West Africa Expedition

26 days - from $8430

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

• Bamako
• Mali Initiative Project
• Timbuktu walking tour
• Camel Ride to Tuareg Camp
• Niger River excursion
• Djenné Grand Mosque
• Djenné Market
• Dogon Village and Masked Dance
• Gorom-Gorom Market
• Songhai Village
• Ouagadougou
• Karfiguela Waterfalls
• Pendjari National Park
• Abomey - former capital of Dahomey Kingdom
• Lake Togo
• Kumasi - capital of Ashanti Empire

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Wed) Arrive Bamako and transfer to hotel. 2 Enjoy city tour of Bamako, then join Mali Initiative Project and share a meal with a local family.3-4 Fly to Timbuktu (Tombouctou). Walking tour and camel ride to Tuareg camp.5 Fly to Mopti. 'Pirogue' (dugout canoe) ride on Niger River. Travel to the ancient town of Djenné.6 Visit impressive Grand Mosque at Djenné. Experience colourful market day, then continue to Dogon village for overnight stay.7 Witness masked dance at Dogon village. Continue journey to Burkina Faso.8-9 Experience the market at Gorom-Gorom - one of the most famous and fascinating in Africa!10-11 Visit the Songhai village near Markoyé, then drive to Ouagadougou. Free afternoon to explore the city. Spend a Saturday night at energetic Bobo-Dioulasso - Burkina Faso's music capital.12 Explore around Banfora including Karfiguela Waterfalls, hippos at Lake Tengréla and rock formations at Sindou.13 Travel to Gaoua, home to the Lobi people, and visit the stone ruins of Loropéni. Observe the fascinating architecture of this region. Return to Ouagadougou.14 Drive to Pendjari National Park, Benin, and go on safari in search of wildlife.15 Visit Tanougou Falls and the fascinating Betamaribé tribe from the remote Atakora Mountains of northern Benin. Overnight in Natitingou.16-17 Explore Abomey - the ancient capital of the great Dahomey Kingdom. Enjoy a unique performance of the Geleden Mask Dance.18-19 Drive to the lakeside village of Ganvié. Continue to Grand Popo Beach. Free day and optional voodoo tour.20 Cross border into Togo and drive to Lomé. Visit National Museum and the bizarre fetish market at Akedessewa.21 Boat trip on Lake Togo to visit historic Togoville. Continue our journey to Ghana and further on to Ada.22-23 Travel to Kumasi - the Ashanti capital. Visit the former palace of the Ashanti king and the largest market in west Africa. Free morning to explore Ashanti villages specialising in gold-smithing, cloth weaving and stool carving.24 Drive to Axim Beach - Ghana's most famous beach resort.25 Free morning on the beach. Drive to Elmina and visit slave castles.26 Enjoy canopy walk in Kakum National Park, then continue to Accra. Afternoon city tour, then evening transfer to Accra Airport where our expedition comes to an end (Sun).
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.
Meals: 25 breakfasts,23 lunches,22 dinners
Valid From: 11 Jan 10
Notes: This adventure is of an expeditionary nature that takes us to places where infrastructures may not be what we are used to at home. In certain places we will be required to stay in very basic hotel accommodation. Rooms will have private facilities; however, there may be occasions where hot water is not available. The conditions in the Dogon village are extremely basic. We sleep on the rooftop of the chief's hut and showers consist of a bucket of cold water and toilets are a hole in the ground. A degree of flexibility, a tolerant approach and an adventurous attitude will help maximise your enjoyment of this trip. Most of the Dogon campments have a couple of very basic rooms that have a bed and mattress, and no sheets/bedding. If you prefer to stay in one of these rather than sleep on the roof, then it can be arranged there at a small additional fee, depending on availability. Please note that laundry services may not always be available.
Starts/Ends: Bamako to Accra
Trip Reference: PFWE