Every year between February and March, the most joyful and colourful carnival in Africa comes to life in Guinea Bissau. A mix of Afro-Brazilian traditions expressed in a popular festival, including parades of masks and exciting dance performances.
A tradition that is renewed and enriched year after year, showcasing the unbridled joie de vivre of the local population. In the capital, Bissau, jugglers, artists and fire-eaters compete in acrobatic contests, while drums enliven the dances of young dancers dressed in raffia skirts and bras made from coconuts. But it is in the Bijagos Islands archipelago that the most impressive festivities take place. There, nature spirits materialise in papier-mâché masks adorned with feathers and rattles, shamans stage propitiatory rites and each village elects its queen, choosing her from the most beautiful young women. A riot of colours and rhythms for an unforgettable experience!
Day 1 : Monday 09 February 2026
Outward flight/Bissau (OXB)
Day 2 : Tuesday 10 February 2026
Bissau/Bubaque Island (Bijagos Archipelago)
By boat to the Bijagos Archipelago, the “Polynesia of West Africa”.
Day 3 : Wednesday 11 February 2026
Bubaque/Orango Island/Bubaque
The villages and saltwater hippos of Orango.
Day 4 : Thursday 12 February 2026
Bubaque/Soga Island/Bubaque
The animist rituals related to women’s initiations on Soga Island.
Day 5 : Friday 13 February 2026
Bubaque/Canhabaque Island/Bubaque
The trekking between Bijago villages and the dream beaches of Canhabaque Island.
Day 6 : Saturday 14 February 2026
Bubaque/Bruce/Bubaque (Carnival)
The wild beaches and the parades and dances of the Bijagos queens at the Bubaque Carnival.
Day 7 : Sunday 15 February 2026
Bubaque/Bolama/Bissau
The island of Bolama, an ancient centre for the ivory and peanut trade.
Days 8-9 : Monday 16 February to Tuesday 17 February 2026
Bissau (Carnival)
The papier-mâché masks, buxom dancers and parades of Bissau Carnival.
Day 10 : Wednesday 18 February 2026
Bissau/Quinhamel/Bissau
The encounter with a Pepel feticheur and tasting of cana rum.
Day 11 : Thursday 19 February 2026
Bissau (OXB)/Return Flight
There are no extensions for this tour, please contact us at info@kanaga-at.com.
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