Sierra Leone/Guinea: COAST and MOUNTAINS
Join an exciting trip to West Africa’s undiscovered destinations. Our journey takes you from the gorgeous empty beaches of Sierra Leone to West
Africa’s “water tower” Fouta Djalon and the most beautiful beach of Guinea, Bel Air. Spend time walking in the magnificent scenery punctuated by
century-old baobabs and experience the dense jungle. You’ll walk through labyrinthine canyons and pristine forest in search of rare primates, wild
chimpanzees and endemic pygmy hippos. A pioneer trip for nature lovers with sense of adventure!
Day 1: Arrival at Freetown Lungi Airport
Meet and greet with your tour leader and transfer to the hotel at Lungi. (5
km).
(-/-), Overnight at Lungi
Day 2: Freetown - Tacugama
This morning we take a water taxi to Freetown and explore Sierra
Leone’s capital. We visit the legendary Cotton Tree, the Gateway to Old
King's Yard, the National Museum and St. John's Maroon Church. In the
afternoon we drive to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Our guided tour
takes about one hour which will give us the opportunity to experience a
close encounter with the animals. The knowledgeable staff will provide
us with detailed information about the history and the goals of the
project. (50 km)
(B/D), overnight at Freetown
Day 3: Freetown - Tiwai Island
This morning we leave the country’s vibrant capital making for Tiwai
Island, a beautiful reserve on an island in the Moa River. We pass small
villages where people grow cassava, sweet potatoes and ground nuts.
En route we stop at Bo and make a visit to the colourful market. At Bo
we leave the tar road and continue on an unpaved road via Pokoru
which brings us to the village of Kambama from where we take the short
motorboat ride across the beautiful Moa River to Tiwai Island Wildlife
Reserve. (280 km)
(B/D), overnight at Tiwai Island in a permanent camp
Day 4: Tiwai Island
Today we partake in a genuine jungle experience. This pristine 12-sq-km
island is host to 11 primate species, including the endangered and
colourful Diana and colobus monkeys, as well as chimpanzees. We take
a guided three-hour walk (easy) through the dense rainforest to go
looking for the animals. In the afternoon we’ll take an idyllic boat ride
along the Moa River to see crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat.
We have time to relax on a sandy beach. After dinner there is the
opportunity to go on a night walk (optional).
(B/P/D), overnight at Tiwai Island in a permanent camp
Day 5: Tiwai - Banana Islands
An early morning start before breakfast will see us taking another short
walk through the pristine forest. After breakfast we’ll take a boat ride
back to Kambama and continue to Freetown Peninsula at Kent where we
board a motorboat that will take us to Banana Islands, an archipelago
consisting of three islands sitting opposite Kent Beach. The islands offer
excellent snorkelling, diving and swimming opportunities. (300 km)
(B/D), overnight at Banana Islands
Day 6: Banana Islands
Today you have time at your own leisure. You can decide to relax on the
beach and swim in the sea or walk around on the island. Alternatively,
activities can be organised. There is a half-day guided walk across the
island including the visit of a village and a bat cave. Or you can go on a
half-day fishing trip in a paddle canoe (optional).
(B/D), overnight at Banana Islands
Day 7: Banana Islands - River No. 2
After breakfast at our guesthouse we board a motorboat to get back onto
the mainland. Some of Sierra Leone’s best beaches lie along the
Freetown Peninsula. At Mama Beach, a busy fishing port in the south of
the Peninsula, we stroll through the village to watch the fishermen
mending their nets or unload their catch of the day. Later today we
continue our journey to the postcard picture beach of Bureh and via York
to River Number 2. We have time to relax on the beach or take a scenic
pirogue ride along the River Number 2 (optional). (50 km)
(B/D), overnight at River No. 2
Day 8: River No. 2 - Freetown
A dirt road brings us back to Freetown where we board a water taxi that
takes us to Bunce Island. The island, situated in the vast estuary of the
Sierra Leone River is famous for its slave trading castle built in 1670.
The fortress played a key role in the story of the Spanish vessel Amistad
which was turned into a movie by Steven Spielberg. We visit the remains
of the castle consisting of ground walls, decayed watchtowers and old
gravestones of slave traders who are buried on the island.
Later today we return to Freetown.
(B/D), overnight at Freetown
Day 9: Freetown - Kindia
Today we leave Sierra Leone heading to Guinea. Our destination is
Kindia. Oil palm plantations are lined up along the road to the border. At
Faremoyah we cross into Guinea. After immigration procedure we head
north to Coyah from where a scenic drive takes us to Kindia. En route
we stop at the pretty Eaux de Kilissi waterfall where we can take a swim
in its natural pool. Towards evening we reach Kindia, Guinea’s third
largest town. (380 km)
(B/D), overnight at Kindia
Day 10: Kindia - Dalaba
This morning we first visit a wood carver’s workshop in town and explore
the gorgeous Voile de la Mariée waterfall. From there we head east to
Mamou where we will arrive around lunch time. At Mamou we’ll leave the
main road heading up deeper into the hills. En route we’ll relax at the
idyllic lake Bafing. Later today we’ll arrive at Dalaba. From our hotel we
enjoy a spectacular view over the mountains. Dalaba is our departure
point for various
excursions. (200
km)
(B/P/D), overnight
at Dalaba
Day 11:
Dalaba
After taking
breakfast at the
hotel we’ll be driven
to the outskirts of
Dalaba, where we
begin our four-hour
walk (easy) through
the magnificent rolling grassland of Fouta Djalon, passing crop fields
and vegetable gardens. Our hike takes us to the impressive Pont de
Dieu, a natural bridge over the Téné River. If we are lucky we’ll spot
vervet monkeys or Guinea turacos living in the area. Leaving this
paradise we cross a lush bamboo forest and small picturesque villages.
