Trip Overview. Dakar to Cape Town. 134 days Overland expedition vehicle, 4x4, Pirogue (dugout canoe) 65% 35%

Transcription

1 Western Trans Africa, Sahel to the Cape, (ADW) Dakar to Cape Town 134 days, departing 25 Nov 2019 Contents Optional Activities Insurance Out of Office Hours Contact Luggage & Kit List Personal Medical Kit Passports Pre And Post Trip Accommodation And Connecting Flights Continuing Your Trip Contingency Emergency Fund Responsible Tourism Electrical A Few Rules Issues On The Trip Our Community Feedback Countries Visited Daily Itinerary Visa Information Important Notes Overland Lifestyle And Trip Suitability Tipping Who Travels With Dragoman? Accommodation On Tour The Kitty Group Size Our Crew And Guides Meals And Group Participation Dietary Requirements Itineraries British Foreign Office Travel Advice and Warnings Health Safety & Security Included Activities Trip Overview Trip Style: Overlanding Route: Duration: Transport: Accom: Route Map Dakar to Cape Town 134 days Overland expedition vehicle, 4x4, Pirogue (dugout canoe) 65% 35% Hotels, Guesthouses, Campsites, Wild Camps Physical Challenge: EASY EASY HARD Tours for people with high fitness levels and endurance. Lifestyle Challenge: HARD This is a trip for people with a real sense of adventure.

2 Countries Visited Angola Angola is a very large country on the South West coast of Africa. It is twice the size of France or Texas. As with many other countries in the region Angola has large mineral and petroleum deposits and is their most valuable economic resource. Due this it has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Despite this much of the population has a very low standard of living and the life expectancy is just 50 years. There is a large rural population. In the North people mostly live in villages however, in the South, there is a more nomadic existance due to cattle herding. Subsitance farming is common with the main plant grown being cassava. Large farming for exportation is increasing with cotton, coffe and sugar regaining popularity after the civil war. The main trial when expanding farming areas are the land mines that are left from this civil war, they are littered haphazardly throughout the countryside. Along the coastline fishing is very rich with a cold water current encouraging crab, lobster, mackrel and many more into the area. Angola is unusual in that it has a province that it separate from the main territory. This area is called Cabinda and is separated by a 60km stretch of the DRC. The Angolan culture has been influenced by Portugeuse colonialism and this influence can still be seen today. This is especially noticable by the amount of the population that speak Portuguese. Many of the ethnic groups have their own rituals and traditions that still remain to this day. These have been kept alive through oral histories, music and dance. There is a yearly 'National Festival of Angolan Culture' that runs from August to September which celebrates the diverse cultures within their communities. The Angolan national basketball team is the best in Africa and regularly competes in the Olympic Games and World Cup. As to be expected, football also plays a large part in the sporting culture of the country. It has also been hypothesised that Angola could have been the start of the martial art of Capoeira. Benin West Africa's voodoo capital Although small, Benin contains a myriad of incredible highlights and more than punches above its weight! Benin is probably most famous for the traditional vodun (voodoo) culture, which is widely practiced across the country - in the tiny coastal village of Grand Popo we often are lucky enough to witness an energetic and magical vodun celebration, where the whole village comes out to the sounds of drumming and singing. Further down the coast we find the historic town of Ouidah, which still bears the legacy of the tragic history of slave trading with its crumbling Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá and haunting Point of No Return memorial. Further inland we find the phenomenal floating village of Ganvie, where a whole society has emerged living on stilt huts in the middle of Lake Nokoué and has developed a fascinating and unique way of life. See local tribes, ruins & wildlife Further still inland we discover the town of Abomey, the ancient capital of the once-mighty Dahomey civilisation and home to its ruined Royal Palace and museum. At the far north of Benin we find the incredible double-storey mud huts of the Tata Somba people and the remote National Park of Pendjari, one of the best reserves of wildlife to be found in West Africa!

3 Cameroon Cameroon is a wonderfully diverse country with over 200 different languages, name Cameroon comes from Rio dos Camarões ( River of Prawns ). It is refered to as 'Africa in Minature' as it is so diverse. Côte d'ivoire Cameroon has a very high literacy rate and has many strong aspects of culture. This includes rythmic drumming, flute music, pottery, masks and leather work. Each major group within the country has it's own cultures and traditions. Sport plays a large part in the day to day life of the people of Cameroon. Traditionaly this includes canoe racing along the coast, wrestling, tug of war and running. Increasingly football is centre stage both at grass routes level and on the world stage with the 2000 Olympic Gold Medal being won by Cameroon. The womens national football team is known as the 'indomitable lionesses'! It should be noted that Malaria is present everywhere apart from in the mountains. However the standard of health is fairly good across the country compared to its surrounding nations. Just over half of the population is involved in farming in some way. Lots of this is on a small scale however they do contribute to the export of many goods especially cocoa beans, robusta coffe and sugar. Subsitsance farming is also common with families growing beans, yams, plantain and corn. Camaroon is fairly self sufficiant, it is able to provide enough food for its population and even exports some of its livestock to surrounding countries. Democratic Republic of the Congo The Democratic Republic of the Congo is named after the Congo River which runs through the Where tradition & modernity collide Côte d Ivoire is wonderfully rich in culture and natural attractions. The national anthem describes the country as a land of hope, which is indicative of the positive attitude of its people. Always friendly and welcoming, the good nature of the Ivorians will be encountered wherever you go. It s really the modernity that sets Côte d Ivoire apart from other West African nations. Abidjan is one of the most modern cities in West Africa, and its shimmering skyscrapers will astound. Yamoussoukro, the tiny official capital in the centre of the country, is famous as being the bizarre home of the colossal Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest Christian place of worship in the world! The north is decidedly less developed, and is a region where you can experience a more traditional way of life and more remote roads and villages set amongst the beautiful landscapes that dominate this part of the country. Gabon Gabon, on the west coast of the continent, is one of the area's most stable countries. GAbon gained independance from France in 1960 and since then

4 country. It is very densely populated, the 4th highest is Africa and 17th highest in the world. As well as being rich in culture and tradition with over 200 ethnic groups, the country is also very rich in natural resources. The DRC contibutes to much of the worlds cobalt, diamon and gold production. It is these precious metals and minerals that have led to the expoitation of the nation for many years and has led to much of its political instability. There is a large amount of rainfall throughout the DRC as can be expected of a country along the equator. This rainfall facilitates the huge rainforest that takes up much of the country and is the second largest in the world after the Amazon. As can be expected, there is a huge amount of biodiversity within this area. This includeds a large number of rare and endemic plants and animals such as the bonobo and the white rhino. Unfortunately these extremly bio-diverse areas are under threat due to the civil war that raged in the 90's, a high amount of poverty, logging and the 'bushmeat' issue. Many areas are listed as 'in danger' by UNESCO. Most of the countries population lives in rural areas. The villages spread throughout the country range from 10 to 200 houses with the biggest villages being home to approximately 500 people. Music is the most well known part of the Congolese culture. Many other African countries music is based on Congolese origins. At the moment the music in the DRC is a blend of Cuban, Congelese and West African. has had 3 presidents. Gabon gains a lot revenue from oil production. The majority of the population live in urban areas however, many of the 1.5 million people live in poverty. Approximately three quarters of the country is covered in thick rainforest which holds thousands of different plant and animal species. There is also a tree called the okoumé which is the staple part of the timber industry in the country. Much of Gabon culture and heritage is remembered through oral histories. because of this the country is renound for its myths, legends and folklore. Masks are also a key part of Gabons heritage. Their exquisitley crafted masks made from rare wood and precious materials are wolrd renound and are generally used in traditional celebrations and ceremonies. The music in Gabon is not as traditional as it's neighbours like Cameroon. As well as traditional drumming and folk music imported music such as rock and hip hop from the US and UK are also popular. Football is the national sport of Gabon, this is played mostly along the coast as the rainforest is so dense inland. Sports growing in populatriy include Basketball, Boxing adn Squash. Tourists are starting to enter the country more and more for trekking and biking.

