Loma Mountains
About Loma Mountains
The Loma Mountains are the highest mountain range in West Africa and includes Mount Bintumani (or Loma Mansa), the highest peak in West Africa. The areas surrounding the mountains consist of rainforests with a variety of wildlife, including pygmy hippopotamuses, crocodiles, owls, and various primates.
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Getting there:
From Freetown, take a poda-poda to Kabala. If that's not possible, you can also get a poda-poda to Makeni and then take a shared taxi to Kabala. In Kabala, ask around to hire a driver to take you the village closest to the mountains. Be prepared to pay a lot of money since he will also have to stay while you climb since there is no transportation back to Kabala from the mountains.
The trip to the mountains takes the better part of a day. On the way you will pass through several villages. We had to pay two village chiefs to be allowed to hike up the mountains. Once you reach the final visit, talk to the Chief to hire a guide.
FYI: Buy all the food and water you will need for, say 5 days, in Kabala because it is NOT POSSIBLE to buy it along the way to the mountains.
Also, the road to the mountains is extremely rough so if you are prone to car sickness, you should probably bring something to ease your stomach.
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First To Review:
Apr 15, 2009
The views from the mountains are spectacular; however, this trip is not for the weekend warrior. Be prepared to hike at a fast pace. The guide that we hired practically ran up the mountain and it was quite difficult to get him to slow down for us. Bring plenty of water and food as well.
That said, this hike is totally worth it. The forest is absolutely beautiful and the top of the peaks are quite serene. At the top of the first peak, there is a ranger station and a small stream where you can refresh your water (don't forget purification tablets!). We lucked out and the people who worked there fed us rice and provided us with a shelter to sleep under.
That said, this hike is totally worth it. The forest is absolutely beautiful and the top of the peaks are quite serene. At the top of the first peak, there is a ranger station and a small stream where you can refresh your water (don't forget purification tablets!). We lucked out and the people who worked there fed us rice and provided us with a shelter to sleep under.
Jul 14, 2010
Kabala is the capital of Koinadugu district on the northern part of Sierra Leone, with a culture similar to Guinea Conakry and a landscape of hills and mountains. It is quite cool during Harmattan time (from December to February) and does not get too hot during the rest of the year due to its height. Kabala gets very busy during New Year as many people come from all over the country to climb the hills that overlook the town for celebration.
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