Benin | West Africa Expedition
This expedition takes us deep into the mysterious heart of west Africa - a region that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. We explore fabled ancient towns and historic kingdoms such as the influential Malian and Ashanti Empires, the great Dahomey Kingdom and the ancient settlement of Djenné, renowned for its Grand Mosque. We learn about the rich and diverse history of the region, including the tragic chapter of slave-trading. We enjoy the incredible warmth and exuberance of the local people we meet along the way, as we immerse ourselves in an extraordinary mix of cultures. We meet the Dogon people whose fascinating customs and traditions have remained unchanged for centuries as well as the colourful, clay houses of Tiebele - unlike anywhere else on earth! Finally, the hypnotic sounds and haunting rhythms of West Africa's celebrated music are sure to leave lasting impressions.
| Duration: | 26 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW592 |
| Trip Style: | Standard |
| Departure Dates: | 14 Jan 2011, 21 Oct 2011, 25 Nov 2011, 23 Dec 2011, 20 Jan 2012 |
| Price: | Please Contact Us |
| Places you'll visit: |
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| Highlights: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
You will travel with a maximum of just 15 fellow travellers. This is small enough to avoid making a negative impact on the places you go and the people you meet, but large enough to have a good time with other travellers from around the globe.
If you are willing to share a room we will find a member of the same gender for you to share with. If we are unable to find someone, then you will get a single room without having to pay any supplement. And for those wanting their own room the single supplement won't break the bank.
Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: 15 max.
Day 1: Bamako
On arrival at Bamako's Sénou International Airport you are met and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Situated on the banks of the Niger River, Mali's capital is quite a lively place and home to over 1.3 million people. There are often excellent live music acts in the city over a weekend with such renowned African artists such as Salif Keita, Bassekou Kouyate and Toumani Diabaté regularly playing.
The lively Route de Bla Bla also offers an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars. We also get together sometime this evening for a group meeting, where you meet your Peregrine tour leader and your other fellow travelling companions.
Day 2: Ségou - Niamana (Mali Initiative Project) - Local Homestay
This morning we depart Bamako for a three-hour drive to Ségou (235 km). After a brief visit to Segou for refreshments, we head to Boubacar Doumbia's atelier. Boubacar is the leading Bogolon (mud cloth) artist in Mali. He, or one of his staff, will give us a demonstration on how mud cloth is made from start to finish. You can then have your own hands-on experience of making a sample piece which you will get to keep. There is also the opportunity to purchase some of the Bogolon products, which make for an original, quality souvenir of Mali.
Driving for another two hours we reach the village of Niamana, where we lend support to the tremendous work that is being done by Mali Initiative Projects in providing education facilities for the local people. We meet the mayor of the village and get briefed on the community developments that are taking place. We are then escorted to a home where we get to be guests of a local family for the night and enjoy a home-cooked meal with them. This is a unique opportunity for cross-cultural interaction and is sure to be a memorable encounter.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner
Day 3: Djenné
This morning we enjoy a pinasse excursion along the Niger to the ancient island town of Djenné - one of the oldest towns in Africa and the sister town of Timbuktu. After we check into our hotel we go on a walking tour to visit the famous Grand Mosque. The first mosque was built in 1280, when the 26th king, Djenné Were Koi Komboro, converted to Islam. The current mosque is estimated to be about 100 years old and each year its facade is replaced with fresh mud. We also walk through the narrow, winding streets to see the beautiful architecture of the clay houses that make Djenné such a unique and original city.
Djenne is a great place for self-discovery as we can just lose ourselves amid the winding alleyways. Watching the sun set over the impressive mosque from one of Djenné's ancient rooftops yet another experience to behold!
Our accommodation whilst in Djenné is quite basic, as we stay in a local 'campement' (simple hostel). However the location of our 'campement' is unbeatable - it is in the heart of this fascinating town and one of only three located within the town walls.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner
Day 4: Djenné - Dogon Village
(Driving time: approx 4 hours) Monday is market day and the most interesting day to visit Djenné. In the early part of the morning as the market is being set up, we visit Djenné's small museum which houses the plan of Djenné-Djeno. This ancient settlement dated back to 250 BC and various artefacts that have been excavated are on display.
