Sierra Leone is known for the white-sand beaches lining the Freetown Peninsula. The capital city, Freetown, commemorates the nation’s slave-trade history with the Cotton Tree landmark and King’s Yard Gate. Both were known as places of refuge for returned slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries. Nearby Bunce Island was a key departure point during the slave trade. The interior has lush landscapes, jungle and reserves abundant with wildlife.
Guinea-Bissau is a gem for those prepared to seek it out. The forested, sparsely populated Bijagós archipelago is a protected biosphere reserve. Its main island, Bubaque, forms part of the Orango Islands National Park, a habitat for saltwater hippos. On the mainland, the capital, Bissau, is a port with Portuguese colonial buildings in its old city centre. There are many nearby sleep towns and quiet beaches. Guinea-Bissau is tragically poor, even by African standards, but it is peaceful and its people are some of the most unconditionally hospital in West Africa.
Guinea exudes a marked energy and growing economic vitality. It’s known for the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, in the southeast. The reserve protects a forested mountain range rich in native plants and animals, including chimpanzees and the viviparous toad. On the coast, the capital city, Conakry, with many bustling markets, is home to the modern Grand Mosque and the National Museum, with its regional artefacts.
Liberia is a diamond rich country on the Atlantic coast. The capital city of Monrovia is home to the Liberia National Museum with its exhibits on national culture and history. Around Monrovia are palm-lined beaches like Silver and CeCe. Along the coast, beach towns include the port of Buchanan, as well as laid-back Robertsport, known for its strong surf. Wildlife includes elephants, pygmy hippopotami, chimpanzees and antelopes. Visitors can experience the cultures of over a dozen different ethnic groups.
Sierra Leone Forts, Chimps & Beaches Tour
7 Nights - Tours November to April
Overview: Today Sierra Leone has much to offer, more than just white sand beaches. An immensely important history intrinsically linked with the transatlantic slave trade and…
Guinea-Bissau Discovery Tour
9 Nights - Tours run October to April
Overview: Guinea-Bissau is one of the smallest, and least visited, countries in Africa – few western travellers make it to this former Portuguese colony, but those that do…
Senegal, Gambia & Guinea Bissau Explorer Tour
13 Nights - Tours November to April
Overview: We begin by travelling north through Senegal, reaching the border with Mauritania and the Djoudj National Park, a natural oasis composed of hundreds of miles of…
Sahara to the Heartland of West Africa
56 Nights - Escorted tour usually March/April & November/January
Overview: Experience local authentic cultures: the most isolated Berber villages in the high Sarhro Mountains, and cave-dwelling families. Meet the legendary Reguibat and…