Dakar to Douala Dakar and Douala Overland

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 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.

Travel in West Africa is often challenging, and you'll need a well-developed sense of adventure to overland through the region. Beginning on Ghana's Gold Coast we'll head for Togo, where voodoo is still very much a way of life. Crossing this long, thin country we make for Benin where we'll stay in a stilt village, visit Ouidah, a poignant former slaving port, and explore Abomey, the former royal capital. It gets even more adventurous as we cross into Nigeria, visiting a wildlife reserve and heading up to the Jos Plateau. We'll travel right the way across this African giant, skirting the edge of the Afi Mountains - home to drill monkeys and chimpanzees - before crossing the border into Cameroon, overlanding through the rainforest on mud roads to Douala and the end of this epic trip.

Travel in West Africa is often challenging, and you'll need a well-developed sense of adventure to overland through the region. Beginning on Ghana's Gold Coast we'll head for Togo, where voodoo is still very much a way of life. Crossing this long, thin country we make for Benin where we'll stay in a stilt village, visit Ouidah, a poignant former slaving port, and explore Abomey, the former royal capital. It gets even more adventurous as we cross into Nigeria, visiting a wildlife reserve and heading up to the Jos Plateau. We'll travel right the way across this African giant, skirting the edge of the Afi Mountains - home to drill monkeys and chimpanzees - before crossing the border into Cameroon, overlanding through the rainforest on mud roads to Douala and the end of this epic trip.

Week 1: Senegal Canoe trip in Atlantic mangroves Explore Dakar, Senegal's capital city 2 night stop on the beautiful beaches at Palmarin Overland trip on rough roads and wildcamps through Senegal Week 2: Senegal to Mali 2 nights and game safaris in Niokolo Koba National Park Overland through western Mali 2 or 3 night break in Bamako, the music capital of West Africa Week 3: Djenne & Niger River Visit to the Djenne Monday market and vast mud mosque Overnight pinasse journey from Djenne to Mopti Witness the masked dance and hear the rhythms of Dogon music 2 or 3 day trek through the Dogon tribal region on the Bandiagara Escarpment 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 Relax at Lake Bosumtwe, a stunning crater lake Visit to Brenu School and community to see what Sabre Trust have achieved Relax and unwind on Elmina Beach and Cape Coast

Accommodation: Basic campsites, some wildcamps, small hostel/hotel.(80% camping, 20% hotels)
Meals: All food is covered by the kitty while camping.
Vehicles: 4WD 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.

Week 1: Ghana & Togo Accra and the beaches of the Gold Coast Discover voodoo, a religion firmly embedded in local culture, amongst the jungle-clad hills of Mount Klouto Explore the Ghanaian slaving forts at Elmina Beach and Cape Coast Visit to the stunning jungles of Kakum Nat. Park including an amazing canopy trek Week 2: Togo & Benin Local pirogue dugout trip across Lac Togo to Togoville Afternoon visit to Ganvie, where fishermen live in stilt houses on a marine lagoon Guided city tour of the voodoo centre of Togoville 2 nights to relax on Benin's Grand Popo Atlantic beaches, meeting the local fishermen Discover the history of slavery at the Ouidah 'Route des Esclaves' Week 3: Central Nigeria Overland through southern Nigeria to Jos Plateau 2 nights in Abomey, capital of the Dan Homey Kingdom with guided tour of Palace and Museum Big game safari in Yankari National Park, Nigeria's best wildlife reserve. Stay at the beautiful hot springs Week 4: Southern Nigeria & Cameroon 3 night stay at the Drill Ranch Monkey Conservation Project in the Afi Mountains Overland through Nigeria to the Afi Mountains, the edge of the rainforest Jungle mayhem: drive dirt roads into Cameroon's rainforests, digging out when it rains Week 5: Cameroon More R&R on the white sands of Kribi Beach Time for some R&R on the black sand of the Atlantic beaches at Limbe Explore Douala, the capital of Cameroon

Accommodation: Small local hotels, mainly campsites and wildcamps.(85% camping, 15% hotels)
Meals: All food is covered by the kitty while camping.
Vehicles: Overland expedition vehicle.
Crew and Guides: 2 crew, local guides as necessary.
Notes: Because of the nature of this tour, the itinerary may well 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. The exchange of USD to Euro for the kitty will be decided by the tour leader on Day 1 of the trip.On the northbound journey from Douala to Accra this follows a slightly different itinerary - please see trip notes for more details.