THE MIDWEST AFRICAN SERIES, DAY 15 & 16
CONAKRY – PITA – KOUNDARA
West Africa’s brothel hotel. Today starts without doubt the most difficult leg of the journey as we travel from Conakry to Bissau.
CONDOMS & GUINNESS
Over the past week or so we have been able to drive almost as the crow flies, direct from one city to another. But this trip takes us into the highlands of Guinea and in through the eastern tip of Guinea Bissau, the only possible way.
WHERE IS PITA?
Pita
POLICE HELP
It only took us two minutes before we were already in bother with the police after a slight error. When I say slight, we were driving down the motorway the wrong way and as is the way with West Africa it wasn’t long until a policeman caught us looking a bit sheepish…
We expected big problems with this as they can be bad enough during the most innocent of times, but we were surprised. After a bit of pleading by Marlon who wasn’t sure of his directions, they were happy to escort us (with a fee of course) out of the city so we could go on our way, you just never know what’s going to happen in West Africa!!
West Africa’s brothel hotel
DAILY INFO….
- HOTEL –
Sister ($25, 6/10)
Les Hotels Badiar ($11, 3/10) - ATTRACTIONS –
DINNER
I was never excited about the thought of some of the food I would have to eat in Africa but tonight’s was by far the best, even surpassing the cold Lasagne from Noom.
We stopped in a small empty restaurant just around the corner from the hotel and Marlon suggest the Fataya, which is basically a mince sandwich in something similar to doughnut bread. I couldn’t help but wander if I’d see it early the following morning again but it was incredible. Similar to the Fry Jacks I had in Belize (LINK), would 100% recommend.
West Africa’s brothel hotel
FLAG….
- RED – Representing the blood of the people’s sacrifice.
- YELLOW – Symbolizes mineral wealth, the tropical sun, and justice.
- GREEN – Reflects the agricultural wealth of the land and solidarity.
RELATED READ: HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST HOSTEL
DAY 16, FOUTA DALLJAN
This morning we ventured out on motorbike and into the sticks to one of Guinea’s most beautiful spots. It might be a small list but Kambadaga Falls is by far the best piece of landscape I have seen on this trip. Although the viewpoint is elevated it is possible to access via a mototaxi, so no need for any lengthy hikes!
If you want to visit the waterfall itself this will require a quick sweat but again nothing most people can’t manage and even if it was a considerable challenge, very much worth it.
Due to it being dry season it was possible to get right at the edge of the waterfall and the view was magnificent.
FACTS ABOUT GUINEA:
- Guinea has been inhabited for at least 30,000 years by hunter-gatherer populations, with farming practices dating back around 3,000 years.
- The region where Guinea lies was a significant source of gold. Interestingly, the name “guinea” for the British gold coin originated from this area.
- In the past, Guinea was part of the Empire of Mali, which covered a large area of western Africa between the 13th and 15th centuries.
CHUTS DU KINKON
Besides the trip to Iceland (link) I am never one for visiting waterfalls, however when in this region of Guinea it is a must to visit Kambadaga and Kinkon. Not only are they incredible sites of nature but you will likely have them all to yourself…almost. Do expect when coming to Kinkon to pay a fee at a checkpoint just a few minutes from the waterfall…and possibly another one at the waterfall 😏
ABOUT THE COUNTRY:
- LANGUAGE – The official language of Guinea is French, which was inherited from colonial rule. In addition to French, several indigenous languages have been given the status of national languages: Fula, Malinke, Susu and Koniaka.
- HELLO – “I ni se” or “I ni sɛnɛ”
- HOW TO CHEERS – “Santé!”
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE – Malamba: This popular beverage is made from the sap of the palm tree.
- POPULAR SPORT – Football
- STAPLE DIET – Corn, rice and peanuts
SHMOTEL
Tonight’s accom was interesting let’s just say. Besides the mad street party right outside my door it was €11 of pure bliss. The temperature today had been incredible, I think over 30C overnight and into the 40s during the day so finding out there was no fan let alone AC was hard to take. Not to mention the evidence of this place being a lover’s boudoir from the empty bottle of Guinness to the pack of condoms and stained bedsheets to pubic pillows. I will sleep above the sheets tonight.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This was the West Africa I expected more of, the poor roads, checkpoints and the primal hotels. An important part of the experience but can’t say I could do it for 3 weeks straight.
NEXT UP
Enroute to Bissau and country number 167!! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
166/229
This post is part of The Midwest African Series, for the entire series click here or for episode 1, click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my go Instagram.
