Hiking in Doucki, The Fouta Djallon part 1

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Hiking Hassan at Doucki

Before coming here, I didn’t know much about Guinea. I knew the WHO had declared it Ebola free only a few months prior to my visit, and I knew it rains a lot. (It does!) That’s about it.
What I didn’t know is that Guinea has enormous mountains, spectacular waterfalls and extremely friendly people, all things that make this a fantastic place to spend some time.

I also didn’t know Guinea has the best hiking in West Africa.

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Tiny huts used by the field workers

I wind my way along a bumpy mountain road, perched on a ridge top and arrive at the tiny village of Doucki, which is really just a collection of houses from a couple of different families. I meet friendly Hassan and his brother who have been guiding visitors on these signature hikes in the surrounding mountains and canyons for over a decade.

They laugh at my question about the rain
“We hike anyway!”

Over the next few days we set out each morning into spectacular terrain – massive canyons, waterfalls, and jungle. On each hike we begin by walking through and around fields tended by local farmers, always working hard and always smiling broadly.

I will let the pictures do the talking. Click any picture to see them larger where you can control the slide show.

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Rock formations of every kind dot the landscape

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Hassan taking time out to pray

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The views are endless

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More Grand Canyon views

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The Grand Canyon at sunset

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Waterfalls are everywhere, including ones to swim in!

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Looking out over The Grand Canyon

-Dan

13 Responses

  1. Alejandro says:

    Spectacular views Dan! Thank you for sharing this with us, there is not many information about this part of Africa around, this is whole new view, thanks you.

  2. Luke says:

    It sounds like you are REALLY having a great time in Guinea – watch out, you might not want to leave :-)

  3. Jared says:

    Thank you for the beautiful photos. Indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words.

  4. Mary says:

    Dan, I just came across your blog in Renogy. Your trip has reinspired me to start planning! My mother has gone to Siberia, Morocco, Italy, Chezlozvocia, and many other places on her own. The best trip I ever was on was with her. We biked through Europe for 3 weeks. So I want to say thank you for the reminder of living our dreams!!!

    • Dan Grec says:

      Hey Mary,

      That’s awesome! Thanks for the comment, and it’s great to hear I’ve hooked another person :) :)
      All the best, I’d love to hear where you wind up going!

      -Dan

  5. T&J says:

    Hi Dan;
    Wonderful and exciting.
    Looks like a place to put on our bucket list.
    Hamba kahle

  6. Naomi Osanife says:

    Hi i am looking to do this 2018 December, i need reliable information on how it cost for a three-day hike, and what accommodation looks like. I am a solo female traveler so safety is something i really value. thanks for your time!

    • Dan Grec says:

      Hi Naomi,

      The safety is top notch, there is nothing to worry about in that area.
      As I remember, it was something like 20 euro per day – that’s for accommodation in a really cozy local hut, meals and two guided hikes per day.

      Have fun, you will absolutely love it!

      -Dan

  7. Mohamed says:

    Hi im guinean and i live in guinee and i benn so impressed by your travel in fuuta
    It is good to see an american man interested by this kind place and trust there is so much place like that in futa very beautiful mountain and falls etc….
    Happy and thank you .
    Take care

  1. January 6, 2017

    […] the the best hiking in West Africa! Happily hiking is my favorite thing ever. Read More here: Hiking in Doucki, The Fouta Djallon part 1 | The Road Chose Me […]

  2. January 6, 2017

    […] Read the rest of the story on The Road Chose Me […]

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