Day 1: MARRAKECH – Morocco – Monday 8th November 2027
Free individual arrival.  A Taxi from the airport to the hotel costs 20 Euro or 25 USD (transfer available on request). 

Day 2: HIGH ATLAS – Morocco – Tuesday 9th November 2027
We will leave the main road to discover the least frequented Berber villages in the High Atlas Range and join the gem diggers in quest of Amethyst, Tourmaline. With their help we will be able to find our own gems. Our itinerary crosses Tizi n ‘Tichka pass at 7460 ft on the southern side of the Atlas. Ait Benhaddou is along the ancient caravan route linking Marrakech with the Sahara. Over the years, many famous films have been filmed in this Ksar, such as Lawrence of Arabia, Sodom and Gomorrah, Oedipus Rex, The Sheltering Sky, The Jewels of the Nile, Jesus of Nazareth, Alexander, Gladiator, and more…
Arrival in Ouarzazate, a large oasis at the edge of the desert.

Day 3: OUADI DRAA & ROCK ART – Morocco – Wednesday 10th November 2027
Our way will follow the first part of the Ouadi (river) Draa. This important river and its floods have created a long strip of continuous palm grove hiding in its shade vegetable gardens that go south following the river for hundred miles in the desert, a long unique oasis with millions of date palm trees. Visit of an archaeological site with hundreds of graffiti depicting hunters, warriors, horse raiders and wildlife; silent witness of peoples living in these regions thousands of years ago, before the desertification. Lunch in a restaurant at the charming oasis of Zagora, our itinerary will continue along the Draa valley to Mhamid. South east of Mhamid the water of the river will vanish in the desert. Mhamid is the last permanent outpost before the total desert.

Day 4: DUNES, FOSSILES AND ANTELOPES – Morocco – Thursday 11th November 2027
From Mhamid, the Sahara adventure starts; our 4×4 driving off the beaten track will cross a region of high dunes, the Erg Chegaga that we will be able to cross in the middle. 
Here with a bit of luck we may encounter some rare and endangered white addax antelopes… The addax is a critically endangered desert antelope that lives in some isolated regions of the Sahara.
After we will reach the dry Salt Lake of Iriki and a site where each of us will be able to find their own fossils. After an intense day driving in total off-road crossing high ranges of dunes, we will join the picturesque oasis of Foum Zguid. 

Day 5: THE OASIS TRAIL – Morocco – Friday 12th November 2027
On the road again, to cross a region of spectacular scenery: rocky mountains and large oasis.
Walk in the oasis to discover this green miracle surrounded by an arid environment. Lunch in a local restaurant, evening arrival to the small oasis of Icht

Day 6: CARAVAN TERMINALS – Morocco – Saturday 13th November 2027
In the rarely visited region of Assa, we will discover the same ancient Arab-Berber stone architecture that we will see again nearly a thousand miles away, on the southern edge of the Sahara, in the oases of Chinguetti and Ouadane, in Mauritania, which in ancient times were connected to Assa by a caravan route that we will try to retrace in part. The small town of Guelmim, is an ancient caravan terminal. Here we will search for the remains of the ancient Trans-Sahara trade… 
From this point onward, the itinerary will partially follow one of the fishiest coasts on earth and the “fling route” of the paleo-artic birds that migrate from Northern Europe and Russia to overwinter in Africa. The migratory birds travelling, like us from north to south, will be a reference for our itinerary as far as to the Bijagos archipelago in Guinea Bissau. 
A spectacular ghost military fort still “guards” the former borders between the French protectorate of Morocco and the Spanish Sahara, the scouting of the fort will make us feel like we are on the set of an old French Foreign Legion movie. 
Evening arrival at the charming and comfortable Ksar Tafnidilt hotel, built using local material in a beautiful Saharan architecture. The hotel is managed by our friends Magali, a French lady. Magali is a desert expert; she won the “Rally des Gazelle,” the most challenging off-road competition reserved to female teams. 

Day 7: ESTUARIES AND DESERT – Morocco – Sunday 14th November 2027
Once left Tafnidit, we cross a steep range of dunes to reach the Dra estuary region, visited only by brave travellers who dare to find their way on the sandy tracks between the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Here, we will discover tiny temporary settlements of fishermen, ghost colonial military posts, dunes and camels in a virgin landscape, and if lucky with the tide, we will drive for miles on a wild beach where the high dunes meet the ocean.
We will leave the coastline, following a riverbed (Ouadi) in a large canyon: the only possible path between the high dunes, cliffs and ocean. Evening return to our comfortable base.

Day 8:  DUNES AND LAGOONS – Morocco – Monday 15th November 2027
From Tan-Tan, the road follows an exciting itinerary through a crag on the edge between the Sahara and the ocean. The Naila salt lagoon, separated from the ocean by rows of dunes, with an estuary on the sea, is the largest Salt Lake in Morocco (100 square Km). A protected area of great natural beauty is an important resting point on the birds’ migratory journey, it can host up to 20,000 individual species such as flamingos, cormorants, gulls, herons and more.
We will board local fishing boats to explore the emerald water enclosed in a wide frame of yellow dunes and brown escarpments in an astonishing beautiful landscape.
Late afternoon arrival at the tiny town of Tarfaya on the Juby Cape, less than 100 km away from the Canary Islands. Tarfaya is a former “Aeropostale” base, pioneered airmail from Europe to Africa and Latin America. Interesting museum and the remains of colonial Spanish architecture. In Tarfaya, Saint Exupéry the famous aviator and writer, author of “Le petit prince” (The little Prince), was familiar. 

