Senegal to Ghana Itinerary

Begin your West Africa journey in the vibrant coastal 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, savannah, 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.

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.

Enter Sierra Leone and wind down on one of the stunning beaches.

Continue the adventure in Sierra Leone's lively capital, Freetown.

Encounter river turtles, colourful primates and spectacular natural rainforest on Tiwai Island Sanctuary.

Explore southern Sierra Leone and camp under the stars in the glorious African wilderness.

Discover the meaning of 'off the beaten track' in Sierra Leone. Travel along narrow, corrugated dirt roads to a remote section of west Africa.

Continue overland through the mid-region of Guinea, stopping en route in Macenta.

Journey into the wilds of the forested mountain region that is home to most of Guinea's population. Learn about local culture, see an eye-popping array of flora and flora, trek across savannah, follow trails to beautiful waterfalls and track forest elephants.

Take in the scenery while driving to Odienne, known for its large mosque and nearby gold mines. This town is set against a seriously striking backdrop - the imposing granite mountain of Den Ke Le Massif - so be ready to snap some great photos.

Get insight into the Senoufo way of life in Korhogo. Practise haggling skills in Le Quartier des Sculpteurs where woven cloth, jewellery and antique souvenirs abound.

Discover Yamoussoukro's collection of opulent buildings built by post-independence president Felix Houphouet-Boigny on his quest to make his hometown the new, spectacular capital of Cote d'Ivoire. Appreciate the bizarre, quirky feel of this city, which has six-lane highways that lead nowhere and multi-million dollar replica of St Peter's Basilica - even though only a small percentage of the population is Catholic.

Explore Cote d'Ivoire's old French colonial capital of Grand Bassam. Explore the Old Town, watch local artists at work, or kick back and relax on the serene beaches.

Head into Ghana to the fishing village of Elmina and camp by the glittering Atlantic. Visit Elmina Castle - sub-Saharan Africa's oldest European structure - and get involved with a local community project.

Journey to Kumasi, and visit to the lush Kakum National Park. Try to spot pygmy elephants, forest buffaloes and colourful birdlife while ambling through the treetops - the canopy walkways are a unique way to experience this tropical rainforest.

See why Ghana's sprawling capital is a favourite among sun worshippers and beach lovers. Make a beeline for one of the many stretches of sand in this coastal city, and be entertained by musicians, acrobats and souvenir vendors. In the evening, make the most of Accra's lively nightlife by hitting the restaurants and bars.