Location and surroundings
Mount Loura belongs to a nested mountain range hierarchy starting from the widest to the Upper Guinea Swell, leading into the Guinea Highlands, then the Fouta Djallon, and finally narrowing down to the Tamgue Massif. Situated in Guinea, within the Labé Region and Mali Prefecture, it holds the rank of being the highest of 16 named peaks in the Tamgue Massif, which spans across Guinea and Senegal. The surrounding landscape features rolling terrain typical of the region's elevated plateaus and massifs.
Neighbouring peaks
The vicinity around Mount Loura features several other peaks and hills at varying distances and directions. Here are the nearest ones from the database records:
- Moïnahi (peak), 681 m, 19.2 km NW
- Téli Oundé (peak), 588 m, 33.4 km W
- Sambagalou (hill), 477 m, 36.3 km N
- Fello Kaballa (peak), 552 m, 39.9 km E
- Nagoye (peak), 495 m, 40.5 km NW
- Tamikou (peak), 551 m, 41.6 km SE
- Sanden (peak), 756 m, 41.9 km S
- Sintioufourou (peak), 564 m, 42.1 km W
The range
The mountain range hierarchy for Mount Loura extends from the broad Upper Guinea Swell down through the Guinea Highlands and the Fouta Djallon, terminating in the narrowest range, the Tamgue Massif. The Tamgue Massif itself spans across two countries, namely Guinea and Senegal. Within the Tamgue Massif, Mount Loura stands as the highest of 16 named peaks in that specific massif.
Access and starting points
Access to the upper areas of Mount Loura relies on nearby local settlements mapped in OpenStreetMap. The nearest settlements include the village of Tensira located 2.3 km SE, the village of Bindossi located 3.0 km SW, the village of Bogoma located 4.1 km SE, and the village of Donghol Danki located 5.0 km SW. Right on and around the summit itself, a viewpoint is situated 480 m NW of the top.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for Mount Loura are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 through 2020 monthly means, adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit, the mean temperature reaches its warmest in April at about 25 °C and its coldest in August at about 18 °C. In the surrounding area, total precipitation is about 1,500 mm a year, with August being the wettest month at about 470 mm and January the driest at about 0 mm. Typical regional weather hazards include heavy seasonal downpours during the wet months.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean above freezing at the summit of Mount Loura span the entire year: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Visitors generally look to the drier months of the year, particularly avoiding the peak wet month of August when precipitation reaches about 470 mm, to ensure safer and more accessible walking conditions on the slopes.
Nature and wildlife
The terrain around Mount Loura features the typical plateau and massif landscapes of the Fouta Djallon and Tamgue Massif in Guinea. Vegetation generally adapts to a tropical climate with a distinct dry season and a heavy rainy period peaking around August. Wildlife in the wider region consists of various savanna and highland species accustomed to these elevated African environments, though specific protected areas are not detailed in the local records.
Guides and organised ascents
For ascents in Guinea, mountaineering infrastructure is minimal, and visitors typically rely on local arrangements. When undertaking climbs in the region, emergency numbers for mountain rescue include 117 for the Police and 118 for the Gendarmerie. No specific international guide associations or commercial guiding companies are officially registered for this specific mountain in the database.
Safety and preparation
Climbing and walking on Mount Loura requires standard preparation for tropical highland terrain, including adequate sun protection, footwear, and provisions for changing weather conditions. In the event of an emergency on the mountain, visitors can contact local authorities using the emergency numbers for Guinea: dial 117 for the Police or 118 for the Gendarmerie.
Interesting facts
Mount Loura holds the notable distinction of being the highest point of Guinea. Within its immediate range, it ranks as the highest of 16 named peaks in the Tamgue Massif. The mountain is geographically positioned within the Mali Prefecture of the Labé Region, contributing to the broader topography of the Guinea Highlands.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Mount Loura? Mount Loura stands at an elevation of 1,515 metres.
Where is Mount Loura located? It is located in Guinea, within the Labé Region and Mali Prefecture, part of the Tamgue Massif.
Which mountain range does Mount Loura belong to? It belongs to the Tamgue Massif, which is part of the Fouta Djallon, Guinea Highlands, and Upper Guinea Swell.
What are the nearest peaks to Mount Loura? The nearest peaks include Moïnahi at 19.2 km NW and Téli Oundé at 33.4 km W.
Is there water on the way to Mount Loura? 5 to 3 litres for a day walk—depending on heat and length of the trek.
How long does it take to walk up Mount Loura? From the village of Tensira, located 2.3 km SE of the top at about 1,380 m, the rough walking time is an estimate of 40 to 60 minutes for about 3.0 km on foot and 130 m up, though the real path may be longer.
What is the mobile phone coverage on Mount Loura? Coverage in these hills is generally patchy and depends on the operator; maps should be downloaded before setting out, and 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.