We end our tour in one of the pine forests created by the French
botanist Auguste Chevalier. Here in the shade of the huge trees a
delicious picnic is waiting for us. After lunch we continue to Lac
Dounkimagna to relax and take a swim in the clear refreshing waters of
the lake. On arrival at Dalaba we’ll visit a leather workshop in town. (20
km)
(B/P/D), overnight at Dalaba
Day 12: Dalaba
This morning an unpaved road brings us to Fougoumba, the religious
centre of the Foula tribe, inhabiting the Fouta Djalon Highlands. En
route we visit vegetable patches and fruit gardens irrigated by Lac
Dounkimagna. Try the delicious strawberries or juicy oranges! After one
hour we’ll reach Fougoumba, a small town which can boast a
fascinating history. Sitting in the century-old thatched-roofed Case à
Palabres, a kind of meeting hall where formerly the kings have been
crowned, we will learn more about the powerful theocracy of the Foula
kingdom. We leave the town heading towards Ditinn waterfall, Guinea’s
tallest waterfall. Today we have a picnic enjoying this stunning scenery.
In the late afternoon we’ll return to Dalaba. (70 km)
(B/P/D), overnight at Dalaba
Day 13: Dalaba - Doucky
After breakfast we leave the lovely town of Dalaba heading north
towards Doucky. En route we’ll stop to meet fascinating people and to
discover the magnificent nature of the Fouta Djalon Highlands. In the
small village of Pouké we watch women skilfully weaving baskets, Mitty
we meet Monsieur Bah, one of Guinea’s most famous contemporary
painters and at Pità we visit the town’s handy weavers. Alongside with
these amazing encounters we explore two magnificent waterfalls:
Cascade de Mitty, an impressively wide and mighty waterfall and the
majestic three-tiered Kambadaga Falls. Doubtlessly one of the most
beautiful waterfalls of West Africa! A rocky platform overlooking the
Kambadaga Falls is the perfect spot for a picnic with spectacular
scenery. A bumpy dirt road takes us to Doucky which we reach in the
afternoon. On arrival we will have some time before dinner to walk to a
lookout point which offers a fantastic view over what many call Guinea’s
Grand Canyon. Enjoy a wonderful sunset! (150 km)
(B/P/D), overnight at Doucky
Day 14: Doucky
We start our day with a four-hour walk (moderately difficult)
accompanied by our amazing guide Hassan Bah. It’s a wonderland that
nature has created around the small village of Doucky. This morning we
discover Hyena Rock and Indiana Jones Wall. Those who are eager to
continue exploring this otherworldly area have the opportunity to go on
visiting after lunch. Doucky has plenty of highlights: mysterious caves
and grottos, refreshing waterfalls with natural pools safe for swimming,
bamboo ladders and vine bridges and if you are very lucky you might
spot chimpanzees.
(B/L/D), overnight at Doucky
Day 15: Doucky - Kindia
Today we leave the craggy mountain plateau of Fouta Djalon making for
the town of Kindia on a dirt road. The scenery is breath-taking, stunning
views make this journey unforgettable. We wind our way up the
serpentines of the adventurous road. We cross the rivers Kakrima and
Konkouré on manually driven ferries and adventurous metal bridges.
(185 km)
(B/P/D), overnight at Kindia
Day 16: Kindia - Loos Islands
Today we continue our journey to the coast. En route we have time to
visit Conakry, Guinea’s vibrant capital. We’ll stroll through the fishing
harbour and visit the National Museum. In the afternoon we’ll arrive at
the Island of Room, one of Guinea’s beautiful beaches (140 km)
(B/D), overnight on the Island of Room
Day 17: Loos Islands
Today you will have free time to enjoy the beach location. An optional
trip to the Island of Kassa can be organised.
(B/D), overnight on the Island of Room
Day 18: Loos Islands - end of tour
This morning we have free time to enjoy our last day in Guinea as we
choose. The afternoon sees us journeying back to Conakry where our
tour ends. Transfer to the airport.
(B)
Please note that from time to time our itineraries may be amended.
•
Freetown: Spirit of optimism and
Caribbean atmosphere
•
Tacugama: Important chimpanzees
sanctuary
•
Tiwai Island: 11 primate species
•
Freetown Peninsula: West Africa’s most
beautiful beaches
•
Bunce Island: Slave trading castle
•
Fouta Djalon: Waterfalls, rock formations
handicraft, history of the Peulh
•
Bel Air: Luxury hotel on Guinea’s best beach
•
Conakry: Fishing port of Boulbinet
Tour Highlights
Vero Tours
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