West Africa Expedition

26 days - from $8155

The heart and soul of West Africa, from back country to beach front 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.

Highlights

• Beach out in Grand Popo
• Explore Ouidah, the birthplace of voodoo
• Safari in Pendjari, Benin
• Visit Abomey’s Royal Palace, Benin
• Get musical in Bobo-Dioulasso
• Lose yourself in Kumasi’s market
• Visit Elmina Slave Castle, Ghana
• Explore Djenne
• Mali Initiative project in Kalabankoro
• Mali’s music
• The Dogon Masked Dance
• Tour Mali’s National Museum, Bamako
• Trek through the spectacular Pays Dogon
• Across Lake Togo by boat
• Visit the Fetish Market near Lomé, Togo

Itinerary:

Day 1: (Fri) Arrive Bamako. Transfer to hotel.2: Visit Ségou. Continue to Niamana community for homestay.3: Arrive in Djenné by boat. Explore the laneways and Grand Mosque.4-5: Explore Djenné Market. Trek through Dogon Country and see the incredible Dogon masked dance.6: Visit the riverside town of Mopti. Sunset trip down the Niger River on a traditional ‘pinasse’ (dugout canoe).7-8: Cross the border into Burkina Faso. Explore Bobo Dioulasso – Burkina Faso’s music capital.9: Explore around Banfora, including Karfiguela Waterfalls, hippos-rich Lake Tengréla and the rock formations at Sindou.10-11: Travel to Gaoua, home to the Lobi people. Visit the stone ruins of Loropéni. Explore the region’s distinct architecture. Continue to Ouagadougou.12: See the intricately decorated village of Tiebele – all the buildings are covered in symbolic painting and carving.13: Enter Benin. Go on wildlife safari in Pendjari National Park.14: Visit the Betamaribé tribe of the remote Atakora Mountains in northern Benin. Overnight in Natitingou.15-16: Explore Abomey – the ancient capital of the Dahomey Kingdom. See a unique performance of the Geleden Mask Dance.17-18: Drive to the lakeside village of Ganvié. Continue to Ouidah – birthplace of voodoo. Visit the Temple of Pythons and experience a voodoo dance.19: Cross border into Togo. Take a boat trip on Lake Togo to visit historic Togoville. Overnight in Lomé.20: Visit the National Museum. Cross into Ghana. Continue to Akosombo Dam on the Upper Volta River.21-22: Travel to Kumasi – the Ashanti capital. Visit the former palace of the Ashanti king and the nearby sacred lake. Watch Ghanaian artisans weave beautiful kente cloth.23-24: Rest and relax for two days at beautiful Axim Beach. Visit Axim Fort and fishing village.25: Visit former slave castle of Elmina on the Cape Coast.26: Drive to Accra. Afternoon city tour of Kwame Nkumah Memorial, the Cultural Centre and Accra’s streets. Evening transfer to Accra Airport, where our expedition ends (Tue).
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.
Not Included:

International flights, airport taxes or any other departure taxes, visas, meals not included in the itinerary, sleeping bag, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.