|
|
27 Days Itinerary Senegal-Gambia-Mali Festival-Burkina Faso-Ghana-Togo-Benin
offered by supplier M19125 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 27
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 4
people
Destination(s):
Ghana
Mali
Senegal
Specialty Categories:
Festival Tours
National Parks
Season: December - January
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 6790 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 6790 US Dollar (USD)
|
|
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Mon 22nd Dec: Accra. Arrive In Accra, Ghana. Upon arrival at Accra airport, you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Rest and relax. Overnight at Labadi Beach hotel or Similar. Includes: (D).
Day 2, Tue 23 Dec: Accra city tour
Breakfast and departure for a sightseeing city tour of Accra. You will drive through the administrative and economic districts of Accra, the capital of Ghana. This 124 year-old city has a blend of colonial and modern architecture that summarize her history. You will visit the W. E. B. Dubois Center for Pan African Culture, Independence/ Black Star Square and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. After lunch in a local Ghanaian restaurant, you will end your tour at the Arts Centre where you will have an opportunity to use your bargaining skills to shop from an open-air market for artifacts from Ghana and West Africa. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Accra. Lodging: Labadi Beach Hotel Accra. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 3, Wed 24 Dec: Accra-Kumasi
Kumasi. Depart to Kumasi the realm of the Ashanti Kingdom, arriving at noon. We pass through Obouasi, the location of the Ashanti Goldfields—one of the richest mines in the world. In the afternoon, take an excursion to the village of Bonwire, the locale where the famous Royal Kente Cloth is made, arrival and Visits to the craft villages of Pankrono (pottery), Ahwiaa (woodcarving), and Ntonso (adinkra) cloth. Visit the Kumasi Cultural Center In the afternoon, an excursion to the Kumasi Central Market—the largest in West Africa followed by a visit to Manhiyia Palace for an audience with the Ashanti King or members of his Royal Court. Overnight at Sir Max Hotel or Similar. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 4, Thu 25 Dec: Kumasi-Kakum National Park
Breakfast in the Early morning depart for Kakum National Park. Kakum Park is one of Ghana’s most famous parks. Kakum is also home to Africa’s only aerial walkway through the tree canopy, a 1000 foot long and seven-bridge walkway with viewing platforms that reach heights of over 150 feet above ground. Take a walking tour on the forest floor. See hundreds of species of birds, as many or more terflies, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the forest's over 40 species of mammals including monkeys and forest elephants. Proceed to the canopy walk. Overnight at Hans Cottage Hotel Or Similar. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 5, Fri 26 Dec: Kakum National Park-Cape Coast Elmina
Depart after breakfast to tour the infamous Castles and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. Visit the Cape Coast Castle which was built by the Swedes in 1653 and was later taken over by the British. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum established by the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Ghanaian Government in 1994. History will unfold the story of the slave trade which the impact is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today. After lunch, visit the Elmina Castle which was built by the Portuguese in 1482 and is also known as St. George's Castle. This castle is the first and largest European structure to be built in Sub-Saharan Africa. The colorful harbor nestle below the Elmina Castle, full of pirogues preparing to go to sea, offers one of West Africa’s greatest photo opportunities. Overnight at your hotel in in Elmina. Includes: (B).
Day 6, Sat 27 Dec: Cape Coast Elmina - Accra. Breakfast and continuation to discover the different museum and in the afternoon drive to Accra, overnight at Labadi beach Hotel or a Similar. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 7, Sun 28 Dec: Accra-Lome
From Accra, you take the road to Togo and cross your first frontier just before arriving in Lomé. The Togolese capital still keeps in its downtown traces of colonization German: wards properly aligned and separated from each other, so that commercial life is not to be confused with the more administrative activities. The central market is traditionally the realm of the “Mama Benz”, these women who are enriched by selling fabrics imported from Europe. The heart of the city is dominated by the activities of the central market. The calm administrative district stands besides the noisy market. Here you can find green fairways and colonial style buildings. In a suburban area locates the market for fetishes. People come here to solve the problems of everyday life. Here you can find chameleon’s skins, shark teeth or thunder stones. Accommodation: Hotelat Corinthia 2 Fevrier Hotel or Similar. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 8: Mon 29 Dec: Lome-Togo - Ouidah, Benin – Cotonou
We continue our way to Benin. Our first stop is in Ouidah, the true cradle of voodoo, famous for its numerous temples and monasteries. We visit the pythons’ temple where people worship the snake Dangbé. Ouidah is also one of the most historic places in the country. Former Portuguese trading post, it became the main port on the coast of Benin and one of the great centres of the slave trade in the 17th and 18th centuries. We see the old Portuguese fort converted into a museum, go visit the family De Souza, whose ancestor Felix, slave trafficker, was also appointed viceroy by Guézo. We also have a walk in the late afternoon by the moving slaves’ route leading to the ocean, a road that many men, women and children took for a voyage without return. After the visit of Ouidah, you drive to Cotonou, Benin's economic capital and largest city, where you spend evening and night. Accommodation: Hotel Hotel Du Lac or Similar.
