Though Guinea is not particularly known for shopping, it offers a variety of high-quality crafts at rock-bottom prices. Among the items available are musical instruments (including the
kora, a harplike instrument),
pagnes (tie-dyed, indigo or batik cloth), pottery, braided-leather goods and wood carvings. If a piece appears to be an antique or of high artistic quality, check with the government to see if special authorization is required for export. Guinea has a very active pop-music industry—favorites include Les Amazones, Mory Kante, Sekouba Bambino and TeleJazz de Telimele. Bargaining is de rigueur.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 am-6 pm. Most markets close Friday afternoon for the Muslim prayer. Many shops in urban centers are also open on Sundays.
Day By Day
We suggest the following itinerary for the first-time traveler to Guinea:
Day 1—Arrive Conakry.
Day 2—Conakry.
Day 3—Drive to Dalaba, stopping to see the falls in Kindia.
Day 4—Visit historic sites and artisans' workshops in Dalaba.
Day 5—Stroll through Dalaba's pine forests or take a walk to the market gardens to sample strawberries just outside of town.
Day 6—Drive to Doucki and go swimming or hiking in the canyon.
Day 7—Drive back to Conakry.
Day 8—Visit one of the islands.
Day 9—Visit one of Conakry's bustling markets for last-minute souvenirs.
Day 10—Depart Guinea.
If time permits, add two or three days and fly to Nzerekore or visit Bel Air Beach and Boffa.
