Culture, nature and history is the theme of this Grand Journey through West Africa. The main highlights of these uniqe areas are: the Isle of Goree and the salt gatherers at the unusual Lac Rose in Senegal, the legendary city of Timbuktou in Mali, the slave castles at Cape Coast in Ghana, fetish markets in Togo and Ouidah, the birthplace of Voodoo in Benin. On the Isle of Goree you will learn about the turbulent past as you walk through the Maison des esclaves (house of slaves). You'll speak to salt harvesters at the Pink Lake and learn about the techniques of extracting salt. You'll also explore the streets and markets of Bamako with your local guide. Then continue on to Ghana, Togo, and Benin where you'll explore historic slave castles, learn about ancient kingdoms, cultures, voodoo and more. Finish by visiting a local village for your own naming ceremony where you'll receive your traditional Ghanaian name. Return to Accra for some final souvenir shopping and sight seeing before flying home from this unforgettable adventure! Includes internal transfers, accommodations, and meals as listed.

Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, was settled around the 15th century by the Lebou people who are an ethnic group related to the Wolof and Sereer. Dakar, Senegal's largest city is located on the Cape Verde Peninsula, on the country's Atlantic coast which is the westernmost African city. It's an advantageous departure point for trans-Atlantic and European trade; this fact aided its growth into a major regional port.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

Le Méridien President sits proudly on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in the capital of Senegal. Surrounded by 35 hectares of luxuriant green foliage, it offers a beautiful setting for guests, with breathtaking views of the sea and easy access to water sports, deep-sea fishing, golf and tennis. Comprising 374 rooms and suites, the large atrium in the centre of the property gives a sense of spaciousness that is reflected in the rooms. The decor within the rooms varies from lush, muted tones to a natural colour palate. There is a restaurant that overlooks the ocean, as well as a bar lounge, an outdoor swimming pool, steam bath, fitness centre, 9-hole golf course, 4 floodlit tennis courts, night club, hairdresser and gift shops that are all located on the property.

Overnight at Le Méridien President.

Visit of the various Markets of the capital city of Senegal: Kermel, Sandaga, and the handicraft market of Soumbedioune, you will also go through Tilen market famous for its medicinal herbs and its traditional healers Visit of the Great Mosque, stop at the president’s palace and the parliament house. Going to Cheick Anta Diop University you will visit the picturesque district of Medina and the residential district of Fann.  Just  twenty minutes from Dakar Port, the ferryboat will arrive at Goree.  Goree Island carries the heavy burden of 300 years slave trading in West Africa. The island ranks today among the classified monuments of the World Patrimony. You will visit the Slave-House and will listen to a lecture delivered by the curator.  Visit of the auction block, the ethnographic Museum, the fort and interact with the inhabitants.

Overnight at Le Méridien President.

Bamako is the capital and largest city in Mali. Located on the banks of the Niger River, Bamako is a culturally vibrant city with plenty to offer in terms of markets, museums and music. The name Bamako comes from the Bambara word meaning crocodile's back.

Visit the Pink Lake one of the rarest natural phenomenon of the world: the lake takes its pink colour from some micro-organisms and shows a high concentration of salt, as a mirror it sparkles in the middle of sand dunes. You will meet the “salt harvesters” with their colourful tackle, meet and interact with the Fulani ethnic groups leaving in the surrounding villages.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

The Radisson SAS Hotel, Bamako offers a restful and luxurious oasis away from the bustling city centre of Bamako. The hotel is enviably located in the newly developed district of ACI 2000, just west of the city centre and home to the government's Administrative City. With beautifully-equipped guest rooms, a gourmet restaurant and a world-class fitness centre , the hotel is bringing an unsurpassed level of luxury to one of Africa's fastest growing cities, Bamako. The hotel is perfectly situated just west of Bamako's city centre in the newly constructed ACI 2000 district. The hotel is close to notable landmarks such as the National Library, Bamako Grand Mosque and the Pont du Roi Fahd.

Overnight at Radisson SAS.

Private vehicle for the day with your english speaking guide.

Today you will visit the National Museum, highlights include the stylized antelope mask of Bamana; various Senoufo statuary, and, of course, the world-renowned antique Dogon Sculptures. The artisan center houses an abundance of shops and stalls selling crafts and curios such as leatherwork, fabric, silverware, masks, carvings and bronze figurines. There is also the artisan’s workshop where you can watch woodcarvers, silversmiths, drum makers and other craftspeople at work.

