West African Explorer – Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia

2350 €, 13 Days

This West African region has been hidden from the main tourist roads for many years – first because of the local civil wars and then because of the Ebola outbreak. Since 2015 the battle with the dangerous disease finally turned to victory and the region was pronounced as safe.

All the three countries offer astonishing, almost virgin landscapes, diverse culture and amazing hospitality. Starting with Guinea, be ready for majestic waterfall views and the sight of the mighty Niger River, running through the highlands of Fouta Djalon. The tour goes through lush green rainforests and their inhabitants – chimpanzees and other wildlife spices.

Sierra Leone is the hidden pearl in the West African beach tourism. But the country is not golden sands and sun only. There is a lot of history to encounter. You can explore the colonial heritage at the old slave fort on the Bruce Island where about 50 000 slaves were exported to North America. The colorful capital Freetown is like a time machine, bringing back to the days when the freed slaves from the Caribbean were settled here. The country offers national parks where some of the world rarest wildlife spices live, such as red colobus monkey.

When it comes about national parks, Liberia is the place every nature lover must visit. The country is home of one of the most famous West African national parks – Sapo. Liberia is vibrant, green land with friendly people, fighting successfully the scars from the past civil wars.

Highlights:
♦ Iles de Los - a group of three islands lying off the coast with an intriguing history
♦ Kilissi - a charming eco tourism resort
♦ Bunce Island - a major European commercial fort built during the slave trading era, declared a national monument in 1948
♦ Monrovia - the capital of Liberia

Itinerary:

Day 1. Conakry (Guinea)
Arrive Gbessia International Airport in Conakry, transfer to our hotel for overnight

Day 2. In Conakry
Take a sightseeing tour in Conakry and visit the National Museum, the Market Place, the cathedral and the big mosque. Today will have a unique opportunity to understand Guinea, truly renowned for its artistic and cultural diversity exemplified by songs, dances and traditions.

Day 3. Conakry - Iles de Los
After breakfast we take a boat trip to Iles de Los, a group of three islands lying off the coast - Tamara (Fortoba), Kassa and Roume. The islands have been inhabited for a long time. The British took possession of them, then handed them to France in in exchange for France relinquishing fishing rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. Roume is said to have inspired the novel Treasure Island, and was known for its role in slave trading, while Tamara was a prison. Later return to Conakry for overnight.

Day 4. Kinda – Mt. Gangan - Killisi
Departure to Kindia for a City tour and sightseeing around the Mount Gangan - and depart to Kilissi, the charming ecotourism resort, has two falls of 3 to 4 meters with in their bed with two natural swimming pools relatively deep and suitable for bathing (approximately 3,5 m). The site is much wooded and the ecological balance is strictly respected there. Visit of the site, the natural swimming pool and have lunch around the waterfalls. Rest, swim or wander in the bush.

Day 5. Border crossing to Sierra Leone
We cross the border to Sierra Leone, on arrival at the border our Sierra Leonean guide will take over from his Guinean counterpart. Overnight hotel in Freetown.

Day 6. Bunce Island (Sierra Leone)
Bunce Island (1668 – 1807) declared a national monument in 1948, was a major European commercial fort built during the slave trading era. It was a meeting place for European traders and African merchants. Over 50,000 slaves; women, children and aged men were transited to the Americas. Trading of slaves, gold, ivory, and cane wood was very famous during the 1800’s, and a large number of slaves sent to South Carolina and Georgia were traded on this island. Later go for a city tour in Freetown visiting the National Museum, the Big Market, which operates daily. It is a covered market and on sale are a range of crafts, bric-a-brac and traditional medicines.

Day 7. Banana Island
After a short walk along Guma trail set off on boat to the former slace Banana Island where we stay for the night.

Day 8. Bo
Drive to Bo, Sierra Leones second largest city. Overnight in a guest house.

Day 9. Kennema – Robesport (Liberia)- Monrovia
Drive to Kenema the head quarter of the Diamond District in the Eastern Province. Arrive in Monrovia and hotel overnight.

Day 10. Monrovia
City tour of Monrovia including visit to Waterside Market and the township of West Point - one of Monrovia's most densely populated slums.

Day 11. Monrovia - Robertsport-Monrovia
Today, we will drive to Robert spot to visit the Allied submarine base during World War 2 .Later visit the tiny fishing village nearby. In the afternoon - back to Monrovia for overnight.

Day 12. Providence Island
We leave the hotel early in the morning heading to Providence Island, the tiny island between downtown Monrovia and the Freeport. It lies at the mouth of the Mesurado River where early settlers to Liberia first settled between 1820 and 1822. Later stroll to Centennial Pavilion a centerpiece for modern Liberian history before retiring to Kendeja Resort for overnight.

Day 13. Departure
Transfer to Monrovia airport for departure.

Price Includes:
standart hotels,rooms with private facilities
local English-speaking guides
all ground transport and boat trips transport according to the itinerary
entrance fees
tour-leader from Penguin Travel at min. 10 people

Not Included:
International flights
visas
personal expenses
insurances
vaccinations
tips

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