Day 1 - Marrakech
Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Morocco’s most enigmatic city. Overnight tourist class hote
Day 2 - Ait Ben Haddou
Cross the High Atlas via the stunning Tizi n Tichka pass, with superb views of the mountains along the way. Driving through the Berber heartlands we continue to the stunning collection of kasbahs at Ait Ben Haddou, then drive to nearby Ouarzazate for the night. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 3 - Draa Valley
Exploring this landscape of arid mountains, we meet isolated communities and some of the most traditional people in Morocco, some of whom still live in caves. Make our way towards the lush Draa Valley where we spend the night. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Days 4-5 - Erg Chegaga - Iriqui
Enter the Sahara and drive to the dunes of Erg Chegaga, much less known than the famous Erg Chebbi but equally impressive, then continue to the dry salt lake of Iriqui. Overnight tented camp and tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Days 6-7 - Guelmime – Ksar Tafnidilt
Continue to Guelmime, the last major town of Morocco proper and a former trading centre for the Saharan camel caravans. From here we head off on rough tracks along the beach, sandwiched between the dunes. Explore the remote region surrounding the Draa estuary, with tiny settlements and abandoned military posts. Overnights at Ksar Tafnidilt, a traditional style kasbah close to Tan Tan. (BLD)
Day 8 - Tarfaya
Travel south, our route taking us between the desert and the Atlantic Ocean, passing small caves inhabited by fishermen as well as the impressive Naila lagoon, an inland sea separated from the ocean by rows of dunes. In the afternoon we arrive at the small town of Tarfaya. Overnight Hotel Casamar or similar. (BLD)
Days 9-11 - Laayoune - Western Sahara
Drive to Laayoune, the main town of Western Sahara. From here we meet our local Saharawi guide and embark on an expedition into this largely unknown area. We venture into an untamed landscape of dunes and desert, stopping at wells to meet the Reguibat nomads and their herds of camels that eke a living from this unforgiving habitat. We camp for two nights, then on Day 11 reach Dakhla and stay overnight in a tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 12 - Dakhla
Spend the day exploring Dakhla and surrounds, with its superb beaches and opportunities to fish in the Atlantic. Overnight in Buena Vista Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 13 - Nouadhibou
We head south to the border with Mauritania, following a remote road between the desert and the ocean. After completing border formalities, continue to Nouadhibou, Mauritania’s second city. Overnight Hotel Medina or similar. (BLD)
Days 14-16 - Desert crossing - Chinguetti
Head to Chinguetti, one of Islam’s holiest cities and a real gem of Mauritania. With its collection of historic buildings this is one of the Sahara’s most interesting towns, with a sense of history that is almost tangible. We travel south first to the small town of Chami, then accompanied by an expert guide we drive through a remote part of the desert, where we hope to encounter local nomads and see the traces of prehistoric man such as ancient pottery. We arrive in Chinguetti on Day 16. Two nights simple hotels, one night local guesthouse. (BLD)
Day 17 - Chinguetti
Spend today exploring Chinguetti, visiting its historic quarter and seeing one of the collections of ancient manuscripts for which it is famous. Overnight local guesthouse. (BLD)
Day 18 - Ouadane
Drive to Ouadane. Founded in the 12th century Ouadane is a fascinating collection of old houses and mosques and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We have plenty of time to explore the historic quarter. Return to Chinguetti in the evening. Overnight La Gueila guesthouse or similar. (BLD)
Day 19 - Amogjar Pass – Terjit
Continue our exploration of Mauritania, driving along the Amogjar Pass with its prehistoric petroglyphs, as well as the visiting the ruins of the ancient Almoravid capital of Azougui. Continue to the pretty oasis of Terjit for the night. Overnight Hotel Sahara or similar. (BLD)
Day 20 - Nouakchott
Today we arrive in the capital Nouakchott, the first major city we will have encountered for a few days. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD))
Day 21 - Djoudj National Park – Saint Louis
We head south to Senegal, and then travel to Djoudj National Park with its incredible bird life. We take boats on the lagoon to discover vast flocks of pelicans, flamingos and more, then continue to the atmospheric town of St Louis, once the capital of French West Africa. Overnight Hotel de la Poste or similar. (BLD)
Day 22 - Saint Louis – Lampoul
Spend the morning visiting Saint Louis, exploring its streets by traditional caleche (horse and carriage). Afterwards we head to Lampoul and our fixed camp amongst the dunes. (BLD)
Day 23 - Lac Rose – Dakar – Goree Island
Drive to Lac Rose. A shallow salt lake surrounded by dunes, the high concentration of minerals sometimes gives it a pink hue. Explore the surrounding area and visit a nearby fishing village, the largest in Senegal. From here head to the lively capital, Dakar, and visit nearby Goree Island, once a centre of the slave trade. Overnight Hotel Municipal or similar. (BLD)
Day 24 - Dakar
After seeing some of the sights of Goree, return to Dakar and explore this bustling modern city. Overnight Hotel Ganale or similar. (BLD)
Days 25-26 - Kaolack - Sine Ngayene - Banjul