Lunch at a local restaurant (included in tour price).

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Radisson SAS.

Established by the nomadic Tuareg as early as the 10th century, Timbuktu is home to a diversity of people from different Mali communities. The city was once considered an intellectual and spiritual capital for Islamic missions in the 15th and 16th centuries. It offers a convenient meeting spot for west and north African peoples, and the city is considered the home of written scholarship and knowledge in Africa. There is an institute in the city that is dedicated to commemorating the written history of the region, acting as home to many historic documents. It is assumed to have had one of the first universities in the world, with 25,000 students back in the 1400s. The Djinguereber Mosque, Sankore University, and Sidi Yahya mosque are all popular attractions to visitors.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

Take your flight from Bamako to Timbuktu today. The flight duration is approximately 2.5 hrs.

Explore Timbuktu and the surrounding areas with your private vehicle and english speaking guide.

Lunch at a local restaurant

Timbuktu is a legendary city at the border of the Sahara, which was in the past a strategic place in the trans-Sahara trade. At the same time it was an important centre of study of law and theology. In this city you’ll visit the Djingareiber-mosque, built in the 14th century, the Sidi Yahiya –mosque, the Sankoré-mosque, the house of the explorers (Gordon Laing, René Caillé and Heinrich Barth),the Ahmed Baba centre (manuscripts) and the museum. Later in the afternoon you'll go for a sunset trip on the back of a camel to visit the Touaregs(Blue Men of the desert).

La Maison is a unique find in Timbuktu. Located in the town, this 9 room hotel offers a roof top patio with great views of the dunes as well as the medina.

Overnight at La Maison.

Mopti is located between Timbuktu and Ségou. The city lies on three islands linked by dykes; New Town, the Old Town and Bani. As a result it is sometimes known as the "Venice of Mali".

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

Take your morning flight from Timbuktu to Mopti today. The flight duration is approximately 1 and a half hour.

Explore Mopti with your english speaking guide in your own private vehicle.

Lunch at a local restaurant (included in tour price).

Upon arrival into Mopti you will have a tour of the harbour followed by a canoe-trip at sunset to the junction of rivers Bani and Niger. Mopti is built on three islands at the junction of rivers Bani and Niger. It is an important trade center and a lively town where a lot of ethnic groups live together: the Bozo, Dogon, Bambara, Bella-farmers, Tuareg and the Fulani. The market and the port are full of colours and smells. You can see in the port how the colourful ‘pinasse’-boats are made.

The Kanaga hotel is located on the banks of the Niger, in Mopti. The rooms are pleasantly decorated with local Malian handicrafts, offer good size bathrooms, air-conditioning and satellite TV. The hotel also has a swimming pool and restaurant, with the opportunity to dine outside.

Overnight at Kanaga Hotel.

Today you'll have a full day trip with a ‘pinasse’ on the river Niger with picnic. The canoe will bring you to the place where the rivers Bani and Niger meet and further. You can enjoy the wonderful landscape and fishing scenes, watch the wide variety of birds and with a bit of luck observe hippopotami. Lunch will be eaten on the pinasse or at the banks of the river. A few stops will be included to visit the villages near the river.

Overnight at Kanaga Hotel.

Bandiagara is located east south east of Mopti. It's home to several ethnic groups such as the Fulas, Dogons and Bambaras. The name Bandiagara roughly translates to "large eating bowl" -- referring to the communal bowl meals are served in.

Drive to Dogon Country (1.5 hs). Today you will visit several Dogon villages.

The Dogon left the Mandingue-country to escape from the Islam and settled themselves in the 15th century in the region that is now known as Dogon country along the cliffs of Bandiagara which are about 200 km long and 200 m high. When the Dogon arrived they encountered the Tellem, pygmies who lived from hunting and collecting fruits and lived in caves in the cliff face. After two centuries of living next to each other the Dogon drove the Tellem away but the houses of the pygmies in the cliff face still exist; they were and still are used by the Dogon as a place for offerings. Because of their isolation the Dogon had few influences from outside and could maintain their culture.

Private vehicle and english speaking guide for the day.

Lunch at a local restaurant (included in tour price).

The Hotel Kambary is an interestingly designed hotel, with dome shaped rooms and round portal windows is on the road from Mopti as you enter Bandiagara. The hotel has a swimming pool, nice bar, dining area, and even miniature golf!

Overnight at Hotel Le Kambary .

Private vehicle and english speaking guide for the day.

