A few shots from the stunning hike across the range of Loma Mountains to the highest point in West Africa, Mount Bintumani, or – as the locals call it – “Loma Mansa”, the king of the mountains (1,945 m/6,381 ft).

Like many other destinations in Salone, this hike needs to be earned: count at least one day to drive from Freetown to Makeni, then to Mansofinia through Waidu, to finally reach the last village, Sokurala, where the hike begins the following day, and after some negotiations with the chief and villagers. Climbing Bintumani from the east offers the view of Bintumani during most of the hike, if weather permits. 

So the hike begins at the foot of the mountain in Sokurela. We pass the thatched village houses, trying not to get in trouble with the angry-looking cows, then take the path winding up the forested foothills covered in the mist, go through the remainings of a sun-dried bamboo forest and next to giant boulders emerging from the ground.

After a few hours, our team reaches the montane grasslands of the plateau, the greeny plains enveloping the mountain, and with a clear view of the peak just in front of us. We pitch our tents in a little bush and wait for the sunset, surrounded by the swaying beauty of nature and feeling the female spirit of Bintumani floating above the summit. 

The Bintumani hike with its tranquil and dreamy scenery is a promise of remoteness and wilderness – the real beauty of Salone.