We then visit the actual archaeological site, which is nearby. Afterwards we return to Djenné to visit the colourful market, which should now be in full swing! This market sells an incredible array of goods from exotic fabrics to various spices, billy goats and watermelons. With the street stalls selling delectable local treats, this market is sure to dazzle all of your senses!
From here we continue to the unique Pays Dogon region where the vibrant local people still live as they have for centuries. With a 200-kilometre-long escarpment forming a stunning backdrop, this area is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its natural and cultural significance. It is still used extensively as a place of field study by anthropologists around the world.
In the afternoon we begin our trek by going down the escarpment and through a breathtaking gorge - Falaise de Bandiagara. This trek takes two to three hours, over rocky terrain and can at times be strenuous. However, the rewards are worthwhile as the glorious sands of the Sahel stretch before us to the horizon, as we descend the escarpment.
A further walk on flat, sandy terrain (approximately 90 minutes) takes us to the Dogon villages, where we spend an unforgettable night sleeping on the rooftop of the chief's compound. Tents and or extremely basic rooms can be hired locally if preferred, but the normal practice is to sleep on mats on the roof. Although some of the village 'campements' do have shared shower blocks (cold water only!), we cannot guarantee that you will have access to showers for this night.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner
Day 5: Dogon Country - Trekking
We are awoken at first light by the resident roosters and donkeys - part of the Dogon experience! However, we will surely not mind as this gives us the opportunity to witness the early light of the sun bathing the rocky escarpment in a spectacular golden glow. We then trek among the northern Dogon villages, while viewing some of the best-preserved examples of the habitats of the Tellem and Dogon peoples.
The trek is on flat, sandy ground and takes us though the surprisingly lush vegetable gardens of the Dogon people, who are particularly known for their onion exports to other parts of the country. After some time exploring the villages we are treated to the sights and sounds of the incredible Dogon Masked Dance ceremony - an energetic, ritualistic dance featuring elaborate masks and dancers on stilts. This is a performance that is truly a privilege to witness.
The trek is not strenuous; however temperatures in the Dogon region can be quite high, so there is the option to take a ride on an ox or cow-cart between villages if we chose to do so. We spend a further night sleeping on the rooftops in another Dogon village.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner
Day 6: Mopti
This morning we reunite with our vehicle and drive to the river port city of Mopti, situated along the confluence of the Niger and Bani Rivers. Here we can see the big slabs of salt that come from the far north, carried across the Sahara Desert by the Tuareg camel caravans to Timbuktu, where they are loaded on to 'pinasses' (large traditional canoes) and sailed down the Niger River to Mopti to be bought and sold.
We also see the many different faces of Mali selling and buying in the market - Peul, Bozo, Fulani, Dogon, Moors, Tuareg and Songhai. Our tour of Mopti include the Ladies Market, the Old Town and the bustling harbour. This evening we take a sunset excursion on a 'pinasse' along the river.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch
Day 7-8: Bobo Dioulasso
(Driving time: approx 7 hours including time at border crossing). Heading south-east we cross the border into Burkina Faso. After completing border formalities, we enter our new country and continue to Bobo Dioulasso where we spend two nights. Burkina Faso is a landlocked savannah country crossed by the three principal rivers of the Black, Red and White Voltas. Literally, 'Burkina' is translated 'Men of Integrity' from the Moré language.
The Burkinabé, as the local population is known, belong to two major West African cultural groups - the Voltaic and the Mande. Making up one half of the population, the Voltaic Mossi people claim descent from warriors who migrated to present-day Burkina Faso from Ghana. Predominantly farmers today, the Voltaic Mossi kingdom is led by the Mogho Naba who still hold court in Ouagadougou. From its independence in 1960 until 1984, Burkina Faso was known by its colonial name - Upper Volta.
