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Peregrine Adventures

West Africa Expedition (24 Days)

This expedition takes us deep into the mysterious heart of West Africa, a destination that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. Explore ancient fabled towns and historic kingdoms, such as the influential Malien and Ashanti empires, the great Dahomey Kingdom and the ancient settlement of Djenne reknown for its great mosque. Spend a night in unforgettable Dogon Country, where daily life has not changed in centuries. Learn about the rich and diverse history of the region and be humbled by its tragic slave-trading past. 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. This journey 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 captivates all of the senses! Finally, the hypnotic sounds and haunting rhythms of West Africa's celebrated music is sure to leave a lasting impression!

Itinerary

Day 1 (Thu) Arrive Bamako and transfer to hotel.
Day 2 Morning flight to Mopti. Trek escarpment into Pays Dogon. Sleep on rooftop in Dogon Village.
Day 3 Visit historic Tellem & Dogon houses in World-Heritage listed Dogon Country. Watch Dogon Masked Dance Performance.
Day 4 Travel to Mopti and explore Old Mopti, the mosque and the fascinating harbour area. Sunset excursion by traditional pirogue along the Niger River.
Days 5-6 Travel to the ancient town of Djenne to view the Grand Mosque and the experience the vibrant Monday market. Continue to Burkina Faso via the Dogon villages of Songo and Teli.
Days 7-8 Experience the market of Gorom-Gorom – one of the most famous and fascinating markets in all of West Africa! Visit the Songhai Village of Marakoe.
Day 9 Visit the Songhai village of Marakoe before continuing to the nation's capital, Ouagadougou.
Day 10 Spend the day exploring the many sites around Banfora, including Karfiguela Waterfalls, the hippos at Lake Tengrela and the striking rock formations of Sindou.
Days 11-12 Visit the stone ruins of Loropeni en-route to Gaoua, in the heart of Lobi Country. Learn about the fascinating architecture and preserved age-old traditions of this region. Continue to Ouagadougou.
Day 13 Enter Benin and visit Pendjari Game Reserve on an afternoon game drive, in search of hippo, lion and elephant.
Day 14 Visit Tanougou Falls for a swim en-route to Natitingou. Afternoon visit to the remote Betamaribe people - a fascinating hunter-gatherer tribe that resides in the Atakora Mountains of northern Benin.
Days 15-16 Explore Abomey - the ancient capital of the great Dahomey Kindgom. Watch an incredible Dance Geledin des Fons performance. See Lake Ganvie village by boat before continuing to Grand Popo Beach.
Day 17 Relax at Grand Popo Beach. Optional tour to Ouida to learn about the origins of Voodoo and meet with practitioners.
Days 18-19 Cross the border into Togo and visit the capital, Lome on an afternoon city tour. Boat excursion to Togoville, before continuing to Ada, on the shores of Lake Volta in Ghana.
Days 20-21 Travel to Kumasi – the Ashanti Capital. Visit the former Palace of the Ashanti King as well as the largest market in West Africa! Free morning to explore Ashanti villages specialising in goldsmithing, cloth weathing and stool carving.
Day 22 Spend the day at glorious Axim Beach under the shade of palm trees or take on one of the many optional activities.
Day 23 Visit the Elmina Slave Castle to learn of the tragic slave-trading past, as well as other sites along the Cape Coast.
Day 24 Walk the amazing canopy in Kakoum National Park. Continue to Accra for afternoon visit. Evening departure transfer to Accra airport where our expedition comes to an end (Sat).

Trip Highlights

  • Djenné Grand Mosque
  • Djenné Market
  • Trek through Pays Dogon
  • Gorom-Gorom Market
  • Karfiguela Waterfalls
  • Pendjari National Park
  • Lake Togo
  • Abomey - former capital of Dahomey Kingdom
  • Kumasi - capital of Ashanti Empire
  • Songhai Village

Trip Facts

Code PFWE2
Starts In Bamako
Ends In Accra
Start Day Thursday
End Day Saturday
Group Size Maximum 15
Grade

Expedition
These special adventures that venture far from the conventional tourist trail and into little visited areas. Flexibility is the key as actual itineraries will be determined by the conditions we encounter. With limited departures, these are unique adventures for unique adventurers!

Remote adventure
Venturing well away from cities and into remote areas, these trips take you right off the beaten track. Accommodation may be basic but the rewards are well worthwhile.

Valid From 4 February 2010