Accra to Freetown

28 days
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Small Group Tour
Encounter mountains, beaches and mud roads on this epic West African adventure. Explore Ghana's buzzing capital Accra, walk among tree canopies in Kakum National Park and travel along the stunning Altantic coast to the beaches of Elmina. Cross the border into Cote d'Ivoire and appreciate colonial architecture in the old French capital Grand Bassam, with its o...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Visit and explore the historic Elmina Castle
    • Relax and unwind on the stunning Brenu Beach on Ghana's Gold Coast
    • Visit Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti kingdom and culture
    • Visit the stunning jungles of Kakum National Park
    • Get to know the forested region of Guinea on foo
    • Nature walk through Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Discover how Sierra Leone's capital Freetown became a centre for freed slaves

What's this trip about?

    Encounter mountains, beaches and mud roads on this epic West African adventure. Explore Ghana's buzzing capital Accra, walk among tree canopies in Kakum National Park and travel along the stunning Altantic coast to the beaches of Elmina. Cross the border into Cote d'Ivoire and appreciate colonial architecture in the old French capital Grand Bassam, with its own bevy of beautiful beaches, and stop in at bizarre Yamoussoukro. Journey onto Guinea and explore mountainous forested regions, incredible scenery, lush forests and villages famed for their vine bridges. Get off the beaten track in Sierra Leone, fall in love with cheeky primates and be surrounded by dense rainforest at Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary before ending the adventure in historic Freetown. This challenging adventure showcases the best of West Africa.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 22 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • Overland Journeys

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Côte d'Ivoire
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Sierra Leone

Attractions

  • Accra

Activities

  • Land expedition

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Accra

Border information: if you are joining in Accra, then you will most likely enter Ghana at Accra Kotoka International Airport (IATA code: ACC). There will be an important group meeting at 10:00am at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note ...

Day 2-3 Kumasi

Leaving Accra behind us, we journey north through Ghana's interior to the historic town of Kumasi. Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not inc...

Day 4 Kakum National Park

Today we will drive south to the rainforests of Kakum National Park. On arrival we will head out on an included evening walk through the forests in search of wildlife, bugs and snakes! We may also have the chance to visit a small animal sancutary en route. In Kakum Na...

Day 5-6 Elmina, Cape Coast, Kakum National Park

Today we have an early start with an included morning visit to the Kakum National Park canopy walkways. These are a long series of hanging bridges at the forest canopy level that gives us a unique  perspective of the rainforest - and at that time of the morning we wil...

Day 7-9 Grand Bassam

Border information: Exit Ghana at Elubo, enter Côte d'Ivoire at Elubo. Today we will follow the Atlantic coast and cross into Côte d'Ivoire, arriving at the old French colonial capital of Grand Bassam situated east of Abidjan. Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours. On the ...

Day 10 Yamoussoukro

Today we will drive to Yamoussoukro, the tiny and bizarre capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Yamoussoukro was the birthplace of Felix HouphouëtBoigny, the first president of independent Côte d'Ivoire, and is also the unusual location of the colossal and breathtaking Basilica o...

Day 11-12 Korhogo

Today we will drive through the lush countryside to the northern Ivorian town of Korhogo, famed for the multitude of crafts that are made there. Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours. On the following day, we will head out on an included tour around many of the handicraft ...

Day 13-14 Western Côte d'Ivoire

Over the next 2 days, we will drive through central Côte d'Ivoire and then cross its western border into Guinea. This journey will take us through some very remote areas and some very poor-quality dirt roads, so a great deal of flexibility is needed as our progress wi...

Day 15-16 Nzerekoré, Forested Guinea

Border information: Exit Côte d'Ivoire at Gbapleu, enter Guinea at Gbakoré. Today we will cross the border into Guinea arriving in the small fareastern town of Nzerekoré in the heart of Guinea's Forest Region. Estimated Drive Time - 6-9 hours. On the following day, we...

Day 17-18 Faranah, Guéckédou, Macenta

Over the next 2 days we will travel through the central region of Guinea, stopping for a night in one of the towns en route (depending on how the drive goes, this may be Macenta or Guéckédou), and then arriving at Faranah near the Sierra Leonean border. En route we wi...

Day 19-20 Kabala, Gberia Fotombu

Border information: Exit Guinea and enter Sierra Leone at GberiaFotombu. The next 2 days are spent travelling from Guinea over to Sierra Leone through the remote border near Kabala, driving through scenic areas very rarely visited by tourists. The road conditions in t...