5 Ghana Guinea West Africa's capital of culture Ghana was the first African country to gain independence from Britain, and today it is a proud and welcoming place. It has had a chequered post-colonial history, but certainly now appears to be forging ahead both economically and politically. It is a very friendly country, and the wonderful people are ever smiling and welcoming. Its beaches are the envy of all West African nations, its history and Ashanti culture is fascinating and it has some excellent National Parks. Internationally Ghana is acclaimed for its music, with Ghanaian artists such as Kofi Ghanaba giving concerts across the western world. The capital of Ghana is the bustiling coastal city of Accra, home to some fascinating museums, urban beaches, and many bars and restaurants to check out Ghana's delicious food and exciting nightlife. Explore beaches, jungles & national parks The central town of Kumasi is the centre of the Ashanti culture and home to one of the world's biggest markets where you can shop for all sorts of handicrafts and the colourful textiles that West Africa is famous for. On the coast there are the spectacular beaches of Elmina, the incredible jungles and canopy walkways of Kakum National Park, and the colossal old fort of Cape Coast, a haunting reminder of West Africa's slave-trading past. Beautiful, untouched countryside Guinea is a country that very few travellers ever visit, but can boast of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole of Africa, a strong musical tradition, and very friendly people. You will be awed by the beautiful forests of the north and the stunning grassy highlands and impressive waterfalls of the Fouta Djallon region, which provides some of the best trekking terrain in West Africa. In the thick humid jungles of the east we'll be able to look for some of the traditional vine bridges spanning over rivers and canyons, a particular highlight in this beautiful part of Guinea. Wild Camping in Guinea Guinea also contains some of the most beautiful and untouched countryside in West Africa, and we'll travel and wild camp through some incredible remote and challenging roads on our journey through the country. Rich in culture and tradition, Guinea is one of West Africa's most superb highlights! Ghana has a welcoming feeling and a unique and lively culture, and is perfect to start or end your

6 West African adventure in! Guinea Bissau Namibia Guinea Bissau, a former Portuguese colony, is one of the smallest nations in continental Africa. It is one of the world's least-visited countries, so you'll be greeted with a warm welcome and lots of curiosity! The nation is emerging from its turbulent past and will charm you with its off the beaten track feel and welcoming people. A nostalgic trip to West Africa The capital city of Bissau is a city suspended in time, with its crumbling colonial architecture, pastel coloured buildings, and narrow alleyways which are interesting to explore. Moving further inland, the mangrove-lined rivers and tropical vegetation kicks in, signalling a return to the more typical landscapes so associated with West Africa. A perfect intro to Africa overland Deep in the corner of Southern Africa lies the wonderful country of Namibia. It has a massively diverse mix of cultures, amazing wildlife, and a seemingly infinite range of landscapes from wild seascapes to rugged mountains, lonely deserts, colonial cities. A perfect place for an early trek to see the sunrise, the giant sand dunes and desolate salt pans of Sossusvlei and Sesriem are some of the most ethereal sights in Africa, and you'll be able to explore its surreal landscapes in-depth. The breathtaking views of sunset over the colossal Fish River Canyon are equally impressive! Namibia's incredible natural highlights also include the rugged mountain of Spitzkoppe, the bizarre Quiver Tree Forests of Keetmanshoop, and the hauntingly-desolate Namib Desert. Etosha National Park & Namibia Wildlife Namibia also contains some incredible wildlife, and the best place in the country for animal spotting is Etosha National Park in the north. Next to a huge salt pan, the park is packed full of zebras, antelopes, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, rhinos, and much more! On the Atlantic coast at Cape Cross we can see one of the world's largest seal colonies in their natural habitat. Swakopmund a laid-back coastal town and home to many pulse-raising optional activities, from quad-biking through the dunes, surfing the waves

7 in the ocean or exploring the Skeleton Coast from the air on a stunning scenic flight. The country is also home to a vast variety of fascinating cultures, including the resilient San tribes and the remarkable Himba people. Namibia is one of the least demanding African countries to travel in, but certainly one of the most rewarding. Nigeria Nigeria is one of the most colourful countries in West Africa. It is full of life and perfect for discovering the many treasures it has to offer. Nigeria grew rich very quickly in the oil boom of the seventies. Hospitals, schools, public buildings and excellent roads were built all over the country. Although it's not on most people's travel list, it's a fantastic for overlanding for that very reason. There are many national parks and forests across the country and these are home to some of the amazing wildlife of Nigeria. Most gather at the Gaji river and these range from elephants and lions to buffaloes and baboons. In the Yankari National Park has large herds of elephant, as well as giraffe, ostrich, lion, hippo and antelope so there is certainly a chance of sighting some of these. The main draw here is the Wiki Warm Springs. With a beautiful temperature of around 30 degrees, these glistening clear waters are an experience not to miss out on. Night life is Nigeria is lively and not to be missed on a visit. You can discover all types of music in the bars and clubs. Music is important in Nigeria and with over 250 ethnicity's, there is always different sounds to discover. The folk music played can bring communities together and playing instruments together is a popular factor of the music. Drum beats are well known across the ethnic groups, but the styles which are played are quite diverse. Nigeria is also one of the places where the xylophone is originally from. Music festivals are popular in Nigeria and are a chance to hear music from all over the country. Nigerian food is typical of West Africa. There ar many dishes to choose from, whether it contains rice, beans, meat, there is delicacies available all over the country. The popular meal of Suya is a kebab style meat that is barbecued, infused with spices from across the nation and skewered. Nigeria offers a new challenge everyday, and it is a chance to experience the animated life of West Africa. Republic of the Congo The Republic of the Congo is, historically, not one fo the most stable countries in the area. Civil wars and uprisings play a painful part in this countries history. Nealry half of the country lives in poverty even though they are a major producer of oil. It is this oil production that keeps the economy strong. Other areas of the economy include forestry, small farming areas and craft work. In 2010 the parliment brought in a new law to protect the rights of the indigenous people of the nation. This was the first ruling of its kind and will hopefully spread through the continent. The Congo has some very impressive landscapes including the massive Congo River, huge mountainscapes and over 150km of coastal beaches.this combined with large swathes of rainforest means that it is very hard to access much of the country. This means that most of the population live in the cities and along the coast. There is a lot of traditional heritage in the Congo such as ritual objects, masks and statue work. This differs from region to region within all the ethnic groups that are within the nation. There are also a number of colonial buildings and architecture that are being well looked after within the country especcially in Brazzaville. Tourism is not a major industry in the Congo. This is for a number of reasons, mainly that it is so inaccesible and the communications network it notoriously unreliable. Approximately a sixth of the country is protected. This is excellent for the forests, savannahs and plateaus which have plentiful amounts of gorillas, elephants, rhino's and wild dogs. There is also a large amount of birdlife which makes the Congo a 'must visit' destination for keen twitchers. One of the most dangerous creatures in the country are tsetse flies which can cause sleeping sickness if you are bitten by them, one to watch out for. As with many of the Western African countries, sport plays a large part in the nations identity. Football is by far and away the most popular.

8 Senegal Sierra Leone Go overland & experience the real Africa Senegal is one of West Africa's most fascinating destinations. Long white sandy beaches, a superb traditional music scene, a crumbling colonial heritage, a wide variety of landscapes from the dry Sahel of the north to the lush wetlands of the south, the abundant birdlife and friendly people make this a superb place for those who want to explore West African culture, or just kick back and get into the vibe of the real Africa. The cosmopolitan capital city of Dakar is the westernmost point of Africa, and has a beautiful coastal location, a temperate climate and a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the country's modern and diverse outlook. You can spend time browsing around the museums, the colourful markets, or just relaxing on the stunning beaches. Whether you want to mingle with the trendsetters of urban Africa or be bask in the serene sounds of nature, Senegal is the place to be. More than meets the eye Sierra Leone is one of the world's biggest travel secrets, with an exploration of the idyllic tropical beaches of the Freetown Peninsular reason enough to visit! The stunning white sands of Bureh Beach and River Number Two Beach are a paradise of palm trees, sunshine, calm ocean, and the gentle rhythm of local life. Lush mountains meet white sand and turquoise tropical waters, fitting many people's dream of perfection. However, many perceptions of Sierra Leone are quite different. With a sad history including slavery, civil war, and disease, Sierra Leone has endured its fair share of problems. Today the country has a functioning democracy and is moving on from a troubled past. The tenacity, affection and spirit of the people of Sierra Leone is what really defines the country. The capital Freetown is fast becoming a must-visit city in Africa and the lively bars and clubs are abuzz with the latest sounds and rhythms! Further inland is the curious and remote Tiwai Island Reserve, a spectacular sanctuary of wildlife including many primates, a huge array of birds, river turtles, and the elusive and extremely rare pygmy hippopotamus. Back near Freetown you'll find the famous Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which rescues chimpanzees and rehabilitates them into the wild.

