Kankan Travel Guide

Explore Kankan, Guinea with our complete travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Kankan is a unique destination, located in Haute Guinee in Guinea, West Africa. This city boasts a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a vibrant local scene that attracts visitors from all over the world. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Kankan such a special place to visit. From the top tourist attractions to the best places to stay and eat, this guide has everything you need to plan your next trip to Kankan, Guinea.

Introduction to Kankan

Kankan is a city in eastern Guinea that serves as the capital of the Kankan region. It is located approximately 750 kilometers from the capital city, Conakry. The city is the fifth-largest city in Guinea and is famous for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant local scene. Kankan is also known for its bustling markets, traditional architecture, and friendly locals.

List of Places to Visit in Kankan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kankan is a city with a rich cultural heritage and many museums and historical sites that are worth visiting. One of the most popular is the Provincial Museum of Guinee, which showcases the history and culture of the local region. Other must-visit cultural attractions in Kankan include:

  • The Great Mosque of Kankan
  • The Tomb of Tamba-Tounni in the village of Taro
  • The Tombo Island Nature Reserve
  • The Gberedou/Hamana Lakes
  • The Selingui Rock Formation

Natural Attractions of Kankan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kankan is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. The waterfalls at Kondeya and the nearby Faranah Hills are perfect for hiking, while the Ferke bridge and the Kounssi pebbles provide scenic views for travelers. Some other natural attractions that should not be missed include:

  • The National Park of Badiar
  • The Gangan Forest Reserve
  • The Upper Niger River
  • The Kalo Hill Reserve

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kankan

Kankan is an excellent destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts with various scenic routes that crisscross the region. The Djowey Complex Mountains, the Dinguiraye Hills, and the Hamana Lakes offer great hiking and biking trails. Some of the best routes include:

  • The Kankan to Balandou hike
  • The Sankaran to Sankaran biking trail
  • The Mamouroudou to Sadifouta hike

Best Things to Do in Kankan: Activities and Tours

Kankan offers plenty of options for travelers seeking adventure and exploration. Some exciting activities and tours to enjoy during your visit include:

  • A traditional dance and music performance
  • A visit to the Balia Sanctuary
  • A guided tour of the local markets
  • A boat tour of the Niger River

Week-Long Itinerary for Kankan

Day 1 - Arrive in Kankan, relax, and visit the Great Mosque of Kankan.

Day 2 - Explore the Provincial Museum of Guinee and the Tomb of Tamba-Tounni.

Day 3 - Hike to the waterfalls at Kondeya or do a biking trail.

Day 4 - Visit the Selingui Rock Formation and Ferke bridge.

Day 5 - Go on a tour of the local markets and watch a traditional music and dance performance.

Day 6 - Take a boat tour of the Niger River and visit the Tombo Island Nature Reserve.

Day 7 - Relax and enjoy a local meal at one of the top local restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Kankan

Must-Try Dishes

Guinese cuisine is rich in flavor and spices. Traditional dishes in Kankan consist mainly of rice, fish, and chicken. Some popular dishes to try include:

  • Rice with Yassah gravy
  • Maffi (spicy soup)
  • Grilled tilapia fish
  • Poulet Yassa (marinated chicken)

Local Beverages

The most popular drink in Kankan is the locally brewed beer, called “dolo.” Other popular drinks include hibiscus tea, ginger drink, and traditional palm wine.

Where to Stay in Kankan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kankan has a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Some top choices include:

  • Hotel Kankan
  • Hotel Millenium (formerly Hotel Loun)
  • Hôtel le Baobab

What to Buy in Kankan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kankan has a variety of unique souvenirs and local products that visitors can purchase, including:

  • Handcrafted jewelry and pottery
  • Traditional African clothing
  • Wooden masks and sculptures
  • Baskets and woven goods

Local Culture and Customs of Kankan

Kankan is a predominantly Muslim city, and visitors should dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions. It is also regarded as an academic hub and is home to many scholars, artists, and musicians.

Best Time to Visit Kankan

The best time to visit Kankan is during the dry season, which lasts from November to March. The weather is sunny, and there is little rainfall during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kankan

Do:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Take a guided tour of the city

Don’t:

  • Public displays of affection are not common and should be avoided in public
  • Do not take pictures of people without their permission
  • Do not litter or damage the natural landscape

Safety and Health

Safety in Kankan

Kankan is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should be cautious and take extra care when traveling alone or at night. It is also advisable to use trusted taxi services when traveling around the city.

Health in Kankan

Visitors to Kankan should take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria. Travelers are advised to take prophylactic medication and use mosquito nets when sleeping.

Getting to Kankan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kankan is accessible by air, road, and rail. The easiest way to get to Kankan is by flying into the Kankan Regional Airport. There are also bus and taxi services that run from Conakry to Kankan.

Airports Near Kankan

  • Kankan Regional Airport

Bus Stations Near Kankan

  • Gare Routiere de Kankan

Other Options

  • Taxis
  • Car rentals

How to Get Around in Kankan

The best way to get around Kankan is by taxi or car rental. There are also several tour companies that offer guided tours of the city and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Kankan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kankan is an excellent gateway to the surrounding region, with plenty of neighboring destinations and excursions to take in. Some top choices include:

  • The National Parks of Guinee
  • The city of Siguiri
  • The Fouta Djallon region

Conclusion

Kankan is a unique destination that showcases the best that Guinea has to offer. From its rich cultural heritage to its natural beauty and vibrant local scene, there is something for everyone here. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be able to plan your perfect trip to Kankan and explore all that this incredible city has to offer.

Washing clothes in the Niger River Washing clothes in the Niger River