Day 21 Makeni

Today we start our journey south through Sierra Leone towards the Tiwai Wildlife Sanctuary. We aim to wild camp near the town of Makeni en route, or we may stay in a local guesthouse depending on the size and wishes of the group. Estimated Drive Time - 6-8 hours. 

Day 22-23 Tiwai Island Sanctuary

Today we will arrive at the Tiwai Island Sanctuary, one of Sierra Leone's largest inland islands. Estimated Drive Time - 6-8 hours. On the following day, we will enjoy various nature walks through the web of trails that weave through the Tiwai forest. We'll be in sear...

Day 24-26 Freetown Peninsular

Today we have a full day drive across Sierra Leone to the stunning beaches of the Freetown Peninsular, where we will spend 3 nights. Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours. There are a few different options for which beaches we could choose to visit, our favourites being B...

Day 27 Freetown

Today we will have a short drive up the western side of the Freetown Peninsular to arrive in the Aberdeen district of the city of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. We will have plenty of time to head out and explore the sites in and around Freetown, before headin...

Day 28 Freetown

Border information: if you are leaving in Freetown, you will most likely exit Sierra Leone at Freetown Lungi International Airport (IATA code: FNA). Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Freetown. Please note there is no accommodation included on...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,789
Price per day$135
Last Updated: 12/3/2021

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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Camping ( 12 nights ),hotel / hostel / lodge / cabin ( 15 nights ),

