Labé

Labé is the largest city of the Fouta Djallon and one of the largest in Guinea, a Fulani centre on the plateau with a big market, a grand mosque and the trade of the whole highland region running through it. It is where trips to Doucki, Fétoré and the northern falls are arranged. The city sits at around a thousand metres so the climate is milder than the coast. The city was one of the nine provinces of the Fouta Djallon imamate and has been the region's centre since long before the colonial period.

History

The city was founded in the 1720s by the Fulani and named after their chief, Manga Labé, and it grew into a major trading centre linking the Niger with the Atlantic coast. Before French rule it was the capital of the province of Labe within the Imamate of Futa Jallon, home to Muslim leaders and scholars (Wikipedia, Labé).

What you'll find

• The market - the trading centre for the whole Fouta Djallon.
• The grand mosque - the main religious building of the city.
• The Fulani character - the culture of the plateau's dominant community.
• The base function - where trips into the highlands are arranged.

When to go

November to April is the dry season. The rains from May to October are heavy. Market days bring the region in.

Things to know

The city is workaday with little arranged for visitors. Facilities are basic. The road from Conakry takes around seven hours on a route in variable condition.

Nearby

Fétoré is nearby, and Mali-ville is north.

Key facts