Description

Discover rarely visited gems on this West Africa overland trip from Dakar to Freetown. Very much off-the-beaten-track, this is a fairly physically demanding tour that involves a lot of camping, hiking and trekking – though the bulk of it is undertaken in a comfortable overland truck. This is grassroots travelling at its very best, where you can really get involved in the communities and local people you meet along the way. Whether appreciating the breadth of stunning birdlife or relaxing on the many serene beaches along the coast, West Africa is the ideal destination for travellers wanting a different travel experience.

Highlights

• Relax on a stunning beach in Sierra Leone.

Itinerary

Day 1 Dakar

Begin your West Africa journey in the vibrant coastal city of Dakar.

Days 2-3 Toubakouta/Sine-Saloum Delta

Stop over in the tiny town of Toubakouta, and, if there's time, head to Medina Baay Mosque in Kaolack. The next day, head out and explore the beautiful beaches, mangrove swamps, islands and dunes of the Sine-Saloum Delta.

Days 4-5 Tendaba/Kiang West National Park

Reach the Gambia River and spend two nights in traditional round huts made entirely out of natural materials from the bush. Explore the woodlands, savannah, mangrove creeks and tidal flats of Kiang West, the Gambia's largest national park, and keep an eye out for West African manatee, otters, hyenas and leopards.

Days 6-7 Ziguinchor

Arrive on the sandy streets of Ziguinchor, and head out to explore the overgrown downtown area or check out the colourful local boat-builders at the port.

Days 8-9 Cap Skirring

Feel the fresh sea breeze in the coastal village of Cap Skirring. Perhaps take a dip in warm ocean waters or relax on palm-fringed beaches.

Day 10 Bush Camp

Continue the African overland odyssey toward Guinea Bissau, stopping to camp for the night.

Days 11-12 Bissau

Relax among the laidback, Portuguese-inspired vibes of Bissau. Pull up a seat in a bustling cafe or snap some photos of the character-clad colonial buildings.

Days 13-14 Bush Camp

Camp overnight in Mampata and Koundara, passing through some of West Africa's most remote scenery on the way.

Days 15-17 Fouta Djallon

Head into the cool climes of Fouta Djallon, the perfect place to enjoy a spot of walking, hiking or biking.

Days 18-19 Bush Camp

Leave the Fouta Djallon region behind and head further through Guinea, stopping en route for two nights.

Days 20-21 Bureh Beach

Enter Sierra Leone and let cares melt away on one of the stunning beaches.

Days 22-23 Freetown

End the adventure in Sierra Leone's lively capital, Freetown.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Bush camp (no facilities), Cabin, Camping (with basic facilities), Camping (with facilities), Guesthouse, Hotel, Rondavel

Transport

Overland vehicle