Revealed: 10 Days Traveling to the Heart of the Bijagós
Some journeys take you far… and others take you deep.
When I accepted the opportunity to volunteer in Orango, I thought I would be teaching, sharing my experience as a guide. But what I didn’t imagine was how much I would learn, feel, and discover in the heart of the Bijagós Islands.
This is the story of how, among mangroves, smiles, and challenges, I found much more than a destination: I found a new way of seeing the world—and myself.
Join me on this journey where teaching is learning, and where responsible tourism plants seeds of the future that blossom with every encounter.
A Journey That Transforms From the First Step
When I was offered the chance to embark on a journey to the heart of the Bijagós, I imagined exotic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and the opportunity to share my guiding experience. But nothing prepared me for the astonishing 10 days I would spend on these islands, where each day was a lesson in humility, learning, and human connection.
The Journey to the Bijagós: Crossing Borders and Expectations
Getting to Orango is no easy feat. From Bissau, you take a small boat, jump into the water, and leave behind the comfort of usual ports. Here, life moves at a different pace, and every arrival is a little adventure.
The Bijagós, an archipelago of more than 80 islands, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protecting unique biodiversity, like the Orango National Park with its marine hippos, turtles, migratory birds… and centuries-old matriarchal culture that pulses through every corner.
First Days of the Journey: Discovering Daily Life in the Bijagós
In Orango, there are no supermarkets or regular means of transport. Everything essential must be brought from the capital, except what the land itself offers through a self-sustaining system. I soon realized that what is extraordinary for us is simply everyday life for the locals. That was the real lesson: learning to see with different eyes.
The Journey of Learning and Teaching in the Bijagós
During the course “Visitor Care and Group Guiding,” funded by the Europamundo Foundation and organized by the NGO CBD-Habitat at the Orango Parque Hotel, I had the chance to share my knowledge with 12 young people from Bolama, Uno, and Orango Grande. But most importantly, I learned from them.
Classes were taught in Portuguese and Spanish, with a translator for Creole. We covered first aid, guiding groups, and the importance of showcasing and caring for the territory. Theory blended with practice—from exercises on the beach for the international bird count to workshops at the Bijagó Ethnographic Museum, where the cultural richness of the islands comes to life.
10 Surprising Days: The Inner Journey in the Bijagós
Those 10 days were amazing—not just for what I taught, but for what I received. I discovered that many inhabitants had never thought of tourism as an opportunity. For them, their environment is everyday, but for visitors, it is a treasure to be discovered.
Through this journey to the heart of the Bijagós, I saw how young people began to see themselves as ambassadors of their land. They learned not only to guide but to value their own heritage and envision a future where sustainable tourism can transform their reality.
Travel, Community, and Hope: The Future of the Bijagós
Guinea-Bissau is one of the least visited countries in West Africa, with just over 2 million inhabitants and great economic challenges. Yet its natural and cultural resources are priceless. Traditional festivities, hospitality, and the simple life of the Bijagós make every trip a transformative experience.
Tourism here is just starting, and programs like this, supported by the Europamundo Foundation, are the seeds of change that may bear fruit for decades. Training local guides not only creates jobs but also strengthens community identity and cohesion.
Ten days of sharing, teaching guiding skills, and learning about their culture and traditions. A wonderful experience and a beautiful project that undoubtedly contributes to fostering sustainable tourism while strengthening the cohesion and identity of this place, aiming to improve quality of life as well.
Sara García
Volunteer
Sara García
Volunteer
Reflections on an Unforgettable Journey
Looking back, I realize these surprising 10 days were much more than volunteer work. They were a round trip between cultures, a lesson in humility, and an invitation to see the world through new eyes.
In the Bijagós, I learned that responsible tourism is a powerful tool to plant the future, and that every small gesture can transform lives.
If you ever have the chance to embark on a journey to the heart of the Bijagós, don’t hesitate. Because there, among mangroves and smiles, you’ll discover that the true journey is the one that transforms you from within.
