3 Empires Explored

A day-by-day breakdown of what to expect and where you'll be staying.

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Day 1, Bamako to Djenne

An early start takes us into the Songhai region on the edge of the Sahara - in ancient times, one of the oldest and most powerful (and rich) empires in the world. Arriving in Djenne we have time to check out the famous mud mosque at sunset.

Day 2, Djenne to Mopti

A visit to Djenne's colourful and lively market is a good way to start the day before we continue to Mopti - the 'Venice of Africa' and basecamp for trips down the Niger River.

Day 3 to 4, Mopti to Timbuktu

Jumping in our boat we spend the next 2 days quietly drifting down the Niger River on the way to Timbuktu. Our local Guide will stop us at a few select areas along the way to see some stunning highlights, including the village of Niafounke; birthplace of Ali Farka Toure, the renown musician. Arriving in 'world famous' Timbuktu we can look forward to numerous optional activities including camel treks with the Tuareg people!

Day 5 to 6, Timbuktu

If you squint hard enough at the faded beauty of Timbuktu you might be able to guess how glorious it was in it's day. In ancient times, remote Timbuktu was one of the most important Islamic centres in the world. Explore the city on your own or with a Guide, take an overnight camel trek into the Sahara with the Tuareg people, or just chill out and enjoy this ancient city.

Day 7, Timbuktu to Bandiagara

Leaving Timbuktu behind us we head back to our vehicle and stop tonight in Bandiagara - the base for adventures into Dogon Country.

Day 8 to 10, Bandiagara

With a local Guide we head out on a trip with a difference! The Dogon people live along the cliffs of the Bandiagara escarpment and are one of the few tribal peoples to have maintained their culture and way of life, even in modern times. We spend 2 nights visiting their villages, eating with the locals and camping under the stars. If we are lucky we might catch the traditional Mask Dance - a truly unforgettable experience. After this magical visit we travel back to Bandiagara and spend one last night.

Day 11, Bandiagara to Ouagadougou

Travelling down the Bandiagara Escarpment we cross into Burkina Faso and spend the night in the capital, Ougadougou. Live music is a highlight here and we can spend the evening listening to the local musicians over dinner.

Day 12 to 14, Ouagadougou to Mole National Park

Crossing into the former British colony of Ghana we make our way to it's jewel of national parks, Mole National Park. A couple of nights in the park allows us time to game walk and visit the waterhole each day looking for the best of Ghana's wildlife. A visit to the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is also a highlight.

Day 15, Mole National Park to Kumasi

After saying goodbye to the cheeky monkeys we now travel to Kumasi, the ancient capital of the Ashanti Kingdom.

Day 16, Kumasi

Explore West Africa's biggest open air market and discover plenty of bargains today. Or you could visit the 'Hat Museum' or the Cultural Centre or go looking for a deal on the gold, hardwood and cocoa that Kumasi and Ghana are famous for.

Day 17, Kumasi to Kakum National Park

The Atlantic Ocean is getting closer as we head toward the coast today. First we stop off at Kakum National Park and view one of the last remaining old-growth lowland rainforests on the planet. Take part in a tree top canopy tour if you choose, or see if you can find any of the elusive forest Elephant.

Day 18, Kakum National Park to Cape Coast

Exiting the jungle we arrive at the Atlantic and the historic Cape Coast castles and slave forts of the region. A guided tour of these castles and forts is not to be missed! Visit the museum, chill on the beach or do some shopping while you can.

Day 19, Cape Coast

The local tales of bravery, despair, hope and strength will leave you fascinated as you wander through the castles and old slave forts in the area. After that why not chill out on the Atlantic coast with a cocktail or check out the local markets.

Day 20, Cape Coast to Kokrobite

Following the coastline we arrive at the fishing village turned tourist hot-spot of Kokrobite. A huge list of activities to see and do will certainly give you plenty of options to fill your day. Don't miss out on a drum session no matter what you do!

Day 21, Kokrobite to Accra

A last chance to get some things done in Kokrobite before we arrive in the centre of the bustling metropolis of Accra, the capital of Ghana.

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Highlights included in your tour cost

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