What physical features characterize the Fouta Djallon region of Guinea?

The Fouta Djallon is a mountainous region in west-central Guinea characterized by a series of stepped sandstone plateaus, which are marked by numerous picturesque trenches and gorges.1

Key physical features include:

• Elevation: The region covers approximately 30,000 square miles (77,000 square km) and maintains an average elevation of 3,000 feet (914 meters). Its highest point is Mount Loura, which reaches 5,046 feet (1,538 meters).1
• Watershed: It serves as a vital watershed for several of western Africa’s major rivers, including the Gambia, Bafing (Sénégal), Koliba, Kolenté, Kaba, and Konkouré.1
• Climate: The region experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Annual rainfall ranges between 60 and 90 inches (1,500 to 2,300 mm), and average annual temperatures hover in the mid-70s F (about 25 °C). Due to its elevation, the area experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with evening temperatures occasionally dipping into the high 40s and low 50s F (8 to 11 °C).2