Mount Kakoulima

Mount Kakoulima rises to around a thousand metres northeast of Conakry, a flat-topped massif of dark rock that dominates the skyline from the capital and the coastal plain, and it can be climbed in a long day from the villages on its flanks. The route goes up through farmland and then forest and scrub onto the plateau top. From the summit the coast, the islands and Conakry are laid out.

The landscape

• The flat top - the plateau summit the massif is shaped by.
• The coastal view - Conakry, the coast and the islands from the top.
• The climb - the route up through farmland, forest and scrub.
• The skyline presence - a mountain visible from across the capital.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and the practical window. The rains make the route slippery and dangerous. Harmattan haze can cut the view.

Things to know

The climb is long and steep with no marked path; a guide from the villages is needed. There is no water on the route. Haze often closes the view over the coast.

Nearby

Coyah is below, and Conakry is southwest.

Key facts