Embarking on a journey through the unbeatable paths of West Africa, specifically Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, promises an unparalleled adventure through diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant streets of Dakar to the historic forts along the Gold Coast, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the region’s past and present. In Senegal, the rhythm of life pulses through the bustling markets of Dakar, while the tranquil beauty of the Pink Lake provides a serene escape. Ghana’s coastline beckons with pristine beaches and the poignant reminders of its role in the transatlantic slave trade at Cape Coast Castle. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s vibrant cities blend modernity with tradition, offering a dynamic cultural experience against the backdrop of lush rainforests and picturesque coastlines. Every step of the journey unveils a new layer of history and tradition, from encounters with friendly locals to visits to ancient landmarks and sacred sites. Whether exploring the bustling markets of Abidjan, trekking through the lush forests of Ghana, or tracing the roots of the vibrant music and dance scene in Senegal, the journey through these unbeatable paths of West Africa promises unforgettable memories and enriching experiences at every turn.
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Dakar International Airport/ Accra International Airport or Accommodation
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Embarking on a journey through the unbeatable paths of West Africa, specifically Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, promises an unparalleled adventure through diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant streets of Dakar to the historic forts along the Gold Coast, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the region’s past and present..
On arrival, meet with our esteemed guide who will help you finish all the formalities and transfer you to the place of accommodation. Check-in to the hotel and have an orientation about the safari with your guide.
Place of accommodation: Hotel Farid 3* or similar
Meal Plan: Dinner and breakfast
After breakfast, your trip begins with a city tour of Dakar. The first place of the visit will be independence place passing through the presidential palace and the main cathedral. Follow by a drive to the seafront toward soumbedioune market and the “mosque of Divinity”. The tour to Dakar will show you the contrasts between upscale residential areas and other popular neighborhoods. You will not leave Dakar without a visit to the popular hotspots like Kermel, Tilene Market, Renaissance Monument, not forgetting Africa’s most modern Museum, the Museum of African Civilization a massive four-story complex which fulfilled the dreams of Senegal’s first president Leopold Sedar Senghor. At midday board a ferry to Goree Island. Spend your time exploring the quiet streets lined with colonial-era buildings. Your guide will show you one of the most famous buildings which mark the history of Goree. See the “Door of No Return,” where millions passed on their way to slavery.
Place of accommodation: Hotel Farid 3* or similar
Meal Plan: Dinner and breakfast
After breakfast, leave Dakar for a drive to the Pink Lake the drive is around 1.5 hours , an important center for salt collection. On arrival, observe how salt diggers harvest the salt from the Lake and women pile it up. Lunch at own expenses which after that you will drive for 3hours to Lompoul desert. At yourdetails upon, board a 4WD to the middle of the desert. Enjoy a great experience of the Lompoul desert as you will have dinner watching traditional ballet performing Jembe drums involving singing and dancing around the campfire enjoying the constellations. There will be the possibility of a camel ride. This will be a lifetime
experience.
Place of accommodation: Camp du Desert or Ecolodge of Lompoul
Meal Plan: Dinner and breakfast
Wake up for a 2-hour drive to the old city of Saint Louis, the former capital of Senegal. Explore the town on a horse-drawn carriage. The city reminds you of New Orleans with a wooden balcony align at the narrow streets.
Depart to the holy city of Touba. Visit one of the largest and most Magnificent Mosque in all of West Africa, the Grand Mosque. Your guide will help you understand Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba the founder of Mouridism and the history of Touba. Later on, the move to Kaolack with stops at Fulani and Wolof villages. Upon arrival at Kaolack, visit the local market before checking to your hotel.
Place of accommodation: Relais de Kaolack Hotel 3* or similar
Meal Plan: Dinner and breakfast
Today you will embark on anotherr 3 hour drive to Gambia border by the center at the East of Banjul, after settled police and customs formalities, we will reach Jufureh, the land of Alex Haley’s “Roots movie”. From Albreda on the main land which gained fame in the period of slavery as a result of its Flag Pole, which many believed would guarantee freedom to anyone who touched it after escaping from nearby James Island reached after 20 min by boat Observe the ruins of Kunta Kinteh Island a place of lust between French, English, Portuguese and Dutch in the middle of Gambia River Sail back to the village of Jufureh to where the ancestry of “Kunta Kinteh” of Roots fame was traced. The restored original home of the Kinteh clan still occupied by the Kinteh family can be visited. After lunch and visit drive toward Bara the border at the West and sailing by a ferry to reach our hotel in Banjul.
Place of accommodation: Senegambia Beach Hotel 3* or similar
Meal Plan: Dinner and breakfast
Start from the National Museum, showing the history of The Gambia including the tracing the mix of African Culture and European colonialism. We then take a short drive through Banjul to “see the sights,” stopping to visit Albert market with much hustle and bustle, where anything from live chicken and vegetables to herbs and false hair can be bought. Or in the afternoon, visit Serekunda the most densely populated town in The Gambia; here you can see displays of “Tie & Dye” and the beautiful Batik cottons. Back to the hotel and overnight.
