The Gold Coast & Beyond

Freetown - Accra

48 days through Sierra Leone, Ghana, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin

FROM: $4430 USD + 1,460 EUR Kitty

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle, Pirogue

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Guides where necessary

Accom:

Guesthouse 4 nights
Camping 20 nights
Camping without facilities 4 nights
Basic Hotel 14 nights
Comfortable Hotel 3 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 44, Lunches x 25, Dinners x 24

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

AFA

Deposit:

$435 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

West Africa is an overlanders dream come true!

You’ll experience truly getting off the beaten track as you mix tribal culture, wildlife and raw adventure! From the fauna of the Taiwan Island Wildlife Sanctuary to the palm-fringed beaches of the Ivory Coast and the amazing vine bridges of Guinea to the voodoo ceremonies of Grand Popo.

If you are after all things African; colour, music, vibrancy, culture, stunning landscapes, great artefacts, beautiful materials and friendly and open laughter, then you will LOVE West Africa.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Freetown and visit the National Museum

Relax on the beaches of Freetown peninsula in Sierra Leone

Visit Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary and try and spot a rare Pygmy hippo

Shop for Ronko-dyed clothes in the market at Kabala

Try out the famous vine bridges of Guinea

Overland through Cote d'Ivoire

Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest Christian church in the world

Explore the old colonial town of Grand Bassam

Visit a supported community project in Elmina, Ghana

Jungle visit at Kakum NP

WHAT TO EXPECT

Although not a physically demanding trip, you will be pushed out of your comfort zone as we get to grips with the weather, camping and/or the lack of infrastructure.

The roads through much of West Africa can be poor, but this is part of the experience.

You’ll definitely be rewarded with a chance to connect to everyday West African life. To try to make life easier, we mix camping with some nights in hotels, but expect to camp in the wilds of Africa.

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Freetown (1st December 2020)

Border information: if you are joining in Freetown, you will most likely enter Sierra Leone at Freetown Lungi International Airport (IATA code: FNA).

There will be an important group meeting at 10:00am at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting. Your leader will collect your kitty and check your passport, visas, and insurance details at this meeting.

The afternoon will be free to explore Freetown and it's surroundings.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Freetown before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Freetown.

The fastest and most reliable way to Freetown from the airport is by water-taxi, as Lungi is across a bay from the city. The departure times for the water-taxis are linked to each flight in and out of the airport, so there will be transport available for you when you land. Exit the airport and walk to the right, and you'll see the water-taxi office at the end - you'll have to buy your ticket there for USD40 or EUR35, and check in your large bags. You'll take a minibus for 15 minutes, then the water-taxi for 30 minutes. The boat lands at the jetty, where you hand in your luggage ticket to get your large bags back.

The jetty is in the Aberdeen district of Freetown, only a 200m walk from our hotel. Just walk up the hill to the main road - the Raza Guesthouse is slightly further down and on the other side of the road.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 2 - Freetown Peninsula (2nd December 2020)

Today we leave Freetown for the stunning beaches of Freetown Peninsular, where we will spend 3 nights.

There are a few different options for which beaches we could choose to visit, our favourites being Bureh Beach at the south of the peninsular and River Number 2 Beach in the western part.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Day 3 - Freetown Peninsula (3rd December 2020)

We will have 2 full days for optional activities on the wonderful beaches - we could go fishing, take a boat to explore the Banana Islands, get to know the local communities, and of course relax on the beautiful beaches!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 4 - Freetown Peninsula (4th December 2020)

Our final day on this beautiful beach we make the most of this time to relax before the journey continues.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 5 - Tiwai Island (5th December 2020)

Leaving the Freetown Peninsular behind, today we have a full day's drive through Sierra Leone to the Tiwai Island Sanctuary, one of Sierra Leone's largest inland islands.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 6 - Tiwai Island (6th December 2020)

