15 Days West African Wonder Tour Package

Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Priced From: $4,246 (All pricing reflects per-person Land Only expenses)
Dates: Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb, Oct

Day 1   Arrive in Dakar
 
Today we arrive in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. A NOTE ON SUITABILITY: The is a tour for the hardy! If you are uncertain of your suitability for this trip, please contact our Sales Department. Overnight in Senegal. Dinner if required. 
  
Day 2   Dakar & Goree Island
 
This morning we take a tour of Dakar, the westernmost point on the African continent. Dakar is a dynamic and modern urban center with a strong French colonial flavour. Our city tour shows us the Independence Square, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and the Grand Mosque. We also visit the Dakar IFAN Museum with a rich ethnographic collection of masks, statues and other artifacts from all over West Africa. We finally drive around the Corniche for scenic views of the rugged Atlantic coastline. At midday we take a short ferry ride to the nearby island of Goree. Discovered by the Portuguese, the island was disputed in the following 450 years between the Dutch, the British and the French and changed hands many times. Goree is a World Heritage site (UNESCO) and is infamous for being one of the main gathering and embarkation points for millions of enslaved Africans who were crammed into ships and sent to the Americas. On the island we visit the chilling House of Slaves where captives were chained in tiny cells waiting to be shipped overseas. Our walk around the island also takes to the impressive fortress, the Catholic Church and the old colonial quarter. Goree boasts many former grand buildings from the 18th & 19th centuries and since there are no cars on the island, it is a beautiful place to unwind and wander among the historical remains away from Dakar's hustle and bustle. Overnight in Dakar. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 3   Dakar - Saint-Louis
 
This morning we head northward to historic Saint-Louis, which until 1958 was the capital of French-administered Mauritania and Senegal. En route we stop at the Rose Lake, a center of salt extraction where traditional methods are still in use. This is the finishing line of the demanding Paris-Dakar rally. We reach Saint-Louis at the end of the afternoon driving along a road bordered by large and impressive baobab trees. The city of Saint-Louis is situated on an island at the mouth of the Senegal River and like the island of Goree is recognized as a World Heritage Site. Overnight in Saint-Louis. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 4   Saint-Louis - Djoudj National Bird Park - Saint-Louis
 
Heading out early this morning, we drive to the Walo Delta of the Senegal River, a vast area of marshes and wetlands. This river has its source in the Fouta Djalon Mountains of Guinee (where the great Niger River also rises) and marks the border between Senegal and its northern neighbour, Mauritania. Our destination this morning is the Djouj National Park, considered one of the most important bird sanctuaries on the planet. Situated on a major migratory route, this park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts and was awarded World Heritage status. Some of the world's greatest concentrations of white pelicans and pink flamingos can be seen here. We board a motorized boat and cruise along the splendid waterways to observe the immensely rich birdlife. Various ethnic groups live along the Senegal River, notably Fulas, Tuculors and Moors. In the afternoon we return to Saint-Louis for our city tour. We visit the Provincial Museum, the Faidherbe Square, the Central Mosque, and pass by the old Slave Market, a gum Arabic warehouse and countless colonial buildings painted in flaking pastels. At the height of the French period some 4000 French nationals lived here. We finally drive through the lively fishing community of Guet Ndar and its huge wholesale fish market. Overnight in Saint-Louis. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 5   Saint-Louis - Dakar, Senegal - Bamako, Mali
 
Today we drive back to Dakar and connect with our flight to Bamako, the capital of Mali. Mali is a fantastic country stretching from the unforgiving Sahara to the dry Sahel belt and the wooded savannahs of the south. It is the land of the great Niger River, third longest river in Africa after the Nile and the Congo. Here in Mali, the Niger travels along a northern loop and forms an immense inland river delta, bringing life to an otherwise desolate region. Mali is all about history and people. This land is a cradle of African civilization, the birthplace of the powerful empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhai, home of the fabled trans-Sahara trading centers of Djenne, Mopti and Tomboctou where Muslim North Africa meet tribal black Africa. Today Mali is home to numerous and colourful ethnic groups like the Bambaras, Bozos, Dogons, Fulanis, Touaregs and others. On arrival we visit the National Museum, featuring the most important archeological and ethnographic collection in West Africa. Overnight in Bamako. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 6   Bamako - Tomboctou: Town Tour & Desert Experience
 
