Tour 16 - Senegal / Gambia / Casamance / Guinea / Mali

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From lively Dakar and after a visit to Gorée, the Island of Slaves, our overland trip takes us through Gambia and the Casamance into wonderful Guinea, the "Switzerland of Africa", the "water castle of Africa".

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 overland. 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 in this journey.

Overlanding in Casamance, we will find - after many years of unrest - a very friendly population. Landscapes in the Casamance vary from wet savannah all the way to subtropical rainforest. At Cape Skirring, we will arrive at Senegal's most beautiful bathing beaches - unique, secluded sandy beaches stretching for miles.

A stay of one day in Bamako, the capital of Mali and largest city of the Sahel, concludes our overland trip. Our itinerary and Highlights

Senegal 1

• Arrival in Dakar (usually in the evening or at night). Our hotel complex with camping opportunity is located in the district of Yoff, directly at the ocean with its own private beach, only about a 10-minute drive from the airport.

• 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

• Overland through Rufisque, Mbor and Kaolack towards Gambia Border crossing

Gambia

• The ferry crossing the Gambia River is notorious for long waiting times. Therefore we will start early for the landing place, in order to get there before the daily onslaught.
• Drive to Sukuta. The beautiful beach is within walking distance from our campsite, located in a quiet outskirts neighbourhood. (Internet in 2 km)

Senegal 2

• Entry in the Casamance /Senegal
• Onward overland journey to Kafountine, virtually untouched by tourism, a "little Cape Skirring". Gorgeous beaches and a paradise for bird watchers.

• To Cape Skirring, Senegal's most beautiful bathing beaches. We will drive to a truly wonderful beach section, a perfect swimming opportunity in a secluded location. Here, we will camp directly at the shores of the Atlantic

• Zuguinchor, "Quartier Escale", a district well worth seeing, artisan village, old architecture from the colonial era.
• Overland drive through the gorgeous tropical landscape of the Casamance towards Kolda

• After Kolda, we will drive through southeast Casamance over Kunkané to the Guinea border.
• Border crossing

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,

• The Sala waterfalls. We will camp there for 2 nights, in the immediate vicinity of a fantastic swimming opportunity upstream from the waterfalls
• Labe, centre of the Fouta Djalon and former stronghold of Islam in Guinea, big market.

• 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 several hours.
• The Kinton waterfalls. We will be camping directly at the waterfalls. Swimming opportunity right at our camp.

• Dalaba, Resort town at an elevation of 1200 m. Visit to the former summer residence of the French governor and later of president Séékou Touré, and the "Casa à palavere" - the meeting house.
• Supper together at a French restaurant

• Our bridging 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

• Onward overland journey through the foothills of Fouta Djalon towards Dabola. Charming villages with thatched round huts.
• Depending on road conditions, we can camp at the Tinkisso waterfalls.

• Kankan: Centre of Upper Guinea, historical city with the country's most beautiful markets. First explorations of the city.
• Supper at our accommodation's restaurant

• In the morning: Visit to the traditional African market district. Genuine Africa.
• In the afternoon, onward overland journey towards Mali. Charming villages with thatched round huts.

Mali

• Border crossing to Mali.
• Along the impressive Madingues mountain range to Bamako

• Bamako, capital of Mali and the Sahel's biggest city, in the morning you have the choice between a promenade tour of the city or a pirogue ride on the Niger
• Return trip to Europe (usually in the evening or at night)

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.

The price includes:

• All camping fees
• Boat trip and guided tour of the Island of Gorée
• Ferry across the Gambia River (45 min)
• Fouta Djalon, several guided hiking trips (2 days) to the most beautiful places
• Entrance fee for the area around the Kinkon waterfalls
• Visit to the president's former summer residence in Dalaba
• Room (single or double) with shower at the mission in Kankan (if rooms are available)
• Tour of Bamako
• 18 x 3 meals per day - including 4 meals at the restaurant with menu of the day (without drinks) in 1x Bamako / 1 x Kankan / 1x Dalaba / 1x Sukuta-Camp
• 4 x 2 meals per day. On those days when only two meals are planned from the board kitchen, you are welcome to make yourself a snack from the supplies in our vehicle (cold meats, cheese, tomatoes etc)

Not included:

• Flights
• Taxi fares
• Photography charges
• Optional undertakings
• Drinks (soft drinks / alcoholic drinks)
• Tipps
• Visa fees

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