Essential Summit Information - Priority
Important: Visa and Health Requirements
All visitors except ECOWAS members require a visa. Yellow fever vaccination is MANDATORY - must be done at an international vaccination center at least 10 days before arrival.
Visa Information
- ECOWAS Members: No visa required
- E-visa available online (72h processing)
- Website: www.paf.gov.gn/visa
- Transit visa (3-5 days): $50
- Short stay (15-90 days): $80
- Support email conakryvisa@smartafrica.org
Health Requirements
- Yellow fever vaccination MANDATORY
- Must be done at an international center
- At least 10 days before arrival
- Certificate required at entry
- Keep certificate with passport
SIM Card at Airport
- Available at Meeting Point
- 3 operators: Orange, MTN, Cellcom
- Price: 5,000 GNF (~$0.55)
- Passport required for registration
- 4G/LTE available everywhere
Climate and Best Time to Visit
- Tropical climate, 2 seasons
- Dry season: December - May
- Rainy season: June - November
- Best time: December - May
- Time zone: GMT+0 (no daylight saving)
Transportation in Conakry
Taxis and Local Transport
- Taxis: 2,000 GNF per zone
- City buses: 1,000 GNF
- Tricycles: 2,500 GNF per zone
- Car rental available
- Always confirm price before departure
Boat Services
- Departures: Sandervalia & Petit Bateau
- Regular service to Loos Islands
- Weekend excursions available
- Ask for current prices
Practical Information
Currency and Money
- Currency: Guinean Franc (GNF)
- Rate: 1 USD = 9,000 GNF
- Banknotes: 1,000 to 20,000 GNF
- Credit cards: Hotels, shops, restaurants
- Exchange: USD, EUR, CFA accepted
- Banks mainly in Conakry
Communications
- Country code: +224
- Mobile: 9-digit numbers
- To call Guinea: +224 + 9 digits
- From Guinea abroad: country code + number
- WiFi in major hotels
- 4G/LTE widely available
Languages
- Official: French
- Local: Susu, Malinke, Fulani, Kpelle
- English spoken in major hotels
- French essential for business
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 117
- Gendarmerie: 118 / 122
- Fire Department: 18
- Maritime Emergency: 19
Public Holidays
- January 1: New Year
- October 2: Independence Day
- May 1: Labor Day
- Islamic holidays (variable dates)
- Easter Monday, Christmas
Good to Know
- Alcohol available in hotels & licensed venues
- Not sold in residential areas
- Sale to minors prohibited
- Always ask for payment receipt
- Tipping appreciated but not mandatory
Postal Service Contact
Guinean Post Office
Tel: (+224) 41 14 22 / 41 13 35
Fax: (+224) 41 40 50
Email: opg@eti-bull.net
Website: laposteguineenne.com
Discover Guinea's Four Natural Regions
Guinea is a multifaceted treasure with rich history, talented artisans, colorful festivals, and warm hospitality. From the majestic Fouta-Djallon to the golden Atlantic beaches, Guinea offers an unforgettable authentic experience.
Lower Guinea (Maritime Guinea)
The Coastal Paradise
300 km of Atlantic coastline with pristine beaches, mangroves and islands. Home to capital Conakry and the Loos Islands.
- Ethnic groups: Susu, Baga, Nalou, Landouma
- Capital: Conakry
- Ideal for: Beach tourism, water activities
- Highlights: Bel-Air Beach, Loos Islands
Middle Guinea (Fouta Djallon)
The Fouta Highlands
Source of major West African rivers. Spectacular waterfalls, mountain plateaus and dense forests.
- Ethnic group: Fulani (Peulh)
- Known for: Trekking & waterfalls
- Climate: Temperate mountainous
- Highlights: Lady of Mali, Saala Falls
Upper Guinea
Land of Ancient Empires
Historic region rich in cultural heritage from the Mali Empire. Traditional festivals and sacred sites.
