ARRIVAL IN DAKAR

Dakar - Upon arrival in Dakar, settle into the Farid Hotel, where accommodations have been arranged on a bed and breakfast basis.

DAKAR AND GOREE ISLAND

Goree Island - After breakfast, embark on a tour of Dakar. Explore the Tilen market, renowned for its diverse selection of medicinal herbs and traditional healers. Continue to the National Art Gallery and the charming residential area of Medina. At noon, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Goree Island, home to “The Door of No Return.” Tour the ethnographic museum and attend a lecture by the curator on the history of Goree Island.

Dakar – Pink Lake – Lompoul Desert

Lompoul - After breakfast, depart Dakar for a 1.5-hour drive to the Pink Lake, a significant hub for salt collection. Upon arrival, observe the salt diggers harvesting salt from the lake and women stacking it. Lunch is at your own expense, followed by a 3-hour drive to the Lompoul Desert. Upon arrival, board a 4WD to the heart of the desert. Enjoy a memorable experience in the Lompoul Desert with dinner and a traditional ballet performance featuring Jembe drums, singing, and dancing around the campfire under the stars. A camel ride is also available, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Lompoul Desert – Saint Louis

Lompoul Desert - Begin the day with a 2-hour drive to the historic city of Saint Louis, the former capital of Senegal. Discover the city on a horse-drawn carriage ride, reminiscent of New Orleans with its wooden balconies lining the narrow streets.

Saint Louis – Touba - Kaolack

Kaolack – Juffureh - Banjul

Banjul - Today, embark on a 3-hour drive to the Gambia border, located east of Banjul. After completing police and customs formalities, reach Jufureh, the setting of Alex Haley’s “Roots.” From Albreda on the mainland, known during the slavery era for its Flag Pole, believed to grant freedom to those who touched it after escaping from nearby James Island, reached after a 20-minute boat ride. Explore the ruins of Kunta Kinteh Island, a site of contention among the French, English, Portuguese, and Dutch in the middle of the Gambia River. Sail back to Jufureh, tracing the ancestry of “Kunta Kinteh” from Roots. Visit the restored original home of the Kinteh clan, still occupied by the family. After lunch and a visit, drive towards Bara, the western border, and take a ferry to reach the hotel in Banjul.

Banjul and Serekunda City Tour

Flight to Abidjan

Abidjan - Today, take a flight to Abidjan. Upon arrival at the airport, after completing immigration formalities and baggage claim, meet the driver at the arrival gate for a transfer to Ibis Abidjan Plateau or a similar hotel for an overnight stay. Receive a briefing about the Ivory Coast. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Abidjan- Man

Abidjan - After breakfast, begin the journey in Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire. Fly from Abidjan International Airport to Man, a scenic city in the western part of the country. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and settle in. Start exploring Man by visiting the stunning Mount Tonkoui, known for its breathtaking views and lush greenery. Hike to the summit or take 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 vibrant local markets in Man, offering unique handicrafts and traditional souvenirs. Savor the local cuisine with delicious Ivorian dishes. Later, check into Hotel Les Cascades or a similar establishment for an overnight stay and dinner.

Man – Biankouma – Man

Man -Daloa- Yamoussoukro

Yamoussoukro- Abidjan

Yamoussoukro - After breakfast, begin the day in Yamoussoukro, the political capital of Côte d’Ivoire. Visit the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, one of the largest churches in the world. Admire its grand architecture and soak in the serene atmosphere. Next, explore the Presidential Palace, a splendid structure with beautiful gardens. Afterwards, head to the bustling markets of Yamoussoukro to experience the vibrant local culture and enjoy some traditional Ivorian cuisine. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for a flight to Accra, Ghana. Upon arrival, meet the representative for a transfer to the hotel for rest.

Accra- Cape Coast & Elmina Castle

Accra - After breakfast, meet the guide in the hotel lobby. Travel in an air-conditioned 4×4 to Cape Coast, enjoying snacks along the way. The first stop is 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 constructed as a Portuguese feitoria (trading post) in 1555, it later became part of the transatlantic slave trade, where slaves were held before being shipped to the Americas. After the tour, return to the accommodation for rest and dinner.

Elmina Castle - Kumasi (4.5 hours)

Elmina Castle - After breakfast, travel to Kumasi, with a detour to the Obuasi Goldmine, one of the world’s richest in terms of yield per ton of ore. Once the country’s major producer, it was the 10th largest gold mine globally by the 20th century. Visit the “Slave River,” where captured Africans bathed before being confined to slavery castles for shipment to the Americas and the Caribbean. Explore Ashanti craft villages, starting with Ahwiaa, known for woodcarving high stools, walking sticks, and fertility dolls. In Ntonso, watch artisans create Adinkra textiles using hand-stamped patterns and learn how to make black dye. Continue to Bonwire, famous for its handmade Kente cloth, and witness the weaving process. End the day at Kumasi’s Kejetia Market, West Africa’s largest open-air market, with over 10,000 vendors.

Kumasi

Kumasi - After breakfast, proceed to the Ashanti Kingdom. Tour the Manhiya Palace, the official residence of the Ashanti kings (Asantehene) until 1974. It is now a museum housing treasured items related to the Ashanti kingdom. Also, see the Okomfo Sword, the ultimate symbol of Ashanti unity. It marks the spot where the golden stool ‘descended from the sky.’ It has remained there for 300 years, and legend has it that the Ashanti kingdom would collapse if the sword were ever removed.

Departure.

Accra - After breakfast, return to Accra City. Today, make a crucial decision regarding the next steps. Choose between departing from Accra International Airport to head back home or boarding a flight to Dakar to continue the journey.

• Private vehicle transportation
• Dinner included
• Breakfast included
• Shared accommodation (single supplement available for an additional $310)
• Expert tour/safari guide

• Travel insurance.
• Gratuity to drivers and guides.
• Lunches
• Internationals Flights
• Cost of Visa
• Meals not listed.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.