9 Sierra Leone has huge potential for tourism, and now is the time to visit! South Africa The Gambia explore s.a overland South Africa is an unforgettable destination that you will want to travel to again and again. The city of Cape Town is where we start and end our journeys through South Africa, and it is one of the world's most scenic cities - with its stunning coastline, the spectacular Table Mountain dominating over it, and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most appealing cities. There are vineyards on its doorstep, adventure activities around every corner, gardens, beaches, and museums to explore, and plenty of restaurants and cafes to relax in. The Gambia is Africa's smallest country, hugging the shores of the mighty Gambia River. Although tiny, the Gambia contains some of the world's most stunning wetlands and a bewildering array of birdlife. A boat trip around the lush waterways of Tendaba is one of the best locations to spot herons, pelicans, egrets, ibises, hawks, falcons and much more - it's so good that many birdwatchers travel back to Gambia every year to get their fix! The Gambia's idyllic cocktail of sunny days, warm welcomes and the beautiful wildlife of the wetlands makes this a place you will not want to miss. Sample world famous wines & traditional cuisine South Africa has some truly delicious food to sample - from the traditional 'Potjiekos' stew to the meaty 'Boerewors' sausages and the famous dried biltong, you'll never be disappointed when trying the country's fantastic cuisine. South Africa's wine is deservedly world famous, and the region also gave the world Rooibos tea! The vibrant South African lifestyle is perfectly reflected in the music - from folk music to jazz, hip hop and pop, and traditional music still playing all over the country, the sounds of South Africa are beautifully diverse and an important factor in the country's culture. South Africa is a modern country with deep roots

10 in traditional African culture, and is a wonderful nation to explore! Togo A tiny narrow country tucked between Ghana and Benin, Togo is one of the most vibrant countries in West Africa and the traditional home of the vodun (voodoo) religion. Near to the sprawling capital of Lomé is the small village of Togoville, a historically significant settlement which is an incredible place to wander and get a taste of Togolese life. Togoville is a very important centre of the vodun religion, and you'll see many creepy 'fetishes' dotted throughout the town and may even get to meet a genuine vodun priestess! explore beautiful Togo landscapes Further inland you'll find beautiful and peaceful landscapes dotted with tiny villages. Near the highland town of Klouto there are some fantastic walks to take in the views and search for the colouful butterflies that inhabit the area. Klouto is also home to a talented drumming group who perfectly capture the energetic rhythms of life in Togo. Daily Itinerary

11 Day 1: Dakar ( Mon 25 Nov ) 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 telling you where this important meeting will take place. Your leader will collect your kitty and check your passport and insurance details at this meeting. The afternoon will be free to explore the cosmopolitan city and perhaps take an optional trip to the famous Île de Goreé. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Dakar before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Dakar. In Dakar we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. Hotel for the night: Hotel Al Baraka Hotel Al Baraka 35 Rue A. Karim Bourgi Dakar Senegal Tel Activity Approximate Cost Explore the atmospheric and historic Island of Goree XOF 5000 Explore Senegal's bustling capital, Dakar Free Discover the incredible beaches of N'gor and Yoff on the northern edge of the Dakar Peninsula Free See the controversial African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, completed in the tallest statue in Africa and built to symbolise Africa's emergence from European domination, it has been criticised by many for its 'Stalinist' design Free Visit the IFAN Museum of Arts (otherwise known as the Théodore Monod Museum), one of the best museums in Africa with 9000 objects of African art and culture from across the region, including traditional dress, masks, drums, and tools XOF 2500

12 Visit the Village des Arts, Dakar's hub for local artists to display and showcase their work in a large garden space Free About Dakar: Senegal's bustling, cosmopolitan capital of Dakar is always bursting with life. This is a city of busy streets, colourful markets and vibrant nightlife - at first it can seem chaotic, but embrace the rhythms of Dakar's life and you'll come to appreciate it just as much as the passionate people who live here. The beautiful Île de Gorée is worth a visit, and you can learn about some of the appalling history of the Atlantic slave trade that was once common there in the 18th Century. The Institut Fondamental d'afrique Noir (IFAN) Museum has some great displays of show masks and traditional dress from all across the country. Or you may prefer to just wander the streets, browsing the markets and soaking up the atmosphere. Dakar also has a lively arts scene and you may be able to find some great live music here! Day 2 to 3: St. Louis ( Tue 26 Nov to Wed 27 Nov ) 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 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 include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!). On the following day we will have a free day to explore the streets of the old city and take an optional trip to the Langue de Barbarie National Park or the nearby Djoudj Birdlife Reserve. In St. Louis we will stay in a colonial-era hotel with good facilities. Activity Explore Senegal's atmospheric colonial city of St. Louis Approximate Cost Free Marvel at the abundant birdlife in the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary XOF Explore the incredible landscapes of the Langue de Barbarie National Park on the tip of the sandy peninsular near St. Louis XOF 10000

13 Visit some of the museums of St. Louis, including the Jean Mermoz museum dedicated to the history of the pioneering French aviators that open up the air route from Africa to South America in the 1930s XOF 600 Visit the nearby Guembeul Nature Reserve, the centre for a gazelle reintroduction program and home to the African Spurred Tortoise XOF About St. Louis: St. Louis is an old French colonial town on the Atlantic coast of northern Senegal, nestled at the outflow of the Senegal River on the border with Mauritania. Founded in 1659 by French traders, the town became the capital of colonial Senegal - from 1895 it was also the capital of French West Africa, until both were moved to Dakar in St. Louis was once one of the most important urban centres in Africa, and although its status has become more diminshed since the rise of Dakar it still exhudes a relaxed atmosphere and remains very popular with travellers. The old town on the river's island of Ndar contains many atmospheric old streets and colonial buildings. The nearby Langue de Barbarie sand spit and Djoudj National Reserves are havens for some amazign birdlife such as pelicans and flamingos. Day 4 to 5: Touba, Toubakouta ( Thu 28 Nov to Fri 29 Nov ) 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 best known mosques in Senegal and most holy site in the Mouride branch of Islam. Estimated Drive Time hours. On our full day in Toubakouta we will have an optional morning pirogue trip to a nearby village to see a slice of rural Senegalese life and to meet their charismatic female chief. In the afternoon we have an included pirogue trip to the mangroves, the 'Shellfish Island' and the 'Island of Birds' - if the weather is good, there are often some stunning sunsets across the delta. In Toubakouta we will camp in the grounds of a small locally-run hotel. Activity Visit the stunning Grand Mosque of Touba, one of Africa's largest mosques and the holiest site of the Mouride Brotherhood, a sect of Islam that focuses on hard work as a form of salvation Approximate Cost Included in Kitty

