Day-by-Day Itinerary
Settle into Guinea's bustling capital and get your first taste of West African coastal life with a gentle introduction to the city's rhythm.
Morning
Airport arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at
Conakry International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in the
Kaloum Peninsula area. Take time to rest and acclimate to the tropical climate. Exchange currency at official bureaux de change and purchase a local SIM card for connectivity. Orient yourself with the neighborhood and confirm arrangements for upcoming days with your hotel staff.
3-4 hours
$20-30
Arrange airport pickup through your hotel in advance for safety and convenience
Lunch
A local restaurant near your hotel serving Guinean specialties
Traditional Guinean
Budget
Afternoon
Take a leisurely walk along the Atlantic coastline, observing fishing boats and local life. Visit the nearby artisan markets to see traditional crafts including woodcarvings, textiles, and jewelry. Stop at a beachside area to watch the sunset over the ocean. This gentle introduction helps you adjust to the pace and energy of
Conakry while getting oriented.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Evening
Welcome dinner and rest
Dine at a restaurant specializing in fresh grilled fish with attieke (cassava couscous), then return early to recover from travel
Where to Stay Tonight
Kaloum Peninsula, Conakry (Mid-range hotel with air conditioning)
Central location provides easy access to markets, restaurants, and serves as a base for exploring the capital
Always carry small denomination Guinean francs for markets and taxis, as change can be difficult to obtain
Day 1 Budget: $90-110
Dive deep into the capital's vibrant culture through its markets, museums, and the impressive
Grand Mosque.
Morning
Begin at the Musée National to understand Guinea's diverse ethnic groups, colonial history, and traditional arts. The collection includes masks, musical instruments, and archaeological artifacts. Then visit the impressive
Grand Mosque of Conakry, one of West Africa's largest mosques, admiring its architecture. Dress modestly and visit outside prayer times. The museum provides essential context for understanding the country's cultural complexity.
3 hours
$8-12
Hire a local guide at the museum entrance for deeper cultural insights
Lunch
A popular spot in Kaloum serving poulet yassa or mafé
West African
Budget
Afternoon
Madina Market exploration
Immerse yourself in Marché Madina, one of West Africa's largest markets. Navigate the labyrinth of stalls selling everything from colorful fabrics and traditional medicines to fresh produce and spices. Observe tailors creating custom clothing, spice merchants grinding fresh blends, and vendors selling traditional musical instruments. The sensory overload of colors, sounds, and aromas offers authentic insight into daily Guinean life.
2-3 hours
$15-25
Consider hiring a local guide to navigate safely and learn about products
Evening
Live music experience
Seek out a venue featuring live Guinean music, possibly traditional balafon or kora performances, with dinner of local grilled meats
Where to Stay Tonight
Kaloum Peninsula, Conakry (Same hotel as Day 1)
Staying put allows you to maximize exploration time without packing and unpacking
Photography in markets requires permission; always ask vendors before taking photos and expect to make small purchases in return
Day 2 Budget: $85-105
Escape the city bustle with a day trip to the scenic
Îles de Los, enjoying pristine beaches and island tranquility.
Morning
Depart from
Conakry's port for the
Îles de Los archipelago. The boat journey takes about 45 minutes across turquoise waters. Upon arrival at Île de Kassa or Île de Roume, explore the colonial-era buildings and learn about the islands' history as a former slave trading post. The French colonial architecture contrasts beautifully with palm-fringed beaches and the relaxed island atmosphere.
4-5 hours including travel
$25-35
Book boat transfers through your hotel the day before; confirm return times
Lunch
A beachside restaurant on the island serving fresh seafood
Seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Beach relaxation and swimming
Spend the afternoon on the islands' beautiful beaches with their white sand and clear waters. Swim in the Atlantic, snorkel in shallow areas to observe marine life, or simply relax under palm trees. Walk around the small island communities to observe local life and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere far removed from
Conakry's intensity. The islands offer a perfect respite.
3-4 hours
$10-15
Evening
Early dinner at a Lebanese or international restaurant in
Conakry, then pack for tomorrow's departure to Fouta Djalon
Where to Stay Tonight
Kaloum Peninsula, Conakry (Same hotel as previous nights)
Final night in the capital before heading to the highlands
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water; facilities on the islands are limited
Day 3 Budget: $95-120
Travel from the coastal capital into the cool, mountainous Fouta Djalon region, Guinea's scenic heartland.
Morning
Departure for Fouta Djalon
Begin the scenic 300-kilometer journey to Dalaba in the Fouta Djalon highlands. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours through changing landscapes as you leave the coastal plains and climb into the mountains. Stop at roadside villages to observe rural life and purchase fresh fruits. Watch as the terrain transforms from tropical lowlands to verdant highlands with distinctive round huts and terraced agriculture.