Today, we will enjoy various nature walks through the web of trails that weave through the Tiwai forest. We'll be in search of the rare and colourful primates that inhabit the sanctuary, and if we're very lucky we may spot a very rare pygmy hippo!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 7 - Makeni (7th December 2020)

Over the next 2 days we will travel north up through Sierra Leone to the small town of Kabala. Kabala is famous for being an oasis of cool air in the hills of northern Sierra Leone, and for its traditional Ronko-dyed clothes - shirts or gowns made of strips of cloth, typically dyed a rusty reddish-brown using local pigments.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 8 - Kabala (8th December 2020)

Today we will reach Kabala and should have the afternoon free to wander the twon or climb the famous Gbawuria Hill.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 9 - Faranah (9th December 2020)

Border information: Exit Sierra Leone and enter Guinea at Gberia-Fotombu.

The next 2 days we will spend travelling through the remote border region between Sierra Leone and Guinea, driving through scenic areas very rarely visited by tourists and wild camping for a night en route. >

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 10 - Faranah (10th December 2020)

We will arrive at the small Guinean town of Faranah today.

The road conditions in this area can be pretty tough going and unpredictable, and progress can be greatly affected by the weather conditions, so flexibility is very important over these days.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 11 - Gueckedou (11th December 2020)

Today we will travel through the central region of Guinea, stopping for a night in one of the towns en route (depending on how the drive goes, this may be Macenta or Guéckédou).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 12 - Nzekore (12th December 2020)

Today we will continue through the forested region of Guinea, visiting one of the famous vine bridges (Pont de Liana) en route. We will arrive at the small town of Nzerekoré in the heart of Guinea's Forest Region.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 13 - Nzekore (13th December 2020)

Today, we will have free time to explore the town, the nearby villages and the surrounding forests.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 14 - Western Côte d'Ivoire (14th December 2020)

Border information: Exit Guinea at Gbakoré, enter Côte d'Ivoire at Gbapleu.

The next 2 days are spent crossing the border and driving through central Côte d'Ivoire. These days take us through some very remote areas and some very poor quality dirt roads, so a great deal of flexibility is needed as our progress will largely be determined by the state of the roads.

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 15 - Western Côte d'Ivoire (15th December 2020)

Today we continue our journey through the wilds of Cote d'Ivoire. It is on days like this when you get to see just how untamed this area is and appreiciate how lucky you are to get a taste of life here.

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 16 - Korhogo (16th December 2020)

Today we will drive through the lush countryside to the northern Ivorian town of Korhogo, famed for the multitude of crafts that are made there.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 17 - Korhogo (17th December 2020)

Today, we will head out on an included tour around many of the handicraft workshops in the area, visiting painters, bead makers, wood carvers and cloth weavers. We will also have time to freely explore the town and its surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 18 - Yamoussoukro (18th December 2020)

Today we will drive to Yamoussoukro, the tiny and bizarre capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Yamoussoukro was the birthplace of Felix Houphouët-Boigny, the first president of independent Côte d'Ivoire, and is also the unusual location of the colossal and breathtaking Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest Christian church in the world.

In the afternoon will have an included visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, and then have free time to further explore the small city.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 19 - Grand Bassam (19th December 2020)

Today we will drive to the Atlantic coast, arriving at the old French colonial capital of Grand Bassam situated east of Abidjan.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 20 - Grand Bassam (20th December 2020)

Today we will have free time to explore the old colonial town of Grand Bassam experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes of this amazing place.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 21 - Grand Bassam (21st December 2020)

Today is a day to relax on the beautiful beaches around our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 22 - Elmina (22nd December 2020)

Border information: Exit Côte d'Ivoire at Elubo, enter Ghana at Elubo.

