Introduction to Conakry/Guinea
Despite the chaos, noise and heat that meets you at the airport, Conakry and the Guinean people warm themselves to you, given a little time. Conakry can offer a very relaxed lifestyle, and with a little guidance, you quickly begin to know your way around.
It was brought to my attention one day that the Guineans have a very eclectic background i.e. a mixture of French colonialism, communist influence, Muslim beliefs and African know-how!!! Makes for an interesting blend of character!!!
Suburbs of Conakry
(Khaloum is closest, with Kipe furthest from town)
Khaloum (city centre)
Camayenne (offers many apartments)
Miniere (offers houses and apartments)
Touyah/Ratoma (mostly houses)
Kipe (mostly houses)
There are two main access routes to and from city centre – both routes generally heavy with traffic, particularly between 7.30am-9.30am and again 3pm-7pm, and particularly during the rainy season.
Weather
As Guinea is near the equator, it is generally warm to hot and humid, with two seasons – wet and dry. Wet season builds from June, heaviest through July/August, slowly decreasing September/October. December/January evenings can be quite cool, but delightfully warm days. Months of January to May are hot, with winds and storms building through April/May, bringing the rains in June. As malaria is a possibility in Guinea, mosquito nets are suggested over your bed.
Health
Ensure full vaccinations prior to leaving your own country. Some countries, like Australia, require Certificate of Vaccinations to re-enter. Vaccinations are generally for typhoid, tetanus, Hep A and B, Yellow Fever, along with malaria tablets (daily or weekly). Vaccination cards are also usually required for entrance into Guinea.
Clinic Amboise Pare (400 meters from Camayenne Hotel) is a private hospital and clinic, run by Dr Nabil Saad.
Don’t take the threat of malaria lightly – wear long sleeved clothing in evenings, and spray with personal deterrent. Bottled water for drinking is best. Wash all fruit and vegetables in tap water, mixed with a teaspoon of bleach – kills all the bugs!!!
Shipment of Goods
Best fill 20ft container with personal items, including general furniture (not antiques because of humidity), sports equipment, bedding, rugs, paintings, kitchenware, garden tools and furniture, garden umbrellas. No contents insurance is available here!
Good supply of electrical appliances are available in Conakry, but pack any special appliances you can’t live without. Pack power block for your own appliances and change the main plug to Guinean upon arrival. The plug in Guinea is two round holes in a circular wall mount, so make sure to bring convertors that will fit. As the voltage in Conakry differs and often cuts in and out, a voltage regulator will also save your appliances, computer, televisions etc.. against fried wires.
Extra personal items to pack:
All books available here are in French only.
Books/CDs/notebooks & scribble pads (paper expensive here)/cosmetics/aerogard sprays.
Wines are dubious as they have a long hot journey to Guinean shores and there is an excellent choice of French wines, etc here.
Electrical
One electrical outlet is NEMR-KAIS, beside Total Office (63 35 55 33/60 34 95 03 or ask Petre) with a very good choice of fridges, TV, stereos, freezers, ovens, etc. DSTV is available with broad range of networks, in both English and French.
Housing
Housing is in short supply, but there is a choice between apartments and houses.
The Camayenne and Miniere areas are the most popular, but not always available. It may be necessary to stay at a hotel until repairs are completed or an apartment becomes available. It's best if your organization/company can make lodging arrangements for you, but if not, be prepared to spend time searching on your own. If you are privately renting a home, it may be necessary to go through a 'demarcher', or someone who will be a liason to the landlord for you. There is virtually no way to get around this, so expect some negociations and running around. Many houses are provided with generators as power in town is erratic. In large apartment buildings, a fee for fuel may be assessed in adition to your monthly payments.
Communication/Language
French is the most common language, with some English spoken. There are various dialects, the main being Pular, Susu, and Malinke. Although some dialects in Guinea are similar, people, especially in the capital, generally begin the conversation in French. There are both an English Speaking Women’s Association and a French Speaking Women’s Association in Conakry – both very welcoming and attempt to fund raise throughout the year to support local needy charities. Lovely way to instantly make new friends, practice your French/English and get involved in local community.