- Ethnic groups: Mandinka, Malinke
- Famous for: Cultural festivals
- Landscapes: Savannas & plateaus
- Highlights: Sosso Bala, Mamaya Festival
Forest Guinea
Biodiversity Jewel
Dense forests with Mount Nimba (1,752 m), UNESCO site. Unique wildlife including viviparous toads and tool-using chimpanzees.
- Ethnic groups: Kissi, Toma, Guerze, Manon
- Highest peak: Mount Nimba (1,752 m)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Highlights: Ziama Forest, Mount Nimba
Must-See Tourist Sites
Fayçal Mosque
- Largest mosque in Guinea
- Capacity: 17,000 worshippers
- Funded by King Faysal of Saudi Arabia
- Recently renovated
- One of West Africa's largest
Saint Mary's Cathedral
- Built from 1928
- Yellow and red colonial architecture
- Located on 3rd Boulevard
- Mother church of Conakry archdiocese
Loos Islands
- 4.5-14 km off Conakry coast
- Three main islands: Kassa, Tamara, Roume
- Pristine beaches & crystal waters
- Regular boat service from Conakry
- Perfect for weekend getaways
Bridal Veil Falls
- Legendary 80m double waterfall
- 135 km from Conakry (Kindia)
- Flows year-round
- Surrounded by vines
- Perfect for families & photography
Bel-Air Beach
- One of West Africa's most beautiful beaches
- 225 km north of Conakry (Boffa)
- 7 km of fine sand & coconut palms
- Accessible by road or sea
- Ideal for relaxation & water sports
Mount Nimba
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 1,752 m - West Africa's highest peak
- 471 km from Conakry (Lola)
- Primary forest & alpine grasslands
- Endemic species: viviparous toads
Sosso Bala
- Sacred balafon from 12th-13th century
- Over 800 years old
- Protected by Kouyaté family
- Located in Niagassola, Siguiri
- National & African cultural treasure
Ziama Forest
- 120,000 hectares
- West Africa's largest rainforest
- 1,300 plant species
- Over 500 animal species
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1980
Soumba Waterfall
- Located in Dubreka, Khorira
- 2 hours from Conakry
- Paradise location for families
- Swimming possible
- Easily accessible
Lady of Mali
- Woman naturally sculpted in stone
- Mount Loura at 1,500 m altitude
- 471 km from Conakry (Mali Prefecture)
- Overlooks Senegal plains
- Iconic geological wonder
Saala Falls
- Majestic waterfall in Fouta
- Labé Prefecture
- Impressive sensory spectacle
- Vibrations underfoot
- Must-see for hikers
Boké Fort
- Built in 1878 by Portuguese
- Former slave trade center
- Now Prefectural Museum
- Colonial archives and art objects
- Overlooks Rio Nuñez
Ecotourism Options
Maf Village - Ecotourism complex 52 km from Conakry with sustainable accommodation, restaurant, farm, horseback riding, quad biking and forest hiking.
Eden Garden Complex - Ecotourism site in Maferinya (1 hour from Conakry) with rooms, restaurant, pool and activities including hiking, biking and canoeing.
Eden Garden Complex - Ecotourism site in Maferinya (1 hour from Conakry) with rooms, restaurant, pool and activities including hiking, biking and canoeing.
Cultural Festivals Not to Miss
Mamaya Festival (Kankan) - Day after Tabaski. Three days of songs and dances by age groups in grand traditional boubous.
Sacred Ponds Festival (Nounkounkan) - In May, three days of offerings, invocations and celebrations with Dumdumba dance.
Konkoba Mask Dance (Siguiri) - Once a year at Tabaski. Mystical forest mask with red tunic adorned with cowries and mirrors.
Sacred Ponds Festival (Nounkounkan) - In May, three days of offerings, invocations and celebrations with Dumdumba dance.
Konkoba Mask Dance (Siguiri) - Once a year at Tabaski. Mystical forest mask with red tunic adorned with cowries and mirrors.