The West Africa Explorer 33 Days

Excursion in Bamako

Languages: English

Arriving Bamako, Mali you will have fascinating Exporing the West Africa tour for whole 33 days. You will visit Timbuktu, Mopti, Dogon, Bobo Dioulasso, Gaoua and so on.

DAY 1 THURSDAY - ARRIVE BAMAKO, MALI

International flight arrives in Bamako, Mali. Airport to hotel transfer. Refresh, relax, at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Bamako. (D)

DAY 2 FRIDAY - BAMAKO

Bamako city tour: Start at Point G and the panoramic overview of the city; visit the National Museum, the city market and the artisans' village, where you will see local craftsmen at work: silversmiths, woodcarvers, weavers, and leatherworkers. Overnight in Bamako. (B,D)

DAY 3 SATURDAY - TIMBUKTU

Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Timbuktu. Check into your hotel then visit this legendary city with a name synonymous with "The End Of The Earth": See the ancient mosques (built in the XIVth century) and former universities, the museum, the explorers' houses, the city market which received the Azalas, salt caravans from the desert. In the afternoon, excursion into the Sahara Desert by camel caravan to visit a Tuareg camp. Enjoy tea on the dunes with your Tuareg hosts, the Princes of the Desert. Return to and overnight in Timbuktu. (B,D)

DAY 4 SUNDAY - MOPTI

Mid morning transfer to the airport for flight to Mopti, the Venice of Mali, nestled between the Niger and the Bani rivers. Mopti city tour. Including the fishing port, the bustling market where many of Mali's cultural groups can be seen: Bambara, Bobo, Bozo, Dogon, Fulani, Tuareg and Songhay. Enjoy a sunset sail on the Niger River in a traditional pirogue. Overnight in Mopti. (B,D)

DAY 5 MONDAY - DJENNE

This morning you travel from Mopti to Mali's architectural jewel, Djenne, founded in the fourth century has scarcely changed since the Middle Ages. The atmosphere in the streets transports you back to Medieval times. Visit Djenne's colorful and bustling market on its legendary Monday Market Day. In the afternoon return to Mopti for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 6 TUESDAY - DOGON

After breakfast, drive to Mali's fascinating Dogon country, visit the Dogon village of Songo, renowned for its rock paintings and circumcision grotto; continue to Sangha, comprised of 10 distinct Dogon villages - some are traditional animist and others have converted to Islam, descend the Bandiagara escarpment and visit the village of Banani; you will see ancient Tellem cave dwellings in the cliff face, continue to the villages of Ireli and Amani, site of a sanctuary for crocodiles which are sacred to the Dogon people. You may bear witness to a traditional Dogon Mask Dance. Return to and overnight in Sangha on the edge of the Bandiagara escarpment. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 WEDNESDAY - DOGON

Your of Dogon Country continue with a visit to the Dogon village Songo. See its renowned rock paintings and circumcision grotto, visit Sangha, Ogols and Bongo, see the women's house, the shrine of the Hogon (the Dogon people's spiritual leader), Visit Dogon elders and the natural tunnel in Bongo. Return to and overnight in Sangha. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 THURSDAY - BOBO DIOULASSO

Depart Mali and cross into Burkina Faso. Tour Bobo Dioulasso, ("house of the Bobo merchants"), Burkina Faso's second largest city, see the old mosque and visit the old Kibidwe artisans' district, where you will see blacksmiths, potters and dyers at work. Overnight in Bobo Dioulasso. (B,D)

DAY 9 FRIDAY - GAOUA

After breakfast drive to Gaoua, via Banfora where you will see the mysterious stone ruins of Loropeni, whose origins are unknown. In Gaoua visit the Poni Museum, dedicated to the Lobi culture, see the distinctive, fortress-like Lobi architecture. Overnight in Gaoua (B,D)

DAY 10 SATURDAY - OUAGADOUGOU

Depart to Ouagadougou. Explore Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital city. Visit the Grand Market and the National Museum with its interesting collection of regional clothing, masks, household utensils and ancestral statues. Visit the craft market at the Artisans' Center, where you will find basketry, batik fabrics, wooden statues and masks, jewelry, leatherwork and bronze castings. Overnight in Ouagadougou. (B,D)

