Cacheu
Cacheu is a small city in northwestern Guinea-Bissau.
Get in
With public transport from Bissau, take a sept-place to Canchungo, then change to another for Cacheu. Roads have been renovated in 2007 and are in very good condition.
It should be possible to take a canoa from Cacheu to São Domingos, not on Sundays however, unless you pay for the whole canoa yourself.
Get around
Tarrafe natural park can be visited by canoa. Regural (non tourist) canoa trips to Sao Domingos leave everyday around 10AM (may vary with sea level) from the harbour (less than 3 euros as in 2008). It is possible to have lunch at Sao Domingos and return in the same day. If you want a customized trip talk directly with the fishermen.
"Tabancas", small villages around Cacheu, can be visited with local guides.
See
- Tarafes de Cacheu Natural Park
- The little picturesque fort was used to ship slaves to the Americas. There are some old bronze statues inside the fort. If the door is locked, ask around, the friendly guy who has the key lives close-by.
Do
Visit the cultural centre "Casa do Capitao Mor" created in collaboration with "Associacao de Cooperacao com a Guinea-Bissau" (Portugal)
Buy
The catholic mission sells local fruit jams to fund medical and health care activities among children.
Eat
There are some small restaurants at the harbour, serving rice with something - but probably only open for lunch. Otherwise you'll have to buy bread and canned food and cater for yourself.
Drink
The nightclub "Butu de Cacheu" is the only place to drink, dance and listen to African music.
Sleep
Bungalows next to the harbour are reasonably clean and not expensive. The hotel next to the fort was being renovated in 2007 and ought to open some time soon. Note: as in 2008, this is not open yet. Otherwise, ask around in town and someone will probably know someone, who can arrange accommodation.
Alternatively, take a car back to Canchungo or Bissau and spend the night there, there are better hotels and restaurants in Canchungo than Cacheu.