West Africa Expedition - Overland Trip

3 ½ weeks: to (IMT-PFWE2)

Intro

This expedition takes us deep into the mysterious heart of West Africa, a destination that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. Explore ancient fabled towns and historic kingdoms, such as the influential Malien and Ashanti empires, the great Dahomey Kingdom and the ancient settlement of Djenne reknown for its great mosque. Spend a night in unforgettable Dogon Country, where daily life has not changed in centuries. Learn about the rich and diverse history of the region and be humbled by its tragic slave-trading past. 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. This journey 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 captivates all of the senses! Finally, the hypnotic sounds and haunting rhythms of West Africa\'s celebrated music is sure to leave a lasting impression!

Included

Local tour leader, local specialist guides, arrival and departure transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.

Itineraries

Day 1

(Thu) Arrive Bamako and transfer to hotel.

Day 2

Morning flight to Mopti. Trek escarpment into Pays Dogon. Sleep on rooftop in Dogon Village.

Day 3

Visit historic Tellem & Dogon houses in World-Heritage listed Dogon Country. Watch Dogon Masked Dance Performance.

Day 4

Travel to Mopti and explore Old Mopti, the mosque and the fascinating harbour area. Sunset excursion by traditional pirogue along the Niger River.

Day 5-6

Travel to the ancient town of Djenne to view the Grand Mosque and the experience the vibrant Monday market. Continue to Burkina Faso via the Dogon villages of Songo and Teli.

Day 7-8

Experience the market of Gorom-Gorom - one of the most famous and fascinating markets in all of West Africa! Visit the Songhai Village of Marakoe.

Day 9

Visit the Songhai village of Marakoe before continuing to the nation's capital, Ouagadougou.

Day 10

Spend the day exploring the many sites around Banfora, including Karfiguela Waterfalls, the hippos at Lake Tengrela and the striking rock formations of Sindou.

Day 11-12

Visit the stone ruins of Loropeni en-route to Gaoua, in the heart of Lobi Country. Learn about the fascinating architecture and preserved age-old traditions of this region. Continue to Ouagadougou.

Day 13

Enter Benin and visit Pendjari Game Reserve on an afternoon game drive, in search of hippo, lion and elephant.

Day 14

Visit Tanougou Falls for a swim en-route to Natitingou. Afternoon visit to the remote Betamaribe people - a fascinating hunter-gatherer tribe that resides in the Atakora Mountains of northern Benin.

Day 15-16

Explore Abomey - the ancient capital of the great Dahomey Kindgom. Watch an incredible Dance Geledin des Fons performance. See Lake Ganvie village by boat before continuing to Grand Popo Beach.

Day 17

Relax at Grand Popo Beach. Optional tour to Ouida to learn about the origins of Voodoo and meet with practitioners.

Day 18-19

Cross the border into Togo and visit the capital, Lome on an afternoon city tour. Boat excursion to Togoville, before continuing to Ada, on the shores of Lake Volta in Ghana.

Day 20-21

Travel to Kumasi - the Ashanti Capital. Visit the former Palace of the Ashanti King as well as the largest market in West Africa! Free morning to explore Ashanti villages specialising in goldsmithing, cloth weathing and stool carving.

Day 22

Spend the day at glorious Axim Beach under the shade of palm trees or take on one of the many optional activities.

Day 23

Visit the Elmina Slave Castle to learn of the tragic slave-trading past, as well as other sites along the Cape Coast.

Day 24

Walk the amazing canopy in Kakoum National Park. Continue to Accra for afternoon visit. Evening departure transfer to Accra airport where our expedition comes to an end (Sat).

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Last updated: 11th March 2010