6-7 hours
$60-80
Hire a private vehicle with driver for flexibility and comfort; shared taxis are cheaper but less comfortable
Lunch
A roadside stop in Kindia serving rice with peanut sauce
Local Guinean
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival and Dalaba orientation
Arrive in Dalaba, a charming mountain town known for its cool climate and colonial-era charm. Check into your accommodation and explore the town center on foot. Visit the former colonial governor's residence and gardens, now partly in ruins but offering stunning views over the surrounding hills. The pleasant climate at 1,200 meters elevation provides welcome relief from coastal humidity.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Quiet evening in Dalaba
Dinner at your guesthouse or a local restaurant serving Fulani specialties like fonio porridge, then early rest after the long journey
Where to Stay Tonight
Dalaba town center (Small guesthouse or eco-lodge)
Dalaba serves as the perfect base for exploring Fouta Djalon's natural attractions
Bring warm layers; temperatures in Fouta Djalon can drop significantly at night, especially during harmattan season
Day 4 Budget: $85-110
Explore the stunning waterfalls and traditional Fulani villages that make Fouta Djalon one of Guinea's most beautiful regions.
Morning
Hike to Ditinn Waterfall
Embark on a guided hike to the spectacular Ditinn Waterfall, cascading over 100 meters down rocky cliffs. The trek through eucalyptus groves and across streams takes about 90 minutes each way. Your Fulani guide will explain local plant uses and point out birds. At the falls, feel the mist and enjoy the dramatic scenery. Swimming is possible in pools below the falls during dry season.
4-5 hours round trip
$20-30
Arrange a local guide through your accommodation the evening before
Lunch
Packed lunch enjoyed near the waterfall
Picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Traditional Fulani village visit
Visit a nearby Fulani village to learn about traditional highland life. Observe the distinctive round huts with conical thatched roofs, meet local families, and learn about cattle herding traditions central to Fulani culture. Women may demonstrate traditional crafts like basket weaving or pottery. If fortunate, witness traditional music played on the Fulani flute. The experience offers authentic cultural exchange.
2-3 hours
$15-20
Evening
Sunset viewing and dinner
Watch the sunset from a hilltop viewpoint, then enjoy dinner featuring locally grown fonio, a nutritious ancient grain native to West Africa
Where to Stay Tonight
Dalaba (Same guesthouse as previous night)
Staying multiple nights allows deeper exploration of the area
Hire local guides for all hikes; they ensure you don't get lost and provide income to communities
Day 5 Budget: $75-95
Continue through the Fouta Djalon highlands to Pita, gateway to some of Guinea's most spectacular waterfalls.
Morning
Scenic drive to Pita
Journey approximately 100 kilometers to Pita through stunning highland scenery. The route winds through mountains with panoramic views of terraced valleys and traditional villages. Stop at viewpoints to photograph the dramatic landscape. Pass through small market towns where you can observe daily commerce. The journey showcases the agricultural richness of Fouta Djalon with its orange groves, banana plantations, and vegetable gardens.
3-4 hours
$40-50
Lunch
A local eatery in Pita serving rice and sauce
Guinean
Budget
Afternoon
Explore Pita town and surroundings
Walk through Pita's market to observe highland commerce, including beautiful handwoven textiles and local produce. Visit the town mosque and interact with friendly locals. Take a short excursion to nearby viewpoints overlooking the Kokoulo River valley. The town serves as an important regional center for the Fulani people and offers insight into highland urban life.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Evening
Evening preparation
Dinner at your accommodation while arranging tomorrow's waterfall excursion; early rest before a full day of hiking
Where to Stay Tonight
Pita town (Basic guesthouse or small hotel)
Pita is the closest town to the magnificent Kinkon Falls
Stock up on snacks and water in Pita for tomorrow's waterfall hike; options near the falls are limited
Day 6 Budget: $70-90
Experience one of West Africa's most spectacular waterfalls with a full day at the stunning Kinkon Falls.
Morning
Kinkon Falls excursion
Drive about 30 minutes to the trailhead for Kinkon Falls (also called Chutes de Kinkon). Hike through beautiful highland forest to reach the falls, where water plunges dramatically into a deep gorge. The main viewing platform offers breathtaking perspectives of the 150-meter cascade. The mist creates rainbows on sunny days. Your guide will explain the geological formation and local legends surrounding this sacred site.
