West African Kingdoms - Overland Trip

2 weeks: to (IMT-PFWK)

Intro

This west African adventure takes us from Ouagadougou, in Burkina Faso, via Benin and Togo, to Accra, capital of Ghana. Along the way we experience the essence of a region that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. We also enjoy the incredible warmth and exuberance of the local people we meet, as we immerse ourselves in an extraordinary mix of cultures. A wildlife safari takes us face-to-face with elephants, hippos and lions. Our journey also includes colourful markets and visits to remnants of ancient kingdoms and powerful civilisations. Some of this history is also tragic as we walk in the footsteps of slaves who were subsequently transported to the New World. The walls of the so-called \'slave castles\' still resonate to the echoes of their anguished cries. But the music of west Africa leaves us with happy rhythms and captures the heartbeat of this vibrant part of the world.

Included

Peregrine tour leader, arrival and departure airport transfers, transport, accommodation, meals as indicated.

Itineraries

Day 1

(Mon) Arrive in Ouagadougou and transfer to hotel.

Day 2

Drive to Pendjari National Park, Benin, and go on safari in search of wildlife.

Day 3

Visit Tanougou Falls and the fascinating Betamaribé tribe from the remote Atakora Mountains of northern Benin. Overnight in Natitingou.

Day 4-5

Explore Abomey - ancient capital of the great Dahomey Kingdom. Enjoy a unique performance of the Geleden Mask Dance.

Day 6-7

Drive to the lakeside village of Ganvié. Continue to Grand Popo Beach. Free day and optional voodoo tour.

Day 8

Cross border into Togo and drive to Lomé. Visit the National Museum and the bizarre fetish market at Akedessewa.

Day 9

Boat trip on Lake Togo to visit historic Togoville. Continue our journey to Ghana and further on to Ada.

Day 10-11

Travel to Kumasi - the Ashanti capital. Visit the former palace of the Ashanti king and the largest market in west Africa. Free morning to explore Ashanti villages specialising in gold-smithing, cloth weaving and stool carving.

Day 12

Drive to Axim Beach - Ghana's most famous beach resort.

Day 13

Free morning on the beach. Drive to Elmina and visit slave castles.

Day 14

Enjoy canopy walk in Kakum National Park, then continue to Accra. Afternoon city tour, then evening transfer to Accra Airport where our trip comes to an end (Sun).

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Last updated: 18th March 2010