Trip Overview
This 48 day overland tour journeys from Freetown to Accra through Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Togo
55% 
45% Highlights
Visit the emotional 'Point of no return' in Ouidah
Jungle visit at Kakum National Park
Swim in the clean water of the Volta River
Try out the famous vine bridges of Guinea
Enjoy a guided walk around Butterfly Mountain, Mont Kluto
Visit the fascinating double storey mud huts in Tata Somba
Visit a Dragoman supported community project in Elmina, Ghana
SHOW MORE HIGHLIGHTSBorder 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.
In Freetown we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
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.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
See the Freetown Cotton Tree, the city's most famous landmark and home to hundreds of bats that fly out at dusk
See the King's Yard Gate, where the ancestors of all modern Creole people will have passed through on their way to a free life after their rescue from illegal slaving ships
Learn about Sierra Leone's traditional history and cultures at the National Museum
Visit the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum, a remarkable collection of old trains that was hidden from destruction for 30 years
Take a boat to the overgrown ruins of the old slaving fort of Bunce Island, from where the ancestors of most modern African-Americans were shipped to the New World
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
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!
On Freetown Peninsular we will camp on the beach, with some options to upgrade to basic guesthouses.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the orphan chimpanzees at Tacaguma Chimpanzee Sanctuary outside of Freetown, a wonderful organisation that rehabilitates rescued chimpanzees for their return to the wild
Relax on some of the best beaches in the world dotted along the Freetown Peninsula
Take a boat trip to explore the beautiful and overgrown Banana Islands off the coast of the Freetown Peninsula
Head out with the locals in their traditional wooden boats to try your hand at fishing
Hire surfboards to take out onto the waves of Bureh Beach, one of West Africa's best surfing spots
Head out on a diving trip around the reefs and shipwrecks off the Banana Islands
Snorkel through the idyllic waters off the Banana Islands near Freetown Peninsula
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.
On the following day, 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!
In Tiwai we will stay for 2 nights sleeping in tents perched on covered platforms.
Daily Activities
Visit the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, home to one of the densest populations of primates and pygmy hippos in Africa, and enjoy several included walks around the web of trails on the island
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take an optional canoe or motor boat tour through the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary (if available)
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.
We aim to wild camp near the town of Makeni en route, or we may stay in a local guesthouse depending on the size and wishes of the group. In Kabala we will stay in a basic local guesthouse.
Estimated Drive Times - 6-8 hours each day.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Freely explore the markets of Kabala or walk to the top of the nearby Gbawuria Hill
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. We will arrive at the small Guinean town of Faranah on the second day.
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.
We will wild camp en route for the first night, and stay in a local guesthouse in Faranah on the second night.
Estimated Drive Times - 5-8 hours each day.
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).
In Macenta or Guéckédou we will stay in a small locally-run hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-9 hours.
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.
On the following day, we will have free time to explore the town, the nearby villages and the surrounding forests.
In Nzerekoré we will stay in a small locally-run guesthouse.
Daily Activities
Trek to the Pont de Liana, one of the phenomenal old vine bridges in the forested region of Guinea
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Freely explore the forested region of Guinea and the market town of Nzerekoré on foot
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.
Both nights will be spent wild camping en route.
Estimated Drive Times - 7-9 hours each day.
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
On the following day, 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.
In Korhogo we will stay in a small local hotel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
See a performance of drumming and acrobatic dancing in the villages near Korhogo
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
In Yamoussoukro we will stay in a local hotel.
Daily Activities
Visit the opulent Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix, the largest Christian place of worship in the world
Today we will drive to the Atlantic coast, arriving at the old French colonial capital of Grand Bassam situated east of Abidjan.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
On the following two days, we will have free time to explore the old colonial town and to relax on the beautiful beaches around our hotel.
In Grand Bassam we will stay in a local hotel on the beach.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Discover the stunning beaches and old colonial buildings of Grand Bassam, the original French capital of Côte d'Ivoire
Visit the National Museum of Costume, which showcases the cultural dresses of the different tribes of Côte d’Ivoire
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
On the following day, we will get involved with the currently community projects 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 kids!
We will also have time for an optional visit to Elmina Castle and to relax on the beautiful beaches on Ghana's Atlantic Coast.
In Elmina we will camp at a stunning beach resort.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit and explore the historic Elmina Castle
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 National Park. 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.
In Kakum National Park we will camp in the grounds of the Park HQ.
Estimated Drive Time - 2-4 hours.
Daily Activities
Explore the incredible rainforest canopy from the unique suspended bridges in Kakum National Park
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit to the stunning jungles of Kakum National Park and walk through the rainforests at night
Learn all about the area's stingless bees and their importance to the local ecology at the International Stingless Bee Centre near Kakum National Park (if time allows)
Visit the Monkey Forest Resort Animal Sanctuary near Kakum NP, a sanctuary for animals rescued from poachers (if time allows)
Learn all about the appalling history of the Atlantic slave trade with a tour of the historic Cape Coast Castle
Today we have an early start with an included morning visit to the Kakum National Park 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.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
On the following day, 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.
In Kumasi we will stay in a local guesthouse.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit to Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti kingdom and culture
Freely explore the bustling and colossal centre of Kejetia, the largest market in West Africa
Visit the National Cultural Centre and the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum to learn all about the history and culture of the Ashanti civilisation, of which Kumasi is still the capital
Find out all about the British-Ashanti Wars of the 19th century on a guided tour of the Ghana Armed Forces Museum in Kumasi
Escape the city and explore the shore of Lake Bosumtwe, a circular lake formed by a meteorite crash 100 million years ago
Today we will drive to Accra, the chaotic capital of Ghana! We will have free time on arrival to explore the city.