Days 9 & 10: WESTERN SAHARA: THE FORBIDDEN TRACK – Morocco – Tuesday 16th November and Wednesday 17th November 2027
In Laayoune we will meet our local guide, a nomad from a Sahrawi tribe who will lead us through a three- day total off-road expedition crossing the Western Sahara from north to south. 
The former Spanish Sahara colony has been the site of a long war between the Polisario Armed Front and the Moroccan army. Nowadays, it is part of Morocco. Since the second half of the seventies, due to this long “sand war,” this region has been off-limits to travellers. Until today no peace treaty has been signed, but it’s been decades since any fighting has occurred in the strip we cross. We are proud to be the “first” to bring intrepid travellers to the vast, sandy regions of Saguia El Hamra, Tiris Zemmour, ending with the spectacular Rio de Oro sea-look. In this Saharan expedition, we will cross large dunes to discover wells frequented by long lines of camels belonging to the legendary Reguibat nomads. 
Days 9 and 10 we will camp under the stars in the immensity of the Sahara.  

Day 11: FROM THE DESERT TO THE OCEAN – Morocco – Thursday 18th November 2027
Morning continuation of our Trans-Saharan expedition, through a region of dunes, wells and nomadic camps. In the afternoon, a road will bring us to the ocean.  

Day 12: RIO DE ORO – Morocco – Friday 19th November 2027
The astonishing beauty of Dakhla Wednesday landscape makes it a unique place. The Rio de Oro is a 25-mile-long sea loch between cliffs and dunes. Pastel colours paint the scenery: the blue ocean, yellow sand, emerald seaweed fields and dark rocks. Experience a unique event: during the high tide the ocean will flood the desert: a white dune and rock hills will become temporary islands. 
The small town of Dakhla was founded by Spanish navigators in 1502 as “Villa Cisneros.”  Visit to the colourful fishing harbour, lunch in an oyster farm. Driving along the shore to discover where the waves lap the sand dunes.

Day 13: BORDER: LINES IN THE SANDS – Morocco – Mauritania – Saturday 20th November 2027
Our way run on the spectacular cliff between the desert and the ocean. We follow the only open road going south. A signboard indicates that we are “on” the Tropic of Cancer. At Guerguerat military post we will cross the southern border post of Morocco, the only open route between Maghreb and Black Africa, a sensible site. We will travel a few miles into no-man’s land. The boundary is a theoretical line in the desert that “divides the sand from the sand”, on the other side, the military post of Mauritania. Evening arrival in Nouadhibou. 

Days 14 and 15: ADRAR: DUNES AND MOUNTAINS – Mauritania – Sunday 21st November and Monday 22nd November 2027
A day of driving between road and trail will take us to the mining town of Akjoujt. After Akjoujt an absolute “out of any track” long itinerary will find the way through high dunes. To cross long ranges of dunes, we will decrease the tire pressure, GPS, maps and compass will assist our land-navigation in an untouched geological universe. Erg Amatlich is one of the most beautiful dune basins in Mauritania. The Sahara can make a traveller feel like the first person on a planet. We will be able to discover traces of thousand-year-old human presence such as stone tools and shards of potteries. When some rare graze appears, we will find nomadic settlements. These human encounters, after the deep silence of the desert, are intense. We will go into the scenic landscape of the Adrar massif.: valleys, high mountains, yellow sand dunes, peaks of dark and red rock. We will enjoy remote oasis and tiny adobe villages.
After a long and intense day, evening arrival in Chinguetti where we will spend two days visiting the region.  

Day 16: CHINGUETTI, THE OASIS – Mauritania – Tuesday 23rd November 2027
We will spend the day discovering the unique atmosphere of Chinguetti considered the “jewel” of the Mauritanian Oasis. This stone citadel dates to the 13th century and is a cross-point of different trans-Saharan routes linking the Mediterranean coasts to Black Africa. The atmosphere of the old stone town, the architecture, some ancient manuscript collections from the Middle-ages, including Ould Habott, the largest in Mauritania. The oasis with their “green miracles” of palm tree gardens are surrounded by large chains of yellow dunes, the western boundary of the town that “fights” not to be covered by the sand.
The main Mosque and the stone minaret: Chinguetti minaret is believed to be the second oldest still operating in the entire Muslim world.  

Day 17: OUADANE, THE REMOTEST – Mauritania – Wednesday 24th November 2027
We will drive to Ouadane in an absolute “out of Monday tracks” itinerary that follows a Ouadi (dry creek), discovering tiny oasis hidden in the high dunes. Experience Ouadane the remotest oasis in Mauritania, an outpost in the emptiness of the desert. Ouadane was founded in 1147, while most of it fell into ruin, some of its stone houses, perched on a rocky hill, are inhabited. Back in time, this town was an important caravan trading point. Trading was so flourishing that, in 1487, Portuguese built a fortified counter in the region.
Return to our comfortable base in Chinguetti. 

Day 18: GREEN OASIS – Mauritania – Thursday 25th November 2027
The landscape will never cease to amaze us. Leaving the main track, we will reach a region of spectacular mountains, gorges and canyons. Infinite space dominated by the ochre of the earth and the blue sky. At the horizon the ruins of Fort Saganne, built to set the namesake film: Fort Saganne with Gérard Depardieu e Catherine Deneuve.
The Agrour site, located at the top of the Amogjar pass, hides prehistoric Roc Art. 
After a short visit of the Atar market, we join Terjit, one of the lushest oases of Mauritania. After walking through a dense palm grove protected by a gorge and following a tiny stream, we discover a vast rock shelter where spring water flows. An unexpected atmosphere disconnected from time and from the harshness of the desert.  