Day 9, Tue 30 Dec: Cotonou-Ganvie-Abomey
We leave Cotonou and take the short route to Ganvié. Located on the Lake Nokoué, Ganvié is the most famous lakeside villages of Africa. It was founded in the 18th century by Aïzo people to protect themselves from monarchs Allada of Abomey who were seeking for slaves. The huts on stilts made of bamboo, the floating market and fishermen compose a very picturesque show. Leaving Ganvié, you continue till Abomey, the capital of the prestigious Kingdom of Dahomey. We visit the museum. Housed in the former palace of kings Ghézo and Glèlè who reigned in the 19th century, it has some priceless treasures: royal thrones, récades or wooden statues often plated with a sheet of bronze that symbolize the various kingdoms. The palace is also known for its famous bas-reliefs of bright colours, illustrating proverbs. Accommodation: Motel d’Abomey.
Day 10, Wed 31 Dec: Abomey-Natitingou. After a stage of a long asphalt road and track, we leave the forest to reach the northern savannah and the city of Natitingou, in the Atakora massif. Accommodation: Hôtel Tata Somba.
Day 11, Thu 01 Jan: Natitingou-Tiebele. Throughout the Pendjari National Park, where you discover African fauna, you continue up north and enter a new country, Burkina Faso, the road leads you to Tiebele, arrival, visit and overnight at hotel.
Day 12, Fri 02 Jan: Tiebele-Ouagadougou
Breakfast and drive to explore Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital city. Ouaga, as the capital of Burkina Faso is generally known is the home to the Mossi, the largest ethnic group in the nation. All the sights can be easily reached on foot. The city’s atmosphere is relaxed and the Burkinabe are known to be very hospitable and friendly people. We’ll visit the Grand Market and the National Museum, with its interesting collection of regional clothing, masks, household utensils and ancestral statues; also visit the crafts markets at the Artisans Centre, where we will find basketry, batik fabrics, wooden statues and masks, jewellery, leatherwork and bronze castings, overnight at Mercure Silmande Hotel or a Similar. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 13, Sat 03 Jan: Ouaga-Dogon Country
After breakfast and drive to Mali's fascinating Dogon country. Being among of the most enigmatic people of Africa, the Dogons are living in stones and mud houses and granaries built up high on the narrow edges of the cliffs. The Dogons are animists, worshipping their ancestors and the spirits of nature. Having preserved their traditions through the centuries, the Dogon architecture is certainly the most well known element by external world, along with other practices such as mask dances (to request to a deceased spirit to leave the village and then rejoin the ancestors) or the fox divinatory game. The Dogons are farmers cultivating their fields either high on the cliff, in the plain or down of the cliff. The Dogons fled the advancing of Arabs coming from the north, and found shelter in one of West Africa's most inhospitable areas difficult to reach. This difficulty contributes to Dogon’s isolation even between them, and in time each village developed its own dialect, un-comprehended by the neighbours. Today, there are about fifty of idioms in spoken Dogon language. First we’ll visit the Dogon village Songo, renowned for its rock paintings and circumcision grotto, and then continue to Sangha, on the edge of the Bandiagara escarpment, where we stay overnight. Overnight: Hotel La Falaise or a Similar. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 14, Sun 04 Jan: Dogon Country. This morning we descend the Bandiagara escarpment to visit the village of Banani, where the ancient Tellem Cave dwellings in the cliff face, further the Ireli Village, Amani, where we will visit the sacred crocodile sanctuary, and Tireli where you can assist at a dogon mask dance, See the caves of Deguimbere and other small but interesting villages on the escarpment edge, before returning to Bandiagara, overnight at Hotel La Falaise. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 15, Mon 05 Jan: Dogon Country - Djenne - Mopti
From Bandiagara, you drive to Djenne, millennium city and probably the most beautiful city in Mali. Built on an island between two branches of Bani, a tributary of Niger, Djenne is commonly called “twin sister" of Timbuktu. The city namely shelters the big Mosque, of Sudanese architecture in banco, which is the vastest mud building in the world. Djenne is in fact the first of three UNESCO World Heritage sites you will visit during the trip, arrival we will visit the Monday market one of the most colorful in West africa, the mosque and continuation to Mopti for your overnight at hotel Kanaga or a Similar.
