Sights in Guinea
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Camp Boiro
Although over 20 years have passed since Sekou Touré's death, his legacy continues to influence Guinean life. Some knowledge of his era is important if you want to understand present-day Guinea.
A good place to start is Camp Boiro , in the centre of Conakry on Route de Donka. Called Garde Républicaine on some maps, this military base rapidly became synonymous with the worst atrocities carried out during Touré's 'reign of terror'. From 1960 until Touré's death in 1984, thousands of prisoners were tortured or killed at Camp Boiro, including many prominent figures. Every sector of society was affected, and most Guineans you meet can tell of a family member or friend who was…
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Mt Nimba
Mount Nimba, Guinea's highest peak at 1752m (5748ft), is part of the mountain range straddling Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia. The summit, best reached from the village of Gbakoré, 18km (11mi) southeast of Lola, offers phenomenal views of surrounding peaks in all three countries.
It's a steep, winding four-hour trek to the top, a guide is mandatory and a permit is required.
There are several good guides for hire in Gbakoré and you should let your guide get your permit for you because this can be a real pain.
The Nimba mountains host a rich variety of plant and animal life, in particular some notable amphibians such as the goliath frogs, which can weigh as much as…
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Cape Verga
Cape Verga, just a few hours from Conakry, has some of the best beaches in Guinea. Bel Air beach, once a great place to chill in beach huts is now dominated by President Conté's flash hotel. Thankfully, nearby Sobané beach has comfy bungalows and options for al fresco sleep outs.
The deserted stretch of sand between Bel Air and Sobané is ideal for exploration. Except for the fishing families who live here, Cape Verga is deserted for most of the week, but comes alive at weekends with expatriates from the capital and the bauxite mines inland. Getting there without your own wheels is difficult because few vehicles travel this way, even though it is one of the best roads in…
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Palais des Nations
Intended to be the venue for the Organisation of African Unity conference in 1984, which was cancelled when Sekou Touré died, the grand Palais des Nations served as the president's office until being destroyed in the February 1996 army rebellion. It is still in ruins. Near the palace are 50 Moorish-style villas, built to house African presidents during the conference meeting and now used as residences and offices.
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Bossou
This sleepy village on the Liberian border is one of the best places in west Africa to see chimpanzees. Guides from the research centre track the chimps daily, so face-to-faces are nearly guaranteed, and the hikes through the remaining patch of primary forest covering the surrounding hills are scenic regardless of who you meet along the way.
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Grande Mosquée
Financed primarily by Saudi Arabia and inaugurated in 1984, the impressive Grande Mosquée has an inner hall capable of accommodating 10,000 worshippers. Although visitors are not usually allowed inside, you can inquire at the Islamic Centre next door about arranging a tour. Sekou Touré's grave is in a small gazebo on the grounds.
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Oppo Atelier
Oppo Atelier is an association of welders that makes funky sculptures from scrap metal near the Palais du Peuple. You can watch the statues, large and small, being made and if you bring a picture they will do custom work.
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Musée National
Musée National is the country's largest collection of masks, statues and musical instruments. It's modest, but interesting. Woodcarvers and drum-makers ply their trades on the museum grounds.
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Cathédrale Sainte-Marie
Not as impressive as the mosque, Conakry's yellow and red Cathédrale Sainte-Marie is nevertheless a beautiful building. Behind the Cathedral is the Palais Présidentiel.
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Botanical Garden
Surrounding the Direction Nationale des Forêts et de la Faune, the Botanical Garden is the coolest place in the city, though not the cleanest.
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Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry
The two large and interesting mosaics at the Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry are worth a look.
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Jardin 2 Octobre
Many families gather in Jardin 2 Octobre on weekends.
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