Day 19: NOUKCHOTT – Mauritania – Friday 26th November 2027
From the desert to the ocean, from Sahara to black Africa. 
Arrival to Nouakchott the capital of the country.
As resume of Mauritanian history and culture, visit of the interesting National Museum which displays archaeology, artifacts, costumes and textiles from prehistory to the present days. Unique pictures taken during the excavations of Aoudaghost, the northern trading town and better conserved site of the legendary Ghana Empire. Ghana was the oldest Empire and Kingdom known in Black Africa. Dated from the 6th century, the empire was in the southern east of Mauritania. At that time the caravan transporting gold to North Africa departs from Aoudaghost and passes through Ouadane and Assa, which we had discovered during our Sahara crossing. 
Lunch in a restaurant managed by Ivory Coast women that will introduce us to the tasty cuisine of West Africa. 
Hundreds of colorful pirogues lined the beach on Nouakchott fishing harbor will leave us amazed. Our eyes, accustomed to sand and dunes, will be reflected in tumultuous waters, in which wind, waves, brightly painted pirogues and sub-Saharan (mainly Senegalese) fishermen selling the abundant catches to the market. Mauritania processes more than 1,800,000 tons of fish each year.  

Day 20: DJOUDJ ORNITOLOGICAL SANCTUARY – Mauritania – Senegal – Saturday 27th November 2027
Early morning departure in direction south to Senegal. The natural border between Mauritania and Senegal is the Senegal River a natural boundary between desert and savannah. We will cross the river on a mobile bridge and move into a unique wet land between Sahara and Sahel. 
The Djoudj National Park, declared a World Heritage Site, is a green oasis formed by hundreds of miles of partially flooded lands. This “humid paradise” is the best habitat and nesting site of over a million migratory and sedentary birds. 
Totally surrounded by an arid landscape the protected wetland habitat attracts migratory birds, more than 400 species live temporarily in this unique bird sanctuary.  We will enjoy a boat excursion to visit an island with an astonishing concentration of pelicans.  
Arrival in the evening in Saint Louis.

Day 21: SAINT LOUIS: COLONIAL AND AFRICAN CITADELS – Senegal – Sunday 28th November 2027
In the morning, visit of Saint Louis, the first capital of the French colonies in West Africa AOF (Afrique Occidental Francais), a charming old town, situated on two twin islands: the colonial and the local, the two located between Senegal River and the ocean. The best way to roam the narrow streets of Saint Louis is on board of a calash, as the locals do! Artisan shops, art galleries, libraries with ancient and modern books and an interesting photographic museum are among the highlights of this charming old capital. 

Day 22:  FROM “THE” FISHERMAN VILLAGE TO LAKE RETBA – Senegal – Monday 29th November 2027
Morning drive to the south to discover the largest fisherman village in Senegal, more than 4,500 wooden pirogues came to the shore with the catch of the day. We will leave our vehicles for a less intrusive and fun local transport, a donkey chariot, ideal way to approach the fishermen selling their catch to the women, the queens of the market. We will familiarize with the artisans carving the large pirogues, the painters decorating them with bright colours. We will end the visit with an interesting encounter: a “Marabut” (local holy man) will receive us in his large mansion. Specializing in blessings intended to protect pirogues and fishermen, the Marabut will know how to introduce us to ancient techniques of geomancy and divination.
Arrival to Lac Retba, that was known as Lac Rose. It is a shallow saltwater lake surrounded by dunes.  

Day 23: DAKAR METROPOLIS: WORLD CUISINE – Senegal – Tuesday 30th November 2027
Senegal capital became an important centre of political, artistic, and intellectual “renouveau” during the independence time and still the liveliest metropolis in French speaking West Africa. Visit of the “Musée des Civilisations Noires” including great collections of Tribal Art, textiles, and contemporary local artists.  The “Plateau” district, the Presidential Palace, a typical market, the totally restored Dakar-Bamako railway station – a great example of colonial architecture. Ferry to Gorée Island. The right time to enjoy the atmosphere of Gorée is at sunset, when the massive-tourists have disappeared. Slaves waiting to be shipped to the Americas were crammed onto Gorée Island; fully restored, the island still bears witness to those times. Today, the breezy climate, history and ancient architecture, along with fine restaurants and boutiques, make Gorée an attractive and trendy destination for local and foreign visitors. 

Days 24: THE SALT PANS OF KAOLAK – Senegal – Wednesday 1st December 2027
We head to Kaolack town, in a region of salt pans. Lunch in a local restaurant. Kaolack, situated on Saloum River is an important port for exporting peanuts and salt from Senegal and neighbouring countries, and a large market. 

Day 25: BETWEEN ARCHEOLOGY AND CONTEMPORANEITY – Senegal – Gambia – Thursday 2nd December 2027
Early departure heading to the region between the north bank of Gambia River and Senegal, which has hosted one of the largest megalithic civilisations on earth. Sine Ngayene is the richest megalithic site with 1,102 erected stones. We cross the border with The Gambia, a tiny English-speaking country surrounded by Senegal and experience a “very local” ferry crossing of the large Gambia River estuary to reach Banjul, the capital of the country. Visit to the national museum.  Optional: evening live music in town. 