Internet available – reasonably reliable, although, slow during business hours. Will require Guinean mobiles with various networks available. It may be necessary to carry up to 3 mobiles, each with its own network affiliation.
Banking
There are banks in Guinea. Societies General and Echobank are some of the larger ones.
Accounts can be readily opened (proof of identity required) in various currencies i.e. US, Euros, Guinean francs. Fee charged of approx US$45 for each foreign currency deposit into your account.
Money exchanges can be made in the street, but SGB currently offering reasonable rates. ATMs are available, but risky for foreign cards. Local accounts in Guinean Franc will give you a checkbook that may be useful although checks are not widely accepted.
It is advisable to set up internet banking prior to leaving your own shores. Cash withdrawl using foreign cards may prove to be very difficult and are not advised. Although, ATM’s are available for withdrawl of local accounts, many foreigners complain of problems trying to use other banks cards. May be prudent to set up Power of Attorney/signatories.
Schooling
French Lycee School
International School (often called American school) www.isc.guinea.org
Leisure Activities
Los Islands – Ruin (main island) – is a delightful tropical island offering basic bungalows (with power) and outdoor café and pretty swimming beach. Ferries, available from Petit Bateau jetty provide the 1 hr trip to island. There are choices of many small islands, some better than others, so ask around before you visit. Some people have had boats built locally, some sharing cost with others. Hiring a skipper to maintain and skipper your boat is quite affordable. Good fishing available in nearby waters.
Les Cascades (dramatic waterfall and swimming hole only 45 minutes drive from Conakry) is quite beautiful and refreshing in wet season, and offers basic restaurant.
Another beachside area, near BelAir (2-3 hours drive from Conakry).
As Europe (Paris direct flight) is only 6 hours away, it is easy to access for holidays. Morocco (Air Moroc) is another easy 3 hour flight, and offers a wonderful destination.
Restaurants
There are a number of hotels offering restaurant facilities i.e. Rocher Hotel, Novotel, Riviera Hotel, as well as many smaller private restaurants – French, Lebanese, Italian, Vietnamese, and African. Hygiene standards are generally good. Restaurants which we have tried and repeatedly frequent are Le Conakry (inexpensive and offer some choice dishes), Trio (Lebanese), IndoChine (excellent Vietnamese), Le Damier (excellent French/will also provide catering), Hanoi (inexpensive Vietnamese), L’Eau Vivre (located at Nongo), Petit Bateau on jetty, Casa Bella and others.
Sports Facilities
Riviera Hotel offers very good gym equipment and/or exercise classes. Other gym classes at Le Sporting (between Miniere and Touyah areas) are also available and Le Sporting also offers tennis courts, squash and a large pool.
Running is very popular in town and there are various groups who run together. Le Jardin 2 Octobre also has an excellent running track that is well-lit for night runners. Some good hiking available in mountain areas for weekends away.
Furniture
There are some good quality furniture shops offering leather furnishings, etc, but they are quite expensive. There are some furniture makers in Conakry, who can construct some nice furniture, fairly promptly and for a reasonable price. Mr. Sow in Ratoma offers good choice of furniture.
Other furniture outlets include G.S. Meubles, Riviera Meubles and many others providing more stylish leather lounges, modern furniture, etc.
Supermarkets/Foods
Supermarkets are available throughout Conakry with reasonable choice, including good selection of alcohol and wines, i.e. French, Chilean, Moroccan, Australian, South African, etc. Suggest you visit Leader Price (at the casino), March 2000 or A-Z Supermarket – both offer slightly different items, but are reliable and honest. Excellent choice of cheeses and French produce available, although it is erratic, as these items are shipped in and not always available. Some fruit and vegetables are air freighted in, but expensive. Best to buy local fruit and vegetables – excellent choice, fresh and good value. Of course, tropical fruits are abundant. Fish market offers fabulous fresh fish and you can either haggle over a price and choice, or send someone to barter for you. Locally produced yoghurt is also readily available.
