West African Explorer – Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia

2350 €, 11 Days

This tour takes you through Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, three countries often overlooked by travelers, yet rich in history, culture, and landscapes. You’ll explore lively markets, remote villages, and forests and coastlines that feel untouched. Along the way, you’ll learn about the diverse cultures of the region, the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, and the stories that have shaped these nations. It’s a journey that combines history, everyday life, and breathtaking scenery, offering a perspective few visitors ever experience.

Highlights:
♦ Conakry - Guinea’s lively capital, with bustling markets, colonial architecture, and rich cultural diversity
♦ Bunce Island - one of West Africa’s most significant slave-trade forts, declared a national monument in 1948
♦ Mende Traditional Dance - a cultural performance by the Mende society, showcasing one of Sierra Leone’s most expressive traditions
♦ Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Sierra Leone’s leading wildlife refuge, dedicated to rescuing and protecting endangered chimpanzees

NOTICE: New Visa Application Requirements for Guinea (Conakry)

Issued to: All European Passport Holders Planning to Visit the Republic of Guinea
Effective Date: August 1, 2026
Subject: Mandatory 45-Day Advance Visa Application Requirement

1. Purpose of This Notice

This notice serves to inform all holders of European passports (including but not limited to citizens of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and associated European states) that the Republic of Guinea has implemented revised visa procedures. Due to the principle of reciprocity, significant changes apply to your entry requirements.

2. Critical Deadline: 45-Day Advance Application

Effective immediately, all European passport holders are required to submit their visa applications at least forty-five (45) days prior to their intended arrival date in Guinea.

This extended processing period is mandatory. Applications submitted within 45 days of travel may not be processed in time for departure, and airlines may deny boarding if a valid visa or approval is not presented .

3. Key Changes for European Applicants

Processing Time: The standard processing time has been extended to a maximum of 45 days. Do not rely on previous expedited timelines.
Visa Fee: The entry visa fee is now $100 USD (excluding bank charges), an increase from the previous rate .
Multiple-Entry Visas: The issuance of multiple-entry visas has been temporarily suspended for European passport holders. You must apply for a single-entry visa for your current trip .
Application Method: All applications must be submitted online via the official portal of the Guinea Border Police (Direction Centrale de la Police aux Frontières - DCPAF) at www.paf.gov.gn. On-the-spot applications at the airport are not permitted for this process .

4. Required Documentation Checklist

Before initiating the online application, ensure you have digital copies of the following:

Passport: Valid for at least six (6) months beyond your arrival date.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: This is mandatory for entry into Guinea .
Photograph: Recent passport-style digital photo.
Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservation or a formal invitation/attestation d'hébergement.
Return/Onward Ticket: Confirmed flight reservation.

5. Important Advisory

Do not purchase non-refundable flight tickets until you have received your visa approval. Given the 45-day processing window, it is strongly recommended to finalize your travel insurance and accommodation only after the visa is secured.

For official application and updates: Please visit the official Guinean visa portal at https://www.paf.gov.gn .

View Full Itinerary

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Conakry (Guinea)
Upon arrival in Conakry, you will be met by our local team and transferred directly to your hotel. Check in and take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey. Overnight in Conakry. (-/-/-)

Day 2. Excursion to Îles de Los - Conakry City Tour
After breakfast, we will take a boat to the Îles de Los, a small group of islands just off Conakry. Îles de Los, off the coast of Guinea, were a key hub in the transatlantic slave trade during the 15th–19th centuries, with European powers using the islands for trading and holding enslaved people before shipment to the Americas. Returning to Conakry, we will enjoy a city tour of the lively capital, visiting key landmarks, markets, and the national museum, where we can learn about Guinea’s diverse cultures (museum visit depends on opening hours/days). Overnight in Conakry. (B/-/-)

Day 3. Conakry - Eaux de Killisi - Le Voile de la Mariee - Kindia
Тоday we will drive inland toward Kindia, enjoying the scenic landscapes of rolling hills and lush greenery along the way. Our first stop will be the Eaux de Killissi complex, a series of waterfalls and natural pools where swimming is possible. This popular spot attracts both locals and tourists, offering a refreshing and picturesque break in nature. Next, we will visit Le Voile de la Mariée (“The Bride’s Veil”), one of Guinea’s most beautiful waterfalls, cascading gracefully into a deep pool below. We will take some time to admire the view and capture memorable photos of this natural landmark. Later, we will continue to Kindia, a lively town surrounded by hills and tropical plantations. Overnight in Kindia. (B/-/-)

Day 4. Kindia - Freetown (Sierra Leone)
After an early breakfast, we will embark on a long day of driving from Kindia to Freetown, crossing scenic landscapes and rural villages along the way. This journey will give us a chance to observe the gradual change in scenery and culture as we cross the border with Sierra Leone. Overnight in Freetown. (B/-/-)

