Kindia: waterfalls and pineapples on the road inland

The Voile de la Mariee

The **Voile de la Mariee**, or Bridal Veil, is Kindia's most famous sight. A slender ribbon of water slides down a high rock face into a cool pool surrounded by forest, looking just like a veil in the wind. It lies a short drive from town along a rough road. After the rains, in September and October, it is at its most powerful; by the end of the dry season it can thin to a trickle. Local guides and village representatives may ask for a small contribution for access, so carry some small notes.

Mont Gangan and the hills

**Mont Gangan** rises above the town and is wrapped in local legend. You can walk on its lower slopes with a guide for views over Kindia and the surrounding valleys. The countryside around **Friguiagbe** is green and gentle, with rice fields, palm trees and villages that make for easy walks.

Fruit and markets

Kindia is the fruit basket of Guinea. The **central market** overflows with pineapples, mangoes, bananas, oranges and avocados, depending on the season, and roadside stalls on the Conakry road sell them to every passing car. It is one of the best places in the country to taste fresh fruit at its peak. The market is also good for everyday cloth, baskets and spices.

Primates and science

Kindia has a long history with primate research. The old **Pastoria** institute nearby was once a well known research station, and the region still has chimpanzees in the wild. Guinea's chimpanzee conservation work is mostly focused elsewhere, so do not expect a visitor centre here, but it is part of the town's story.

More waterfalls on the way

Between Conakry and Kindia, the **Chutes de Soumba** near Dubreka are a popular picnic spot, especially at weekends. Combining Soumba on the way out and the Voile de la Mariee in Kindia makes a good waterfall day.

Where to stay and eat

Kindia has a handful of simple hotels and guesthouses, adequate for a night. Facilities are basic: expect fans or air conditioning only when the power is on, and check that water is running. Food is local and good: grilled chicken and brochettes at roadside grills, rice with peanut or leaf sauce and plenty of fruit.

Getting there

The road from Conakry has improved, but traffic leaving the capital can be very slow, so leave early. Shared taxis leave from the Conakry gare routiere, and many visitors hire a driver for the highland trip as a whole. Do not drive at night: unlit vehicles, livestock and potholes make the roads dangerous after dark. Expect police and military checkpoints; keep your passport and documents handy.

Moving on

From Kindia the road continues to **Mamou**, the crossroads town, and then climbs into the Fouta Djallon toward Dalaba, Pita and Labe. Read our guide to the Fouta Djallon to plan the next part of the journey. If you are short on time, Kindia also works as a long day trip from Conakry, though an overnight stay is far more relaxed and lets you reach the falls in the cool of the morning.