Drive to Kaolack and then to Sine Ngayene, an astonishing megalithic site of over a thousand carved stones arranged into fifty two circles, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here we cross the border into the Gambia and take a ferry across the river, and transfer to Banjul. We then visit the National Museum with its exhibits on local archaeology and history, as well as the city centre, before arriving at our hotel. Overnight Hotel Kabacoto Safari or similar (Day 25) and Atlantic Hotel or similar (Day 26). (BLD)
Day 27 - Banjul – Casamance
Spend the morning in the company of an ornithological guide, looking for birds in the large park by the hotel – this is home to over 70% of the species that live in the country. We then cross into Casamance, the southern region of Senegal, head out into the surrounding villages to learn about the animistic customs that hold sway here, seeing a striking mask dance. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 28 - Bissau
Drive to the border with Guinea-Bissau and continue to Cachungo. Today we visit the villages of the local Manjaco people, known for their ancestor worship and unique wooden sculptures. Continue to Bissau for the night. Overnight Hotel Azalai or similar. (BLD)
Day 28 - Lome
Cross the border into Togo, and head to its capital Lome, the only African city to have been colonised by the French, British and Germans. Explore the city including its central markets and the fascinating – if rather gruesome – fetish market, where animal parts are sold for use in traditional medicines. Overnight Hotel Onomo or similar. (BLD)
Days 29-30 - Bijagos Islands
Sail to the Bijagos Islands, a magical and unique world of authentic tribal traditions and unusual wildlife. First visit the island of Bolama, once a colonial capital but now largely abandoned, its Portuguese buildings slowly being taken over by vegetation and goats. We then spend two days exploring the archipelago, looking for rare saltwater hippos and learning about the customs of the local people. Two nights tourist class hotels. (BLD)
Day 31 - Bissau
Leaving the islands behind we return to the mainland. In Bissau we have time for a quick look around the city with its colonial Portuguese architecture. Overnight Hotel Azalai or similar. (BLD)
Day 32 - Malinke region
Morning drive to a small village in the Malinke region. The Malinke are descendants of the ancient empire of Mali and we visit a community of ‘griots’ – traditional musicians and story tellers who play an important part in conserving the traditions of West Africa. We learn about their history and customs, and witness a traditional griot performance. Overnight simple hotel. (BLD)
Days 33-34 - Fouta Djalon
A small track takes us to the border of Guinea, through an area inhabited by Malinke and Fulani tribes, and we stop in villages where the arrival of western visitors is a rare event. From here we drive into the Fouta Djalon, a stunning area of mountains, waterfalls, plateau and savannah, where we explore the charming Fulani villages with their typical architecture. Overnight simple hotel (Day 33) and tourist class hotel (Day 34). (BLD)
Day 35 - Dalaba - Mamou
Explore the small town of Dalaba, with its interesting ‘casa a palabra’, a finely decorated building used for local chiefs. We also visit the villa of Guinea’s first president, Sekou Toure, then continue to the market town of Mamou. Overnight Hotel Balys or similar. (BLD)
Days 36-37 - En route to Freetown
Drive to the border with Sierra Leone, where we stop at the village of Kamakwie to see traditional mask dances. From here continue to Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital. Overnight White House Hotel (Day 36) and Swiss Hotel (Day 37) or similar. (BLD)
Days 38-39 - Freetown - Banana Islands
Explore Freetown visiting its lively markets and seeing examples of old colonial architecture, and heading out to its beaches. From here travel to the archipelago of the Banana Islands, with its stunning beaches and fishing villages. Overnight Bafa Lodge or similar. (BLD)
Day 40 - Bo
Head back to the mainland and from here drive into the lands of the Mende people. Here we see a rare performance of the female Bundo masks – normally mask societies are for men only. Continue to Bo for the night. Overnight Hotel Dohas or similar. (BLD)
Day 41 - Monrovia
We spend the morning learning about the process of diamond mining, as we join some villagers who show us their craft. From here we continue to the border with Liberia, and from here drive to Monrovia. Overnight Cape Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 42 - Monrovia - Gbarnga
Spend the morning exploring Monrovia. We visit the National Museum and the impressive Masonic Temple of Liberia, that has played an important part in Liberian history over the years. From here drive to Gbarnga for the night. Overnight Passion Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Days 43-44 - Macenta - Nzerekore
Drive through northern Liberia and back into Guinea, to a lush region of thick forests and remote villages. We see mask dances while here, including one of the ‘bird men’, dressed in feathers and with their faces painted white with kaolin. This is a secret society, and its members are believed to have powers that make them invisible. We also see the impressive bridges made of living vines, believed to be built by spirits during the course of just one night. Overnight Hotel Macenta (Day 43) and Hotel Bethanie (Day 44) or similar. (BLD)
Day 45 - Man
Leave Nzerekore and head to the border with Ivory Coast, driving past small villages in a remote part of Guinea, where we hope to be able to see some traditional customs and ceremonies, where possible. From here we cross the border and then drive to the small town of Man, surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery and our base for the next come for nights. Overnight Hotel Amoitrin or similar. (BLD)
Day 46 - Man