We have an early breakfast today before our scheduled flight to Tomboctou (Timbuktu).* Rooted in legend, Tomboctou, the well of Bouctou, was founded by Touareg tribes. The oasis became fabulously wealthy in the 16th century from the trans-Saharan trade. Loaded with blocks of salt and other goods from North Africa and the Mediterranean basin, long convoys of camels would travel for weeks on end across the unforgiving Sahara to reach this all-important commercial center. It was here in Tomboctou that Arab caravans would trade their salt, often on a pound-for-pound basis with African merchants bringing gold, slaves and ivory along the Niger River from the depth of tropical Africa. The city rose from the hostile desert as a shimmering mirage of hundreds of mud buildings: mosques, caravanserais, trading houses and Koran schools. At its height Tomboctou had more than 100,000 inhabitants and became not only an important place of commerce but also a seat of learning and religion. The city was fiercely Islamic, and the fact that all non-Muslims were totally banned from entering only added to its mystique. It wasn't until 1828 that the first European, disguised as an Arab, entered the city to return alive and tell his story to the world. Upon arrival we have a tour, including the three great old mosques: Djinguiraber, Sankore and Sidi Aya. We visit the museum, Bouctou's well, and some of the three first explorers' residences (Gordon Laing, Rene Caille and Heinrich Barth). We stop at the Central Market and the Centre Artisanal. In the afternoon we embark on a Touareg desert experience. Our camel excursion takes us over sand dunes to a Touareg camp for a display of traditional songs and dances. We complete this unforgettable day by a mechoui dinner in the desert under the stars, Sahara style. We return to our hotel. * NOTE: Due to limited availability on internal flights within Mali, we may have to re-order our overnight points closer to departure date. Overall sightseeing content and highlights will remain as per the original; only their sequence may vary. We will advise of any such changes just prior to departure. Overnight in Tomboctou. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 7   Tomboctou - Mopti: Town Tour
 
This morning we fly to Mopti (one hour), a vital port of the Niger inland river delta. Mopti is built on several interconnected islands and located at the confluence of the Bani and Niger rivers. On arrival we have a walking tour of the city. We visit the Fula quarter, explore the vast Public Market, walk all the way to the Central Mosque through the colourful old town and spend some free time at the Craft Centre. This afternoon we visit the Fullani traditional quarter. We will see Fullani women doing their hair and wearing big earrings. We also visit the traditional Belle houses before returning to our hotel. Overnight in Mopti. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 8   Mopti - Djenne - Mopti
 
Today we have an excursion to Djenne, one of the most amazing places on the continent. Here we find what is perhaps the greatest symbol of Sub-Saharan Africa and the architectural jewel of Mali: the great Djenne Mosque. Djenne has scarcely changed since the Middle Ages. Centuries ago it rivaled Tomboctou in wealth and power. The city is picturesquely built on an island of the Niger and is surrounded by decaying mud brick walls. We admire the Great Mosque, the largest mud building in the world, and tour the various historical sites of the medieval town. Generation after generation, every year before the rain season, a guild of skilled master-builders, the Baris, have ensured Djenne's architectural integrity by resurfacing the mud walls with a new coating of banko. Our visit coincides with the bustling weekly market day. Return to Mopti. Overnight in Mopti. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 9   Mopti: Niger River Trip
 
After breakfast, we set out upon a river journey along the mighty River Niger. Known to the Greeks and Romans as Nigris, a combination of the word Niger, (black) and the Berber word 'gher nighren' meaning 'river of rivers', the Niger fascinated Europeans for nearly 2,000 years before explorers finally found the source and the place where it emptied into the ocean. The Niger flows for 4180 km (2,600 miles) through Mali, Niger and Nigeria emptying into the Gulf of Guinea. Our vessel, called a "Pinasse", a modern version of the traditional Pirogue river boat, is a 24 m (80 ft) long motorised canoe like craft with comfortable cushioned seats, sun-shades and basic toilet facilities. Setting off along the river we pass fishing villages of the Fulani and Bozo people and numerous pirogues carrying a variety of goods as well as fishermen reaping the bounty of this flowing lifeblood of the region. There may be a chance to spot hippos on this section of the river. The delta also contains large populations of a variety of bird species including ibis, fish eagles, kingfishers and cormorants. We meet our vehicles in Kona and return to Mopti. Overnight in Mopti. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 10   Mopti - Bandiagara - Tely - Ende - Bandiagara
 
