West Africa Expedition - Overland Trip

3 ½ weeks: to (IMT-PFWE)

Intro

This expedition takes us deep into the mysterious heart of west Africa - a region that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. We explore fabled ancient towns such as Timbuktu (Tombouctou) and historic kingdoms such as the influential Malian and Ashanti Empires, the great Dahomey Kingdom and the ancient settlement of Djenné, renowned for its Grand Mosque. We learn about the rich and diverse history of the region, including the tragic chapter of slave-trading. We enjoy the incredible warmth and exuberance of the local people we meet along the way, as we immerse ourselves in an extraordinary mix of cultures. We meet the Dogon people whose fascinating customs and traditions have remained unchanged for centuries. This journey also takes us to some of the most vibrant, colourful and impressive markets in all of Africa including the unforgettable Gorom-Gorom Market in Burkina Faso - an experience that is sure to captivate all of the senses! We also search for wildlife on a national park safari. Finally, the hypnotic sounds and haunting rhythms of west Africa\'s celebrated music are sure to leave lasting impressions.

Included

Peregrine tour leader, local guides, arrival and departure airport transfers, transport, accommodation, meals as indicated, national park/wildlife reserve fees and safari, sightseeing and entrance fees.

Itineraries

Day 1

(Wed) Arrive Bamako and transfer to hotel.

Day 2

Enjoy city tour of Bamako, then join Mali Initiative Project and share a meal with a local family.

Day 3-4

Fly to Timbuktu (Tombouctou). Walking tour and camel ride to Tuareg camp.

Day 5

Fly to Mopti. 'Pirogue' (dugout canoe) ride on Niger River. Travel to the ancient town of Djenné.

Day 6

Visit impressive Grand Mosque at Djenné. Experience colourful market day, then continue to Dogon village for overnight stay.

Day 7

Witness masked dance at Dogon village. Continue journey to Burkina Faso.

Day 8-9

Experience the market at Gorom-Gorom - one of the most famous and fascinating in Africa!

Day 10-11

Visit the Songhai village near Markoyé, then drive to Ouagadougou. Free afternoon to explore the city. Spend a Saturday night at energetic Bobo-Dioulasso - Burkina Faso's music capital.

Day 12

Explore around Banfora including Karfiguela Waterfalls, hippos at Lake Tengréla and rock formations at Sindou.

Day 13

Travel to Gaoua, home to the Lobi people, and visit the stone ruins of Loropéni. Observe the fascinating architecture of this region. Return to Ouagadougou.

Day 14

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

Day 15

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

Day 16-17

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

Day 18-19

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

Day 20

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

Day 21

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

Day 22-23

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 24

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

Day 25

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

Day 26

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

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Last updated: 18th March 2010