West Africa Expedition

26 Days - from $8430

The cultural and natural highlights of five west African countries

A region that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries, west Africa was the home of the influential Malian and Ashanti Empires, the great Dahomey Kingdom and the ancient settlement of Djenne. Delving under the skin and visiting highlights including the ancient town of Timbuktu, the inimitable Dogon Country, wonderful wildlife in Pendjari National Park and the tranquil Lake Togo, we'll learn much about the rich and diverse history of the region, including gaining insights into the traditional voodoo religion. Highlights for many are the visit to the Gorom-Gorom Market in Burkina Faso, an unforgettable experience, along with seeing many of the historic reminders of the west African slave trade. This is an expedition deep into the heart of west Africa.

Itinerary:

Day 8-1 Start Bamako. 2 Morning city tour; afternoon visit to Mali Initiative Project. 3 Fly to Timbuktu; walking tour. 4 Camel trek into Sahara to visit Tuareg Camp; return to Timbuktu. 5 Morning flight to Mopti; pinasse excursion on Niger River, transfer to Djenne for city tour. 6 Market day in Djenne; transfer to Dogon region, trek and overnight in Dogon village. 7 Complete trek and transfer by road to Bukino Faso. 8-9 Visit Gorom-Gorom Market amid the Sahel landscape. 10 Continue south to Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. 11 To Bobo-Dioulasso; free afternoon for exploration. 12 Continue to Banfora, via Lake Tengrela and Karfiguela Waterfalls. 13 Transfer to Lobi country with its unique architecture; afternoon visit to Loropeni ruins. 14 To Benin; visit Pendjari N.P. - home to elephant, baboon, lion, hippo, buffalo, antelope and over 300 species of bird. 15 Via Tanougou Falls to Natitingou, home of the Betamaribe people. 16-17 Transfer overland to Abomey, a distance of 520km; visit ancient capital of Dahomey Kingdom. 18-19 To Grand Popo Beach, via Ganvie, for two days relaxing in Gulf of Guinea. Optional excursion to Ouidah - home of Voodoo. 20 To Togo; Lome city tour. 21 Via Lake Togo and Togoville, where Voodoo religion still flourishes; into Ghana. Overnight in Ada. 22-23 Morning drive to Kumasi, one time capital of Ashanti Kingdom; visit local museums and Kejetia Market. 24 Continue south to Axim, stay at one of Ghana's most isolated and luxurious beach resorts; seasonal whale watching. 25 Free morning, afternoon transfer to Elmina to visit St George's Castle, one of 20 'slave castles' along Gold Coast. 26 To Kakum N.P. for canopy walkway. Continue to Accra, afternoon exploration; end Accra.

Mode of travel: Travel is by private vehicle (minivan), camel, canoe, ferry and internal flights.
Group size: Min. 6, max. 15, plus leader and appropriate local staff. This trip is run in conjunction with one of our sister companies.
Accommodation: 21 nights hotel, 3 nights camping, 1 night Dogon village.
Food: 25 breakfasts, 23 lunches and 22 dinners included
Optional Single Supplement: from $1360.80
Trip Reference: AYC
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.