Day 26: GAMBIAN BIRDS – Gambia – Casamance (Senegal) – Friday 3rd December 2027
Morning brief but intense Bird Watching, leaded by an expert through different natural environments like wetlands, and savannah. The Gambia is a known birding destination. Arrival at Casamance border, the southern region of Senegal. The natural environment will gradually change from savannah to forest. 
Late afternoon arrival to Ziguinchor a charming small town with interesting colonial architecture and a large market. 

Day 27: CASAMANCE: KINGS AND MASKS – Senegal – Saturday 4th December 2027
The road will pass through a spectacular landscape of lagoons, mangroves and small islands created by the Casamance River estuary. In a remote village we will be received by the Monarch of one of the oldest Diola (Jula) Kingdoms. In ancient African traditions, the king is also the High Priest who concentrates political and mystical powers in his person. After the traditional offering of libations at the edge of the sacred forest, His Majesty will be happy to answer our questions about the history of his people, the rules of a traditional chief, and the complicated taboos and mystical meanings of being king in Diola culture.
In the afternoon we will join the ritual dances of the sacred masks of the Diola people. The masks belong to a secret society and the identity of the dancers is not revealed; the mask is said to be animated by spirits. Drums, dances and a colorful crowd will enliven the small village under the shade of large kapok trees.
Return to our base in Ziguinchor

Day 28: BETWEEN WATER AND LAND – Senegal – Guinea Bissau – Sunday 5th December 2027
After crossing the border with Guinea Bissau (former Portuguese Guinea), the road will bring us south to a unique eco-system where Bolon (sea arms) penetrate the land for more than a hundred miles creating a large temporary flooding area. The borders between salt water, land and fresh water are uncertain and changes with the tides. 23% of Guinea Bissau territory is under the water during the high tide end emerges during the low tide… 
Arrival in Bissau. 

Day 29: BIJAGOS SACRED ARCHIPELAGO: THE GHOST CAPITAL – Guinea Bissau – Monday 6th December 2027
Experience a three-day spectacular navigation on a speedboat to discover the Bijagos Archipelago, its fascinating nature and isolated tribes. The Archipelago, composed by 88 islands and islets, is located at an average of 40 miles from the coastline. Bijagos is a “geographical jewel” for natural and cultural richness.
Bolama was the former capital of Portuguese Guinea from 1871 to 1941, when it was moved to Bissau. When the Portuguese left, native people came to squat this town. The town is now falling apart, partly invaded by tropical vegetation. Bolama, which has been built according to the model of a «Castrum Romanum» (roman citadel), is now a mix of straight large avenues, sunny and lethargic empty squares, dry fountains, bush-like gardens and falling apart Neo-Palladian administrative buildings. In the shade of the columns of the former governor palace, goats graze peacefully; although inhabited, this town enjoys a fairy-tale atmosphere of a ghost town.  

Day 30: VACA BRUTO DANCING CEREMONY – Guinea Bissau – Tuesday 7th December 2027
Short navigation to discover Bubaque island, the “capital” of Bijagos Archipelago and its market. Afternoon: due to the remoteness and the deep rootedness of the locals to their traditions, the Bijagos people have been little influenced by the external world. Life in the villages is characterized by initiation rites and secret ceremonies. In some villages, the young men must go through a seven-year initiation rite living in a “convent” with no contact with women. In the Bijagos Archipelago life is still ruled by the “cycle of seasons”. During the long dry season, the major ceremonies take place. Vaca Bruto (wild bull) is the most spectacular mask of the islands: the dancers convey a realistic presence by bowing and facing the ground.  The mask’s eyes made out of frosted glass, real horns, leather ears and a rope through the nostril provide the mask with a real aspect of an untamed animal which represents a man in full possession of his physical strength but still with an immature behaviour, as he has not yet undergone the final initiations. All the villagers attend this fascinating ceremony. 

Day 31: ISLANDER LIFE – Guinea Bissau – Wednesday 8th December 2027
Morning, relax at Ponta Anchaca wild beaches and swimming pool, or walking excursion in the island. 
Afternoon navigation to Bissau.
On request (not included) Early morning departure for an excursion to Orango Island in search of a residual fauna of Hippos that has acclimatised with the life on islands. Mainly living is fresh-water swamps, sometimes they swim in the ocean. Local guide will lead the visitors, the encounter with the hippos is not always granted. Arrive in Bissau a vehicle will be waiting for us for a brief city tour. Bissau is a tiny but intriguing capital, interesting old Portuguese architecture and a huge fort, a reminder of the slave trade era.

Day 32: GRIOT: THE AFRICAN TROBADORS – Guinea Bissau – Thursday 9th December 2027
Early departure. After lunch, we leave the main road for a small village in the Malinké region.
The Malinké are the descendants of the ancient Mali Empire and are widespread in the current territories of Mali, Guinea Conakry, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Guinea Bissau. 
Griots are a group of musician-narrators dating back to the 13th century Mali Empire. 
The village we visit is known for griot families who have been passing on these traditions for generations since the days of the Empire. Well-known also for their skills in producing musical instruments, they will perform a concert. Arrival at Gabu.  