Today we cross into Ghana and then head east along the Atlantic coast to the beaches of Beru Akyinim near the historic town of Elmina.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 23 - Elmina (23rd December 2020)

Today, we will get involved with community projects currently being run in the Elmina area by the SABRE Charitable Trust. The Trust does very valuable work in developing educational projects across Ghana, with a focus on providing early-years education - we have been visiting their projects and providing a day of help and a donation for many years, allowing us to give a little back and to experience a wonderful bit of community interaction. The exact experience will depend on what the Trust has a need for at the time, but we could be asked to help to paint a classroom, do a bit of gardening in one of the schools, or simply come and play some games with the children!

We will also have time for an optional visit to Elmina Castle and to relax on the beautiful beaches on Ghana's Atlantic Coast.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 24 - Kakum NP (24th December 2020)

Today we will head into the nearby town of Cape Coast for a fascinating and moving tour of the old slave fort there.

We will then drive inland to the rainforests of Kakum NP. On arrival we will head out on an included evening walk through the forests in search of wildlife, bugs and snakes! We may also have the chance to visit a small animal sancutary or stingless bee centre en route.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 25 - Kumasi (25th December 2020)

Today we have an early start with an included morning visit to the Kakum NP canopy walkways. These are a long series of hanging bridges at the forest canopy level that gives us a unique perspective of the rainforest - and at that time of the morning we will have the place to ourselves!

We will then journey north through Ghana's interior to the historic town of Kumasi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 26 - Kumasi (26th December 2020)

Today, we will have lots of time for free exploration of the fascinating town and its museums. Kumasi is the home of West Africa's largest market and was the centre of the Ashanti Kingdom.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 27 - Accra (27th December 2020)

Today we will drive to Accra, the chaotic capital of Ghana! We will have free time on arrival to explore the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 28 - Accra (28th December 2020)

Border information: if you are joining in Accra, then you will most likely enter Ghana at Accra Kotoka International Airport (IATA code: ACC).

The afternoon will be free to explore the city of Accra.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Accra before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Accra.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 29 - Akosombo (29th December 2020)

This morning, we will apply for Togo visas at the Togolese Embassy in Accra. Once they are issued, we will leave Accra and head north to the village of Akosombo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Day 30 - Akosombo (30th December 2020)

Today we will have an included visit to the nearby Akosombo Dam, a major project built in the 1960s to provide almost all of Ghana's energy needs. The rest of the day will be free to relax at our campsite in Akosombo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 31 - Mont Klouto (31st December 2020)

Border information: Exit Ghana at Klouto, enter Togo at Klouto.

Today we will have a full day's drive to the spectacular Mont Klouto, crossing the border into Togo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 32 - Mont Klouto (1st January 2021)

Today we will have a free day around the beautiful Mont Klouto region, with the opportunity to head out on optional forest walks or to visit Kpalimé town nearby.

In the evening, we will head to the village centre to see a spectacular show of drumming and dancing from the local villagers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 33 - Central Togo (2nd January 2021)

Over the next 2 days we will drive up the length of Togo, all the way through the remote northern border with Benin. We will wild camp for 1 night en route.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 34 - Tanguieta (3rd January 2021)

Border information: Exit Togo at Ketao, enter Benin at Ouaké.

Today we will cross the border into Benin, before continuing our journey to the Tata Somba region close to the town of Tanguiéta.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 35 - Tanguieta (4th January 2021)

This morning we will go on an included walking tour of the nearby Tata Somba villages with some of the local villagers. This is a fascinating visit to an area rarely visited by tourists, where we will learn a lot about the local traditional way of life and explore the famous two-storey mud huts of the area.

In the afternoon, there is the option to walk through the stunning area to some nearby waterfalls.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 36 - Pendjari NP (5th January 2021)

From the Tata Somba region we have a short journey north to the beautiful Pendjari NP.