14 Take an evening pirogue trip into the heart of the Sine-Saloum Delta to explore the fascinating islands and enjoy the spectacular sunset Included in Kitty Head out by pirogue to a nearby village to meet the locals (including their female chief!) and learn all about rural village life XOF 2500 About Touba: Touba is the second-largest city in Senegal and is the spiritual centre of the Mouride branch of Islam. The area was a remote wilderness until 1887, when Cheikh Amadou Bamba (the founder of the Mouride sect) is said to have had a moment of transcendence and decided to found the city of Touba here. The Mouride branch of Islam focuses on the doctrine of hard work, and sees working as holy an endaevour as prayer - Mourides make up about 40% of Senegal's population and are incredibly influential over the politics and culture of the country. At the centre of Touba is the Great Mosque, completed in 1963 and purported to be one of the largest mosques in Africa. The mosque has five minarets, three large domes, and is the burial place of Amadou Bamba. About Toubakouta: Situated amongst a maze of mangroves, the tiny town of Toubakouta is one of the most beautiful spots on the Sine-Saloum Delta. We base ourselves here to take boat trips into the Parc National du Delta du Saloum, which is teeming with birdlife, features some beautiful mangrove scenery, and is dotted with small islands and villages. Day 6 to 7: Tendaba ( Sat 30 Nov to Sun 01 Dec ) 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 on the southern shore of the Gambia River. The ferry can be quite a chaotic local experience! Tendaba Camp was the first inland hotel in The Gambia, and is one of the most popular spots in the country for birdwatchers. Estimated Drive Time hours (depending on the ferry crossing). Tendaba is located opposite the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, one of the premier birdwatching sites in Africa. On our full day here we will have an included morning boat trip into the wetlands to spot some of the stunning area's wildlife and natural scenery. We will also have an opportunity to take an optional safari drive around the nearby forests of Kiang West National Park. In Tendaba we will stay in a basic guesthouse. Activity Approximate Cost

15 Explore deep into the stunning wetland delta of the Bao Balong Reserve on a motorised pirogue, discovering one of Africa's best birdwatching areas Included in Kitty Take a fun safari truck ride through the dry deciduous forests of Kiang West National Park GMD 350 About Tendaba: Tendaba Camp, on the southern shore of the River Gambia, was the first inland hotel in the country. It remains incredibly popular with tourists and birdwatchers, many of whom return year upon year to immerse themselves in the wonderful birdlife of the area. The nearby Bao Bolong wetlands and Kiang West National Park comprise of some wonderful mangrove and woodland eco-systems, and are home to over 300 species of birds including vultures, harrier eagles, sand grouse, kingfishers, hawks and falcons! Day 8 to 10: Cap Skirring ( Mon 02 Dec to Wed 04 Dec ) 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 hours. We will have 2 full days in Cap Skirring, where there will be good opportunities for optional activities such as swimming, biking, fishing, quad-biking and sun-bathing! While in Cap Skirring, your co-driver will travel to the nearby town of Ziguinchor to obtain Guinea-Bissau visas for the group at the consulate there. In Cap Skirring we will camp in the grounds of a good beach hotel, where there will likely be the opportunity to upgrade to rooms. Activity Relax, sunbathe, swim and explore on the idyllic beaches of Cap Skirring and Kabrousse Approximate Cost Free Head out on a fishing trip on the Atlantic near Cap Skirring, having your catch for dinner that evening! XOF Go out on a great day trip on the pirogues along the coast of Cap Skirring and to some nearby scenic islands XOF 20000

16 Hire bikes to explore the beautiful coastline of the Altantic near Cap Skirring XOF 5000 Head on an exhilirating quad-biking expedition down the miles of sandy beaches on the Cap Skirring coast (when available) XOF About Cap Skirring: Cap Skirring is a town on the beautiful Atlantic coast of the Basse Casamance region of Senegal. It is a popular seaside resort with miles of palm-fringed sandy beaches and perfect ocean temperatures. The area has long been populated by fishermen, but the French immigrants first started to use the area for beach tourism back in the 1960s - today it is very popular with Senegalese and foreign tourists, and there are many optional beach activities available here. Day 11 to 12: Bissau ( Thu 05 Dec to Fri 06 Dec ) 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 hours. On the following day, we will have time to freely explore the city and the old Portuguese centre of Bissau Velho. In Bissau we will stay in a local hotel. About Bissau: Bissau is the small capital city of Guinea Bissau - its old Portuguese colonial centre of Bissau is noted for its crumbling pastel-coloured buildings, bustling backstreets and busy dock area. Still bearing the scars of the civil wars of , the city is quite under-developed - however, it does have a very unique atmosphere and is an interesting place to explore. Day 13 to 15: Northern Guinea, Labé ( Sat 07 Dec to Mon 09 Dec ) 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 Djallon highland region. The roads on this section are very challenging dirt roads which take us through some incredibly remote areas, and our speed will largely be determined by the state of these roads - although getting to these areas is very

17 special and a great adventure, even more flexibility will be required on these days! We will stop for 2 wild camps en route - the first is likely to be next to the Guinean border at Kandika, the second is likely to be in the highlands past the village of Seriba. In Labé we will stay in a pleasant local hotel. Estimated Drive Times hours each day. About Labé: The city of Labé is the second-largest in Guinea, and was founded around 1755 by the Muslim leader Karamoko Alpha mo Labé, who introduced Islam in the region in the 18th Century and founded a theocratic state in Fouta Djallon. The town is the gateway to the spectaclar Fouta Djallon highland region of northern Guinea. Day 16 to 17: Fouta Djallon, Labé ( Tue 10 Dec to Wed 11 Dec ) 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 hour drive). After lunch there will be a short 3-hour trek to a waterfall viewpoint and to the nearby 'Pont de Pierre' rock bridge where we have the change to swim in a beautiful natural lagoon. On this night we will stay in a very small and basic community-run guesthouse - please note that if the group is large, some people may need to sleep in tents just outside. On the second day there is a long 8-hour trek through the surrounding hills and villages taking in the incredible scenery. We will stop for a picnic lunch next to a stunning waterfall, where we have the opportunity to swim in the lagoon beneath. In the latter stages of the trek, we hope to be able to get to the base of a much larger and incredibly powerful waterfall, although this is dependent on the ground waters having receded enough after the rainy season to make this route passable. Upon returning after this walk, we will immediately drive back in the 4x4s to Labé to spend the night in our guesthouse there. Activity Guided 2-day excursion to the stunning highland region of Fouta Djallon, with treks through the scenic hills to the incredible waterfalls and local villages, and an overnight stay in a community guesthouse Approximate Cost Included in Kitty About Fouta Djallon: The dramatic highland landscape of the Fouta Djallon region consists of many towering sandstone formations, beautiful plains and

18 forests. Erosion by rain and rivers has carved deep canyons and valleys into the sandstone, and have produced some incredible waterfalls to visit- the area has some of the best hiking trails in West Africa, and during our time here we'll stay with a small local community in their tiny guesthouse! Day 18: Mamou ( Thu 12 Dec ) 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 guesthouse. Estimated Drive Time hours. About Mamou: Mamou is a city in a valley of the Fouta Djallon area of Guinea. It grew around the railway line from Conakry to Kankan, and soon became the local administrative headquarters. Day 19: Southern Guinea ( Fri 13 Dec ) Today we will continue our drive south through Guinea, stopping to wild camp close to the border with Sierra Leone. Estimated Drive Time hours. Day 20 to 21: Freetown Peninsula ( Sat 14 Dec to Sun 15 Dec ) 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 roads of Guinea. There are a few different options for which beaches we could choose to visit, our favourites being Bureh Beach at the south of the peninsular and River Number 2 Beach in the western part. Estimated Drive Time hours. We will have a full day for optional activities on the wonderful beaches - we could go fishing, take a boat to explore the Banana Islands, get to know the local communities, and of course relax on the beautiful beaches! On Freetown Peninsular we will camp on the beach, with some options to upgrade to basic guesthouses. Activity Relax on some of the best beaches in the Approximate Cost Free

19 world dotted along the Freetown Peninsula Take a boat trip to explore the beautiful and overgrown Banana Islands off the coast of the Freetown Peninsula USD 25 Visit the orphan chimpanzees at Tacaguma Chimpanzee Sanctuary outside of Freetown, a wonderful organisation that rehabilitates rescued chimpanzees for their return to the wild USD 15 Head out with the locals in their traditional wooden boats to try your hand at fishing USD 10 Hire surfboards to take out onto the waves of Bureh Beach, one of West Africa's best surfing spots USD 10 Head out on a diving trip around the reefs and shipwrecks off the Banana Islands USD 180 Snorkel through the idyllic waters off the Banana Islands near Freetown Peninsula USD 120 About Freetown Peninsula: Sierra Leone's capital city of Freetown is perched on the northern tip of a mountainous peninsular on the Atlantic coast. The peninsular is one of the most beautiful areas of Africa, and features some incredible tropical beaches - the beaches are lined with palm trees, have stunning white sands and glittering blue oceans, and are dotted with lively beach communities and fishing villages. We will normally camp on Bureh Beach, an idyllic stretch of coast on the southern peninsular which features some excellent surfing and boat trip opportunities. One highlight of a stay on the peninsular is to take a trip out to the nearby Banana Islands, a serene and historic island dotted with old buildings and ancient cannons. Day 22: Freetown ( Mon 16 Dec ) 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 hours.

