Nomadic West Africa (Eastbound)

All content by Intrepid

36 days (ex Dakar)

Destinations visited: Mali, The Gambia, Senegal, Dakar, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Accra, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,675

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Description

Travel to Africa and take a West African Overland journey that never stays still. Cruise rivers on traditional boats, trek through remote villages to meet the reclusive Dogon people, bush-bash through remote northern Mali, help out on community projects and embark on game drives through the impressive Niokolo-Koba and Mole National Parks. Along the way, camp in remote wilderness, meet the welcoming folk of West Africa and discover some of Africa's best music and nightlife. Don't just sit there - get moving!

Highlights

Visit Lake Bosumtwi.
Ghana.
Spot lions and leopards in Mole National Park.
Relax in Ghana's coastal capital.
Accra city.
Lend a hand to a community project in Elmina.
Journey down the Niger River.
Discover the tribal music of the country of Mali.
Meet the friendly folk of Burkina Faso.
Trek to the remote villages of the Dogon tribe of Africa.

Itinerary

Day 1 Dakar

Visit Senegal and relax in the vibrant coastal city of Dakar.

Days 2-3 St Louis

Spot egrets, ducks, pelicans and flamingos in an estuary of the Senegal River, Africa.

Days 4-5 Palmarin

Take a break from Senegal's beach and explore mangroves on board a traditional pirogue - a dugout canoe.

Days 6-7 Kiang West National Park

Farewell the beaches of Senegal and head inland to experience Gambia. Explore the woodlands and mangrove creeks of Kiang West National Park and try to spot African vultures and falcons circling in the sky.

Day 8 Basse Santu-Su

Sit back, relax and experience Gambia while travelling through this central western region of Africa.

Days 9-10 Niokolo-Koba National Park

Travel on game drives to spot chimpanzees, leopards and hippos in this forested park.

Day 11 Kayes/Bush Camp

Camp in some of the most remote parts of the African sub-Sahara.

Days 12-14 Bamako

Discover tribal music and warmth in Mali's capital, Bamako. Be sure to catch a musical performance - Bamako city is home to some of West Africa's finest musicians.

Days 15-17 Mandingue Country Trek

Travel on a 4-day trek into the remote heart of Mandingue country and mingle with friendly locals on village stays.

Day 18 Bamako

Travel back to Bamako and enjoy a well earned rest.

Day 19 Segou

Perusing colourful fabrics and crafts at a local market is one of the essential things to do in Mali.

Day 20 Bush Camp

Travel to Burkina Faso and be touched by the warmth of the friendly people.

Days 21-22 Ouagadougou

Dance the night away to the hypnotic sounds of local musicians in Ouagadougou.

Days 23-24 Bobo-Dioulasso

The vibrant African city of Bobo-Dioulasso is home to a sacred fishpond used for unusual rituals.

Days 25-26 Banfora

Travel through a magnificent avenue of mango trees to the spectacular Karfiguela Falls.

Day 27 Bush Camp

Enter the proud nation of Ghana.

Days 28-29 Mole National Park

Home to elephants, lions and leopards, Mole National Park is one of West Africa's best.

Day 30 Kintampo Falls

Pay a visit to the impressive Kintampo Falls and meet wide-eyed inhabitants at the Baobeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary.

Days 31-32 Kumasi

A visit to the atmospheric market in Kumasi city is an eye-opening thing to do in Ghana.

Days 33-34 Elmina

Help out on a local community project in this little Ghanaian fishing town.

Days 35-36 Accra

The African adventure ends in Ghana's coastal capital, Accra city.

Group Size

Maximum of 21 travellers per group

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (31 nts), Hotel (4 nts), Camp site (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle, Boat

Budget

Allow USD $350 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,675

Book now

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