West Africa Encompassed
From downtown Dakar to back country Dogon, fabled West Africa offers up unforgettable exotica, harrowing history and a lively, irrepressible spirit. Explore ancient ruins and the cobbled, colonial streets of Saint-Louis. Cruise down the languid Gambia River and bask on brilliant beaches. Wander through the sobering dungeons of the Cape Coast slave castle. Witness the ceremonial dancing, traditional homes and distinct artistry of a diverse range of people, amongst jumbled backstreets and remote, intricately decorated villages. Tap your feet to the rhythm, blues and roots of West African music. Go on safari in search of wild game, observe and be overwhelmed by voodoo rights in Ouidah, visit sacred lakes and browse the fruits of local craftsmanship at tribal markets. Wherever you travel here, an optimism and generosity of spirit is always present – you’ll be moved by this enthralling experience of some of the world’s most unusual places and most welcoming people.
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | (Sat) Arrive in Dakar. Transfer to hotel. |
| 2 | Explore the city sights including the cathedral and IFAN museum. Afternoon excursion to former slave island of Isle de Goree. |
| 3-4 | Visit Lac Rose en route to the charming colonial former capital of Saint-Louis. Visit Djoudj National Park - famous for exceptional bird watching. |
| 5-6 | Enjoy an overnight desert excursion and camel ride in Lompoul. Continue to Kaolack - home to one of Africa's largest covered markets. |
| 7-8 | Spend a night in mountainous Bedik Country. Take a refreshing swim at Dindefelo Falls. |
| 9-10 | Cross into The Gambia, take in the relics of Jangjang-bureh (Georgetown), the former British colonial enclave. Cruise down the Gambia River to witness the intriguing Wassu Stones. |
| 11-12 | Tour the city of Banjul and a community project before returning to Senegal. Sunset boat excursion in the lush Siné-Saloum Delta. |
| 13-14 | Visit Joal-Fadiout - an island made completely of clam and oyster shells. Afternoon flight to Bamako, capital of Mali. |
| 15-16 | Visit riverside town of Segou. Continue to Niamana community for an overnight homestay. Arrive in Djenné by boat to discover winding laneways and the impressive Grand Mosque. |
| 17-18 | Explore Djenné Market. Trek through Dogon Country and see the incredible Dogon masked dance. |
| 19 | Visit the riverside town of Mopti. Sunset trip down the Niger River on a traditional ‘pinasse’ (dugout canoe). |
| 20-21 | Cross the border into Burkina Faso. Explore Bobo-Dioulasso – Burkina Faso’s music capital. |
| 22 | Explore around Banfora, including Karfiguela Waterfalls and the rock formations at Sindou. |
| 23-24 | Travel to Gaoua, home to the Lobi people. Visit the stone ruins of Loropéni. Explore the region’s distinct architecture. Continue to Ouagadougou. |
| 25 | See the intricately decorated village of Tiebele – all the buildings are covered in symbolic painting and carving. |
| 26-27 | Enter Benin. Go on wildlife safari in Pendjari National Park. See the unique Tata Somba houses in the remote Atakora Mountains. |
| 28-29 | Explore Abomey – the ancient capital of the Dahomey Kingdom. See a performance of the Geleden Mask Dance. |
| 30-31 | Explore the lakeside stilt village of Ganvié. Continue to Ouidah – birthplace of voodoo. Visit the Temple of Pythons and experience a voodoo dance. |
| 32-33 | Cross border into Togo. Take a boat trip on Lake Togo to visit historic Togoville. Overnight in Lomé. Continue to Accra in Ghana. |
| 34-35 | 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. |
| 36-37 | Rest and relax for two days at beautiful Axim Beach. Visit Axim Fort and fishing village. |
| 38-39 | Visit the haunting former slave castle of Elmina on the Cape Coast. Continue to the bustling city of Accra where our trip ends (Tue). |
Trip Highlights
Gallery
Video
From Our Blog
At A Glance
Trip Length |
39 days |
Trip Code |
PFWA |
Activities |
|
| Culture (Remote), Walking (Moderate) | |
Minimum Passengers |
|
| 6 people | |
Maximum Passengers |
|
| 15 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, Togo | |
Start City |
|
| Dakar | |
End City |
|
| Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana | |
