Begin this Nomadic West Africa journey in the vibrant costal city of Dakar.
Stop over in the tiny town of Toubakouta, and, if there's time, head to Medina Baay Mosque in Kaolack. The next day, head out and explore the beautiful beaches, mangrove swamps, islands and dunes of the Sine-Saloum Delta.
Reach the Gambia River and spend two nights in traditional round huts made entirely out of natural materials from the bush. Explore the woodlands, savannas, mangrove creeks and tidal flats of Kiang West, the Gambia's largest national park, and keep an eye out for West African Manatee, otters, hyenas and leopards.
Stay in the peaceful surrounds of Bintang Bolong Eco Lodge, using the riverside huts as a base in which to step into a canoe and explore the surrounding mangroves, or experience the lively culture of Bintang village.
Arrive in the sandy streets of Ziguinchor, and head out to explore the overgrown downtown area or check out the colourful local boat-builders at the port.
Feel the fresh sea breeze in the coastal village of Cap Skirring, and perhaps take a dip in the warm waters or relax on the palm-fringed beaches.
Continue the Africa overland odyssey toward Guinea Bissau, stopping to camp for the night.
Relax among the laidback, Portuguese-inspired vibes of Bissau. Pull up a seat in a bustling cafe or snap some photos of the character-clad colonial buildings.
Camp overnight in Mampata and Koundara, passing through some of West Africa's most remote scenery on the way.
Head into the cool climes of Fouta Djallon, the perfect place to enjoy a spot of walking, hiking or biking.
Leave the Fouta Djallon region behind and head further through Guinea, stopping en route for two nights.
Explore the forested mountain region of south-eastern Guinea, an untamed area that offers great opportunities to trek across wild savanna, follow less-trodden trails to spectacular waterfalls and track forest elephants at the Foret Classee de Ziama.
Cut a path through rural West Africa, spending a night camping under the stars before reaching Odienne - renowned for its gold mines and striking granite backdrop.
Weave through the fabric-filled marketplaces of cotton-producing Korhogo - a great place to pick up some handmade souvenirs.
Explore the bizarre capital of the Cote d'Ivoire, a monument to presidential wealth and a city that sports the Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix - an almost exact replica of St Peter's in the Vatican City.
Explore the colonial town, watch local artists at work or kick back and relax on the serene beaches of Grand Bassam.
Help out on a local community project in the little fishing town of Elmina.
Head deep into tropical rainforest in Kakum National Park. Embark on a canopy walk to spot pygmy elephants, forest buffalo and the extremely rare Mona-meercat.
This eastbound West Africa trip ends among Accra's powdery beaches and lively bars.
The largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Volta covers almost 4% of Ghana’s landmass. Explore the workings of the hydroelectric Akosombo Dam while visiting this remarkable site.
Arrive at the spectacular Mount Klouto, where an evening of drumming and voodoo offers an authentic African experience. Perhaps embark on a hike and discover the area’s dense forest and gently cascading streams and waterfalls.
Experience a wild African bush camp after journeying through Togo and soaking up some of the dramatic scenery along the way.
Stay in an eco-lodge in Tata Somba, and discover the incredible mud houses of the Tammari people. A World Heritage site, these two-storey fort-like structures are a truly impressive spectacle.
The stunning surrounds of Pendjari National Park offer a fantastic environment for embarking on game drives in the truck. Abundant with wildlife including elephants, hippos, buffalo, antelopes and some of the last populations of West African lions - there’s no shortage of astonishing natural sights here.
Journey through Benin and gaze out across captivating West African landscapes en route to another wild bush camping experience.
Camp overnight in the ancient capital of what was once one of the most powerful empires in Africa - the Dahomey Kingdom. Discover some of the kingdom’s history by visiting original Dahomeyan palaces and temples, or stopping by the Musee Historique D’Abomey.
Jump aboard pirogues (dugout canoes) and explore Ganvie, a town built entirely on stilts in the middle of a lagoon. Spend a night in the stilt village – remarkable in that it’s home to more than 10,000 people – and learn more about the history of what is possibly the largest lake village in the whole of Africa.
Paddle the pirogues back to shore and continue on to Ouidah – the centre of Benin’s Voodoo culture – and discover the intriguing Musee d’histoire d’Ouidah, which offers an interesting insight into the area’s Voodoo history.
Get in some rest and relaxation West African style on the beach at Grand Popo. Once a port that serviced the slave trade, the town is now a lovely spot to spend a lazy couple of days.
Head to the shoes of Lake Togo, where an auberge (inn) in the quiet town of Agbodrafo will be home for the next couple of nights. A perfectly idyllic spot to wind down and partake in some watersports, the trip will also venture across the lake on pirogues to Togoville, another hotspot of the Voodoo culture.
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