Day Trips from Guinea

Three forested islands float like green jewels off Conakry's coast. The largest, Room, shelters empty crescents of sand where Atlantic waves crash against volcanic rocks.

Secondary forest where colobus monkeys swing between mahogany trees and the air smells of wild ginger. Local guides know each troop's territory.

Highland farms where Arabica grows under shade trees and women sort beans by hand. The volcanic soil gives the coffee a chocolate note.

The region's largest market explodes with color as women sell tie-dyed fabric and pyramids of mangoes perfume the air.

Open-cast mines that glow rust-red against the green landscape. The scale is staggering - trucks the size of houses haul ore to waiting ships.

Stone villages perched on green hills where Fulani herders guide cattle across stone bridges built centuries ago.