Remote islands of turtles, hippos and matriarchal traditions
The Bijagós Archipelago lies off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, a group of dozens of islands of mangroves, palm forest and empty beaches. It is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and the islands are home to green turtles, which nest on Poilão in large numbers, and to hippos that swim in the sea around Orango. The Bijagó people maintain traditions in which women hold important social and religious roles, and some islands are sacred. Lodges on Bubaque and a few other islands are the bases for fishing and boat trips.