Overview
Bordering Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Republic of Guinea’s main attraction is its relatively unspoilt countryside. Guinea has mountains, plains, savannas and forests and is also the source of West Africa’s three great rivers – Gambia, Senegal and Niger. The capital, Conakry, is located on Tumbo Island and is connected to the Kaloum Peninsula by a 300 m long pier. The town is uncluttered, with shady avenues lined with mangrove trees and coconut palms. Guinea has an important musical tradition, which is particularly cultivated in Conakry. Especially the singing of the Kindia is famous. In 1958 Guinea declared its independence from France and became an isolated and closed country under the new, strictly socialist government. Despite tourism reopening after the death of dictator Sekou Touré in 1984, Guinea remains one of Africa’s least visited countries, not least because of the relative difficulty of obtaining visas.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
According to top-medical-schools, Tunisair (TU) flies from Frankfurt/M. via Tunis and Royal Air Maroc (AT) via Casablanca to Conakry. Royal Air Maroc (AT) connects Vienna via Casablanca, Tap Air Portugal (TP) via Lisbon with Conakry. Air France (AF) flies non-stop from Paris and TAP Air Portugal (TP) from Lisbon to Conakry; Flights to Paris and Lisbon with the national airlines Lufthansa (LH), Austrian Airlines (OS) and Swiss (LX).
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Conakry: 8 hrs 50 mins; Vienna – Conakry: 9 hours 30 minutes; Zurich – Conakry: 9 hours 40 minutes
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
Roads connect Conakry with Freetown (Sierra Leone), Monrovia (Liberia) and Tambacounda (Senegal) and via Kankan and Siguiri with Bamako (Mali). The roads to Liberia and Mali are often in poor condition. Tolls: There are no toll roads in Guinea. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, it is recommended to also carry the international driver’s license with you. Note: The border areas with Sierra Leone and Liberia should be avoided if possible because of ongoing conflicts in these countries. Information about border crossings to neighboring countries can be obtained from the respective embassies and consular posts.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
There are currently no scheduled flights in Guinea. Domestic flights are handled exclusively by private providers.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network in Guinea has a total length of approx. 44,000 km, of which only approx. 10% is asphalted. Some towns are not accessible by motorized vehicles. In general, frequent police checks and roadblocks are to be expected. Night driving is strongly discouraged. Tolls: There are no toll roads in Guinea. Gas stations can only be found in cities. Gasoline is otherwise often sold in bottles.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Guinea’s roads are generally in poor condition. The connecting roads between Conakry (via Kindia) and Kissidougou and between Boké and Kamsar are paved, as is the road towards Freetown (Sierra Leone). During the rainy season, from May to October, most of the roads are difficult or impossible to drive on, even with four-wheel drive vehicles.
Road classification
The roads in Guinea are all designated as national roads, are marked starting with the letter N and numbered with a number.
Car rental
Rental cars are available in Conakry at the airport and in town; even with a driver. Drivers must be at least 21 to 23 years old, depending on the rental company and type of car.
Taxi
Taxis are available. The fare should always be agreed before the start of the journey. A faster but also not without danger progress is guaranteed with motorbike taxis; Bicycle taxis are also available.
Coach
Private bus companies offer connections from Conakry to many towns in the country. The buses are relatively comfortable and cheap.
Regulations
Traffic in Guinea is on the right.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, it is recommended to take the international driver’s license with you.
Traveling in the city
Inexpensive buses and taxis operate in Conakry.
Locally on the way by train
There are currently no train connections.
