expected, but many people have done it. Ask your volunteer's advice in the matter -- he/she may not want visitors to come bearing many gifts, as it would place such an expectation upon him/her. However, it is also a respectful gesture, especially to those who are close friends of your volunteer. Gifts are always received with gratitude. It is especially fun to give gifts to the children, who don't get many things in general.

You may want to be modest in the cost of your gifts. A $20 gift is often  more than a month's salary, and it can be inappropriate to come bearing expensive items.  If a more expensive gift is to be given, it should be something gifted to the entire village, for everyone's benefit.  Feel free to ask for suggestions if you want to make such a gift to a village.

• BASEBALL CAPS are very popular, and will make you many friends.   Thrift shops have new caps for very cheap, often.
• JASMINE TEA has been a big hit among young men. They mixed it with their usual green tea and loved it.
• Kids love matchbox cars
• Jewelry, like necklaces, are nice for special friends.
• Calendars and pens
• Markers and crayons for kids
• T-shirts (especially new ones) are popular. Soccer shirts are a BIG plus. You can often find barely used kids' soccer shirts at the thrift store.
• Nice baby clothes from the secondhand store (someone's always had a baby).
• Kids' clothes, thrift store OK. Girls especially get few new clothes.
• A nice looking (but inexpensive, like $5-$10) watch is a nice gift. Thrift store again!
• For someone very special a $30 camera would be a treasured gift, or a nice watch or clock.
• If they're an official, they sometimes like things for their desks, like a fancy looking desk set or desk clock or nice pen.
• They're really into photos, and a small photo album (especially with some photos of you and/or the volunteer) would be a hit. Framed photos of host family (and PCV) are also great.
• Books in French
• Brightly colored silk scarves
• Small change purses and key chains
• Nice handkerchiefs for men and American bandanas

Back to top

Tips

These tips are direct quotes from various people (mostly parents of PCVs) who have been to Guinea. Not every tip will be helpful to every traveler! Ghosts of French Bwanas -- Yahoo! travel article about Guinea.

What to pack? - Money? - Health Tips - Food - When to Go -Arriving at Conakry airport - Taking photos - General Comments

What to pack?

You should definitely get the one and only available map of Guinea. We don't make any money on this purchase -- I'm only promoting it because it's useful!

One parent writes: We took soft sided suitcases, but when I go again, I'll take a
backpack. There are very few roads to wheel suitcases on and then you just have to carry them. We found backpacks better. Good clothes for Dakar/Paris were in a suitcase we left at the Labe house to pickup on our return from the village of Sannou. The less you pack, the better you'll feel ,because you have to lug it everywhere and taxis charge for each bag on board as well as for the passengers.

Another says: Suitcase limits are 50 pounds now either way. We were "almost" charged $600 extra by Air France because we had checked the limit in bags plus we each had two carry ons. Put you purse inside of the carry on and keep the carry on small as possible (40 lb. limit). And, you are only allowed one.

Bring a day pack.

Take a good camera,  comfortable pants and loose shirts (it is humid/hot even in the rain). 

For shoes: Tevas work well. If you plan on hiking, running shoes are better than hiking boots
cause they are lighter. Bring comfortable shoes (dirt road and paths have lots of rocks)
that you don't mind getting muddy or full of red dust. Same holds for clothing.

You don't need to worry about taking all the right clothes, as you can get cheap used clothes in the local market.

We brought a polaroid camera and this was an incredible hit with the locals, don't show the polaroid until you're getting close to leaving or you will be constantly asked for pictures. We left the camera at Labe house, so if anyone wants to use it, they are welcome to do so. You will need to bring film.

We brought book lights for ourselves and left one for our volunteer. It gets hard reading with a candle at night. Headlamps are also useful for the same reason. Many prefer the ones with LEDs.

Collared shirts are important because the people expect you to be dressed up at some level. I also brought a large hat which helps with the sun.

I suggest bringing an old wallet with an expired credit card and a minimal amount of cash. This way, if you get confronted and have to give up a wallet, you can give that up without experiencing any loss.

We bought a chocolate mousse mix from REI. All you did was add water and had a dessert. This was a God send in the village. I would recommend bringing this or similar items to enliven the meals at the village. I would also bring small cans of tuna fish which you will also appreciate if you are in the village.

Money?

One parent writes: We took cash only, on a tip from another parent and they were right. We used the money belts and changed money at the hotel in Conakry and in the bank in Labe. There is a Western Union there in Labe as well. No Traveler's Checks and the one time I tried to use my credit card in Conakry, it didn't work because of the electricity going out.

One traveler writes: We did use Master Card to pay for hotel rooms at the the Riviera in Conakry but this was a mistake. The hotel will gladly take your card but before they process the transaction (by hand - not electronically) they manually convert the bill to Euros and and then send it through who knows where to actually get the processing done. We felt it cost about 30% extra to use plastic.