Today you will visit different Dogon villages. Djiguibombo, a beautiful village on the plateau where you see the first ‘tounga’, the ‘discussion hut’, and the house of traditional medicine. In Kani Kombole you will discover its beautiful contemporary mosque, called ‘the small mosque of Djenne’; Teli, a beautiful village built on the slope of a rock, and Begnematou, a village where three religions (Islam, Christianity and animism) live together in peace. Begnematou offers a beautiful view and authentic scenes of village life. Finally on to Songo, known for its’ two yearly circumcision rituals and accompanying rock paintings.

Lunch at a local restaurant (included in tour price).

Overnight at Hotel Le Kambary .

Djenne is famous for its mud brick architecture, most notably the Great Mosque of Djenné which was originally built in 1220 and then rebuilt in 1907. Djenne is the oldest known city in sub-Saharan Africa and in 1988 its historic city center was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Drive from Bandiagara to Djenne (3hs) with private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide.

Private vehicle and english speaking guide for the duration of the day.

Lunch at a local restaurant (included in tour price).

Djenne, founded in the 9th century, received ivory, gold, slaves, wool and cola nuts from the south and transported these products to the north. Since the 12th century the city became very important for this trade. For Muslims, Djenne is an important religious city because of the mosque and the many Koranic schools. Your visit to Djenne, will include its phenomenal mud mosque, the grave of Tapama Djenepo, the young Bozo-girl buried alive to save the city from a flood, and the architectural remainders of Moroccan colonisation.

Hôtel Djenné Djenno is a modern and elegant interpretation of Malian style, decorated by its owner Sophie Sarin, a Swedish artist and interior designer, who has used the ancient West African textile tradition ‘Bogolan’ to create the charming interiors of the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Djenne Djenno.

Ségou is a city in south-central Mali, northeast of Bamako on the River Niger. It was founded by the Bozo people in 1620, on a site about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the present town. With 100,000 inhabitants, it is the third largest city in Mali. The main economic activities of the Segou region are agri-business, cattle farming and fishing.

Drive from Bamako to Segou (4.5 hs) with private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide.

Private vehicle and english speaking guide for the day.

Lunch at a local restaurant (included in tour price).

Visit to Segou, the old capital of the Bambara kingdom and an important city during the colonial period which is still visible in the architecture of some old houses in town and to Segoukoro, the old village of Segou.

Hotel Le Djoliba offers clean comfortable rooms with a great location near the Niger River

Overnight at Hôtel Le Djoliba.

Accra is the capital and the most populous city of Ghana. Bustling with activity and growth, the nation's administrative, communications and economics center lie here. The city promises a range of attractions, from exhibits of Ghana's heritage to a window into its artistic and cultural sectors. A modern metropolis, the tree-lined streets and public buildings are well-maintained and welcoming to the curious tourist.

Drive from Segou to Bamako with private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide.

Private vehicle for the day with your english speaking guide.

Golden Tulip Accra is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from the Kotoka International Airport, Accra. The hotel is easily accessible to and from the city centre and government ministries.

Overnight at Golden Tulip Accra.

Elmina is situated on a south-facing bay on the Atlantic Ocean coast of Ghana, lying west of Cape Coast. It was the first European settlement in West Africa and now has a population of around 20,000 people. The town grew around São Jorge da Mina Castle, built by the Portuguese in 1482. It was Portugal's West African headquarters for trade and exploitation of African wealth. The original Portuguese interest was gold but this later expanded to include tens of thousands of slaves channelled through the trading post of El Mina. The location of Elmina made it a significant site for reprovisioning ships headed south towards the Cape of Good Hope on their way to India. The Dutch West India Company captured it in 1637; in subsequent centuries it was mostly used for the slave trade. The city remained in Dutch hands until 1872, when it was sold to the English.

Drive from Accra to Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rainforests. Extending over 360sq km, Kakum is the home to over 40 large mammals and 400 bird species as well as many species of butterflies, flora and fauna. Enjoy this drive as you pass through villages, towns, and along the coast to the rainforest. The drive from Accra to Elmina takes approximately 3hrs plus stop time.

Drive through the historic Denkyira Kingdom to Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rain forests. Extending over 360sq km, Kakum is the home to over 40 large mammals and 400 bird species as well as many species of butterflies, flora and fauna. The most popular attraction is the Canopy walkway which is made up of seven bridges extending 330m, hanging 30m (100 feet) above the forest floor. Choose between a 2 km nature walk through this forest to discover the wide variety of exotic floral species and the medicinal values they offer or take a walk on the canopy walkway.