Day 33: FOUTA DJALON: THE LARGEST MOUNTAIN MASSIF IN WEST AFRICA – Guinea Bissau – Guinea – Friday 10th December 2027
Early departure for an intense day. At a remote border we will cross to Guinea (Guinea Conakry, former French Guinea), experiencing a region with wild empty spaces, mountains covered with a wooded savannah, tropical dry forests and isolated Fulla (Peul) settlements on the Fouta Djalon massif.
Considered the most spectacular area of Guinea, thanks to the mountains, highlands, savannah and deep valleys, the Fouta Djalon is the “water reservoir” of West Africa.
As a matter of fact, 3 rivers that give name to 4 nations: Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia, have their offspring in Guinea.
This territory is inhabited by the Fulla (also called Peul), famous for their beauty cult and their skills as the main stockbreeders of Zebu cows in West Africa.
Evening arrival to Labe

Day 34: THE  COUNCIL OF THE ELDERS – Guinea – Saturday 11th December 2027
Relaxed morning departure. First day of the two dedicated to the Fouta Djalon, is nature, his adobe architecture and his traditional chieftaincy  in a unique mountain landscape.  
Leaving Labe, we will discover a natural environment where mountains meet savannah and deep valleys . In the Fouta Djalon are the most spectacular waterfalls framed by the forest in a pristine landscape. Thirty minutes’ walk in the shade of the vegetation to discover Ditin falls considered the highest in Guinea. Picnic. Driving on a track through valleys and mountains we will join a remote village that we are proud to have been the first to visit. After having been introduced by our connections to the elders, presenting traditional gifts as cola nuts, we will have the privilege to be received by chiefs and dignitaries sitting in council. In a very large adobe round hut with a decorated grass roof, dressed in traditional costumes, the descendant of the oldest Fulla Kingdom will tell us the history of their people and accept to answer our questions about the origins of their tribe and the traditional rules still practiced. 

Day 35: BAGA NIMBA, THE MASK SYMBOL OF GUINEA – Guinea – Sunday 12th December 2027
Arrival in Dalaba at 3,900 Ft. (1.200 m.) altitude a small and pleasant town. The “casa a palabra” (the house of word) with fine adobe bas-relief is in a pure Fulla (Peul) architectonical style. Here the chiefs used to meet with the colonial administration. Visit to the villa built by the colonial governor and later used by the first president of independent Guinea. The leader of the independence was Sekou Touré, one of the most radical anti-colonialist African politician’s; he refused any cooperation with the French and created strong ties with the Soviet Union and a personal friendship with Ceausescu. Some villas used by the ministers and by the guests of Sekou Touré are reminiscences of that time. In a today ruined villa, Miriam Makeba met and married Stokley Carmichael, an exile from the US who was among the leaders of Black Panthers armed wing
An itinerary through valleys and mountains will bring us to Kindia. Kindia is a pleasant trading town between Fouta Djalon, the coastal regions, and the western forests.
Dinner will be a special degustation of different specialities of Guinean gastronomy.
Illuminated by the glare of the fire, called by the intense rhythm of the drums will appear and dance the local mask from the sacred forest, the main and more spectacular is the Baga Nimba, considered one of the symbols of the country.   

Day 36: FREETOWN:  A LONG HISTORY – Guinea – Sierra Leone – Monday 13th December 2027
Early departure. The road joins the border of Sierra Leone. Approximatively late afternoon arrival in Freetown, the capital of the country.
Freetown origins: in 1786 the first 380 freed African slaves arrived in Sierra Leone from America where they have fought in the independence war on the side of the British. After having lost the war, the British sent them to Sierra Leone and created the first freed slave settlements. Few months after their arrival, the newcomers were starving, got new and unknown diseases and fought with the locals, who could hardly stand them. A few years after, during the Napoleonic war, Freetown was displaying the British flag and had been attacked by seven vessels of the French navy and destroyed. Few survivors escaped on the pirogues sent by… the slave’s traders. From 1807, due to the abolition of the slave trade by the British Empire, the ships of the slave’s traders caught by the British Navy freed the slaves in Sierra Leone.  In 1808 Freetown became the capital of the first British colony in tropical Africa. At that time the Krio peoples, or ex slaves, were more than 50,000, creating an elite who put pressure on the administration for better education. In 1845 “Fourah Bay” the first University in West Africa was built.  During Colonial time Freetown was known as the “Athens of West Africa”. 
Dinner and overnight in Freetown.

Day 37: THE MOUNTAINS OF LIONS – Sierra Leone – Tuesday 14th December 2027
Visit of Freetown a busy colourful and intriguing large (long) town between rocky hills range and the Atlantic coast. The center, his Krio and Colonial architecture, the remains of the Cotton Tree, the National Museum with an interesting collection of tribal masks, the palace of justice, St. George’s Cathedral and the unique “Sierra Leone Peace Museum”, retracing the history of the ten years long civil war that has devasted the country   are the “must” of the visit
Drive along the coast at the slopes of the Freetown peninsula mountains, only the yellow of the beaches divide the green of the forest from the blue of the ocean. The country has been named after these mountains, the Sierras (mountains) of lion. River number two considered one of the nicest beaches of West Africa. Arrival at the village of Kent.  A local boat will bring us to Banana Island.  

Day 38: BANANA ISLAND – Sierra Leone – Friday 15th December 2027
Full day dedicated to banana island. Circumnavigating the island to discover a pristine paradise such as mountains hiding primary forests, Kriol village with a remote Caribbean taste and small beaches. On request possible two hours walk in the forest.

Day 39: DIAMONDS – Sierra Leone – Thursday 16th December 2027   
Diamond seeking is as addictive as gambling at least, the possibility of finding a “fortune” can become true, just for few most lucky. Diamonds have played an important role in the recent troubled history of the country. The quantity and quality of “stones” still to be find is important. We reach a village. After asking permission to the chief some villagers will take us to the site where we can meet the diamond seekers. A local person explains us the technics of artisanal mining and “sand washing”. In Town we will visit a “Diamond Shop” where rough diamonds and digging equipment are trade.