One parent writes: You won't want to bring travellers cheques, bring cash, just stash it all over your body!  You'll be amazed at how creative you can be! Credit cards only work in Conakry and only in the expensive places.

Another says: We found that $1,000.00 per person was more than adequate for our two week stay. We took U.S. $100.00 bills. We had this changed into Guinea Francs by our daughter who went to currency changers on the
downtown streets of Labe and Conakry (leaving us behind because she could get a better rate if there wasn't a group of "tourists" hanging around while she negotiated.) Exchange rates are negotiable with these
folks and you get much better than the going bank rate.

And another says: For money, take US cash or EUROs. These can be exchanged at the banks or on the black market in Guinea. You are right, traveller's cheques are useless. Since you are coming through Mali, probably Bamako, which I did also, I found the Hotel Le Compegnard (sp?) would take VISA and US traveller's cheques. It is also has an association with Hotel LeRefuge which operates through Hotel Le Compegnard. One Bank (sorry I don't remember the name) had an ATM in Bamako where I used my VISA card to get CFA's. Use this information as you like. They are both located not far the the Bamako Peace Corps House. I'm sure you will do as I did and give any "leftover" CFA's and Guinean francs to your PCV. They can use them, but once you leave Africa, they are useless to you. No bank in the US will exchange the money for you.You will change 5 CFA's (Mali money) for Guinean francs at the border. At least they did for us. CFA's can also be exchanged at banks and on the black market in Guinea.

I also took about $1,000.00 with me because I wasn't sure how much I needed.  I left $700.00 behind with my son.   If you stay at the hotels, of course it will cost you more.  The Hotel Camayenne runs about $125.00 per night (in NOV 99),  it is where all the diplomats stay while they are in Conakry.  It's a touch of home away from home.  I would say that there are no hotels at your friend's site.  I would attempt to save $3,000.00 for my airfare and $500.00 for spending.

"I believe that my mom spent about $500 excluding airfare for an  8-day trip.  She stayed in my village, Tougue, for a few days, so our only  major expenses were souvenirs and hotels in Conakry and Dalaba. "

Before leaving, call your credit card companies and tell them where you're going to be. Otherwise, you may find that your card will be refused in either Guinea or Senegal.

Health tips

I had prescription medication along and never was questioned or challenged. I carried it in the prescription bottles in which they were dispensed. I also had a letter from my physician concerning my need for them. No one ever asked to see the letter. Over the counter medication should be in its original containers. Don't put things in other unlabeled bottles, or mix things up. Throughout the trip, we took low grade antibiotics which I think helped greatly in fending off disease. We also brought prescribed Lomotil which also helped a lot when sickness came on.

Trim your nails; long nails are a source of infection.

We continuously used anti-bacterial solutions for our hands. I think this helped us avoid illness. You are constantly shaking hands with people which is a source of potential infection

We used Malarone as anti-Malaria protection. After spending a lot of time on CDC and other web sites, we decided it had the least side effects, it was easier to remember to take a pill once a day than once a week, and cost was covered by our health plan.

Food?

Take lots of food with you (light-weight packages), but don't take much luggage.  We  wore, pretty much the same clothes the entire time we were there.  One becomes much like the PCV natives, quickly.  Remember, what you put on that luggage check-in counter you'll be carrying with you the entire time in Guinea!  I would suggest taking clothing that you can toss out or leave in your PCVs village. This way you can return with a case full of fabric, momentos, stuff your PCV has purchased and will want you to take home with you, and the enormous amount of mail PCVs need sent home.

"Drink only Coyah (bottled water), take a camel back of water, and take some food (snacks) every where you go, you never know when you will get stuck someplace."

"As far as water in Guinea goes, there are plenty of places to buy bottled water, just watch the seal. Be sure it is solidly sealed.  Don't do as the PCVs do and buy water and funny little juice baggies from children and women on the streets. The veteran PCV stomach is made of iron and has lots of little things in it to eat up the bad stuff in the liquid (shudder)!

When to go

"Rainy season (our summer) is good except the roads might be in worse condition.  Still, if you've got more than just a couple weeks to spend there, it shouldn't pose too much of a problem."  In June (early rainy season) road will not be in as bad condition as in August, when they might be more washed out.  April is the hottest and driest time of year.

May/June turned out to be a good time to visit. It was end of dry
season and beginning of rainy season in the Fouta. This meant that the
countryside was turning green, mango, avocado and banana were in full
bloom and delicious, the small rains kept the red dust in check but the
pot holes and mosquitoes had not yet taken over.

If your PCV is a teacher, they will be off school from June - August.

What will happen when I arrive at the Conakry airport?
 

