Nomadic West Africa - Overland Trip

5 weeks: Dakar to Accra or v.v. (DR4CC-NWA)

A comprehensive trip through countries with poor tourist infrastructure. Perfect for travellers wanting to understand the cultures, music and way of life of West Africa. Treks, river journeys, tribal visits, nightclubs, this is not a tourist journey. Expect the unexpected, a flexible and changing itinerary to suit the adventurer with some great R&R on the beaches of Ghana.

General Notes

Because of the nature of this tour, the itinerary WILL vary from that published. This trip will involve crossing remote areas and there will be an element of discomfort. This is a tough but very rewarding trip.Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.

Activities available at extra costs

  • Canoe trip in Atlantic mangroves
  • Ride camels with Tuareg nomads at Timbuktu
  • Visit the sacred fish pond or the hippo lake near Bobo
  • Experience the music and nightclubs of Ouagadougou

Accommodation

Basic campsites, some wildcamps, small hostel/hotel.

Itineraries

Week 1:

Senegal: Day to explore Dakar and the atmospheric Island of Gorée, the old slave centre of Senegal

Senegal: 2 night stop at the mangrove swamps at Djiffer

Week 2:

Senegal & Mali: 4 or 5 day overland trip on rough roads and wildcamps through Senegal to Bamako

Senegal & Mali: 2 or 3 night break in Bamako, the music capital of West Africa

Senegal & Mali: Trace the footsteps of explorers up the Niger River basin up to Timbuktu

Week 3:

Mali & Niger River: 2 night stay and guided tour of Timbuktu

Mali & Niger River: 3 day Niger River motorised canoe trip to Mopti via Ali Farka Toure's village of Niafounke

Mali & Niger River: Visit to the Djenne Monday market & vast mud mosque

Week 4:

Mali & Burkina Faso: 2 day trek through the Dogon tribal region on the Bandiagara Escarpment

Mali & Burkina Faso: Witness the masked dance and hear the rhythms of the Dogon music

Mali & Burkina Faso: Overland to and 2 nights stay at, Bobo Dioulasso and Ouagadougou

Week 5:

Ghana: Big game time in the excellent wildlife area of Mole NP, elephants love it here

Ghana: Overland journey via the Ashanti capital of Kumasi to the Gold Coast

Ghana: Roam the beaches of the Gold Coast and listen to the African rhythms in Big Millie's Back Yard

Ghana: Explore the Ghanaian slaving forts at Elmina Beach

Ghana: Give a helping hand at Brenu School community project



Last updated: 5th February 2008

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