Day 40: UNIQUE FEMALE MASKS  Sierra Leone- Liberia Friday 17th December 2027
In most parts of Africa, the masks are male’s prerogative, however among the Mende people and neighbouring populations the Bundo masks are a female’s domain.
Bundu and have a crucial role in the girls’ initiation rites. 
We reach a village to attend the exit of the masks, an event that calls a colourful crowd. 
A spectacular road through the forest will bring us to the Mano River and to the border with Liberia. The border is marked by a bridge over the large river in the forest that divides the two countries. After the police and Custom formalities, we will enter Liberia.  In the ancient time the shore of Liberia was known as the Pepper Coast by the European navigators, trading a rare spice the Melegueta Pepper at that time called Grain of Paradise. Arrive in Monrovia where we will spend two nights. 

Day 41: LIBERIA: THE LAND OF FREEMEN – Liberia – Saturday 18th December 2027
Liberia is the only African country which has never been either a colony or a protectorate; Liberia was founded by Kreyols (Krio), freed slaves who came back to Africa from the USA and for this reason was named “Liberia”. Kreyols are 5% of the population and they are the main actors of the economy and politics, they are considered the creators of the Nation and of the modern economy. 80% of the population speaks the local Kreyol language, a sort of American-English “Pidgin”. 
Our ocean-view hotel is the right starting point to have an interesting walking-visit of the town. Freemasonry had a great impact on the history of Liberia and Krio culture, visit of the Grand Masonic Temple imposing building, and if we’re lucky, meeting with the Grand Master. A symbol of Monrovia is what left of the Ducor Palace Hotel, inaugurated in 1960 was one of the first five stars in Africa. Located on a rocky hill in the highest point of Monrovia, dominate the whole town and the gulf. The hotel hosted social events and parties of the African elites at the effervescent time of independence. In the large swimming pool facing the ocean Idi Amin used to swim caring his gun at the belt while his friend Miriam Makeba was singing. After the civil war the building was looted several times, the hotel is now abandoned and closed, but seeking the right permission, we may be able to visit it. In 2008 the government made a deal with Ghaddafi to rebuild it, however the project, as many other Libyan development projects in Africa, never came to conclusion thanks to the regime change war that Europe and America started to overthrow Ghaddafi. The building of the National Museum is itself a display of Krio traditional architecture, within we discover a large collection of ancient masks and ritual objects. The visit includes a photographic show about the civil war which took place between 1989 and 2003. Old colonial buildings, stone Krio churches will be also part of this intriguing town visit.  Lunch at a Liberia local restaurant. Return to our comfortable hotel. Afternoon relax . 

Day 42: NIMBA MOUNTAINS – Liberia – Sunday 19th December 2027
We set off early, to cross Liberia from south to north, winding along rugged roads and trails in the heart of Nimba County. Arrive in the late afternoon at the Nimba Mountains, a spectacular massif straddling the borders of Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Liberia, tower up to 1,752 meters (5,748 ft). This breathtaking range is not only a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve but also a scenery of rare natural wonders.
As we ascend, the landscape transforms dramatically from dense tropical rainforest nestled in the valleys to an extraordinary tropical altitude forest above 1,000 meters. Our scenic drive cuts through this lush tapestry, leading us through the gates of the protected reserve to the Nimba Eco Lodge, perched at 900 meters where these two forest worlds meet, we will stop to the remains of large but abandoned mining operation that the tropical vegetation is gradually covering.  

Day 43: NIMBA FORESTS – Liberia – Ivory Coast – Monday 20th December 2027
In the morning, we embark on a one- or two-hour walk into the heart of an ancient primary forest, alive with hidden secrets. Or relax at Nimba Eco-Lodge.
Local legend says that deep within these forests lives the Zogbenya, a mysterious spirit guardian of the Nimba peaks. Seen only by the pure of heart, the Zogbenya is said to protect the mountains and their wildlife, ensuring the balance between nature and humankind endures. Keep your eyes open… sometimes, the mountain breeze seems to whisper its presence.
After this walking experience, we drive to Ivory Coast to reach Danane. 

Day 44: LIANA BRIDGES AND DAN MASKS – Ivory Coast – Tuesday 21st December 2027
A road through lush vegetation will take us to a remote village and a short walk to a spectacular liana bridge crossing a large river in the jungle. Liana bridges are masterpiece of a genuine “tribal technology”. They are built exclusively with vegetal materials, as wood and lianas without the use of nails or rope nor other materials foreign to the forest. Only the initiated can harvest the liana and wood and leave it in the forest, it is believed that a powerful spirit will build the bridge in one night. Neither women nor non-initiates are allowed in the forest during the preparation of a new bridge, to ensure the secrecy of this ‘magic technology’. Arrival to the small town of Man, surrounded by 18 green mountains, the capital of this forest region. 
The small town of Man is the capital of the We, Dan and Guéré ethnic groups, known for their masks, considered among the masterpieces of African art. 
Man’s market is an important market where villagers come from the region and from the neighbouring countries. It will be possible to find a large choice of handicraft and, with a bit of luck, authentic masks and traditional objects. 
In a nearby village, encouraged by the incessant rhythm of tam-tams, masks will emerge from the forest. According to the cosmogony of Dan people, there is a supreme god that creates the world and communicates with humans only through its intermediaries, the masks. During the masks’ dance, the distance between the humans and the spirits disappears, the cosmic and the social orders are restored, and gratitude is expressed to the gods and the ancestors. Dan Masks are one of the finest African masks known for the balance of their shapes.  