(Driving time: approx 5 hours including excursion) In Bobo (as its known locally), visit the Grand Marché, which is famous for being located at the crossroads of numerous tribes and stocks a great selection of tribal arts from all over west Africa. We can also opt to take a walk through the Kibidwe District and partake in some fascinating people-watching, giving us an insight into the daily lives of the Kibidwe people.
But no highlight in Bobo-Dioulasso is greater than its music. The town is known as the Music Capital of Burkina Faso and on weekends it really comes alive! A melting pot of markets, music and nightlife, it's a great place to appreciate the richness of the traditional music and absorb an extraordinary blend of west African cultures.
Meals included: 2 breakfast 2 lunch 1 dinner
Day 9: Banfora
(Driving time: approx 1 hour) An hour's drive takes us to Banfora - a sleepy town set amidst a lush green landscape, surrounded by waterfalls and small lakes. We then spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful attractions in the surrounding area. Sindou is home to incredible rock formations. An ideal short hike takes us to witness a narrow three-kilometre chain of sandstone hills that are occasionally crowned by more erosion-resistant pieces of rocks.
Lake Tengréla is home to more than a hundred hippos, but we also get to meet the local fishermen and the lake is also home to a wide variety of bird life. Karfiguela Waterfalls is another stop that is worth the journey whatever the season. Our first sighting of the falls is after we have made our way though a magnificent avenue of mango trees and negotiated a chaotic jumble of rocks. We return to Banfora for our overnight stay.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner
Day 10-11: Gaoua - Ouagadougou
(Driving time: approx 9 hours over 2 days) Today we travel to Gaoua (210 kilometres south-east of Bobo), located in the heart of Lobi country. This area is culturally distinctive and fascinating due to its unique architecture and age-old traditions. Lobi homes are made with high brick mud walls and have small slits for windows, not unlike a miniature fortress. These homes are not built in villages but out in the fields, with a small family compound being up to several hundred metres from their nearest neighbour. Living in these remote rural areas, the Lobi are not used to foreigners, and may feel nervous when we visit. Please do not take any photos here without permission.
In the afternoon we visit the ancient stone ruins of Loropéni. These are the best-preserved of the larger Lobi ruins. No one is sure of the origins of the stones - one theory being that they were once part of a slave palace belonging to a historic Lobi king, while another is that they were part of a fortified village that stretched through a 18,600-square-kilometre cultural corridor in lands which are today Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Ghana.
On Day 11 we depart on a five-hour drive to Ouagadougou (pronounced waga-doo-goo) - one of the cultural centres of west Africa. Ouagadougou has a population of approximately 1.5 million and is the surprisingly modern capital of Burkina Faso. We arrive in the mid-afternoon and, after checking into our hotel and getting refreshed, there is an opportunity to visit the cultural centre for excellent quality carvings, brasswork and other handmade souvenirs. We dare you to leave without at least a couple of purchases from this excellent centre that supports local artisans!
Meals included: 2 breakfast 2 lunch 1 dinner
Day 12: Tiebele Village Excursion
Today we take a full day excursion to unique village of Tiebele - located just a few kilometres from the Ghanaian border and known for its unusual architecture. Here in the village, the dwellings are either square or round and are all elaborately decorated with black diamond patterns, illustrations of snakes, crocodiles and other sacred animals.
Our guide will help unlock the secrets and the stories of these fascinating frescoes. You have to stoop low to enter the windowless houses, where it is dark and cool in stark contrast with the brightness and heat outside. In times past, this afforded the inhabitants of the village some form of protection againsts enemies or wild animals as it took a few seconds for them to adjust to the darkness. We spend several hours exploring Tiebele compound and its surrounds before returning to Ouagadougou for the night.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch
Day 13: Pendjari National Park
(Driving time: approx 12 hours including time spent at border and game drive) Heading east we travel to the third country on our expedition - Benin. This relatively small, club-shaped country was once home to one of the most powerful empires in west Africa - the Dahomey Kingdom It is also considered the traditional home of the voodoo religion. Musically, Benin's most famous export is the fabulous Angelique Kidjo who helped west Africa stamp its authority on the world music scene in the early 1990s.