Today we visit a village belonging to the Dan people, known for their amazing mask dancers who perform on stilts. Explore the area to learn more about their local customs, before returning to Man for the night. Overnight Hotel Amoitrin or similar. (BLD)
Day 47 - Daloa
Venture into the forest to reach some of the more isolated settlements of the Guere people. Here we will see their mask dances and if lucky, a dance of the ‘jongleurs’, a rare performance involving initiated women with white painted faces, and considerable acrobatic prowess! Continue to Daloa for the night. Overnight Hotel La Grace or similar. (BLD)
Day 48 - Yamoussoukro
This morning we see a ceremony of the Zaouli dancing masks, a tradition of the Guro people. From here drive to Yamoussoukro, once just a village but now Cote d’Ivoire’s bizarre administrative capital. Yamoussoukro is dominated by the gigantic Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, reputedly the largest Christian place of worship on earth, and we spend time exploring this vast complex. Overnight Hotel Royal or similar. (BLD)
Day 50 - Grand Bassam
Drive to the city of Grand Bassam with its old colonial buildings and atmosphere of yesteryear, to explore and learn about the history of the country. Overnight Hotel La Roche or similar. (BLD)
Day 51 - Axim – Anomabu
Cross into Ghana and drive to Axim. Here we stop at the 16th century Portuguese fort, one of many early European fortifications dotted along this coast. After exploring the fort, drive east to Anomabu. Overnight Anomabu Beach Resort or similar. (BLD)
Day 52 - Elmina
We visit the fishing town of Elmina, best known for St George’s Castle, the oldest European building in Africa and once used as holding centre for slaves. In the town itself we explore the old quarter with its unique Posuban shrines, made by the traditional ‘asafo’ societies which were once responsible for local defence. Overnight Anomabu Beach Resort or similar. (BLD)
Day 53 - Kumasi
Drive to Kumasi, Ghana’s second city and home of the old Ashanti Kingdom. Explore the city including the Ashanti Cultural Centre, which gives a great insight into what once was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the region. If possible, we will be able to see a traditional Ashanti funeral, quite a spectacle at which visitors are welcome. Overnight Miklin Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 54 - Accra
Drive to Accra, visiting the the old quarter of Jamestown, as well as the quarter where craftsmen design flamboyant coffins for the deceased – a uniquely Ghanaian experience. Overnight Hotel Villa Boutique or similar. (BLD)
Day 55 - Lome
Cross the border into Togo, and head to its capital Lome, the only African city to have been colonised by the French, British and Germans. Explore the city including its central markets and the fascinating – if rather gruesome – fetish market, where animal parts are sold for use in traditional medicines. Overnight Hotel Onomo or similar. (BLD)
Day 56 - Grand Popo
This morning travel to a remote and hidden village, where we witness a voodoo ceremony – unique to this part of the world, and sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. We then cross into Benin and head to the small town of Grand Popo, on the coast. Overnight Auberge de Grand Popo or similar. (BLD)
Day 57 - Ouidah
This morning we see a performance of the Zangbeto dancing masks, another of the region’s secret societies. From here we continue to the coastal town of Ouidah, a stronghold of voodoo and once an important slave port. We visit the python temple, where snakes are venerated as representations of gods, the old Portuguese fort and finally head to the beach and the sombre ‘Gate of No Return’, the point from which slaves left Africa for the New World. Overnight Hotel Casa del Papa or similar. (BLD)
Day 58 - Ganvie - Cotonou
Our final day sees us heading out onto Lake Nokwe to visit Ganvie, the largest stilt village in Africa situated in the middle of the water. From here, we drive to Cotonou where our West African adventure ends, and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (BL
This tour is made up of two shorter tours (Marrakech to Bissau and Bissau to Cotonou), and can be done in even shorter sections, i.e Marrakech to Dakar, Nouakchott to Bissau, Monrovia to Cotonou and so on. If you would like to take part in a shorter version of this trip, please contact us for prices.
What's included:
Airport transfers - We include arrival and departure transfers regardless of whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you. If you're booking them yourself, then please let us know the details so that we can arrange the transfers. Please note though that if you arrive earlier than Day 1 of the tour, and leave after the final day, we may need to make an additional charge for an airport transfer.
Accommodation - Accommodation as listed in the dossier. The nature of the destinations that we operate may sometimes mean that we need to change hotels, but we'll always endeavour to keep the same standards. Please be aware that as we operate in many countries where tourism is in its infancy, hotel standards may not be the same as you're used to elsewhere.
Guides - You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide.
Meals - As listed within the itinerary / dossier (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). These will vary from trip to trip - in some areas it makes sense to include all meals while in others there is a good choice of restaurants and we feel people might like to 'do their own thing' now and again.
Entrance fees - Entrance fees are listed for those sites that we mention within the itinerary. If there are any other sites that you'd like to see, these would be at your own expense.
Not included:
- Visas
- Airport taxes
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