Day 16, Tue 06 Jan: Mopti city tour and River sailing
Arrival at Mopti in the afternoon and visit of Mopti, the Venice of Mali for its location between the Bani and Niger river, visit: the beautiful mosque, the fishing port, the bustling market where many ethnic group of Mali – Bambara, Fulani, Bozo, Bobo, Dogon, Songhai, come to trade Then boat for the birds watchingon river Niger, you will enjoy a great variety of multi colour birds, to see Malian fisher’s men with their canoe, the bozo villages on bank of the river, return to Mopti for your overnight at hotel Kanaga or a Similar
Day 17, Wed 07 Jan: Mopti-Timbuktu festival of desert
Depart from Gourma to reach the legendary city of Timbuktu, the city of 333 holy, the mysterious city or the doorway to the desert founded around the 11 th century by the touareg Imagcharen. In Timbuktu the tradition says: “gold comes the south, salt comes from the north, money comes from occident, but the speeches of God, holy things, wonderful stories can be found only in Timbuktu. The 6 th administrative capital of Mali, Timbuktu attracts many tourists who like to discover an exceptional cultural heritages, adventure landscape and fabulous histories of the city. Timbuktu has maintained many ancient monuments you will d visit Timbuktu city: the mosques, the museum and archives. The Mosque of Djinguareyber, built in 14th century by emperor Kankou Moussa on his way from the Pilgrimage; the mosque Sankore of the 15 th century which hosted many intellectuals from its University; the Mosque of Sidi Yahia built at the end of the 15 th century by an old woman of the city, arrival and continuation to Essakane to enjoy the festival. Overnight in Tent. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 18, Thu 08 Jan: Festival. Breakfast and continuation to enjoy the festival; have tea ceremony and camel ride with touareg overnight under Tent.
Day 19, Fri 09 Jan: Festival-Mopti. Breakfast and Visit of the old Islamic manuscripts in the Baba Ahmed Institute, the houses of exploratory Gordon Laing, Henri Barth, Mongo Park, and Rene Caille, the handicraft centre to discover the wonderful work of the touareg: the jewellery and the blanket and continuation to Mopti, arrival and overnight at hotel Kanaga or a Similar. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 20, Sat 10 Jan: Mopti - Bamako
Breakfast and departure to the Capital city of Mali, Bamako is situated on the Niger, one of Africa's great rivers. Mali is a country of many tribal peoples, each with its own exuberant style of clothing and jewellery. There is nowhere better to see this colourful diversity than in the streets and markets of Bamako, Arrival and you will visit the city market, the antiquary’s village and the artisan’s village. The city has a large art and craft centre where sculptors, weavers, leather workers, jewellers and metal workers exhibit their wares and skills. You can spend hours exploring the hundreds of stalls. From carvings and cassettes, to fabrics, beads, brass and gold, the variety of goods is staggering. One area of the market is devoted entirely for traditional African medicines. Here you'll find the freshly shrunken heads of birds, monkeys and crocodiles, along with lizard skins and other gruesome treatments, overnight at Hotel Laico Elfarouk. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 21, Sun 11 Jan: Bamako-Kayes. Breakfast and departure for Kayes, the colonial capital of Mali located at the border of Senegal. Arrival and city tour (the market, the train station, Médine where Mali first school was built. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Kayes. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 22, Mon 12 Jan: Kayes-Matam (Senegal). Breakfast then drive to cross the border of Mali to Senegal, lunch and sightseeing some Malian and Senegalese village en route. P.M.: Upon arrival in Matan, we check into our hotel and stay overnight. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 23, Tue 13 Jan: Matam-Saint Louis
Breakfast and departure to Saint Louis Founded in 1659, on an island with a strategic position at the mouth of the Senegal River, between the continent and the ‘Langue de Barbarie’ (Barbarian Tongue), a narrow strip of land that sinks into the Atlantic Ocean, Saint-Louis is a town full of history. Saint-Louis became the capital of Senegal at the beginning of the 19th Century up until 1958, even after Dakar was promoted to the rank of capital of the French Africa. Today the town extends from the Langue of Barbarie to the Continent. The Faidherbe Bridge, a real work of art, hangs over the Senegal River for a length of 500 meters and connects the island with the mainland and it is on the list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Among the sites and monuments we’ll see, we can cite the Governor’s Palace, a Fortress built in the 18th Century across from the Faidherbe Place, the name of the famous colonial governor whose statue is erected in the centre. To the north and to the south of that place, the houses dating back to the colonial period, with their wrought iron balconies and verandas, which remain intact. Overnight at the Hotel Residence. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 24, Wed 14 Jan: Saint Louis-National Park of Djoudj