Day 45: MAGICAL TRADITIONS – Ivory Coast – Wednesday 22nd December 2027
Full day dedicated to experience vibrant tribal culture and magic traditions. 
4X4 vehicles will be needed to reach a remote region where the arrival of foreigners is a rare event. 
The track across rudimentary bridges made of logs will lead us to an isolated settlement inhabited by the Gueré whose masks are recognized and collected for their powerful expressive power. 
The masks will dance through the village. 
If lucky we will witness the rare “Jugglers” performances. Girls initiatory juggling is an ancient tradition, now vanishing. The initiated girls, their faces painted with white kaolin, will perform a spectacular acrobatic dance, “flying” from one dancer to another… 
Return to the main road and reach the town of Daloa in the evening. 

Day 46: CATHEDRAL IN THE SAVANNAH – Ivory Coast – Thursday 23rd December 2027
Day of driving South-East. We continue our journey across coffee and cocoa plantations, dotted only by small villages. Ivory Coast is the world’s main cocoa producer, the second is Ghana and together they represent more than half of the world’s cocoa production.
In a village of the Guro tribe, we attend the Zaouli dancing masks. The Zaouli mask, was probably inspired by a girl named “Djela Lou Zaouli”, however, the stories on the origins of the mask are varied and each mask can have its own symbolic history. The uniqueness of Zaouli dance is the fine and sophisticated movement of the legs and the feet. 
In the afternoon, we will reach Yamoussoukro, the country’s formal capital since 1983 and the native village of Houphouët-Boigny, the first President of the Ivory Coast. Here the Ivorian dream of the 1970s and 1980s has come true, the dream of a country that, despite its shortage of major natural resources, has built up the most flourishing economy of French speaking West Africa, to the point to rival in architectural style and size the European capitals.
We visit the Basilica of the Virgin of Peace, inspired by St Peter’s in Rome is the largest Christian building on earth, the high colourful glass windows are unique. In the city, we see wide boulevards where the few cars try to avoid big potholes, Zebus and chickens, huge government buildings, the lofty hotels up to 14 floors high and even an artificial lake inhabited by crocodiles, everything has an abandoned look. What is most striking is the feeling of emptiness because of the nothingness surrounding this illusion… Despite the title of capital city, the ministries, embassies, and the presidency of the republic itself remained in Abidjan. 

Day 47: ABIDJAN, SKYSCRAPERS AND LAGOONS – Ivory Coast – Friday 24th December 2027
We drive on the only highway of the country to reach Abidjan in late morning. Beyond the lagoon, the “plateau” (the City District) is growing very fast, while most of the African cities grow horizontally, Abidjan grows vertically. Not much land is available and the little available must be continually recovered from the waters of the Ebrié Lagoon. The modern City District is defined to the west by the harbour and its endless queues of people waiting for a public boat, and to the east by the silhouette of Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral, built in a futuristic spirit by Italian architect Aldo Spirito in 1980. The chaotic traffic is a negative result of the fast-economic development of this country, that after the civil war has, some years, reached a 6% growth of the GDP. Visit of this modern and colourful African metropolis. 

Day 48: GRAND BASSAM – Ivory Coast – Saturday 25th December 2027
Short drive to Grand Bassam, an old town built on a sand bank between the lagoon and the ocean. It was the first capital of the French Ivory Coast colony and now a maritime leisure resort for the Abidjanese. Thanks to its calm avenues shaded by tall trees, large bougainvillea and well-preserved colonial buildings, Grand Bassam has a magical atmosphere. The old post office is a jewel of colonial architecture. The Costume Museum, in the former governor’s palace, with its large outer staircase is a true architectural gem and its unique collection of tribal costumes, masks, ornaments and ethnographic photographs gives an interesting perception of the country’s history and culture. In late afternoon we will reach the small town of Aboisso.
Dinner at “La Place” a vibrant square with many tables offering a choice of different street food and drinks. 

Day 49: GOLD COAST – Ivory Coast – Ghana – Sunday 26th December 2027
From the Coast of Ivory to wat was known as the Gold Coast. Early departure for the border with Ghana. The abundance of gold led the first Portuguese navigators, who discovered this region in the 13th century, to call it the Gold Coast. The name was muted to Ghana upon independence in 1957. Once in Axim, we will visit St. Antonio fort, built by the Portuguese in 1515 on a bay near the estuary of Ankobra River, in a region rich in gold dust. The coast of Ghana is unique in the whole Africa for the concentration of ancient castles and forts. Over three centuries, more than 80 fortifications were built by the Europeans, to trade mainly gold, ivory and eventually slaves. After a stop at Cape Coast, we arrive in Elmina. 