In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.

Coconut Grove Beach Resort and Conference Centre is located in Mmoframa Akyinim, on the coast of Elmina the historic Capital of the Gold Coast. All rooms are air-conditioned, with hot and cold water, mini bar, satellite multi channel TV reception, and Wi – Fi connection. The Ocean View Restaurant has an enviable reputation for the best sea food served fresh in the region.

Overnight at Coconut Grove Beach Resort.

Embark on a tour of the infamous Forts, Castles and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. Learn and watch as history unfolds the story of the slave trade in West Africa. Begin with visiting Cape Coast Castle. The largest of its kind, this castle was built by the Swedes in 1653 and was later taken over by the British. Walk the path of slaves as your guide takes you through each section. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum established by the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Ghanaian Government in 1994. It is filled with artifacts, stories, photos and more.

After lunch, visit the Elmina Castle. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it is also known as St. George's Castle. This castle was the first European structure built in Sub–Saharan Africa and is the oldest castle in Ghana on the West African slave trade route. The colorful harbor nestled below the Elmina Castle, full of pirogues preparing to go to sea offers one of West Africa’s greatest photo opportunities.

Includes private guide and vehicle for the day.

Overnight at Coconut Grove Beach Resort.

Kumasi is a city in southern central Ghana. It is located near the Lake Bosomtwe, in the Rain Forest Region about 250 km (by road) northwest of Accra. Due to large gold deposits that have been mined in the area, Kumasi has been among the wealthier cities in Ghana. The city rose to prominence in 1695 when it became capital of the Ashanti Confederacy. Parts of the city, including the Royal Palace, were destroyed by British troops in the Fourth Anglo-Ashanti War of 1874. It remains a royal city, although since independence the role of king has been mainly symbolic.

Drive from Elmina to Kumasi. Drive through the forest zone to Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti Empire to explore the legends of the famous Ashantis, whose legacies are still evident today. En route visit Assin Manso, the site of the “last bath” where slaves were taken for bathing before being shipped to the new world. It is also the burial place of two former slaves whose remains were returned to Ghana from the US and Jamaica. Then continue on to Kumasi. This transfer takes approx 3-4hrs, but can take more time depending on how long you spend at Assin Manso and stops made along the way.

Visit the Manhyia Palace Museum, to obtain firsthand information on the legacies of the Ashanti kingdom. A regal history that dates back to 1700 is told with relics and artifacts. Enjoy a drive through the city with monuments dedicated to the memory of the great Ashanti people. End the day’s tour at the National Cultural Center which features the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and various studios of the brass makers, potters and batik makers.

Golden Tulip Kumasi City is the only four star hotel of international standards in Kumasi, only 20 minutes away from the airport and located close to the city center of the second biggest city of Ghana. This remarkable hotel, the Golden Tulip Kumasi is set in extensive tropical gardens in the central business district. This magnificent hotel has 160 rooms with various room types, a well- equipped Business Centre, a Forex Bureau for your finanacial transactions, a swimming pool specially designed for adults and another one for children. Enjoy this first class African style experience!

Overnight at Golden Tulip Kumasi City.

This day is devoted to visiting the three famous craft villages in Ashanti: Ahwiaa - the wood carvers’ village, Ntonso - the home of Adinkra, and Bonwire - the Kente weaving village.  You will have the opportunity to see how African sculptures are craved, how Adinkra wax prints are made and how the famous kente cloth is woven using an amazing local technology. You will also have the opportunity to buy directly from the artisans who make each craft.

Includes private guide and vehicle.

Overnight at Golden Tulip Kumasi City.

Accra is the capital and the most populous city of Ghana. Bustling with activity and growth, the nation's administrative, communications and economics center lie here. The city promises a range of attractions, from exhibits of Ghana's heritage to a window into its artistic and cultural sectors. A modern metropolis, the tree-lined streets and public buildings are well-maintained and welcoming to the curious tourist.

Drive from Kumasi to Accra. En route stop at Besease to visit the traditional shrine of the Ashantis. Explore the beliefs, history and bravery of the Ashantis. You will be captivated by the Ashanti historic oral account as it is told by an old and knowledgeable Ashanti traditional linguist. From here, continue on to Accra. This transfer takes approx. 6hrs, but can take longer depending on time spent at Besease and any stops made along the way.

