Bijagos

The Bijagos Islands are a group of 88 islands located off the coast of Guinea-Bissau in West Africa. These islands are known for their unique blend of African and Portuguese cultures, and offer a variety of experiences for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Image from Flickr


One of the most popular activities on the Bijagos Islands is exploring the local wildlife. The islands are home to a diverse range of animals, including monkeys, hippos, and crocodiles. Visitors can take a guided tour of the islands' forests and wetlands to see these creatures up close and personal.

For those interested in history and culture, the Bijagos Islands also offer a rich tapestry of tradition and heritage. The islands are home to the Bijagos people, an ethnic group with a distinct culture and language. Visitors can witness the colorful traditional festivals and rituals of the Bijagos people, such as the Bafata Dance, which is a celebration of fertility and the harvest.




One of the most popular islands for tourists is the island of Bubaque. Here, visitors can relax on pristine white sandy beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and explore the island's mangrove forests. The island also offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts.

Another popular island is Bolama, which was once the capital of Portuguese Guinea. Visitors can explore the island's colonial-era architecture, including the old governor's palace and the charming, cobbled streets of the town center.

For the more adventurous traveler, the Bijagos Islands also offer opportunities for surfing, kite surfing, and deep-sea fishing. The islands are known for their world-class waves and abundant marine life, making them a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Getting to the Bijagos Islands can be a bit of a challenge, as there are no direct flights from major international airports. However, there are regular flights from the capital city of Bissau to the islands, and visitors can also take a ferry from the mainland.

In conclusion, the Bijagos Islands are a hidden gem of West Africa, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the islands offer something for everyone, and are sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler fortunate enough to visit.

Only some 20 islands are populated year-round, namely Bubaque which is where the Bijagos administrative capital is situated and is the most populated island, Bolama, Carache, Caravela, Enu, Formosa, Galinhas, João Vieira, Maio, Meneque, Orango, Orangozinho, Ponta, Roxa, Rubane, Soga, Unhacomo, Uno, and Uracane.

There is a high diversity of ecosystems: mangroves with intertidal zones, palm forests, dry and semi-dry forests, secondary and degraded forests, coastal savanna, sand banks and aquatic zones. The archipelago was declared in 1996 a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve--Boloma Bijagós Biosphere Reserve, known for animals including marine turtles, hippopotamus and the southern islands are today a nature reserve.