YOU MAY BEGIN OR END YOUR TOUR HERE. DAY 11 SUNDAY - NATITINGOU, BENIN

Depart Ouagadougou after breakfast and drive to Fada N'Gourma, cross the BF-Benin border to Natitingou, in Somba country. Overnight in Natitingou. (B,D)

DAY 12 MONDAY - NATITINGOU

Visit the Natitingou Museum for an interesting overview of the Somba culture, then drive to Abomey, the birthlace of voodoo; visit Abomey's historical Daho-Donou Museum. Overnight in Abomey. (B,D)

DAY 13 TUESDAY - ABOMEY

Visit the Royal Palace Museum and the King of Abomey, whose ancestors reigned from 1620 through 1900. Visit the artisans' center then depart for Cotonou. Overnight in Cotonou.(B,D)

DAY 14 WEDNESDAY - OUIDAH

Travel to and tour Ouidah, an important traditional religious center and ancient slave depot, visit the Museum in the old Portuguese fort, the Voodoo Museum, the temple of pythons, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Kpasse sacred forest; witness a traditional voodoo ceremony featuring the spirits of departed ancestors. Return to and overnight in Cotonou. (B,D)

DAY 15 THURSDAY - COTONOU

In the morning visit Ganvie, the stilt village on the water- the Venice of West Africa. Continue with a tour of Cotonou, including the international Dantokpa market, with its fetish stalls and handcraft center. Overnight in Cotonou. (B,D)

YOU MAY BEGIN OR END YOUR TOUR HERE. DAY 16 FRIDAY - LOME

Depart on a 3-hour drive to Lome, Togo, stopping at points of interest. Afternoon tour of Lome. Overnight in Lome (B,D)

DAY 17 SATURDAY - LOME

Breakfast then depart for a tour of the Fetish Village and Fishing harbour. After lunch visit the Lome Central Market (one of the largest open air markets in West Africa) Overnight in Lome. (B,D)

DAY 18 SUNDAY - HO, GHANA

Depart to Ho, the capital of Ghana's Volta region. Visit Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary where sacred monkeys have live in harmony with the locals for centuries. Continue to Wli Waterfalls the longest in West Africa. Visit the Ho Museum, central market and Kpetoe Kente Village. Overnight in Ho. (B,D)

DAY 19 MONDAY - ACCRA

Depart to Accra and go on a city tour. Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial, Independence Arch, National Theater and the W.E.B. Dubois Pan African Center. Visit the main craft market where you may test your bargaining skills on the local vendors. Overnight in Accra. (B,D)

YOU MAY BEGIN OR END YOUR TOUR HERE. DAY 20 TUESDAY - KUMASI

Depart to Kumasi the realm of the Ashanti Kingdom. We pass through Obouasi, the location of the Ashanti Goldfields—one of the richest mines in the world. In the evening visit the village of Bonwire, the locale where the famous Royal Kente Cloth is made. Overnight in Kumasi (B,D)

DAY 21 WEDNESDAY - KUMASI

Visits to the craft villages of Pankrono (pottery), Ahwiaa (woodcarving), and Ntonso (adinkra) cloth. Visit the Kumasi Cultural Center. In the afternoon visit the Kumasi Central Market the largest in West Africa followed by a visit to Manhiyia Palace for an audience with the (Asantehene) Ashanti King or members of his Royal Court. Overnight in Kumasi. (B,D)

DAY 22 THURSDAY - CAPE COAST

Depart to Cape Coast and Elmina, arriving early afternoon for a brief tour of the city of Cape Coast. Tour Elmina Castle, a World Heritage site where slaves were held before being sent to the New World followed by a walk through the town of Elmina. In the evening, visit the Volta Fisherman Community, a coastal village with traditional industries and Volta style houses. Overnight in Cape Coast (B,D)

DAY 23 FRIDAY - CAPE COAST

Tour of Cape Coast continues. Visit Cape Coast Castle another World Heritage Site. Overnight in Cape Coast (B,D)