Day 50: ELMINA’S UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE – Ghana – Monday 27th December 2027
Full day dedicated to discover ancient slave trade castles and animistic shrines. 
We will visit Elmina Castle, the oldest and largest European building in Africa. “Sao Jorge da Mina” was erected by the Portuguese in 1482. At different times the castle has been used as a warehouse to trade originally gold, then ivory, and eventually slaves. The castle we visit today is the result of successive extension works and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
Facing the castle, the fishing harbour with hundreds of colourful and large fishing wooden canoes.
In a nearby village to discover the Posuban, shrines of the “Asafo companies” where the Asafo “warriors” still pour libations, 

Day 51: ASHANTI – Ghana – Tuesday 28th December 2027
Late morning arrival in Kumasi, the historical and spiritual capital of the old Ashanti Kingdom. The Ashanti were one of the most powerful nations in Africa until the end of 19th century, when the British annexed Ashanti Kingdom to the Gold Coast colony. The honours still paid to the Asantehene (the King) testify to past Ashanti splendour and power.
With more than three million inhabitants, Kumasi is a sprawling city with a fantastic central market, one of the largest in Africa. Every type of Ashanti craft (leather goods, pottery, Kente cloth) is found here, along with just about every kind of tropical fruit and vegetable.
The visit includes the Ashanti Cultural Centre, a rich collection of Ashanti artifacts housed in an interesting reproduction of an Ashanti ancient house. In the afternoon we will meet – if available – a traditional chief.

Day 52: ACCRA “THE AFRICAN METROPOLIS” – Ghana – Wednesday 29th December 2027
Early morning departure to reach Accra in the early afternoon. The capital of Ghana has maintained its special identity despite the fast-paced development currently underway in this African large metropolis. We explore James Town neighbourhoods, inhabited by the autochthonous population known as the Ga. We will enjoy the atmosphere and visit evidence of the slave period. Our tour ends with the visit to a workshop specialized in carving “fantasy coffins”. These special handcrafted coffins can take on any shape: fruits, animals, fishes, cars, and airplanes, the only limit being the imagination!  

Day 53: LOME: COSMOPOLITAN AND STYLISH HUMAN SIZE CAPITAL – Ghana – Togo – Thursday 30th December 2027
Morning departure to the Togo border. 
Lome is one of the rare capitals situated at the border of the country, the only African town which has been ruled successively by Germans, British and French and has attracted an important community of traders from different African countries and as far as from Brazil. These elements and influences have developed a unique lifestyle, cuisine and architecture. Lome is still a meeting point for people, trade and cultures. We will visit the central market with the “Nana Benz”, women who control the market of the expensive “pagne” (colourful cloths) sold all over West Africa, the colonial buildings and the largest “fetish market” in the whole African continent, where we can find an eclectic assortment of all the necessary ingredients for love potions, magical concoctions and Voodoo incantation. Lome is also an important trading centre for tribal art and artisanal crafts.
End of the year: evening, music bars in town, optional.  

Day 54: VOODOO – Togo -Benin – Friday 31st December 2027
Voodoo is the main religion in the coastal areas of Togo and Benin, authentic ceremonies are practiced by the numerous adepts. The frenetic rhythm of drums and the chants of the initiates “call” the spirits which will manifest by possessing some participants that falls into a deep trance, the eyes roll back, grimaces, convulsions, insensitivity to fire or pain. Sakpata, Heviosso, Mami Water are just some of the Voodoo divinities who can manifest. Surrounded by the magic atmosphere of the ceremony, we will understand what local people mean when they say: “In your Churches you pray God; in our Voodoo shrine we become Gods!”.
Border with Benin and arrival to the small town of Grand Popo.  

Day 55: OUIDAH, AFRO-BRASILIAN CULTURE – Benin – Saturday 1st January 2028
Between lagoons and ocean, we will discover the Zangbeto cult. The Zangbeto mask is very tall and covered in colourful straw. 
It represents wild, non-human spirits (the forces of nature that inhabited the Earth before human). The mask wearers belong to a secret society and keep their identity hidden. When the Zangbeto dance it is an event for the entire village. Its performance guarantees protection against bad spirits and witchcraft. The spinning movement of the mask symbolizes the spiritual purification of the village and Zangbeto also performs «miracles» to prove its powers. 
Drive to Ouidah, this small town was conquered by the Dahomey Kingdom during the 18th century and became a main slave shipping port. The ancient name of this coast was Slave Coast. We start the visit following the “slave road” to the shore, “the door of no return” where slaves were shipped to the Americas. Ouidah enjoys a rare Afro-Brazilian architecture, as a unique mix of cultures where the python temple faces the Catholic Cathedral. The laid-back attitude of the locals blends with the thunder of the distant waves and the rhythm of the drums seem to bring back the murmuring echo of the columns of slaves embarked from these beaches – a timeless atmosphere described by Bruce Chatwin in his novel “The Vice-Roy of Ouidah”. On foot we visit the Python Temple and the Portuguese Fort (currently closed because under renovation), now a small but interesting museum on the history of Ouidah, the transatlantic slave trade and the links that the trade has created between West African costal countries and the Caribbean Voodoo culture. 

Day 56: THE STILTS VILLAGE – Benin – Sunday 2nd January 2028
Drive for miles on the fisherman track between endless beaches, tall palm trees, grass-huts and colourful pirogues. We will leave our vehicles and cross Lake Nokwe on a motorized boat to reach Ganvié, the largest and most beautiful African village on stilts. The approximately 25,000 inhabitants are part of the Tofinou ethnic group and build their wooden houses on teak stilts. “Breeding fish” with an ancient tribal technology is their main activity. Ganvié has managed to preserve its traditions and environment despite the long-lasting human presence in a closed setting; and the lake is not over-fished. Daily life unfolds in the dugout canoes that adults and children row with ease using brightly coloured paddles. From these canoes, men fishing, women expose goods at the “floating market”, children go to school and play, in Ganvie children are said to learn to swim first than to walk.
Day room available in Cotonou and transfer to the airport (meals not included). End of our services. 

ON REQUEST, PRE-EXTENSION IN MOROCCO 

8 Days, IMPERIAL CITIES AND BEYOND