Dakar to Freetown

23 days
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Small Group Tour
Discover rarely visited gems on this West Africa overland trip from Dakar to Freetown. Very much off the beaten track, this is a fairly physically demanding tour that involves a lot of camping, hiking and trekking – though the bulk of it is undertaken in a comfortable overland truck. This is grassroots travelling at its very best, where you can really get inv...

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Glide through Senegal's Sine-Saloum Delta on a pirogue trip
    • Explore the buzzing arts and handicrafts scene of Bissau
    • Get back to nature in Guinea's Fouta Djallon region
    • Relax on a stunning beach in Sierra Leon

What's this trip about?

    Discover rarely visited gems on this West Africa overland trip from Dakar to Freetown. Very much off the beaten track, this is a fairly physically demanding tour that involves a lot of camping, hiking and trekking – though the bulk of it is undertaken in a comfortable overland truck. This is grassroots travelling at its very best, where you can really get involved in the communities and local people you meet along the way. Whether appreciating the breadth of stunning birdlife or relaxing on the many serene beaches along the coast, West Africa is the ideal destination for travellers wanting a different travel experience. TRIP CHANGES 2018: • 1 night taken out of Yamoussoukro and an extra night added in Grand Bassam

Details

Itinerary focusActive
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 22 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityDakar
End CityFreetown

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • Overland Journeys

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Sierra Leone
  • Senegal

Attractions

  • St. Louis

Activities

  • Land expedition

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Dakar

Border information: if you are joining at Dakar, you will most likely enter Senegal at Dakar Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (IATA code: DKR). Today is an arrival day with a pre departure meeting at 10:00am. Your leader will leave a note in reception tel...

Day 2-3 St. Louis

" Day 2 to 3 " Today we head north through the dry Sahel region to the old colonial city of St. Louis, formerly the capital of French West Africa. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that...

Day 4-5 Touba, Toubakouta

" Day 4 to 5 " Today we start our journey south to the small town of Toubakouta, situated close to the Sine-Saloum Delta. On the way we will see the landscape change as we enter the greener wetland region, and we will stop to see the Grand Mosque of Touba, one of the...

Day 6-7 Tendaba/Kiang West National Park

" Day 6 to 7" Border information: Exit Senegal at Karang, enter The Gambia at Fass. Today we will head across the border from Senegal into the small country of The Gambia, then cross the Gambia River on a local transport barge to arrive at the famous Tendaba Camp o...

Day 8-10 Cap Skirring

" Day 8 to 10 " Border information: Exit The Gambia at Soma, enter Senegal at Senoba.  Today we will cross the border into the southern Casamance region of Senegal, arriving at the beautiful beaches of Cap Skirring. Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours. We will have...

Day 11-12 Bissau

" Day 11 to 12" Border information: Exit Senegal at Mpack, enter Guinea Bissau at São Domingos. Today we will drive across the border into the very rarely-visited country of Guinea-Bissau, and drive to its capital of Bissau. Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours. On ...

Day 13-15 Northern Guinea, Labé

" Day 13 to 15" Border information: Exit Guinea-Bissau at Kandika, enter Guinea at Kandika. From Bissau we will journey through Guinea-Bissau and into the remote hilly areas of northern Guinea on our way to the town of Labé, the gateway to the stunning Fouta Djallo...

Day 16-17 Fouta Djallon, Labé

" Day 16 to 17 " From Labé we will set off for an included 2-day excursion to the heart of the Fouta Djallon region of Guinea. On the first day we will travel in 4x4 jeeps through very remote country roads to the small rural community of Aïnguel (approximately a 4 ...

Day 18 Mamou

Leaving the Fouta Djallon region behind us, we head south through central Guinea to the town of Mamou. In Mamou we will stay in a local guest house. Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.  About Mamou: Mamou is a city in a valley of the Fouta Djallon area of Guinea. I...

Day 19 Southern Guinea

Today we will continue our drive south through Guinea, stopping to wild camp close to the border with Sierra Leone.    Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours. 

Day 20-21 Freetown Peninsular

" Day 20 to 21 " Border information: Exit Guinea at Pamalap, enter Sierra Leone at Kindia. Today we leave Freetown for the stunning beaches of Freetown Peninsular, where we will spend 2 nights for some well-deserved relaxation after our journey through the tough ro...

Day 22 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. In Freetown we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. Estimated Drive Time - 3-4...

Day 23 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 ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,028
Price per day$132
Last Updated: 12/3/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

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 ( 10 nights ),hotel / hostel / lodge / cabin ( 12 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Overland expedition vehicle,4x4,Pirogue (dugout canoe),

Transportation & flights

Overland expedition vehicle,4x4,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. SENEGAL: 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 UK: Yes - In advance USA: Yes - In advance All passport holders travelling to Senegal now need a visa to enter the country, effective July 1st 2013. All applicants are required to first apply online for a bio-metric visa by visiting http://www.snedai.sn/en/ You must obtain a double entry visa and this should be obtained prior to your arrival and you may require a guarantee letter / hotel confirmation letter from Dragoman as part of your visa application. Australia and New Zealanders should use the Senegalese embassy in Malaysia as their closest option. For other nationalities the embassy in the UK may be the most convenient and you may require a guarantee letter from Dragoman as part of your visa application. Starting your trip in Dakar It may be possible to obtain your visa on arrival at Dakar Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport, but you must have obtained prior approval BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT (please do this well in advance) using the website http://www.snedai.sn/en/ THE GAMBIA: Australia: No - Not required Belgium: Yes - In advance Canada: Yes - In advance Germany: No - Not required Ireland: No - Not required Netherlands: Yes - In advance New Zealand: No - Not required South Africa: Yes - in advance Switzerland: Yes - In advance UK: No - Not required USA: Yes - In advance Some nationalities require a visa to visit The Gambia. If you require a visa it must be obtained in advance from an embassy overseas. Citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and some other countries do not need a visa for a stay of less than 90 days. Citizens of the USA, Canada, South Africa and some other countries do need a visa and should apply to their nearest Gambian embassy and ensure that the visa is obtained before arrival. GUINEA-BISSAU:: 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 for Guinea-Bissau will be obtained en route in Senegal.Alternatively if your trip is travelling in the other direction your visa will be obtained in Guinea. 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/ UNFENCED CAMP SITES: On some trips you will at times stay in unfenced camp sites within national parks. While this is a fantastic experience, there are a few safety rules to follow. While staying in national parks it's important that you listen to any advice given by your tour leader and the park rangers regarding responsible and safe behaviour. 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-DDOH

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