Israeli Geologist Explores 'Cursed' Mountain in Sierra Leone
Adam Jano, a 43-year-old Israeli geologist and adventurer from the Galilee village of K'lil, embarked on a journey to Sierra Leone after spotting mysterious walled structures on Google Earth. His destination was a remote mountain range, where locals warned him of curses and spirits inhabiting the peak. The village elder recounted tales of spirits abducting children and causing misfortune, advising Jano against the ascent. Despite the warnings, Jano, who had previously lived and worked in West Africa, was driven by his passion for exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.
Jano's expedition led him to the Tingi Mountains in eastern Sierra Leone, specifically to Mount Sankan Biriwa, the country's second-highest peak. The journey involved challenging travel, including taxi motorcycles on rough trails, and required him to enlist his motorcycle driver as an interpreter. He encountered isolated farming and hunting communities, such as the Kuranko tribe in the village of Kanawa, who believed in a magical force called 'Juju' that protected the mountain.
After receiving a blessing from the village elder and accompanied by three local hunters, Jano began the arduous climb. Initially, the hunters led, but as the terrain became more difficult, Jano took charge of navigation. Of the initial group of eleven, only Jano and three hunters reached the summit. During the trek, Jano shared provisions like apples, while the hunters provided food from their hunting, including birds and small animals.
Upon reaching the summit, Jano discovered a concrete geodetic survey marker dated 1969 and a partially dissolved beer bottle, suggesting a previous expedition. He theorized this might be the group mentioned by the elder in his youth. The experience of reaching the remote peak, surrounded by endless greenery and jungle, was deeply moving for Jano, offering a sense of detachment from civilization.
On the descent, Jano and the hunters discovered a natural infinity pool. Afterward, Jano parted ways with the hunters and proceeded to investigate the walled structures he had initially seen on satellite imagery. These turned out to be a village inhabited by the Fula people, a nomadic Muslim cattle herding community with distinct building traditions. Jano was hosted by the Fula chief, who, despite living a simple life, reportedly owned cattle worth millions of dollars.
Jano eventually returned to Kanawa, where the villagers, including the hunters and the elder, were relieved and eager to hear about his successful ascent. Jano described Sierra Leone as a safe country with friendly people, despite its lack of tourist infrastructure, recommending it for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic experience rather than a typical vacation.