In Accra we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Explore the fascinating and chaotic Ghanaian capital city of Accra
Learn all about the history and culture of Ghana in the National Museum
Visit the famous Labadi Beach situated on the outskirts of Accra
Freely explore the huge Independence Square and Black Star Arch in Accra, where independence was celebrated in 1957
Freely explore the area of Jamestown, Accra's oldest district and a vibrant fishing area
Visit the outside of the famous Osu Castle, the seat of power in Ghana since the 1600s
Border information: if you are joining in Accra, then you will most likely enter Ghana at Accra Kotoka International Airport (IATA code: ACC).
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 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.
In Accra we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Explore the fascinating and chaotic Ghanaian capital city of Accra
Learn all about the history and culture of Ghana in the National Museum
Visit the famous Labadi Beach situated on the outskirts of Accra
Freely explore the huge Independence Square and Black Star Arch in Accra, where independence was celebrated in 1957
Freely explore the area of Jamestown, Accra's oldest district and a vibrant fishing area
Visit the outside of the famous Osu Castle, the seat of power in Ghana since the 1600s
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.
In Akosombo we will stay in a campsite next to the River Volta.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
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.
Daily Activities
Visit Akosombo Dam, the colossal 1960s project that provides almost all of Ghana's energy needs and created Lake Volta, one of the world's largest man-made lakes
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
In Mont Klouto we will stay in a campsite, with the option to upgrade to dorm accommodation.
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.
Daily Activities
An evening of energetic drumming and dancing from the local villagers in Mont Klouto
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Guided walks around Mont Klouto looking for butterflies and enjoying the beautiful forest scenery
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.
Estimated Drive Times - 6-7 hours each day.
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.
In Tanguiéta we will stay in a basic local eco-lodge.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
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.
Daily Activities
Go on a guided tour of the Tata Somba villages of northern Benin, learning about the traditional culture and way of life and visiting their incredible 2-storey 'mud castle' homes
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out on a guided walk through the beautiful scenery in the hills of the Tata Somba region to visit some local waterfalls
From the Tata Somba region we have a short journey north to the beautiful Pendjari National Park.
We will stay for two nights wild camping in the National Park, where we will have freedom to explore and head out on game drives in the truck in search of wildlife.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours to the park, then as much time as required on game drives.
Daily Activities
Visit the stunning landscapes of Pendjari National Park, famous for being one of the best wildlife reserves in West Africa
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.
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. We will then have a free day to explore the local area.
In Abomey we will stay in a campsite, with the possibility to upgrade to rooms for 2 nights.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
A guided tour of the capital of the ancient Dahomey empire, including the Dahomey Palace and Museum.
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 a basic hotel in the stilt village itself!
Estimated Drive Time - 6-8 hours.
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.
In Ouidah we will camp at an auberge on the beach.
Estimated Drive Time - 1-3 hours.
Daily Activities
Visit to the incredible stilt village of Ganvie, where an entire community of fisherman live in a town entirely built on stilts in the middle of Lake Noukoe near Cotonou
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Half-day tour of Ouidah, including the museums and exhibitions at La Maison Bresil, learning about the history of slavery on the 'Route des Esclaves' and the Point of No Return, and a visit to the voodoo Snake Temple.
See the Vodun Temple of Pythons in Ouidah, dedicated to the voodoo snake diety Dangbe and home to hundreds of revered pythons!
Visit the Point of No Return, the UNESCO-built memorial to the thousands of slaves that last departed Africa at that point - there is also the option to walk the 4km route from the fort to this point, known as the Slave Route
Visit La Maison du Brésil, an excellent exhibition of modern scuplture, paintings and photos, as well as a museum of voodoo culture and objects related to the African diaspora
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!
In Grand Popo we will camp at an auberge.
Estimated Drive Time - 1-2 hours.
Daily Activities
See the Vodun Temple of Pythons in Ouidah, dedicated to the voodoo snake diety Dangbe and home to hundreds of revered pythons!
Half-day tour of Ouidah, including the museums and exhibitions at La Maison Bresil, learning about the history of slavery on the 'Route des Esclaves' and the Point of No Return, and a visit to the voodoo Snake Temple.
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.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out at night to walk to the remote beaches where Atlantic Green Turtles are often seen laying their eggs between Novermber and March (please note that sightings of turtles are not guaranteed, and the chances of seeing them are more like 50-50!)
Observe a local voodoo celebration in the nearby village of Grand Popo, watch the hypnotic drumming and dancing of the 'Nightwatchman', and see some mind-blowing black magic!
Explore the rivers, mangroves and villages of Grand Popo on a pirogue trip around the local area
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.
In Agbodrafo we will camp in the grounds of an auberge on the lake shore.
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.
Daily Activities
Trip in a local non-motorised pirogue across Lac Togo to Togoville, where you can explore the town and learn all about it's history and culture
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Relax on the beach of the stunning Lac Togo at Agbodrafo
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.
In Keta we will stay in a small local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Daily Activities
Visit the ruins of the small Danish slave fort of Fort Prinzenstein, and take in its haunting and moving atmosphere
The final drive of this trip takes us back to Accra, the chaotic capital of Ghana!
In Accra we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Explore the fascinating and chaotic Ghanaian capital city of Accra
Learn all about the history and culture of Ghana in the National Museum
Visit the famous Labadi Beach situated on the outskirts of Accra
Freely explore the huge Independence Square and Black Star Arch in Accra, where independence was celebrated in 1957
Freely explore the area of Jamestown, Accra's oldest district and a vibrant fishing area
Visit the outside of the famous Osu Castle, the seat of power in Ghana since the 1600s
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.
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