Conakry - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I would think it would be best for couples. Singles complain of loneliness. Families have difficulties b/c of terrible schools, lack of entertainment, especially with older children (middle and high school aged). - Sep 2022
Conakry is a great city for families. Guinean society is very family oriented, there are lots of kids everywhere, lots of the expats here are families. Often expat housing has big yards or patios to run around in, so your kids can get lots of the type of unstructured time that is so rare these days in the US. A caveat is that there aren’t many public parks, so outside play is either around your house, or in makeshift public spaces like soccer fields carved out of vacant lots or dead-end streets. Childless couples obviously won't be into the kids' stuff, but I think they'd have a good time exploring, discovering a new place together, and having an accomplice/confidant to complain to when necessary (and that way the rest of us won't have to listen to one another’s negativity!). I don't know if I'd be happy as a single here. It might be lonely, and given the initial difficulties of getting to know people in such a different culture (as well as the general family orientation of life here), it could be easy to withdraw into your own little bubble. There is a very active nightlife though, if you're more adventurous (and if you don't feel self-conscious around a very young crowd). Amazing music, both live and DJed, clubs open at all hours, a culture that's pretty open/accepting of foreigners. That said, the huge income gap between most expats and most Guineans might make for some ambiguous situations where you don't know if you're having a normal interaction based on genuine human interest, or if someone wants money from you. Usually it's not the latter case, but since you never know, it may sometimes be hard at first to initiate a comfortable, genuine friendship. If you keep at it and don't take advantage of others or let them take advantage of you, it'll turn out fine, and hopefully be very enlightening and fulfilling. Do everyone a favor though, stay away from casual sex. It's just too easy for you as an expat to do something ugly, maybe without even realizing it. Given all the cultural barriers and possibilities for misunderstandings, make sure that you actually know someone and are on the same page before you get intimate. - Jun 2021
It's a good place for people who can entertain themselves. - Nov 2019
Good for couples, then singles, then families. I think this place is a real challenge for many (but not all) families. The older the kids, the harder it is. It you have bilingual (French) speaking older kids there may be a bit more of a community to tap into. - May 2016
I think it is a good city for adventurous types- regardless of marital or relationship status. It is a make your own fun environment. - Dec 2014
Conakry has its challenges for all. One of the biggest problems is boredom. People really have to make an effort to find things to do, and most people try to help the community by hosting events. - Sep 2009
I think it is great for families. There really is not alot to do, so it is up to you to make your own fun. Getting together with other people is a big part of the social life, but quality time with your family is plentiful. That said, I know people of all sorts that have loved it or hated it. I think it depends on the person and their attitude. - May 2009
Families and couples have an easier time than singles. - Mar 2008