5-6 hours including travel
$30-40
Hire a local guide mandatory for safety and navigation
Lunch
Packed lunch with views of the falls
Picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Extended waterfall exploration
For the adventurous, descend partway into the gorge with your guide to reach lower viewpoints and swimming holes. The trek is challenging but rewarding, offering different perspectives of the falls. Alternatively, relax at the upper viewpoint, photographing the falls from various angles and enjoying the pristine natural environment. Bird watching is excellent here with many highland species.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Return to Pita
Return to Pita for dinner and relaxation after an active day; share stories with other travelers if staying at a guesthouse
Where to Stay Tonight
Pita (Same guesthouse as previous night)
Convenient for early departure tomorrow
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip; trails can be slippery, especially near the waterfall mist
Day 7 Budget: $75-95
Journey back to the capital with stops at interesting sites along the way, transitioning from highlands to coast.
Morning
Departure from Fouta Djalon
Begin the return journey to
Conakry, taking a different route if possible to see new scenery. Stop in Kindia to visit the Voile de la Mariée (Bridal Veil) waterfall, a beautiful cascade easily accessible from the town. The falls are particularly impressive during rainy season but flow year-round. Kindia also offers a pleasant market for last-minute highland crafts.
4-5 hours including stops
$50-70
Lunch
A restaurant in Kindia known for grilled chicken
Guinean
Budget
Afternoon
Continue the drive back to
Conakry, arriving in late afternoon. Watch the landscape transform back to coastal plains and tropical vegetation. Check into your accommodation and refresh after the journey. Take a short walk around the neighborhood to reorient yourself to city life after days in the mountains. Organize laundry and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
3-4 hours
$20-30
Evening
Enjoy a nice dinner at a restaurant with international cuisine, reflecting on your highland adventures
Where to Stay Tonight
Kaloum Peninsula, Conakry (Mid-range hotel)
Convenient for tomorrow's early departure to the Forest Region
Confirm tomorrow's transportation to N'Zérékoré tonight to ensure an early start
Day 8 Budget: $90-115
Undertake a long but fascinating journey to Guinea's Forest Region, culturally and ecologically distinct from the rest of the country.
Morning
Flight or early drive departure
Take a domestic flight to N'Zérékoré if available (about 2 hours), or begin an epic 1,000-kilometer road journey (12+ hours). Flying is highly recommended to save time and energy. If driving, the route passes through diverse landscapes and numerous towns. The Forest Region is Guinea's most culturally diverse area, home to many ethnic groups with distinct traditions and languages.
2-12 hours depending on transport
$100-200
Book domestic flights well in advance as schedules are limited and seats fill quickly
Lunch
Airport snacks or roadside stop depending on transport method
Varied
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival and N'Zérékoré orientation
Arrive in N'Zérékoré, Guinea's second-largest city and the Forest Region's capital. Check into your accommodation and explore the city center. Visit the bustling central market where you'll notice different products compared to
Conakry, including forest fruits, palm oil, and unique crafts. The city has a different atmosphere, influenced by proximity to Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Evening
Welcome to the Forest Region dinner
Try local Forest Region specialties like cassava-based dishes and forest game meats at a local restaurant
Where to Stay Tonight
N'Zérékoré center (Small hotel with basic amenities)
Central location for exploring the Forest Region's attractions
The Forest Region has different cultural norms than coastal Guinea; observe local customs carefully and dress conservatively
Day 9 Budget: $120-180
Visit the famous Bossou chimpanzee research site and explore sacred forest areas integral to local Manon culture.
Morning
Drive to Bossou and chimpanzee observation
Journey approximately 90 minutes to Bossou, home to a unique community of tool-using chimpanzees studied since the 1970s. With local guides and researchers, trek into the forest to observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. The Bossou chimps are famous for using stone tools to crack nuts. Observation is not guaranteed but highly likely. The experience supports conservation and local communities.
4-5 hours including travel
$60-80
Arrange this visit through your N'Zérékoré hotel or a local tour operator at least one day in advance
Lunch
Simple meal in Bossou village
Local
Budget
Afternoon
Sacred forest and cultural visit
Explore the sacred forest areas protected by the local Manon people for spiritual and cultural reasons. These forests are taboo zones where certain activities are forbidden, creating de facto nature reserves. Learn about traditional beliefs, medicinal plants, and the relationship between culture and conservation. Visit a Manon village to observe traditional architecture and daily life.
2-3 hours
$15-25
Evening
Return to N'Zérékoré
Return to N'Zérékoré for dinner and evening rest; process the remarkable wildlife encounter
Where to Stay Tonight
N'Zérékoré (Same hotel as previous night)
Convenient base for Forest Region exploration
Wear neutral-colored clothing for chimpanzee observation and move quietly; maintain required distance from the animals
Day 10 Budget: $95-125
Immerse yourself in the unique cultures of the Forest Region, including traditional mask ceremonies if timing permits.
