The water terraces
Over black rock.
Aboubacarkhoraa — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Aboubacarkhoraa — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Aboubacarkhoraa — CC BY-SA 4.0
Saala Falls are a series of waterfalls in Middle Guinea, in the commune of Diari between the prefectures of Labé and Pita. They lie in the Fouta Djallon highlands, the green upland where many West African rivers rise. They are known for stepping down over wide dark rocks, forming terraces of white water. Water flows here all year, but the falls are at their best in the rainy season, when the river feeds them heavily. The Fouta Djallon is the heart of Fulani culture in Guinea and a historic centre of Islamic learning in the region. You see a broad river sliding over flat black rocks and then dropping in several steps, turning into white foam. Thick green forest and rock cliffs surround the falls. Below lies a wide pool, from which the water runs on between rocks through the valley. They are about 26 km from Labé in a straight line. The rocks are very slippery near the water, so keep back from the edge and do not swim above the falls. Take a local guide who knows the way.
Over black rock.
Around the falls.
Below.
Diari commune, between Labé and Pita, Guinea
In the rains, roughly July to September.
Not near the edge, as rocks are slippery and the current strong.