20 Activity See the Freetown Cotton Tree, the city's most famous landmark and home to hundreds of bats that fly out at dusk Approximate Cost Free See the King's Yard Gate, where the ancestors of all modern Creole people will have passed through on their way to a free life after their rescue from illegal slaving ships Free Learn about Sierra Leone's traditional history and cultures at the National Museum Free Take a boat to the overgrown ruins of the old slaving fort of Bunce Island, from where the ancestors of most modern African- Americans were shipped to the New World USD 150 Visit the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum, a remarkable collection of old trains that was hidden from destruction for 30 years USD 5 About Freetown: Freetown, the lively capital of Sierra Leone, is steeped in history and culture. In 1787, British philanthropists founded the "Province of Freedom" which later became Freetown, a British crown colony and the principal base for the suppression of the slave trade. By 1792, 1200 freed slaves from Nova Scotia joined the original settlers, and the city began to grow as the new home for freed slaves. The city became the capital of British West Africa between 1808 and 1874, and was the base for the Royal Navy's mission to enforce the ban on the Atlantic slave trading. In more modern times, Freetown saw a lot of fierce fighting during the Sierra Leonean civil war, and in ultimately unsuccessful attacks from the rebel armies. Today, Freetown is a thriving and bustling city and the centre of Krio culture in West Africa. There are some wonderful highlights nearby, including the famous Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in the mountains overlooking the city. Day 23: Freetown ( Tue 17 Dec ) Border information: if you are joining in Freetown, you will most likely enter Sierra Leone at Freetown Lungi International Airport (IATA code: FNA). There will be an important group meeting at 10:00am at the joining

21 hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting. Your leader will collect your kitty and check your passport, visas, and insurance details at this meeting. The afternoon will be free to explore Freetown and it's surroundings. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Freetown before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Freetown. In Freetown we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. The fastest and most reliable way to Freetown from the airport is by water-taxi, as Lungi is across a bay from the city. The departure times for the water-taxis are linked to each flight in and out of the airport, so there will be transport available for you when you land. Exit the airport and walk to the right, and you'll see the water-taxi office at the end - you'll have to buy your ticket there for USD40 or EUR35, and check in your large bags. You'll take a minibus for 15 minutes, then the watertaxi for 30 minutes. The boat lands at the jetty, where you hand in your luggage ticket to get your large bags back. The jetty is in the Aberdeen district of Freetown, only a 200m walk from our hotel. Just walk up the hill to the main road - the Raza Guesthouse is slightly further down and on the other side of the road. Hotel for the night: Raza Guesthouse Raza Guesthouse 62 Sir Samuel Lewis Road Aberdeen Freetown Sierra Leone Tel Activity See the Freetown Cotton Tree, the city's most famous landmark and home to hundreds of bats that fly out at dusk Approximate Cost Free See the King's Yard Gate, where the ancestors of all modern Creole people will have passed through on their way to a free life after their rescue from illegal slaving ships Free Learn about Sierra Leone's traditional history and cultures at the National Museum Free Visit the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum, a remarkable collection of old trains that was hidden from destruction for USD 5

22 30 years Take a boat to the overgrown ruins of the old slaving fort of Bunce Island, from where the ancestors of most modern African- Americans were shipped to the New World USD 150 Day 24 to 26: Freetown Peninsula ( Wed 18 Dec to Fri 20 Dec ) Today we leave Freetown for the stunning beaches of Freetown Peninsular, where we will spend 3 nights. There are a few different options for which beaches we could choose to visit, our favourites being Bureh Beach at the south of the peninsular and River Number 2 Beach in the western part. Estimated Drive Time 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 include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!). We will have 2 full days for optional activities on the wonderful beaches - we could go fishing, take a boat to explore the Banana Islands, get to know the local communities, and of course relax on the beautiful beaches! On Freetown Peninsular we will camp on the beach, with some options to upgrade to basic guesthouses. Activity Visit the orphan chimpanzees at Tacaguma Chimpanzee Sanctuary outside of Freetown, a wonderful organisation that rehabilitates rescued chimpanzees for their return to the wild Approximate Cost USD 15 Relax on some of the best beaches in the world dotted along the Freetown Peninsula Free Take a boat trip to explore the beautiful and overgrown Banana Islands off the coast of the Freetown Peninsula USD 25 Head out with the locals in their traditional USD 10

23 wooden boats to try your hand at fishing Hire surfboards to take out onto the waves of Bureh Beach, one of West Africa's best surfing spots USD 10 Head out on a diving trip around the reefs and shipwrecks off the Banana Islands USD 180 Snorkel through the idyllic waters off the Banana Islands near Freetown Peninsula USD 120 Day 27 to 28: Tiwai Island Sanctuary ( Sat 21 Dec to Sun 22 Dec ) Leaving the Freetown Peninsular behind, today we have a full day's drive through Sierra Leone to the Tiwai Island Sanctuary, one of Sierra Leone's largest inland islands. Estimated Drive Time 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 search of the rare and colourful primates that inhabit the sanctuary, and if we're very lucky we may spot a very rare pygmy hippo! In Tiwai we will stay for 2 nights sleeping in tents perched on covered platforms. Activity Visit the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, home to one of the densest populations of primates and pygmy hippos in Africa, and enjoy several included walks around the web of trails on the island Approximate Cost Included in Kitty Take an optional canoe or motor boat tour through the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary (if available) USD 10 About Tiwai Island Sanctuary: Tiwai is a small island on the River Moa in southern Sierra Leone, and is home to one of the highest concentrations of primates in the world. The island contains many rare and endangered species such as the Diana monkey, Red and Olive Colobus monkeys, as well as many wild chimpanzees, who use stones as hammers and tree roots as anvils to crack open hard nuts. There are also around 135 different species of birds, including 8 types of hornbills and the White-breasted Guinea

24 fowl. Webs of trails weave through the Tiwai forest, allowing visitors and researchers to explore up to 50kms of walking paths. If you move silently through the forest, you may be lucky enough to spot some of the island's colourful primates or even the unique and elusive pygmy hippopotamuses! Day 29 to 30: Kabala ( Mon 23 Dec to Tue 24 Dec ) Over the next 2 days we will travel north up through Sierra Leone to the small town of Kabala. Kabala is famous for being an oasis of cool air in the hills of northern Sierra Leone, and for its traditional Ronko-dyed clothes - shirts or gowns made of strips of cloth, typically dyed a rusty reddish-brown using local pigments. 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. In Kabala we will stay in a basic local guesthouse. Estimated Drive Times hours each day. Activity Freely explore the markets of Kabala or walk to the top of the nearby Gbawuria Hill Approximate Cost Free About Kabala: The small town of Kabala is up in the cool Wara Wara hills of northern Sierra Leone, and its cool atmosphere can be a welcome relief from the heat of the coast! Surrounded by forests and hills, it has a serene atmosphere and some pleasant walks around the area. It is famous in Sierra Leone for the traditional red fabric-dyeing technique known as Ronko. Day 31 to 32: Faranah, Gberia Fotombu ( Wed 25 Dec to Thu 26 Dec ) Border information: Exit Sierra Leone and enter Guinea at Gberia- Fotombu. The next 2 days we will spend travelling through the remote border region between Sierra Leone and Guinea, driving through scenic areas very rarely visited by tourists and wild camping for a night en route. We will arrive at the small Guinean town of Faranah on the second day. The road conditions in this area can be pretty tough going and unpredictable, and progress can be greatly affected by the weather conditions, so flexibility is very important over these days. We will wild camp en route for the first night, and stay in a local guesthouse in Faranah on the second night.

