From lively Dakar and after a visit to Gorée, the Island of Slaves, our trip takes us through Gambia and the Casamance into wonderful Guinea, the “Switzerland of Africa“, the “water castle of Africa“.
The “Casamance” (Senegal): The years of conflict with the central government in Dakar has now ended and the wonderful, tropical landscape of the Casamance awaits us.
At Cap Skrirring we will found the finest beaches of Senegal.
Guinea: Even though the regime of the dictator Sékou Touré has ended since over 20 years, this country still has the reputation of being difficult for travelling. Since 2010 the country has a new democratically elected president – after years of different military governments. A new start has been made.
The people – extremely warm-hearted and welcoming – are still shy and reserved. There is hardly any tourism infrastructure. But in return, overwhelming mountain sceneries, secluded waterfalls and wonderful hiking opportunities await us.
A stay of one day in Bamako, the capital of Mali and largest city of the Sahel, concludes our trip.
Our itinerary and Highlights
Senegal 1
Day 1
Arrival in Dakar (usually in the evening or at night). Our hotel complex with camping opportunity is located in the district of Ngor, directly at the ocean with its own private beach, only about a 10-minute drive from the airport.
Restaurants, Internet a pharmacy and some shops you can reach within a 10 minutes’ walk.
Camp in the garden of our hotel.
Day 2
Daytime excursion to the Island of Gorée, the Island of Slaves located off the coast from Dakar, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Millions of Africans were held here until they were shipped over to the New World. Since years Gorée became an artist colony. After a visit in the three museums you might have a walk through the small, shadowed streets. Have lunch in one of the nice local restaurants. Or just have a cold drink.
Camp in the garden of our hotel
Day 3
We leave Dakar and travel on near the border to Gambia through the beautiful Sahel country side with many colorful villages.
After Kaolack we will put on our first bush camp
Gambia
Day 4
Border crossing to Gambia
The ferry over the Gambia River to Barra is known for its long waiting periods. We try to be very early at the mooring, before the big rush starts. Once on the ferry we enjoy a one-hour crossing over the big river direct as its mouth into the Atlantic.
Our camp side is near Sukuta.
We have common dinner in the restaurant of our camp side.
Senegal 2
Day 5
We have one rest day one this beautiful camp side of Joe and Claudia. (Rooms are available up from 10 Euro/night). From here to the beach it is just a 20 minutes’ walk. Many small restaurants and bars are along the beach. For years Gambia is a preferred destination for tourists from Europe.
Day 6 - 7
Border crossing to the Casamance /Senegal
The vegetation in this part of the Casamance is very different from Senegal. A dense forest, mangrove-lined creeks and lagoons and many small and big rivers we will cross.
In Zuguinchor – the atmospheric regional capital we will reach at noon. Visit the old colonial buildings and the craft market.
One hour later we arrive at Cape Skirring, our next destination. The Cape has the finest beaches in Senegal. We drive to a really wonderful beach, awesome, a kilometer long paradise.
Here we will stay for the next two nights on the beach. Swim in the warm water of the sea or walk kilometers along the sandy beach.
Day 8
Back from Cap Skirring we will travel on to Kolda.
We camp in a small but lovely “Campement” – typical for the Casamance.
Day 9
Our last day in Senegal. It is hot, it is dry and it is dusty. But still many villages are along our route.
After we made our border formalities for the Senegal, we will drive some more kilometers. The Guinean border post is still 20 kilometers away and we will camp between the two borders. With a shower from our truck we will wash away all the dust of the day and relax at a big camp fire.
Guinea
Days 10 - 11
Border crossing to Guinea.
Koundara, the first larger city in Guinea with an interesting market.
Starting from Koundara, beautiful bush savannah, picturesque villages with round huts, countless termite hills, monkeys, and a rich bird population.
The landscape reminds us increasingly of the typical rainforests. Manually operated ferry near Bantala Cadam,
Bush camp
We travel on to Labe. This town is the centre of the Fouta Djalon, a former stronghold of the Islam in Guinea. Important marketplace.
We camp in the garden of a nice small hotel (nice rooms for 25 €)
Days 12 - 13
After we bought fresh food for two days, we travel on to the Sala waterfalls. We will camp there for 2 nights, in the immediate vicinity of a fantastic swimming opportunity upstream from the waterfalls
Camp at the waterfalls
Days 14 - 16
Near Pita, we will turn off into the gorgeous Fetoure Valley. We will camp near a village on our guide’s property. Starting from our camp with our excellent guide, we will explore the most beautiful places in the valley during excursions each lasting 3 - 4 hours.
Two nights we will stay here.
On our way back to the tarred road we will have our lunch at the Kinton waterfalls. Swimming opportunity in the river.
Travel on to Dalaba. In the colonial times Dalaba was a famous summer resort up in the mountains (1200m). We will camp on the ground of a little French restaurant.
Day 17
Visit to the former summer residence of the French governor and later of President Sékou Touré, and the „Casa à palavere“– the meeting house.
Onward journey through the foothills of Fouta Djalon towards Dabola. Charming villages with thatched round huts.
Depending on road conditions, we might camp at the Tinkisso waterfalls.
Day 18
Kankan: Centre of Upper Guinea, historical city with the country’s most beautiful markets. First explorations of the city.
We will have rooms in the catholic mission.
Dinner at the mission’s restaurant
Day 19
In the morning: Visit to the traditional African market district. Kankan’s market is different from many other market places. Many of the old colonial houses are still existent – in bad condition. And they are still people living in, with their small magazines or they serve as workshops. Genuine Africa.
In the afternoon: Onward journey towards Mali. Charming villages with thatched round huts.
Bush Camp near the border
Day 20
Our spare day. On an itinerary of over 2500 km, especially in West Africa, there can always be unforeseeable delays. Roads that were still in good condition during the previous trip, long waiting times at borders or ferries. A participant needs to see a doctor, a technical malfunction etc. To still be able to complete our program without time pressure, one day of the trip is set aside as a buffer day. If it is not required as such, we will head for an additional interesting destination towards the end of the trip.
Mali
Day 21
Border crossing to Mali.
Along the impressive Madingues mountain range to Bamako
Day 22
In the morning: Sightseeing tour. With a guide we have a sight-seeing tour to the town. Highlight: the Craftsman centre, the biggest of its kind in West Africa.
In the afternoon we offer a pirogue trip. The life on the banks of an African metropolis is an exciting view from a completely different perspective!
Return trip to Europe (usually in the evening or at night)
Travel information
After booking the holiday you will receive from us detailed travel information on preparation, equipment, visa, health care and the meeting point.
We will be at the starting point two days before the beginning of the holiday and at the destination two days at the end of the holiday. You can therefore choose your own individual date of arrival and departure.
Please inform us of your time and date of arrival at an early stage and we can pick up you from the airport. |
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