Sao Domingos

Sao Domingos is a coastal town at the mouth of the Cacheu River in northwestern Guinea-Bissau, near the border with Senegal. It is a small fishing community with a relaxed Atlantic coastal atmosphere, where traditional fishing pirogues line the beaches and the rhythm of life follows the tides. The town is accessible from Cacheu by canoe across the river mouth, a scenic trip through mangrove channels. Its location near the Senegalese border gives it a trans-border character, with trade and family connections reaching north.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau, about 120 km south. Take a sept-place to Canchungo (1.5 hours), then local transport onwards.

By Car / Road

Sao Domingos can be reached by road from Canchungo via a partly unpaved route. A more scenic option is by canoe from Cacheu — regular trips leave around 10:00 from the harbour (less than €3 as of 2008). Canoes do not run on Sundays unless you pay for the whole canoe.

The town is walkable. Canoes are the main mode of transport for river crossings.

• Atlantic coastline — sandy beaches at the Cacheu River mouth

• Traditional fishing — colourful pirogues landing their catch on the beach

• Cacheu River mouth — the dramatic meeting of river and ocean

• Take the scenic canoe crossing from Cacheu

• Walk the beaches and watch fishing boats come in

• Visit the Senegalese border if formalities allow

• Birdwatch along the river estuary

Small local eateries serve freshly grilled fish with rice and sauce. Seafood is as fresh as it gets — caught that morning.

Bottled water, soft drinks, and palm wine are available locally. Fresh coconut water from the beach.

Limited accommodation in Sao Domingos itself. Most visitors return to Cacheu (by canoe, 30 minutes) or Canchungo (by road, 40 minutes) where better lodging is available. Ask locally if homestay-style accommodation can be arranged.

Fresh fish from the beach landing is the main local product. Basic provisions are available at small village shops.

• Cacheu — across the river by canoe, historic slave-trade port with 16th-century fort
• Canchungo — 40 km south, commercial centre with better accommodation
• Cacheu River Mangroves Natural Park — adjacent to Cacheu, rich wetland ecosystem
• Senegal — just across the border northwards