In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.

Overnight at Golden Tulip Accra.

The city was founded in the eighteenth century by the Ewe people. In 1882, the village, known then as Bey Beach, became a major trading centre with the arrival of Chico and Octaviano Olympio as agents for the British trading firm A. and F. Swanzy. Bey Beach became the capital of Togo when the German rulers transferred capital status from Aneho in 1897. The city then grew quickly until it was taken by the French Army in 1914 during World War I.

Drive between Accra, Ghana and Lome, Togo today. Your guide will help you at the border crossing and point out interesting sights along the way. Just ask! This drive will take approximately 3 hrs.

The Mercure Sarakawa hotel sits at the heart of a 62 acre (25 ha) coconut grove on Lomé Beach, close to the center of Lomé. The hotel has 211 rooms, including 82 with a sea view, and offers two restaurants (including the gourmet "Le Mercure" restaurant), two bars, an Olympic-size pool, two tennis courts, a golf course and a riding center.

Overnight at Mercure Lome Sarakawa.

The name 'Cotonou' means 'the mouth of the river of death' in the local Fon language. At the beginning of the 19th century, Cotonou (then spelled Kotonou) was merely a small fishing village. Originally dominated by the Kingdom of Dahomey, in 1851 the French made a treaty with the King that allowed them to establish a trading post at Cotonou. From then on, the town developed quickly to become the largest harbour in the region.

Today will be a full day. You will drive today from Lome, Togo via Ouidah to Cotonou, Benin. Stop along the way for sights and tour. This drive will take approximately 3-4hrs.

Today visit the cradle of African traditional Religion, Ouidah. Tour the temple dedicated to the sacred Python, which is believed to give vitality and protection; you will also visit the sacred forest which houses many shrines dedicated to various deities. Visit the historical Museum of Ouidah located in an old Portuguese fort built in 1721. This Museum portrays Benin's role in the Atlantic Slave Trade. Later visit the Port of No Return; a monument built by the Benin Government to commemorate the Africans that were taken from the Dahomey Empire during the Slave Trade.

The Novotel Orisha Cotonou is a 3 star hotel enjoying a seaside location in the centre of Cotonou, close to the two major convention and events centres, the Palais du Congres and the CIC. The hotel offers 110 air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant and two bars. The hotel also features a private car park, a swimming pool and a tennis court. The hotel has 2 restaurants that feature both French and local specialties.

Overnight at Novotel Orisha Cotonou.

Enjoy this sensational visit to Ganvie (the village on water), commonly referred to as the Venice of West Africa. Witness firsthand, the people of Ganvie carrying out their daily routine as vendors in dugout canoes make transactions with one another and with tourists. Try shopping amongst the local vendors in the floating market whilst taking a relaxing canoe ride on the waterways of this exotic 300-year-old village. After lunch, drive through the multicolored center of the administrative and commercial capital of Benin to view it’s many statues and monuments.

Includes private guide and vehicle.

Overnight at Novotel Orisha Cotonou.

Accra is the capital and the most populous city of Ghana. Bustling with activity and growth, the nation's administrative, communications and economics center lie here. The city promises a range of attractions, from exhibits of Ghana's heritage to a window into its artistic and cultural sectors. A modern metropolis, the tree-lined streets and public buildings are well-maintained and welcoming to the curious tourist.

Depart for Accra. Today will be a full day of driving with a stop for lunch in Lome. This drive will take approximately 9hrs.

Today you will cross the border into Togo. Your guide will assist you with the border process before continuing on your journey.

This evening spend time at leisure or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Golden Tulip Accra.

Depart for a scenic drive along the Accra plains to the beautiful village of Torgorme located on the lower course of the splendid Volta River. You will have the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the paramount chief and elders amidst traditional drumming and dancing by the villagers and also participate in a naming ceremony, where you will be given traditional African names! After the sensational naming ceremony amidst drumming and dancing in your honor, choose among embarking on an event village tour of Torgorme, participate in a passionate do-it session on pottery making or an educative kente weaving session. Transfer time approx. 1.5hrs from Accra.

Visit the Arts Centre where you will have the opportunity to use your bargaining skills to shop from an open-air market for artifacts from Ghana and West Africa. For finer artwork, check out the beautiful art gallery next to the market. For musical instruments, see artists at near the front of the market. Ask them for a lesson in drumming and negotiate a price, then groove to Afro-beats!

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer to the airport.

Depart from Accra international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.