25 Estimated Drive Times hours each day. About Gberia Fotombu: The roads between Faranah in Guinea and Kabala in Sierra Leone can be a serious challenge. Taking on narrow dirt forest roads, deep ruts and corrugations, fording rivers - this is rugged overlanding at its best, truly off the beaten track in a remote part of West Africa! Day 33: Guéckédou, Macenta ( Fri 27 Dec ) Today 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). In Macenta or Guéckédou we will stay in a small locally-run hotel. Estimated Drive Time hours. Day 34 to 35: Nzerekoré, Forested Guinea ( Sat 28 Dec to Sun 29 Dec ) Today we will continue through the forested region of Guinea, visiting one of the famous vine bridges (Pont de Liana) en route. We will arrive at the small town of Nzerekoré in the heart of Guinea's Forest Region. Estimated Drive Time hours. On the following day, we will have free time to explore the town, the nearby villages and the surrounding forests. In Nzerekoré we will stay in a small locally-run guesthouse. Activity Trek to the Pont de Liana, one of the phenomenal old vine bridges in the forested region of Guinea Approximate Cost Included in Kitty Freely explore the forested region of Guinea and the market town of Nzerekoré on foot Free About Forested Guinea: Forested Guinea (Guinée Forestière) is a forested mountainous region in south eastern Guinea, one of four natural regions in Guinea which covers around a quarter of the country. The region is known for its diverse ethnic population, including the Toma and Lissi groups, and also became a shelter for large numbers of refugees from the Sierra Leonean, Liberian, and Ivorian civil wars of the 1990s and 2000s. The area is also famous for its traditional vine bridges that are dotted around the area - the bridges are masterpieces of utilising the natural environment, using only the vines to make sturdy crossings that

26 span the wide rivers of the region. We will attempt to find a traditional 100-year old vine bridge on our journey through the beautiful area. Day 36 to 37: Western Côte d'ivoire ( Mon 30 Dec to Tue 31 Dec ) Border information: Exit Guinea at Gbakoré, enter Côte d'ivoire at Gbapleu. The next 2 days are spent crossing the border and driving through central Côte d'ivoire. These days 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 will largely be determined by the state of the roads. Both nights will be spent wild camping en route. Estimated Drive Times hours each day. Day 38 to 39: Korhogo ( Wed 01 Jan to Thu 02 Jan ) 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 hours. On the following day, we will head out on an included tour around many of the handicraft workshops in the area, visiting painters, bead makers, wood carvers and cloth weavers. We will also have time to freely explore the town and its surroundings. In Korhogo we will stay in a small local hotel. Activity See a performance of drumming and acrobatic dancing in the villages near Korhogo Approximate Cost USD 5 About Korhogo: The town of Korhogo in the north of Côte d'ivoire is famed for its various traditional handicrafts. On a tour around the area surrounding Korhogo, we will gain a fascinating insight into the life of the local Senoufo people and see some of the traditional crafts being made. We will usually visit a collective of painters, a ceramic jewellery workshop, a district of wooden mask carvers and a village of cloth weavers. It's a wonderful place to search out some souvenirs - be prepared to haggle! Day 40: Yamoussoukro ( Fri 03 Jan ) Today we will drive to Yamoussoukro, the tiny and bizarre capital of Côte d'ivoire. Yamoussoukro was the birthplace of Felix Houphouët- Boigny, the first president of independent Côte d'ivoire, and is also the

27 unusual location of the colossal and breathtaking Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest Christian church in the world. In the afternoon will have an included visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, and then have free time to further explore the small city. Estimated Drive Time hours. In Yamoussoukro we will stay in a local hotel. Activity Visit the opulent Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix, the largest Christian place of worship in the world Approximate Cost Included in Kitty About Yamoussoukro: The tiny town of Yamoussoukro is the official capital of Côte d'ivoire - although being much smaller and more isolated than the huge coastal city of Abidjan, Yamoussoukro was the hometown of the long-serving post-independence President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who decided it should be the country's capital and proceeded to spend exorbitant amounts of money on developing it. Most of that money was spent on his showpiece project, the Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix. Despite such a low percentage of the population actually being Catholic, the President spent hundreds of millions of dollars on this grand basilica - based on St. Peter s in the Vatican, the basilica is the largest Christian place of worship in the world! The tiny town itself also boasts six-lane highways that lead nowhere, a bizarre 1960s-futuristic hotel, and the secretive Presidential Palace - Yamoussoukro is a surreal place that has to be seen to be believed! Day 41 to 43: Grand Bassam ( Sat 04 Jan to Mon 06 Jan ) Today we will drive to the Atlantic coast, arriving at the old French colonial capital of Grand Bassam situated east of Abidjan. Estimated Drive Time hours. On the following two days, we will have free time to explore the old colonial town and to relax on the beautiful beaches around our hotel. In Grand Bassam we will stay in a local hotel on the beach. Activity Discover the stunning beaches and old colonial buildings of Grand Bassam, the original French capital of Côte d'ivoire Approximate Cost Free Visit the National Museum of Costume, which showcases the cultural dresses of the different tribes of Côte d Ivoire XOF 2000 About Grand Bassam:

28 The tiny town of Grand Bassam was for a short time the French colonial capital between 1893 and 1896, before a bout of yellow fever forced them to move the capital up the coast to Bingerville. Grand Bassam is a pleasant town with a small old colonial centre, and is a great place to kick back and relax on the serene beaches. Day 44 to 45: Elmina ( Tue 07 Jan to Wed 08 Jan ) Border information: Exit Côte d'ivoire at Elubo, enter Ghana at Elubo. Today we cross into Ghana and then head east along the Atlantic coast to the beaches of Beru Akyinim near the historic town of Elmina. Estimated Drive Time hours. On the following day, we will get involved with the currently community projects being run in the Elmina area by the SABRE Charitable Trust. The Trust does very valuable work in developing educational projects across Ghana, with a focus on providing early-years education - we have been visiting their projects and providing a day of help and a donation for many years, allowing us to give a little back and to experience a wonderful bit of community interaction. The exact experience will depend on what the Trust has a need for at the time, but we could be asked to help to paint a classroom, do a bit of gardening in one of the schools, or simply come and play some games with the kids! We will also have time for an optional visit to Elmina Castle and to relax on the beautiful beaches on Ghana's Atlantic Coast. In Elmina we will camp at a stunning beach resort. Activity Visit and explore the historic Elmina Castle Approximate Cost GHC 20 About Elmina: The beaches along the Ghanaian coast near the town of Elmina are some of best in West Africa. The local people here rely heavily on fishing and cultivating coconuts, pineapples and groundnuts to make a living. Over the last few years Dragoman have been involved with the Sabre Trust, a local grass-roots charity which is working to improve education for all of the children here. Originally the school here was in a terrible state of disrepair and extremely under-resourced, but gradually this is beginning to improve largely due to the work of the Sabre Trust. On Dragoman's overland trips through Elmina, we get involved with a variety of projects at the school. Depending on your group's skills and the school's needs, you could be getting your hands dirty helping out with small building projects, participating in educational workshops, or even helping with the teaching. Getting involved at the school is a great opportunity to lend a hand and give something back to the local people here, albeit in a small way. It's also a great chance to experience everyday Ghanaian life at first hand, getting to know the

29 local children and their families. Day 46: Kakum National Park, Cape Coast ( Thu 09 Jan ) Today we will head into the nearby town of Cape Coast for a fascinating and moving tour of the old slave fort there. We will then drive inland 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 or stingless bee centre en route. In Kakum National Park we will camp in the grounds of the Park HQ. Estimated Drive Time hours. Activity Visit to the stunning jungles of Kakum National Park and walk through the rainforests at night Approximate Cost Free Explore the incredible rainforest canopy from the unique suspended bridges in Kakum National Park Included in Kitty Learn all about the area's stingless bees and their importance to the local ecology at the International Stingless Bee Centre near Kakum National Park (if time allows) GHC 10 Visit the Monkey Forest Resort Animal Sanctuary near Kakum NP, a sanctuary for animals rescued from poachers (if time allows) GHC 15 Learn all about the appalling history of the Atlantic slave trade with a tour of the historic Cape Coast Castle Free About Kakum National Park: Kakum National Park is a protected area of dense rainforest in southern Ghana, just inland of Cape Coast. The forest contains some very rare wildlife such as pygmy elephants, forest buffalo and an incredible array of birdlife, which we may be lucky enough to spot on a night walk through the winding maze of paths that criss-cross through the trees. We will also take an early morning walk along the canopy walkways

