Conakry - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
No. - Sep 2022
In Conakry, we have seen marvelous drum performances, traditional storytelling, circus rehearsals. Religious services are amazing displays of musical virtuosity that you'd have to pay to see anywhere else. Upcountry you can see old slaving sites near Boffa; rural tourism at Koba or Maferenya; Miriam Makeba's house in Dalaba; waterfalls just outside of Dubreka, Kindia, and just about every other major town. You can stay at a convent in Friguiagbe, lounge on the beach on the islands that are a 20 minute boat trip from Conakry. If you're willing to drive for a day or two each way, you can get to the Haut Niger or Moyen Bafing national parks to see chimps and other wildlife, fishing festivals on ponds of the inland Niger Delta, elephants or tool-using chimpanzees in the Forest Region. If you drive 30 hours or so to Niagassola, you can see the 13th century xylophone at the origin of the legend of the founding of the Mali Empire. Bottom line is that there are maybe only 3 or 4 possible short trips (two to three hours of driving apiece), and beyond that you have to do a lot of driving each way, so it's not ideal for kids. If you're willing to drive, the logical choice is to go nextdoor to Sierra Leone, where 7 to 10 hours' driving from Conakry (on much better roads than Guinea has) can take you to world class beaches, surfing classes, masked devil dances, canoe trips down rivers where miners pan for diamonds, traditional village stays, a sanctuary for chimps rescued from captivity, even pygmy hippos on a jungle island! Sierra Leone has a slightly better developed tourist infrastructure than Guinea, but in both countries, tourism is kind of what you make of it. If you want to go camping, you won't find established, official camp sites like you would in a state park in the US. But there are plenty of villages around where you could negotiate a price to have people let you pitch a tent in their yard or their farm field, cook local food for you, show you around the sights, whatever you want. There aren't many marked, organized hiking trails, but you can hire informal or (especially in the Fouta Djallon) professional guides that will take you on wonderful treks. The upside of not having many things set up already for you is that you can sort of set up yourself whatever you desire. - Jun 2021
Taking a boat to Roum island and staying for a few hours provides a break. Soumba waterfall in Dubreka is pretty during the rainy season (it dries up during the dry season). - Nov 2019
A very few bar/restaurants that may or may not be worth the hassle of the traffic chaos to try to get to. Mostly quite far from housing. Islands off the tip of Conakry can be a nice distraction. It is difficult to get out of Conakry given the horrific traffic. Battle your way out to a waterfall to relax and feel the stress return as you sit in endless traffic chaos to get back home. Rarely worth the effort unless you are immune to two hours of sitting in vehicular anarchy. - May 2016
Easy weekend trips include Rhoume Island, Soumba Falls and Lac du Koba. The beaches in Sierra Leone are good for a long weekend. Conakry has excellent live music on weekends at places like Jardin du Guinee and Obama Bar. The expat community tries hard to make activities and everyone is welcome. There is a solid Mountain biking contingent that goes out (of conakry) almost each weekend. There is a new chapter of Hash House Harriers, a weekly Sunday pick-up basketball game, etc... It is a social community, but you have to be willing to make an effort. - Dec 2014
There are islands off the coast that make for a nice excursion. There are a couple of waterfalls within easy driving distance from Conakry, one of which has a nice restaurant. Kamsar is a port city about 4 hours away that has some nice restaurants and a couple of supermarkets that are well stocked with American-type products. - Sep 2009
Visiting the markets for fabric shopping/tailor visits, going out to dinner, house parties, drumming lessons, shows at the Franco-Guinean cultural center. - May 2009
Conakry is grimy and congested so people like to get out of the city often. The islands off the coast of Conakry are easily accessible and lovely for a beach day trip. The interior of Guinea is beautiful and lush, but the roads are poor and for any destination farther than Kamsar, budget at least a weekend. The World Food Program maintains a small plane and a flight to Guinea's lush forest region takes about 90 minutes. There you can climb Mount Nimba, or hike. In town, anyone who likes to garden will be in paradise since it's possible to grow anything here. There are many chances to learn African dance and traditional indigo textiles. Many of the nightclubs have excellent live bands who play serious Jazz and a fusion of traditional music and pop. Covers of cheesy 1980s ballads are popular for some reason, and it's possible to have a karaoke type experience if you ask to sit in with the band for a song or two. These bands and amazing semi professional dance troupes can be booked as entertainment for parties for very reasonable rates. In addition to Jazz and Top 40/pop, they will gladly sing the cheesy '80s ballad at your next pool party if you ask them. - Mar 2008
