Nomadic West Africa

5 Weeks - from $2515

This fantastic route from Dakar to Accra opens up a side of Africa that is completely different to the traditional safari route. This is the Africa of bustling markets, colourful festivals and music - with Mali and Senegal in particular famous for their performers. Relax on the Atlantic shores of Senegal and soak up the colour of this country before exploring Niokolo-Koba National Park. Cross into Mali to the musical capital of Bamako before visiting the magnificent mud mosque of Djenne and cruising up the Niger River to Mopti aboard a local boat before trekking through the dramatic Dogon country. After a stay in Burkina Faso, rarely visited by outsiders, we head into Ghana for some game viewing in Mole National Park. We'll travel through the Ashanti kingdom en route for the Gold Coast, visiting community projects along the way, and taking time to unwind from the rigours of the road on beautiful Elmina Beach.

This is one of our overland expedition leaders favourite trips. West Africa is still a destination off the tourist map and it is tough to even travel overland through the region. For any adventure traveller wanting to see West Africa overland travel is perhaps the best (and for some the only) way to experience the area. Adventure travel should broaden horizons and beliefs and there is no area of the world better suited to do this than travelling overland along the route between Dakar, Senegal and Accra, Ghana. This overland journey opens up side of Africa that the East Africa safari totally misses out. This is the Africa of vibrant historic cultures, stunning fabrics, colourful markets and above all Africa music. Travel Mali and you travel music, and we will try to take in as many musical aspects of the country as we can. Mali tourism is based around the area's tribal make up. The country is home to the ancient Malian and Soninke Empires along the Niger River and we will visit the ancient settlements of Djenne and Mopti travelling by boat between these two cities. This is nothing like the adventure cruises along rivers like the Nile, it is a unique journey down a historic river by local motor pinasse (think long wide banana with a sun canopy). Life is pretty basic on-board but you will be travelling through the world of everyday Malian life. This type of grassroots travel is core to our mission statement of "getting back to the principles of responsible travel as opposed to tourism". For those interested in walking holidays, we will trek around the Bandiagara escarpment to witness the incredible lifestyle of the Dogons. Ghana travel provides a relaxing place to enjoy some R&R on the stunning beaches of the Gold Coast and to see the wildlife of Mole Nat. Park. Ghana holidays are not yet on the tourist map, but as a holiday destination Ghana will one day take off, as it has beaches, friendly people, wildlife and a long historic culture; see it before Ghana tourism becomes a reality!

Itinerary:

Week 1: Senegal Explore Dakar, Senegal's capital city Canoe trip in Atlantic mangroves Overland trip on rough roads and wildcamps through Senegal 2 night stop on the beautiful beaches at Palmarin Week 2: Senegal to Mali 2 or 3 night break in Bamako, the music capital of West Africa 2 nights and game safaris in Niokolo Koba National Park Overland through western Mali Week 3: Djenne & Niger River Visit to the Djenne Monday market and vast mud mosque 2 or 3 day trek through the Dogon tribal region on the Bandiagara Escarpment Overnight pinasse journey from Djenne to Mopti Witness the masked dance and hear the rhythms of Dogon music Week 4: Burkina Faso & Ghana Big game time in the excellent wildlife area of Mole National Park, an elephant paradise Overland and 2 night stay at Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso Week 5: Ghana Journey through central Ghana Explore the capital city of Accra Visit to Brenu School and community to see what Sabre Trust have achieved Visit to the stunning jungles of Kakum Nat. Park including an amazing canopy trek Relax and unwind on Elmina Beach and Cape Coast Relax at Lake Bosumtwe, a stunning crater lake

Optional Extras

• Explore the atmospheric island of Goree
• Experience the music and nightclubs of Ouagadougou
• Visit the sacred fish pond or the hilltop village of Kori near Bobo

Accommodation: Basic campsites, some wildcamps, small hostel/hotel.(95% camping, 5% hotels)
Meals: All food is covered by the kitty while camping.
Vehicles: Overland expedition vehicle, motorised canoes.
Crew and Guides: 2 crew, local guides as necessary.
Notes: Because of the nature of travelling in West Africa, 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.All kitties are quoted in USDs, however in North and West Africa, Euros are much easier to use. Please ensure you bring Euros and not USDs for the kitty and for personal spending for these sections. The exchange of USD to Euro for the kitty will be decided by the tour leader on Day 1 of the trip.
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.