30 that are set up amongst the tops of the trees, which offer a unqiue and unobtrusive way for travellers to experience the forest. About Cape Coast: The bustling fishing town of Cape Coast is home to a huge old fort, one of many built by Europeans along the Atlantic coast in the 17th and 18th centuries. These forts were built to protect the various nations' interests in the trading of ivory, gold and slaves. The Cape Coast Fort is the largest and one of the best-preserved of these forts - originally constructed by Swedish traders in 1653, it changed hands between Danish, Dutch, and eventually British powers, and was steadily extended into the huge structure that exists today. It became primarly used for slave trading throughout the 18th Century, until the British abolished slavery in 1807 and the fort became a base from which the Atlantic slave trade was fought against. A visit here is very thought-provoking and harrowing, seeing the same cells where unfortunate slaves were held in appalling conditions before being loaded onto ships to the New World. Day 47 to 48: Kumasi, Kakum National Park ( Fri 10 Jan to Sat 11 Jan ) 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 will have the place to ourselves! We will then journey north through Ghana's interior to the historic town of Kumasi. Estimated Drive Time hours. On the following day, we will have lots of time for free exploration of the fascinating town and its museums. Kumasi is the home of West Africa's largest market and was the centre of the Ashanti Kingdom. In Kumasi we will stay in a local guesthouse. Activity Approximate Cost Visit to Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti kingdom and culture GHC 10 Freely explore the bustling and colossal centre of Kejetia, the largest market in West Africa Free Visit the National Cultural Centre and the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum to learn all about the history and culture of the Ashanti civilisation, of which Kumasi is still the GHC 5

31 capital Find out all about the British-Ashanti Wars of the 19th century on a guided tour of the Ghana Armed Forces Museum in Kumasi GHC 8 Escape the city and explore the shore of Lake Bosumtwe, a circular lake formed by a meteorite crash 100 million years ago GHC 30 About Kumasi: Kumasi is the ancient capital of the Ashanti Empire, once one of the most important powers in Africa and a well-studied military power that dominated the area between 1700 and Now it is a thriving, bustling, provincial city with a lively atmosphere, and enjoys semiautonomous status as the centre of the modern Ashanti culture. The locals are proud of their Ashanti heritage, and you can learn all about the fascinating history in the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and Manhiya Palace Museum. Kumasi also boasts the labyrinth-like Kejetia market - it is the largest market in the whole of West Africa, and well worth exploring. Day 49: Accra ( Sun 12 Jan ) Today we will drive to Accra, the chaotic capital of Ghana! We will have free time on arrival to explore the city. In Accra we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. Estimated Drive Time hours. Activity Approximate Cost Explore the fascinating and chaotic Ghanaian capital city of Accra GHC 5 Learn all about the history and culture of Ghana in the National Museum GHC 40 Visit the famous Labadi Beach situated on the outskirts of Accra GHC 5 Freely explore the huge Independence Square and Black Star Arch in Accra, where independence was celebrated in 1957 Free

32 Freely explore the area of Jamestown, Accra's oldest district and a vibrant fishing area Free Visit the outside of the famous Osu Castle, the seat of power in Ghana since the 1600s Free About Accra: Ghana's sprawling capital of Accra is a bustling coastal city boasting a lively atmosphere and some busy urban beaches full of musicians, acrobats and souvenir sellers. The Perpetual Flame at the Cenotaph in Revolution Square is worth a look, and the National Museum houses one of the best collections in all of West Africa. Next to the museum you will also find a good craft market, perfect for a bit of souvenir shopping. In the evening you can sample Accra's lively nightlife, heading out to one of the many bars and restaurants that can be found all over this surprising city. Day 50: Accra ( Mon 13 Jan ) 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 from your leader with more details about this important meeting. Your leader will collect your kitty and check your passport, visas, and insurance details at this meeting. The afternoon will be free to explore the city of Accra. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Accra before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Accra. In Accra we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. Hotel for the night: Niagara Plus Hotel Niagara Plus Hotel 4th Lane (Behind Koala Osu) Osu Accra Ghana Tel Please note that in Accra there are 3 Niagara hotels: Niagara Hotel, Niagara Inn and Niagara Plus Hotel. The Niagara Plus is located in an area of Accra known as Osu, and this is where our groups stay. Activity Approximate Cost

33 Explore the fascinating and chaotic Ghanaian capital city of Accra GHC 5 Learn all about the history and culture of Ghana in the National Museum GHC 40 Visit the famous Labadi Beach situated on the outskirts of Accra GHC 5 Freely explore the huge Independence Square and Black Star Arch in Accra, where independence was celebrated in 1957 Free Freely explore the area of Jamestown, Accra's oldest district and a vibrant fishing area Free Visit the outside of the famous Osu Castle, the seat of power in Ghana since the 1600s Free Day 51: Accra ( Tue 14 Jan ) Today we will apply for Togo visas at the Togolese Embassy in Accra. Day 52: Akosombo ( Wed 15 Jan ) This morning we will leave Accra and head north to the village of Akosombo. In Akosombo we will stay in a campsite next to the River Volta. Estimated Drive Time 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 include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!). About Akosombo: The small town of Akosombo lies on the serene banks of Lake Volta, one of the world's largest artificially-created lakes. It was formed in the 1960s after the construction of the nearby Aksombo Dam, which supplies around 70% of the country's electricity demands.

34 Day 53: Mont Klouto ( Thu 16 Jan ) Border information: Exit Ghana at Klouto, enter Togo at Klouto. Today we will have a full day's drive to the spectacular Mont Klouto, crossing the border into Togo. Estimated Drive Time hours. In Mont Klouto we will stay in a campsite, with the option to upgrade to dorm accommodation. About Mont Klouto: Hidden away in mountains of central Togo is the serene village of Mont Klouto - only a couple of hours north of Lomé, it is a welcome relief from the heat of the coast. The mountains here are covered in dense forest, punctuated by gently cascading streams and waterfalls. A nature reserve has been established in the area because Klouto is an important habitat for butterflies - over 500 different species can be found here, many of them incredibly beautiful. It's an ideal place for doing some short hikes, and you can take a guided walking butterfly safari through the forests with a local naturalist guide. Day 54: Mont Klouto ( Fri 17 Jan ) Today we will have a free day around the beautiful Mont Klouto region, with the opportunity to head out on optional forest walks or to visit Kpalimé town nearby. In the evening, we will head to the village centre to see a spectacular show of drumming and dancing from the local villagers. Day 55 to 56: Central Togo ( Sat 18 Jan to Sun 19 Jan ) Over the next 2 days we will drive up the length of Togo, all the way through the remote northern border with Benin. We will wild camp for 1 night en route. Estimated Drive Times hours each day. Day 57: Togoville ( Mon 20 Jan ) This morning we will head to the beach while we are watingin for our visas to be processed. Time to relax before we head into Benin tomorrow! About Togoville: Togoville is a small town on the shores of Lake Togo, renowned as the historic centre of voodoo culture. Many practitioners of voodoo were taken from here to Haiti as slaves, which is why there is also a strong voodoo culture in Haiti even though it's thousands of miles away. There are still a few voodoo shrines and fetishes around the area today. Interestingly, there is also a German church here, dating back to 1910.