Morning
Visit to traditional villages
Explore villages of different ethnic groups including Kpelle, Toma, or Guerzé people. Each group has distinct architectural styles, crafts, and traditions. Observe traditional blacksmithing, weaving, or other crafts. If fortunate and timing aligns, witness preparations for traditional ceremonies. The Forest Region is famous for elaborate masks and secret societies that play important cultural roles.
3-4 hours
$25-35
Hire a local guide who can facilitate village visits and cultural exchanges
Lunch
A village meal if invited, or return to N'Zérékoré
Traditional Forest Region
Budget
Afternoon
N'Zérékoré market and craft exploration
Return to N'Zérékoré to explore the craft markets in depth. Look for unique Forest Region items including traditional masks (replicas, not sacred originals), woven baskets, and carved figures. Visit workshops where craftspeople create these items. The market also offers insight into the region's agricultural products including coffee, cocoa, and kola nuts.
2-3 hours
$20-40
Evening
Cultural evening if available
Seek out traditional music or dance performances; alternatively enjoy a quiet dinner reflecting on cultural experiences
Where to Stay Tonight
N'Zérékoré (Same hotel as previous nights)
Final night in the Forest Region before returning to Conakry
Many Forest Region masks and ceremonies are sacred; never photograph without explicit permission and expect to pay for the privilege
Day 11 Budget: $85-110
Return to
Conakry with time to rest and prepare for your final days in Guinea.
Morning
Take a morning flight back to
Conakry, enjoying aerial views of Guinea's diverse landscapes. The flight offers perspective on the geographical variety you've experienced, from coast to highlands to forest. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation and take time to rest and organize your belongings. Catch up on any laundry or personal tasks.
2-3 hours including transfers
$100-150
Lunch
International or Lebanese
Mid-range
Afternoon
Leisure and shopping
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon visiting any
Conakry sites you missed earlier or revisiting favorites. Shop for last-minute souvenirs including traditional fabrics, musical instruments, or crafts. Visit artisan cooperatives for quality items that support local craftspeople. Alternatively, simply relax at your hotel or a beachside cafe, processing your journey.
3-4 hours
$20-40
Evening
Farewell dinner
Enjoy a special farewell dinner at one of
Conakry's better restaurants, perhaps trying any Guinean dishes you haven't yet sampled
Confirm your departure flight and arrange airport transfer tonight to avoid last-minute stress
Day 12 Budget: $110-140
A flexible day to pursue personal interests, revisit favorite spots, or explore new corners of the capital.
Morning
Visit Botanical Garden or coastal areas
Spend the morning at the
Conakry Botanical Garden if you enjoy nature, or explore coastal neighborhoods you haven't yet visited. Walk along the Corniche to observe daily life and enjoy ocean views. Visit local fishing areas to watch boats arriving with their catch. Alternatively, pursue any specific interests like visiting art galleries or cultural centers.
3 hours
$10-20
Lunch
A beachside restaurant with ocean views
Seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Final shopping and preparations
Complete any remaining souvenir shopping at markets or craft centers. Visit the Taouyah Market for textiles or the artisan village for woodcarvings and instruments. Pack your purchases carefully for travel. Return to your hotel to organize your luggage and prepare for departure. Leave time for a final walk through your favorite neighborhood.
3-4 hours
$30-50
Evening
Final evening in Guinea
Enjoy a relaxed final dinner, perhaps at a rooftop restaurant if available, reflecting on your two-week journey through this fascinating country
Keep some Guinean francs for airport tips and last-minute expenses; exchange remaining currency before the airport
Day 13 Budget: $90-120
Final morning in Guinea before your international departure, with time for last reflections.
Morning
Leisure and hotel checkout
Enjoy a final Guinean breakfast at your hotel. Take a last walk around the neighborhood if time permits, perhaps purchasing fresh fruit or snacks for your journey. Complete checkout procedures and confirm your airport transfer. Arrive at the airport at least three hours before international flights to allow time for check-in and security procedures.
3-4 hours
$20-30
Lunch
Light meal at the airport or before departure
Varied
Budget
Afternoon
International departure
Complete airport formalities and depart Guinea. As you fly out, reflect on the incredible diversity you've experienced: from Atlantic beaches to mountain highlands, from bustling markets to sacred forests, from chimpanzees to waterfalls. Guinea remains off the beaten path, making your journey all the more special and authentic.
Variable
$10-20
Evening
In transit
Depending on flight times, you'll be en route to your next destination
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
Keep your vaccination card accessible as it may be checked at departure; also keep small bills for any last-minute airport fees
Day 14 Budget: $50-80