Saint-Louis Heading out early this morning, we drive to the Walo Delta of the Senegal River, a vast area of marshes and wetlands. This river has its source in the Fouta Djalon Mountains of Guinee (where the great Niger River also rises) and marks the border between Senegal and its northern neighbour, Mauritania. Our destination this morning is the Djouj National Park, considered one of the most important bird sanctuaries on the planet. Situated on a major migratory route, this park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts and was awarded World Heritage status and a World Biosphere Reserve. Some of the world's greatest concentrations of white pelicans and other migratory birds can be seen here. We board a motorized boat and cruise along the splendid waterways to observe the immensely rich birdlife. Various ethnic groups live along the Senegal River, notably Fulas, Tuculors and Moors. In the afternoon we return to Saint-Louis for our city tour. We visit the Provincial Museum, the Faidherbe Square, the Central Mosque, and pass by the old Slave Market, a gum Arabic warehouse and countless colonial buildings painted in flaking pastels. At the height of the French period some 4,000 French nationals lived here. We finally drive through the lively fishing community of Guet Ndar and its huge wholesale fish market. Overnight in Saint-Louis. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 25, Thu 15 Jan: Saint Louis-Pink Lake. Breakfast and direction to Pink Lake via Thies, visit of Thies and continuation to discover the beautiful Pink Lake, overnight at your hotel.
Day 26, Fri 16 Jan: Pink Lake - Dakar
Breafast and drive to Dakar, arrival and you will visit the Tour of the Independence Square, where you discover the old colonial buildings and the new African inspired architecture. From the Independence Square, move on to the main government buildings: the Palais Presidential (Presidential Palace), a white building surrounded by luscious gardens; the Chamber of Commerce; and the Cornice with the Anse Bernard Beach. From here drive through the Soweto Square to see the National Assembly and then drive to the Cathedral and the National Theatre. Continue to the Grand Mosque and the Dakar University. From here you visit the well-known craftsmen village of Soumedioune; where high quality goods in many mediums may be admired or purchased, lunch on your own at a local restaurant. Overnight at your Hotel Novotel Dakar. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 27, Sat 17 Jan: Dakar-Gore Island-Dakar departure
This morning, after breakfast, visit of the best market of Dakar the kernel market with its colourful flowers, fruits, fabrics, clothing and souvenirs. Pass through Sandaga market and your guide drives you for an emotional and haunting experience at a full day tour to Goree Island, the departure point of millions headed for slavery in the Americas. A twenty minute ferry ride takes you to the once turbulent historical site. Now tranquil, Goree is a UNESCO World Heritage, which used to be a slaving station and was one of the first French settlements on the continent. The island has many clusters of pink colonial style houses, calm streets and a small beach. You have time to explore and visit the Museum Maison des Eclaves (Slaves’ House). Continue on a stroll up to the castle for a spectacular view of the Island and beyond. From here proceed for a visit to the Town Square and the Marima Ba Girls’ Secondary School; then on to the Historical Museum, lunch on your own at a beach front restaurant featuring Senegalese food. On returning to Dakar you will visit the main museum, Institute Fundamental d’Afrique Noir (IFAN), which houses an amazing collection of masks, statues and musical instruments from West Africa. Enjoy a leisurely evening, do your last shopping and drive to the airport for your departure by night.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Hotel accommodation as mentioned (or similar category)
- Meeting and assistance upon arrival and departure at Airports
- Private ground transportation by AC (where available) cars or minivans
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Airport-Hotel-Airport transfers and luggage handling
- All hotel taxes and local tourism taxes
- Tent accommodation during the festival
- Meals in full board during the festival
- Tea ceremony and camel ride during the festival
- Dogon mask dance
- River sailing in Mopti and in National park Djoudj
- All tours and sightseeing with entry fees included
- Meals as indicated.
Price Excludes:
- International airfare to/from Africa
- Festival entrance ticket
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Gratuities, tips and other such costs
- Drinks/Beverages and any personal expenses
- Meals not specified and Mineral water.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Ghana
Mali
Senegal
Local Culture
Festival Tours
National Parks
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
|
|
|
, ext: 19125
