Our Exposition tour takes us to an astonishing six countries over a period of three weeks, as we experience the 'true' face of West Africa. Beginning in Dakar, Senegal, the westernmost point on the African continent, we experience a dynamic and modern urban center with a strong French colonial flavor and enjoy the scenery at the rugged Atlantic coastline. Making our way through the country, we visit colonial buildings dating from the 18th century, World Heritage-protected islands and one of the most important bird sanctuaries on the planet, along with a plethora of museums and historic sites that teach us about the area and its people.
Crossing into Mali - one of the cradles of African civilization and the birthplace of the powerful empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhai- we find a land that is home to numerous colorful ethnic groups and one in which is to be found the largest mud building in the world: the Great Mosque at Djenne. Stopping in at fishing villages and traditional markets en route, we make headway for the magical destination of Tomboctou (Timbuktu), before traveling onwards to witness the traditional animist beliefs and lifestyles of the Dogon people and see their villages, granaries and burial sites that were built on the narrow ledges of cliffs as protection from enemies. In Burkina Faso, we explore one of the few places in Africa where the majority of people still cling to ancient animist beliefs and as we travel out of arid landscapes into lush vegetation, we have the chance to view wildlife such as hippos and wild elephants.
We tour ancient remnants left by African megalithic cultures of years gone by and then cross into Ghana, where we admire the thatch and mud tribal village compounds that are arranged in a circular pattern and plethora of national park wildlife, such as lions, leopards, antelope and monkeys. We pay a quick visit to partake of the bounties of Togo, before we cross into plentiful Benin, the birthplace of Voodoo and the last country on our tour.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner (local restaurants and hotels) daily
- All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international (if applicable) and domestic air taxes, visa fees, and excursions referenced as 'optional'
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Optional trip cancellation insurance
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs, shopping, and visas.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Mali
Burkina Faso
Ghana
Ecotourism
Walking Tours
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