DAY 24 SATURDAY - CAPE COAST-BUSUA BEACH RESORT

Depart Cape Coast for Busua Beach resort in Ghana's Western region. Here you may enjoy water sports and other activities. Take a Canoe ride to visit a nearby Busua Island. Go on a walking tour of Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove. Overnight at Busua Beach Resort (B,D)

YOU MAY BEGIN OR END YOUR TOUR HERE. DAY 25 SUNDAY - BUSUA - GRAND BASSAM

( Cote d'Ivoire) Depart to Cote d'Ivoire stopping at villages en route including Grand Bassam, the former capital of the Ivory Coast. Tour this historic town visiting the Artisans Centre where bronze-smiths work with an ancient Wax process. Continue to Abidjan for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 26 MONDAY - ABIDJAN

City tour of Abidjan including the Plateau Districts of Cocody and Marcory. Explore the markets of Treichville. Overnight in Abidjan. (B,D)

YOU MAY BEGIN OR END YOUR TOUR HERE. DAY 27 TUESDAY - DAKAR, SENEGAL

This morning fly to Dakar, Senegal. In the afternoon go on a city tour of Metropolitan Dakar. Visit the colorful markets including Kermel Market, famous for a variety of medicinal herbs and traditional healers. Visit the National Art Gallery and the picturesque residential district of Medina. Overnight in Dakar. (B,D)

DAY 28 WEDNESDAY - GOREE ISLAND

Today take a short ferry cruise to visit the World Heritage Site of Goree Island. Stand in The Door of No Return. The tour includes a visit to the ethnographic museum and a lecture by the curator on the history of the famous/infamous Goree Island. Return to and overnight in Dakar. (B,D) DAY 29 THURSDAY - PINK LAKE Tour of Pink Lake and neighboring village. Explore the dunes in 4x4 Vehicle. This is the locale where the yearly PARIS TO DAKAR MOTOR RALLY ends. Continue to St. Louis, Senegal's former French Colonial Capital Overnight in St. Louis.(B,D)

DAY 30 FRIDAY - SAINT LOUIS

Excursion to the Parc Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, another of Unesco's World Heritage sites. Enjoy a pirogue ride to better view the numerous bird species including cormorants, pelicans, ducks, flamingos, various songbirds among others. You may also see crocodiles, boas and wild boars. In the afternoon visit old colonial Saint Louis, note the narrow streets flanked by houses with carved wooden balconies and verandas. (B,D)

DAY 31 SATURDAY - TOUBA SALY

Depart St. Louis via Touba, the holy city of the Mouride Brotherhood. Visit the beautiful giant mosque, 87 meters tall and visible for miles across the plain. Continue to Saly beach resort for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 32 SUNDAY - SALY

DAKAR Relax on the beach, or enjoy one of the many water sport activities available at the resort: surf boarding, jet skiing, horseback riding. /optional local village tour. (B,D)

DAY 33 MONDAY - DEPARTURE ONWARD

Morning at leisure before departure onward. (B)

TOUR INCLUDES:

• Round trip airport to hotel transfers
• Accommodations in properties listed
• Tours in private vehicle
• Trained English/French-speaking guides
• Admissions to all listed sites and activities
• Luggage transfer
• Domestic airfare within Africa
• Meals indicated by B, L, D.

Not Included: International airfare to Africa, travel insurance, meals not listed, personal items such as telephone, laundry and visa fees, gratuity to drivers and guides

Additional information

Tour information:
Languages: English
Tour package includes:
Airport Transfer :	NO
Hotel pick-up:	NO
Drop-off :	NO
Tour Transportation (car, van, limo, boat, etc…):	NO
Food and Drinks :	NO
Other services (fees apply):
Attraction tickets (concerts, theater, museum, circus...) :	NO
Translation services :	NO
Reservations (hotels, restaurants, airline) :	NO
Visa support :	NO
Additional information:
This tour must be booked at least 7 days in advance of your travel date :	NO
Tour groups must include a minimum of 2 passengers :	NO
Tour prices are flexible and based on your requirements :	NO