Today we drive to Songho where we visit the rock paintings and the circumcision cave. We continue to Bandiagara in time for lunch. The Dogons are largely animist. They worship their ancestors and the forces of nature through an arcane calendar of ceremonies, offerings, sacrifices, music and dances. Among African art collectors, the Dogon people are famous for their powerful masks and their imaginative wood carvings depicting their unique vision of the world. This afternoon we have an excursion to Telly and Ende, two Dogon cliff villages famous for their handicrafts: wood carvings, indigo, and mud clothes. We return to Bandiagara via Djiguibombo, which exhibits components typical of a Dogon village, including a menstruation house, the togu-na; the house of the ginna bana, and the ever-present baobab trees. The granaries were built in the typical style--conical straw roofs, mud/rock walls, and raised stone legs to help protect the crops from vermin. Houses were built with rock and mud brick, a flat roof, and interlocked stone walls. Overnight in Bandiagara. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 11   Dogon Country
 
We have an early breakfast and drive to Sangha (45km) for a full day excursion to the cliffs, taking us to the most beautiful Dogon villages perched on the cliff-sides. Driving down the cliffs from Sangha, we will have a panoramic view over the villages of Banani, Irelli, and the UNESCO sites of Amani and Tirelli. Later we participate in a Dogon traditional village dance ceremony, featuring a spectacular array of ritual masks, vigorous drumming and costumed dancers, some of them performing on stilts. We will enjoy this cultural presentation in the company of the entire community, from children to village elders. It will be one of the greatest moments of your West African odyssey. We return to Sangha for lunch. Later we explore the Dogon market in Sangha and drive back to Bandiagara. Overnight in Bandiagara. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 12   Bandiagara, Mali - Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
 
Today is a long transit day as we travel from Mali to Burkina Faso. From Bandiagara we drive first to the town of San then across the border to Bobo-Dioulasso. Despite being Burkina Faso's second largest city, Bobo is remarkably friendly and laidback. The southern part of Burkina offers a beautiful landscape of savannah and forest and is home to the most colourful tribal groups in the country: Bobos, Senoufos, Bwas and Lobis. Burkina Faso is a landlocked country and one of the few places in Africa where the majority of people still cling to ancient animist beliefs and have not fully converted to Islam or Christianity. Overnight in Bobo-Dioulasso. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 13   Bobo-Dioulasso - Banfora
 
We begin our day with a brief sightseeing tour of Bobo-Dioulasso: the Provincial Museum, the public market, the Grande Mosquee and the old quarter of Kibidwe. We then travel to the southern town of Banfora where we spend the night. In the afternoon we have a cruise on Lake Tengrela (there's a chance to see some hippos) and we see the pretty Karfiguela Falls. The region of Banfora is lush and well forested in sharp contrast with the arid lands we've travelled so far. Overnight in Banfora. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 14   Banfora - Gaoua
 
From Banfora our itinerary takes us deeper into tribal Burkina all the way to the town of Gaoua, in the heart of the Lobi homeland, arguably the best culturally preserved area of West Africa. Due to their past war-like practices, secret societies, and general antisocial nature, the Lobi people have retained a way of life much like that lived during first European contact. Here we have the opportunity to explore the local chief's fortress-like, multiple dwelling compounds, observe their agricultural techniques and view colonial period photographs at a local museum. Overnight in Gaoua. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 15   Gaoua - Ouagadougou - Depart
 
From Gaoua we travel northeast to the national capital, Ouagadougou, home of the Mossi people, the dominant ethnic group in the country. The road travels through remote areas where wild elephants are still found. On arrival we conduct a city tour of Ouaga: the Cathedral, the Mosque, Revolution Square, Independence Boulevard and the Presidential Palace. Later this evening we transfer to the airport for our departure homeward. Breakfast (and dinner if required).

10/09