The Guinean airport is one of the worst in the world.  It can be a  bit overwhelming.  You will first go to a checkpoint to show your passport, visa, and WHO card.  Woe to the traveller without the right documents!
Then  you go to the section to claim your baggage.  People will try to get you to  let them take your bags. They're not stealing them (usually), but want to get paid to wheel the cart for you.  If you have a lot of bags, you might want to accept this.  I wouldn't pay more than $1-$2 for this.  PLEASE don't pay more, or you make it more difficult for all the other travellers.  They'll take advantage of your naivete.  You can also wheel a cart yourself,  you don't have to pay them.  On your way out, you pass by a desk with grumpy looking people in uniforms.  This is customs.  Be sure you know what you have and if it should require customs charges.  They will often ask for some money ($5 should do it), and just let you through.  That's often easiest. Otherwise, they might go through your bags and ask for stuff...  This
is worst case scenario.  I usually just said "peace corps", waved an ID,  brought my bag on the table in a gesture of cooperation, and they waved me  on.  Smile, and look dumb.

Hotels in Dakar

Continental and Provencal both around $28. Continental atmosphere and friendly staff was slightly better at Continental, but many PCVs go to Provencal.

Hotel Independence is better than both, right downtown, beautiful rooms, pool on roof.

Soifel Teranga Hotel was expensive but accomodations were fantastic, even had hair dryers in the rooms. THere are only rooms with one bed. The rooms were around $100 or more and then in Dakar they gave us a Peace Corps discount bringing it to $90. Olympic size pool along hte beach, wonderful but expensive restaurant overlooking restaurant, friendly and helpful staff.

Sofitel is supposed to be clean and basic.

Taking photos
 

I understood that you have to be careful when use a camera, people do not like to be in front of camera. I saw you took a lot of pictures, please comment.  

I took a lot of pictures because I lived in a village, knew the people,
and  could as them in their own language if it was ok.  Each was a
difficult negotiation.  Often, people will let you take their picture if you
promise to give them a copy.  That's not a bad deal, if you have the money,
and can remember where you saw them.  Be respectful.  Ask first.  Learn how to
say "Can I take your picture" in the local language, and they'll love you
and take you in.  Actually, if you learn any local language at all,
they'll give you anything you want.  It's the key to friendship.  I'm talking about
 merchants and local people, not the educated people at the factory.

General Comments

If you'd like some nice travelogues, here are some descriptions people have written of their trips to Guinea.

One traveller says:  "In retrospect, nothing was that bad and all the advice from this newsletter was very good.  Everyone has their own spin on what was helpful.  Most women said don't take too many clothes, but I wish I had stuffed more t-shirts in, at least to feel fresher.  It's hard to achieve that without running water!  I think Purell was invented for Guinea.  The little village was far more tolerable, despite the lack of amenities.  Everyone was so nice. "

Have your PCV prepare a back-up plan for arrival in case they're not there to meet you at the airport.

On the cultural issues theme - just remember to clear your throat if you hear someone approaching the latrine while you are using it and to stay away if you hear someone clearing theirs as you approach.

Don't try to see too many places - pick a few and stay there. Traveling takes a long time and can be exhausting.

Please offer to carry letters or small packages.  Hand-couriers are invaluable means of communication between parents and PCV's. Send your travel dates to saabrian @ yahoo.com for inclusion on the list. Here is the online list of people travelling to Guinea.

With respect to bathrooms, I suggest you all start practicing squatting as low as you can to the ground. Remember, lower is better. The real natives can squat with their feet flat on the ground. Good luck.

As far as traditions or customs  - one thing they do constantly in a very friendly manner is greet you over and over again.  It is rude to pass someone without greeting  and shaking their hands.  You may also expected to bring small gifts and your friend can tell you what to bring.

Make sure any taxi you get into has working doors and a complete exhaust pipe and that the windows go up. If you encounter a roadblock, do not give up your passport.

We were only hit up once for a bribe - that was at the airport just after we arrived and we were trying to get out of the building with copious amounts of luggage - duffel bags of "stuff" that we had brought over for our daughter and other volunteers. One of the "security guards" began to do a "search" of the bags for contraband, but before
she got too far another one who appeared to be a supervisor came over and asked us why we were coming to the country. Our daughter explained she was with the Peace Corps and those were the magic words. The supervisor reprimanded the first person and let us go. Our daughter was very strict with us - not allowing us to pay a bribe or give up easily when we were dickering for an item we wanted to purchase because she felt it would set a bad precedent for those who would follow.

If you get a chance, visit Doucki -- the only ecotourism spot in the
area -- near Pita. Hassan speaks English, French, Pulaar, and other
African languages. His hobby is hiking. He built some "cases" (round
houses with thached roofs) and leads the best narrated hikes ever to
great canyons, rainforests, and waterfalls. It was physically challenging,
but Hassan sizes you up before selecting the hike. He provides good
food, tea, and wonderful hospitality in a breathtaking part of the Fouta.
Ask him to make the "green banana dish (one of the best dishes we had in
Guinea and a treat for vegetarians).

 

Back to top