Transportation & Flights

Overland expedition vehicle,Pirogue (dugout canoe),

Transportation & flights

Overland expedition vehicle,Pirogue (dugout canoe)
Guides
OUR DRAGOMAN CREW & GUIDES Our crew are passionate about travel and are always up for adventure. It takes someone special to become a Dragoman leader. Our crew undergo the most intensive training program of all the overland companies, spending 8 weeks learning the ropes at our base in Suffolk, UK, and then up to 6 months on the road as a trainee. Our crew are trained to manage and operate the trip safely and efficiently and their duties include: planning the trip according to the itinerary, driving and maintaining the truck, securing services of local guides, general logistics, health and safety, liaising with bureaucracy, dealing with issues where needed and offering advice and support to our customers. In addition they have a basic knowledge of the places visited and will be able to offer suggestions of things to do and see. Dragoman endeavours to provide the services of experienced crew, however, due to the seasonality of travel, situations may arise where your tour leader is new to a particular region or training other crew, new to the area. On all Dragoman overlanding trips, we usually have 2 western crew. However on our trips in East and Southern Africa we either have 2 western crew or 1 western crew and 1 local driver. On trips south of Nairobi in East and Southern Africa we will also have an African camp master/cook who is in charge of running the camp and organising all of the meals. Their knowledge of the local produce makes shopping at the markets great fun and you will learn how to prepare and cook some unusual dishes. In most other areas of Africa, the Americas, India and Turkey, in addition to our crew we will employ local guides in specific locations of interest (for just a few hours up to a few days). On the majority of our trips in Ethiopia, Sudan, Central Asia, China and South East Asia, in addition to our crew we will have a local guide on board who will travel with us for the entire duration of our time within one country. In these cases, the local guide becomes a third crew member and is able to offer their local knowledge as well as an insight into their country and the lives of the local people. Your crew have a duty of care to all members of the group and therefore they have the authority to ask you to leave the trip if you require serious medical assistance, you are behaving in an anti-social manner or refuse to comply with local laws and customs. In all matters relating to the trip, the leader's decision will be final and we appreciate your respect of this.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. Visas for this trip can take many weeks to be issued so book early. The process can be quite complicated and you are urged to read the information provided carefully, as well as do your own research. The process of getting a visa can be further complicated if you are doing further travel before this trip, so we suggest booking this trip on its own, or doing it at the beginning of your broader travel plans. GHANA: Australia: Yes - in advance Belgium: Yes - in advance Canada: Yes - in advance Germany: Yes - in advance Ireland: Yes - in advance Netherlands: Yes - in advance New Zealand: Yes - in advance South Africa: Yes - in advance Switzerland: Yes - in advance United Kingdom: Yes - in advance USA: Yes - in advance Visas need to be obtained before arriving, these allow for a stay of up to 60 days and can be a single or multiple entry. A Yellow Fever certificate may be required for the application. Visas must be used within three months of the date of issue. There is a Ghana consulate in Australia, and visas can be purchased through Visalink. For Australians it will take 10 business days and cost AUD 140.00. 4 copies and 4 passport photos needed. If you are entering Ghana on an overland trip please contact your local embassy to do this as it's no longer possible to obtain these visas en route. COTE D'IVOIRE:: Australia: Yes - in advance Belgium: Yes - in advance Canada: Yes - in advance Germany: Yes - in advance Ireland: Yes - in advance Netherlands: Yes - in advance New Zealand: Yes - in advance South Africa: Yes - in advance Switzerland: Yes - in advance United Kingdom: Yes - in advance USA: Yes - in advance British citizens must apply directly to the embassy for this visa rather than through a visa agency. Australians can apply for this visa through their visa agency. All other nationalities must check with their respective embassies/consulates and visas agencies for the application procedure. Please check early and allow plenty of time. Visas for Cote d’Ivoire require quite a lot of documentation, generally including 2 visa application forms, 2 passport photos, Employment letter, proof of departure showing round trip travel and onward flight, plus a copy of confirmed hotel reservations is required. Dragoman will be applying for the hotel reservation letter for you approximately 3 months in advance of the trip and once received, we will forward this to you. In order for us to be able to do this you must provide us with your passport details in advance. The application for this letter can only be made once we have received passport details from everyone in the group so any delay in us receiving these details will delay when this letter is received. Please note that this letter can take some time to issue and we cannot guarantee a specific date for receiving this letter. We therefore recommend that you wait until you have received this letter before making any appointments at the Cote d'voire Embassy or consulate. GUINEA: Australia: Yes - in advance Belgium: Yes - in advance Canada: Yes - in advance Germany: Yes - in advance Ireland: Yes - in advance Netherlands: Yes - in advance New Zealand: Yes - in advance South Africa: Yes - in advance Switzerland: Yes - in advance United Kingdom: Yes - in advance USA: Yes - in advance Most nationalities require a visa for Guinea. We recommend that you check with your respective embassy, consulate or visa agency for the latest information. It is recommended that you obtain this visa in advance. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are on an trip that continues to Accra, you must obtain a double entry visa to Guinea. SIERRA LEONE: Australia: Yes - in advance Belgium: Yes - in advance Canada: Yes - in advance Germany: Yes - in advance Ireland: Yes - in advance Netherlands: Yes - in advance New Zealand: Yes - in advance South Africa: Yes - in advance Switzerland: Yes - in advance United Kingdom: Yes - in advance USA: Yes - in advance Please apply for your visa in advance at your closest embassy or consulate. You will most likely be required to supply a completed visa application form, 2 passport photos, a copy of your itinerary, a copy of hotel bookings, your passport and payment. Dragoman will supply the hotel confirmation letter.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety TRAVEL ADVISORY: Where we use a local partner to fully operate one of our itineraries, we use the travel advisory of the country where that operator is based rather than the Australian DFAT advisory. This itinerary is operated by our local partners Dragoman, and as such will follow the British Government (FCO) Travel Advice. To view these travel advisories please log on to: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/ NATIONAL PARKS: On some trips may find yourself staying in unfenced camp-sites within National Parks. While this is a fantastic experience, there are a few safety rules to follow. It's important that you listen to any advice given by your tour leader and the park rangers regarding responsible and safe behaviour whilst in these National Parks. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. The vehicle has fully lockable doors and windows, which is an obvious advantage, but it will probably be necessary to guard it at times and everyone should be prepared to share in this responsibility. In most areas there is very little to fear from the point of view of violence. But in all areas 'tourists' are a tempting target for pickpockets and con-men. Always be aware of this and be especially careful when leaving banks or money-changers, in any crowded areas, etc. NEVER leave things lying around - they will almost certainly get stolen. We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to always be security conscious and to take all necessary precautions. Great inconvenience and distress can be caused by having your documents or possessions stolen. A few of our past group members have had the unhappy experience of having their belongings stolen before the trip starts. Beware of carrying your passport and other valuables around with you in cities. We strongly suggest you deposit your valuables in your hotel safe on arrival.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Raza Guesthouse 62 Sir Samuel Lewis Road Aberdeen Freetown SIERRA LEONE Phone: 0011 23233506305
Trip ID
intrepid-DDOF

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