Day 5. Excursion to Bunce Island - Freetown City Tour
After breakfast, we will take a boat trip to Bunce Island, an important historical site in Sierra Leone. Once a major hub in the transatlantic slave trade, the island offers a powerful insight into the region’s history. We will explore the ruins of old warehouses, fortifications, and living quarters, learning about the island’s role in this tragic chapter of history. In the afternoon, we will return to Freetown for a city tour. We will visit key landmarks, including the bustling markets, colonial-era buildings, and the Cotton Tree, a symbol of the city. This tour provides an introduction to Freetown’s vibrant culture, history, and daily life. Overnight in Freetown. (B/-/-)

Day 6. Day Trip to Banana Island - Tacugama Sanctuary - Freetown
After breakfast, we will set out for a boat trip to Banana Island, a small island off the coast of Freetown known for its beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere. On the island, we will have time to enjoy the beaches, swim, and take in the scenic surroundings. Later, we will return to the mainland for a visit to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to rescued chimpanzees. Here we will learn about conservation efforts, the sanctuary’s work to protect wildlife, and have the chance to observe these incredible animals up close. We will return to Freetown in the late afternoon. Overnight in Freetown. (B/-/-)

*Please note that the boat trip may be cancelled in case of bad weather. If this happens, we will visit River Beach 2 or your local guide and tour leader will suggest alternative activities.

Day 7. Freetown - Kenema - Bo
After breakfast, we will depart Freetown and drive east towards Kenema, an important town in Sierra Leone’s diamond-producing region. Along the way, we will enjoy the scenic landscapes and get a glimpse of local life in rural Sierra Leone. In Kenema, we will learn about the region’s diamond industry and its role in the local economy. We will also have the opportunity to witness a cultural dance performance by the Mende society, offering a fascinating insight into one of Sierra Leone’s most prominent ethnic groups and their traditions. Overnight in Bo. (B/-/-)

Day 8. Bo - Robertsport (Liberia)
Today we will depart Bo and embark on a full day of travel toward Robertsport in Liberia. The journey will include scenic drives, rural landscapes, and a border crossing between Sierra Leone and Liberia. We will arrive at our guesthouse in Robertsport in the evening, where we can relax and unwind after the long day of travel. Overnight in Robertsport. (B/-/-)

Day 9. Robertsport - Monrovia
In the morning, we will enjoy some free time in Robertsport, a laid-back coastal town in Liberia known for its beautiful beaches and surfing spots. You can choose to relax on the sandy shores, take a short trek to the mysterious Tamaya 1 shipwreck, or stroll through the town to experience its local life and friendly community. In the afternoon, we will depart for Monrovia, Liberia’s vibrant capital. Overnight in Monrovia. (B/-/-)

Day 10. City tour of Monrovia
After breakfast, we will explore Monrovia, Liberia’s lively capital and largest city, known for its bustling streets, colorful markets, and coastal setting along the Atlantic Ocean. We will visit important cultural and historical sites that reflect the city’s unique past, including the Liberia National Museum, local craft markets, and the Presidential Palace area. A highlight of the day will be a visit to Providence Island, where freed African-American and Afro-Caribbean settlers first arrived in the early 19th century. This small island holds great historical significance as the birthplace of Liberia and offers fascinating insights into the country’s founding story. It’s also a peaceful spot for photography and reflection. Overnight in Monrovia. (B/-/-)

Day 11. Departure (airport transfer not included)
Departure from Monrovia. Airport transfer on own arrangement. (B/-/-)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER DEPARTURES:

For the participants who joined the tour of Mali and Burkina Faso on 28th November 2026, you can combine with this West Africa tour on 08th December 2026, or you can continue to Conakry and join the Ivory coast tour , starting on 8th December 2026.

Flights:

Ouagadougou (OUA) departs at 11:20 AM and arrives in Abidjan at 12:40 PM.
From Abidjan, the flight leaves at 8:10 PM and reaches Conakry at 10:00 PM, operated by Air Senegal.

Price Includes:
9 overnights in local hotels (rooms with private facilities)
One overnight in shared rooms in a lodge in Robersport (2-3 pax per room)
Local English-speaking guides
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Ground Transportation according to the itinerary
Boat trips included in the itinerary
Tour-leader from Penguin Travel at min. 10 people
Meals according to the daily description (B-breakfast: L-lunch: D-dinner)

Not Included:
International flights
Departure airport transfer
Visas
Insurance
Entry fees
Meals other than mentioned as included
Tips and personal expenses
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary - around 450 SSL

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