Located in the north-west corner of Benin, Pendjari National Park (Parc National de la Pendjari) is known for its abundance of wildlife that include elephant, baboon, lion, hippopotamus, buffalo and various antelopes such as kob, waterbuck, hartebeest and duiker. However it is most famous for its amazing and wide variety of birds with over 300 species making the park their home, including many waterbirds such as cranes and storks. Although it adjoins Arli National Park in Burkina Faso, the isolation of Pendjari creates a unique ecosystem that is often described as one of the most interesting in west Africa.
Please note however that the wildlife in west Africa is somewhat fewer in numbers than in east and southern Africa. We visit the reserve in time to do an afternoon-evening safari. This is the best time of the day for viewing wildlife, as many of the animals get more active.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner
Day 14: Natitingou
A short drive takes us to Natitingou. En route we stop at Tanougou Falls, where we have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim. Natitingou is located at 440 metres above sea level and enjoys the pleasant climate that is found amidst the Atakora Mountains of northern Benin. Here we visit the remote Betamaribé people, who still hunt with bows and arrows and live in the middle of their cultivated fields rather than in a village environment. Their small, fortress-like houses consist of three levels - ground floor for the animals, first floor for the kitchen and top floor for living space and sleeping.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner
Day 15-16: Abomey
(Driving time: approx 8½ hours) We continue south for 520 kilometres to Abomey, the ancient capital of the Dahomey Kingdom - previously one of the greatest empires in west Africa. Here we visit the must-see restored Royal Palace and learn about the incredible history of the Fon kings. The gory history of Dahomey is illustrated by exhibits that include graphic tapestries of war scenes and Ghezo's throne, which is mounted on the skulls of four of his enemies. In the evening we experience a performance of the unique Geleden Masked Dance (Dance Geleden des Fons) which is put on by the local Yoroba and Fon people.
These people practise both the Voodoo religion and Christianity and they also worship Idols, which are represented on some of the masks use for the dance. They believe that wearing certain masks enables one to communicate directly with the spirits. They dance on special occasions such as at funerals and during harvest time, but they also to entertain foreigners who bring income to their village!
Meals included: 2 breakfast 2 lunch 1 dinner
Day 17-18: Ouidah
(Driving time: approx 2 hours; optional excursion to Ouidah: approx 2 hours) A short two-hour drive takes us to the lake village of Ganvié, where we take a 'pirogue' (dugout canoe) which is the traditional boat used by west African fishermen and go for a paddle out on to the lake.
The afternoon is then spent driving the coastal highway and passing through small villages dotted with white flags that identify Voodoo practitioners. Our destination is Ouidah, a tranquil, atmospheric town set on a beautiful beach and its a wonderful place to rejuvenate. We spend two nights here, so there is plenty of time to relax in the shade of the coconut groves after our recent long days of travel and watch the waves come in.
This is the Gulf of Guinea which is part of the Atlantic Ocean, so swimming is limited due to the strong currents, but this won't lessen sleepy charm and tranquility of this place. During our stay, we explore Ouidah town to learn about the origins of the often misunderstood Voodoo religion and meet some of the local practitioners. Ouidah is the historic centre of Voodooism, with thousands of believers often flocking there to rejoice in their faith. We visit the mystical Sacred Temple of Pythons as well as Avenue D'Esclaves and witness an energetic voodoo performance during our stay.
Meals included: 2 breakfast 2 lunch
Day 19: Lomé
(Driving time: approx 3½ hours including time at border) Today we cross the border into Togo. We drive approximately 45 minutes to Lake Togo before continuing by boat to visit Togoville - a historical town which is interesting because of its royal palace and colonial church. It was from here that Voodoo practitioners were taken to before they were transported to Haiti as slaves. The town still shows a strong influence of Voodoo today, with plenty of fetish stalls in the streets. We then continue to Togo's capital, Lomé.