We will stay for two nights wild camping in the NP, where we will have freedom to explore and head out on game drives in the truck in search of wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 37 - Pendjari NP (6th January 2021)

Today we have the entire day to enjoy this national park. One of the only places left in West Africa where wildlife continues to thrive. A lot of work is put into maintaining this park by African Parks who are resposible for many of the lesser known national parks in Africa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 38 - Central Benin (7th January 2021)

Today we have a full day's drive heading south through Benin. We will wild camp somewhere en route between the towns of Natitingou and Abomey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 39 - Abomey (8th January 2021)

Our journey today continues to Abomey, the ancient capital of the Dahomey kingdom. On arrival we will take an included tour of the Dahomey Palace and Museum.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 40 - Abomey (9th January 2021)

Today we have a day off from the road and have the time to enjoy the sights and sounds of beautiful Abomey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 41 - Ganvie (10th January 2021)

This morning we will drive to Abomey-Calavi (a port on the outskirts of Cotonou), where we say goodbye to the truck for the night and jump aboard motorised pirogues to Ganvie, a fascinating town built entirely on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoué.

In Ganvie we will stay in the stilt village itself!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 42 - Ganvie (11th January 2021)

Today we will start with an included tour of the stilt town of Ganvie, exploring deeper on our pirogues and soaking up the unique way of life in the floating village. Following this, we will head back to land to re-join the truck and drive along the coastal road to Ouidah, where we may hopefully see many of the local fishermen bringing their catch in.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Day 43 - Grand Popo (12th January 2021)

Today we will take a very interesting half-day tour of the sites in Ouidah, including the Voodoo Python Temple, the "Route des Esclaves" (Slave Route), La Maison du Brésil art gallery and the Ouidah Museum of History in the old Portuguese Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá.

After this, a short drive from Ouidah brings us to Grand Popo, where we have 2 nights of well deserved relaxation on the beaches!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

Day 44 - Grand Popo (13th January 2021)

Today we will have a free day at Grand Popo for relaxing on the beach or taking a pirogue trip around the nearby ocean and mangroves.

There is also an option this evening to visit an incredible local vodun (voodoo) ceremony in the nearby village, complete with very energetic dancing and incredible magic tricks! It may also be possible to take a night walk in search of Atlantic turtles, which lay their eggs on the beaches between November and March.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 45 - Agbodrafo (14th January 2021)

Border information: Exit Benin and re-enter Togo at Hilla-Condji.

Leaving the beach behind, our journey continues over the border from Benin and back into Togo. We will head to the small quiet town of Agbodrafo on the southern shores of Lake Togo.

This afternoon we will take an included pirogue trip to Togoville, the centre of Vodun culture, where you will have a guided city tour and church visit.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Day 46 - Keta (15th January 2021)

Border information: exit Togo at Lomé, enter Ghana at Aflao.

Today we will cross back into Ghana and head for Keta, where we will visit the very atmospheric and evocative ruins of the abondoned Fort Prinzenstein, built by the Danes 300 years ago as a transit point for transporting slaves to the Americas.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 47 - Accra (16th January 2021)

The final drive of this trip takes us back to Accra, the chaotic capital of Ghana!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 48 - Accra (17th January 2021)

Border information: if you are leaving in Accra, you will most likely exit Ghana at Accra Kotoka International Airport (IATA code: ACC).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Accra. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.

Meals: Breakfast

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

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Departing

Finishing

Total Price (USD)

01 Dec 20 Freetown

17 Jan 21 Accra

$4,430 USD + 1,520 EUR Kitty

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

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Duration: 48 days Add to basket

25 Jan 21 Accra

13 Mar 21 Freetown

$4,445 USD + 1,460 EUR Kitty

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

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Duration: 48 days Add to basket

30 Nov 21 Freetown

16 Jan 22 Accra

$4,585 USD + 1,520 EUR Kitty

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

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Duration: 48 days Add to basket

24 Jan 22 Accra

12 Mar 22 Freetown

$4,585 USD + 1,460 EUR Kitty

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

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Essential Info.

Duration: 48 days Add to basket

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The Gold Coast & Beyond

Freetown - Accra

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