Istanbul – Conakry flights on monthly payments

When to visit Conakry

The dry season from November to April is the easiest period; humidity is relatively lower from December to February, although the harmattan wind from the Sahara sometimes makes the air dusty and hazy. March and April are hot and humid. June to October is the rainy season; Conakry is one of the wettest capitals in West Africa and in July and August heavy rain falls almost daily, making boat trips to the islands and getting around the city harder in those months. Temperatures are high all year; bring light cotton clothing and sun protection.

Things to do in Conakry

Kassa Island (Îles de Los)

The main islands of the Îles de Los off Conakry are Kassa, Roume and Tamara. Boats leave from the Boulbinet fishing port in Kaloum; the crossing to Kassa takes about 30 minutes and to Roume close to an hour. Kassa, with its palm-lined beaches, calm coves and simple beach facilities, is the easiest escape from the city, while Roume is quieter. It is done as a day trip; agree the return time with the boatman in advance and check the sea in the rainy season.

Grande Mosquée Fayçal

Built under Ahmed Sékou Touré with Saudi Arabian funding and opened in 1982, the mosque is counted as the largest in sub-Saharan Africa with a capacity of 12,500 worshippers. The Camayenne Mausoleum in its gardens holds national figures such as Samori Touré, Alfa Yaya and Ahmed Sékou Touré. It reopened for worship after an extensive renovation. Visitors should dress modestly and come outside prayer times.

Sandervalia National Museum

Guinea's national museum is in the Sandervalia quarter of Kaloum near the Ignace Deen Hospital and was founded in 1960 to house examples of traditional arts. The collection holds masks, sculptures, musical instruments and ceremonial objects of the Baga, Kissi and forest region peoples; the Baga Nimba mask is among the best known types. It is a small museum, seen in about an hour. It is a good starting point for understanding Guinea's cultural diversity.

Camayenne Botanical Garden

Founded in 1897, the garden is known as the oldest experimental garden in West Africa and is famous for its huge kapok trees. Its original 30 hectares have shrunk to about 7 through urbanisation, but it remains a shaded breathing space in the middle of the busy city. It is a good place for a walk under the trees, listening to birds and escaping the heat. As it sits in the same Camayenne area as the Grande Mosquée Fayçal, the two fit into one day.

Sainte-Marie Cathedral

Sainte-Marie Cathedral in Kaloum is the Catholic cathedral of the Archdiocese of Conakry, built in the colonial period. It stands in the old centre of the peninsula among the government buildings, and with its light coloured front and round rose window it is one of the clear stops on a walk through Kaloum. Visitors can go in outside services, dressed modestly. The city's big market, Madina, is in the Dixinn area; it is crowded, so going with a local guide and leaving valuables at the hotel is wise.

Palais du Peuple

In Kaloum, near the seaward side of the peninsula, the People's Palace is a large congress and ceremonial building built with Chinese support in the post-independence period; parliamentary sessions, official ceremonies and large cultural events are held here. The broad square and gardens in front are a good stop for seeing the architecture of post-colonial Conakry. The interior is usually open only for events; as it is an official building, ask the guards before taking photographs.

Airlines on the Istanbul – Conakry route

Türk Hava Yolları flies Istanbul – Conakry direct. Suso pulls live flights through Google Flights; pick the best option and spread the cost over monthly payments.

About Conakry

Conakry is a popular route for Guinea (Africa). For more travel guidance, when to go and things to do, see our Conakry destination page.

Istanbul – Conakry FAQ