Our city tour includes the National Museum, which houses historical artefacts, potteries, costumes, traditional musical instruments, wood carvings and traditional medicinal remedies. There's also the opportunity (optional) to visit the various markets such as the central market, arts market and the fetish market at Akedessewa, located four kilometres from the centre of town. Here we see remarkable supplies of traditional medicines used by sorcerers including skulls of monkeys, snake skins, warthog teeth, lion skin, leopard skin and dried birds. Some of us may find some of this gruesome!
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch
Day 20: Akosombo
(Driving time: approx 3½ hours) Entering our final country, we cross the border into into the English-speaking Ghana. It will certainly be an welcome adjustment after travelling through so many French-speaking countries! Our destination is the Akosombo. Akosombo is located on the Volta River and is the location of the rock-filled Akosombo Dam, completed in 1965 by a coalition of governments and the World Bank, as part of the Volta River Project. Our accommodation this evening is in a comfortable hotel.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner
Day 21-22: Kumasi
(Driving time: approx 4 hours) Today we have an approximate four-hour drive to Kumasi, the one-time capital of the powerful Ashanti kingdom. This hilly city is today home to over one million people and has quite a cosmopolitan feel about it.
We enjoy a tour of Kumasi that includes the Manhyia Palace Museum, which was built in 1925 by the British and was home to the Ashanti kings until 1974. The Armed Forces Museum is another interesting place visited and the collection here tells the story of the many conflicts that had taken place particularly in the 20th century. We end our day by visiting a nearby village that is known for its talented artisans who weave Ghana's beautiful kente cloth.
Meals included: 2 breakfast 2 lunch 2 dinner
Day 23-24: Axim
(Driving time: approx 7 hours) We travel south to Axim and stay a night at Ghana's most isolated and luxurious beach resorts. Two kilometres from the hotel is Axim town, a historical place with a population of about 20,000. The main occupation here is fishing. There are several historical places not far from the hotel such as Fort St Anthony, which was built by the Portuguese in 1515 at a time when they were setting this up as an old trading port.
Perched on top of a hill in nearby Princess Town is Fort Princess Town, which was originally built by the Prussians in 1683 and called Gross Friedrichsburg. There are also opportunities to go trekking in a forest or go whale watching (seasonal). We spend two days in this very relaxing coastal haven - this place is sure to be a favourite!
Meals included: 2 breakfast 1 lunch
Day 25: Elmina
(Driving time: approx 3 hours) Today we drive to Elmina, where we visit St George's Castle. Known previously as one of the 'slave castles', it is one of over 20 such castles built along the shoreline of the Gold Coast - the old name for what is now Ghana. The Gold Coast was one of the richest markets for slave traders during the peak of the slave trade and we learn about this tragic history through visiting some of the key historical sites of the region.
We also visit a fishing village and the Pursubans animist shrines, then take a short 10-kilometre drive to Cape Coast which was the centre of the British administration and capital of the Gold Coast between 1700 until 1877, as well as being renowned for its own notorious 'slave castle'. We return back to Elmina at end of the day for the final night of our journey.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner
Day 26: Accra
(Driving time: approx 4 hours) Our final destination is Accra, the capital of Ghana. An exploration of the city includes the National Museum and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, dedicated to the founder of modern Ghana.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. For those of us who are flying out this evening, day rooms have been booked for our use at our Accra hotel. This will enable us to freshen up prior to our flight home. An evening transfer is included to Accra's Kotoka International Airport, where our expedition comes to an end.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Inclusions
- Transport by 4WD vehicle, canoe, ferry, pirogue (narrow canoe) & private vehicle
- 25 breakfasts, 23 lunches, 14 dinners
- Services of a tour leader
- local guides
- arrival and departure airport transfers
- national park/wildlife reserve fees
- safari, sightseeing and entrance fees
Accommodation:
- 17 nights Hotel
- 2 nights Dogon village
- 1 night Campement
- 1 night Homestay
- 1 night Lodge
- 3 nights Beach resort
What's Not Included
- Departure taxes
- tips
- sleeping bag
Terms & Conditions
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For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
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