Place of accommodation: Senegambia Beach Hotel 3* or similar
Meal Plan: Dinner and breakfast
Today you will take a flight to Abidjan. Upon arrival at the airport and after completing immigration formalities and baggage reclaim, you will be met at the arrival gate by our driver and get transferred to Ibis Abidjan Plateau or similar overnight. You’ll be briefed about the Ivory Coast. The rest of the time will be at your leisure.
Dinner and overnight will be at hotel Les cascades or similar.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today after breakfast, begin your journey in Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire. Catch a flight from Abidjan International Airport to Man, a picturesque city nestled in the western part of the country. Upon arrival, take a short transfer to your hotel and settle in. Start your exploration of Man by visiting the mesmerizing Mount Tonkoui, known for its breathtaking views and lush greenery. Embark on a hike to the summit or opt for a cable car ride to enjoy the panoramic vistas. Next, discover the enchanting landscapes of the nearby La Cascade waterfall, where you can relax and immerse yourself in the natural beauty. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant local markets in Man, where you can find unique handicrafts and traditional souvenirs. Indulge in the local cuisine, savoring delicious Ivorian dishes. Later check-in to hotel Les cascades or similar for overnight and dinner.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, you will visit Biankouma, an old Yacouba – Dan village. At the village, you will see the colorfully painted houses, the house of the initiated women, and observe the fetish priests. You will have an opportunity to interact with the elder of the village. After lunch, visit the village of Blole where you can participate in a mask dance (Glah and Temate). You will also witness the dance performed by young females
Dinner and overnight will be at hotel Les cascades or similar.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we check out and drive to Daloa. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the monkey village where you can see monkeys interacting with people. the town is also a trade center a chief collecting Cocoa, nuts, and rice. En route to Yamoussoukro where we shall visit the largest Our Lady of peace basilica in the world.
Dinner and overnight will be at Hotel President or similar.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today after breakfast, start your day in Yamoussoukro, the political capital of Côte d’Ivoire. Visit the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, one of the largest churches in the world. Marvel at its grand architecture and take in the serene atmosphere. Next, explore the Presidential Palace, a magnificent structure with beautiful gardens. Afterward, head to the bustling markets of Yamoussoukro to experience the vibrant local culture and indulge in some traditional Ivorian cuisine. In the afternoon, you will be dropped off at the Airport for your flight to Accra, Ghana. On arrival meet with our representative who will transfer you to
your hotel for rest.
Dinner and Overnight at Lancaster Hotel or similar.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today after breakfast, you will meet the guide at the hotel Lobby. Travel in an air-conditioned 4×4 to the Cape Coast, enjoying some snacks on the way. The first stop of the day is the Cape Coast Castle, one of about 40 slave castles or large commercial forts built on the Gold Coast of West Africa by European traders. Originally built as a Portuguese feitoria (trading post) in 1555, it was later used as part of the transAtlantic slave trade as place slaves were held before being loaded onto ships bound for the Americas. After the tour, be dropped off at your place of accommodation for rest and dinner.
Dinner and Overnight at Lancaster Hotel or similar.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, you will enroute to Kumasi taking a detour to the Goldmine of obuasi The Asante gold mine at Obuasi remained the country’s major producer while others became depleted. It is one of the world’s richest gold mines in terms of yield per ton of ore. By the end of the 20th century, it was the 10th largest gold mine in the world. Visit the’ Slave River’ where capture African bathed before being confined into slavery castles waiting for shipment to the Americans and the Caribbean. Visit the Ashanti craft villages such as the woodcarving village of Ahwiaa, well- known for artisans who fashion high stools, walking sticks, and fertility dolls from wood. You can purchase carved items of all kinds. Followed by the village of Ntonso where artisan’s hand-stamp patterns on a cotton cloth to make Adinkra textiles. Black-onblack and blank-on-red Adinkra cloth is worn on funeral and solemn occasions. You will have an opportunity to learn how to make black dye from the bark of trees. You can make your Adinkra sash to take home. Later continue to the village of Bonwire, the famous Kente cloth is handmade on looms in the time honored tradition passed down through generations. In the process of creating Kente cloth in various styles, you will see kente weavers. You can purchase souvenirs or gifts. In the evening visit the Kumasi Central Market, also known as Kejetia Market. It is the largest open-air market in West Africa where more than 10000 vendors sell their wares.
Dinner and overnight at Lancaster Hotel, Kumasi
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today after breakfast you will proceed to Ashanti Kingdom, Tour Manhiya palace the official residence of the Ashanti kings (Asantehene) until 1974. It is now a museum containing treasured items related to the Ashanti kingdom. You will also see Okomfo Sword, the ultimate symbol of Ashanti unity. It marks the spot where the golden stool ‘descended from the sky.’ It has been there for 300 years now, and legend has it said the Ashanti kingdom would collapse was the sword ever removed.
Dinner and overnight at Lancaster Hotel, Kumasi.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast, you’ll return to Accra City. Today, you’ll face a pivotal decision regarding your next steps. You have two options for your onward journey: you can opt to depart from Accra International Airport, heading back home, or alternatively, you can board a flight to Dakar to continue your travels.
