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Peregrine Adventures

West Africa Expedition (26 Days)

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.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Wed) Arrive Bamako and transfer to hotel.
Day 2 Enjoy city tour of Bamako, then join Mali Initiative Project and share a meal with a local family.
Days 3-4 Fly to Timbuktu (Tombouctou). Walking tour and camel ride to Tuareg camp.
Day 5 Fly to Mopti. 'Pirogue' (dugout canoe) ride on Niger River. Travel to the ancient town of Djenné.
Day 6 Visit impressive Grand Mosque at Djenné. Experience colourful market day, then continue to Dogon village for overnight stay.
Day 7 Witness masked dance at Dogon village. Continue journey to Burkina Faso.
Days 8-9 Experience the market at Gorom-Gorom – one of the most famous and fascinating in Africa!
Days 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.
Day 12 Explore around Banfora including Karfiguela Waterfalls, hippos at Lake Tengréla and rock formations at Sindou.
Day 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.
Day 14 Drive to Pendjari National Park, Benin, and go on safari in search of wildlife.
Day 15 Visit Tanougou Falls and the fascinating Betamaribé tribe from the remote Atakora Mountains of northern Benin. Overnight in Natitingou.
Days 16-17 Explore Abomey – the ancient capital of the great Dahomey Kingdom. Enjoy a unique performance of the Geleden Mask Dance.
Days 18-19 Drive to the lakeside village of Ganvié. Continue to Grand Popo Beach. Free day and optional voodoo tour.
Day 20 Cross border into Togo and drive to Lomé. Visit National Museum and the bizarre fetish market at Akedessewa.
Day 21 Boat trip on Lake Togo to visit historic Togoville. Continue our journey to Ghana and further on to Ada.
Days 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.
Day 24 Drive to Axim Beach – Ghana's most famous beach resort.
Day 25 Free morning on the beach. Drive to Elmina and visit slave castles.
Day 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).

More Information

Trip 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

Countries Visited

Trip Facts

Code PFWE
Starts In Bamako
Ends In Accra
Start Day Wednesday
End Day Sunday
Grade

Cultural adventure
With focus on local cultures and historic sites, these trips have the perfect mix of discovery, exploration, comfort and relaxation. Some trips may include a little walking or a night or two ‘roughing’ it. Check the itinerary for details.

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 1 November 2010
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