35 Chief Mlapa III signed a treaty with German explorer Nachtigal in 1884, giving Germany the rights over all of Togoland. The church sits on a large terrace, dominating the lake with the village spread out in a semicircle below, decorated with painting of African Saints and a statue of Our Lady of Lake Togo. Day 58 to 59: Grand Popo ( Tue 21 Jan to Wed 22 Jan ) Border information: Exit Togo at Ketao, enter Benin at Ouaké. Today we will cross the border into Benin, before continuing our journey to the Tata Somba region close to the town of Tanguiéta. Today we will have a free day at Grand Popo for relaxing on the beach or taking a pirogue trip around the nearby ocean and mangroves. There is also an option this evening to visit an incredible local vodun (voodoo) ceremony in the nearby village, complete with very energetic dancing and incredible magic tricks! It may also be possible to take a night walk in search of Atlantic turtles, which lay their eggs on the beaches between November and March. About Grand Popo: Grand Popo, located in the far south west corner of Benin, is a great place for a bit of rest and relaxation on the beach. The town was originally a colonial port, although coastal erosion has destroyed most of the old buildings. It is a pleasant coastal village with a strong Vodun culture and some mangroves to explore nearby. Day 60: Ouidah ( Thu 23 Jan ) Today we will take a very interesting half-day tour of the sites in Ouidah, including the Voodoo Python Temple, the "Route des Esclaves" (Slave Route), La Maison du Brésil art gallery and the Ouidah Museum of History in the old Portuguese Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá. We may hopefully see many of the local fishermen bringing their catch in. In Ouidah we will camp at an auberge on the beach. Estimated Drive Time hours. About Ouidah: Benin is a country that takes the Vodun religion very seriously - it is recognised as an official religion and is practiced by over 60% of the population. Vodun is spread over wide areas of West Africa and spawned the related beliefs of Candomble in Brazil and Voodoo in the Caribbean. The tiny town of Ouidah is one of the centres Vodun culture, and hosts many voodoo festivals and celebrations throughout the year. The town also has a fascinating and colourful history, and was an important port town during the days of the Atlantic slave trade. The "Route des Escalves" is a 4km road between the Ouidah's History

36 Museum and the beach, and is probably the same road along which thousands of slaves travelled on their way to board the slaving ships for the New World. The Portuguese, English and French all constructed forts here to protect their trading interests - the old Portuguese Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá now houses a museum that gives you a unique glimpse into the terror and destruction that the slave trade wreaked on this part of the world - interestingly the 5-hectare fort was once the smallest recognised enclave in the world, as it was officially part of Portugal until its final annexation in 1961 which expelled the last two occupants. The town is also home to the fascinating Temple of the Python - the serpent deity Dangbé has been revered in the Ouidah area for centuries, and this temple in his honour is home to dozens of the sacred pythons which freely roam the grounds. Day 61: Ganvie ( Fri 24 Jan ) This morning we will drive to Abomey-Calavi (a port on the outskirts of Cotonou), where we say goodbye to the truck for the night and jump aboard motorised pirogues to Ganvie, a fascinating town built entirely on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoué. Today we will have an included tour of the stilt town of Ganvie, exploring deeper on our pirogues and soaking up the unique way of life in the floating village. In Ganvie we will stay in a basic hotel in the stilt village itself! Estimated Drive Time hours. About Ganvie: Ganvie is a phenomenal feat of human ingenuity - home to more than 20,000 people, the village is built entirely on stilts in the middle of the large Lake Noukoue and can only be reached by pirogue (dug-out canoe). The ancestors of the Tofinu people used the lake as a refuge from slave traders from the Fon and Dahomey tribes in the 17th Century and the Tofinu have lived on the lake ever since - the stilt village has slowly grown over the past few hundred years. The largest lake village in the whole of Africa, the local people here depend on fishing and fish farming for their livelihoods. Day 62 to 63: Abomey ( Sat 25 Jan to Sun 26 Jan ) Our journey today continues to Abomey, the ancient capital of the Dahomey kingdom. On arrival we will take an included tour of the Dahomey Palace and Museum. In Abomey we will stay in a campsite, with the possibility to upgrade to rooms for the night. Estimated Drive Time hours. About Abomey: Abomey is the ancient capital of the Dahomey Kingdom, once one of

37 the most powerful empires in Africa. The Dahomey Empire developed on the Abomey plateau in around the year 1600 CE, becoming an important regional power in the 18th Century after conquering key cities on the Atlantic coast. The Dahomey economy was built around conquest, slavery and international trade, and the civilisation was one of the most important practicioners of the Vodun religion in Africa. They were defeated by French colonial forces in You can still see some of the original Dahomey palaces and treasures here, and the Musée Historique d Abomey is a great place to learn about the history of the region. The palace is full of gold, silver, thrones, and tapestries of bloody battles, a testament to the prodigious wealth of this once-great kingdom. Day 64 to 72: Nigeria ( Mon 27 Jan to Tue 04 Feb ) Today is where our true adventure begins! We will be making our way through the next 6 countries without a fixed itinerary. We will be keeping a close eye on the travel advice for each area that we head towards. This starts with the next 8 days through Nigeria. Some of the highlights we may experience include the impressive Usman Dam, Abuja National Mosque, Lekki Market and the beautiful Yankari National Park. We will be wild camping for the majority of this trip from now on, experiencing the true life and culture of the towns and villages we stop in. About Nigeria: Nigeria is one of the most colourful countries in West Africa. It is full of life and perfect for discovering the many treasures it has to offer. Nigeria grew rich very quickly in the oil boom of the seventies. Hospitals, schools, public buildings and excellent roads were built all over the country. Although it's not on most people's travel list, it's a fantastic for overlanding for that very reason. There are many national parks and forests across the country and these are home to some of the amazing wildlife of Nigeria. Most gather at the Gaji river and these range from elephants and lions to buffaloes and baboons. In the Yankari National Park has large herds of elephant, as well as giraffe, ostrich, lion, hippo and antelope so there is certainly a chance of sighting some of these. The main draw here is the Wiki Warm Springs. With a beautiful temperature of around 30 degrees, these glistening clear waters are an experience not to miss out on. Night life is Nigeria is lively and not to be missed on a visit. You can discover all types of music in the bars and clubs. Music is important in Nigeria and with over 250 ethnicity's, there is always different sounds to discover. The folk music played can bring communities together and playing instruments together is a popular factor of the music. Drum beats are well known across the ethnic groups, but the styles which are played are quite diverse. Nigeria is also one of the places where the xylophone is originally from. Music festivals are popular in Nigeria and are a chance to hear music from all over the country.

38 Nigerian food is typical of West Africa. There ar many dishes to choose from, whether it contains rice, beans, meat, there is delicacies available all over the country. The popular meal of Suya is a kebab style meat that is barbecued, infused with spices from across the nation and skewered. Nigeria offers a new challenge everyday, and it is a chance to experience the animated life of West Africa. Day 73 to 84: Cameroon ( Wed 05 Feb to Sun 16 Feb ) Now we will head out of Nigeria into Cameroon. We have allocated another 11 days here. We may have the chance to apply for some visas during our time in Cameroon. Highlights of the country include Douala with its bustling shopping and nightlife as well as Yaounde which is where we will find the National Museum. There will be opportunities to relax by the beach as well as spend time in the foothills of Mount Cameroon which is one of Africa's biggest volcanoes. About Cameroon: Cameroon is a wonderfully diverse country with over 200 different languages, name Cameroon comes from Rio dos Camarões ( River of Prawns ). It is refered to as 'Africa in Minature' as it is so diverse. Cameroon has a very high literacy rate and has many strong aspects of culture. This includes rythmic drumming, flute music, pottery, masks and leather work. Each major group within the country has it's own cultures and traditions. Sport plays a large part in the day to day life of the people of Cameroon. Traditionaly this includes canoe racing along the coast, wrestling, tug of war and running. Increasingly football is centre stage both at grass routes level and on the world stage with the 2000 Olympic Gold Medal being won by Cameroon. The womens national football team is known as the 'indomitable lionesses'! It should be noted that Malaria is present everywhere apart from in the mountains. However the standard of health is fairly good across the country compared to its surrounding nations. Just over half of the population is involved in farming in some way. Lots of this is on a small scale however they do contribute to the export of many goods especially cocoa beans, robusta coffe and sugar. Subsitsance farming is also common with families growing beans, yams, plantain and corn. Camaroon is fairly self sufficiant, it is able to provide enough food for its population and even exports some of its livestock to surrounding countries.

39 Day 85 to 90: Gabon ( Mon 17 Feb to Sat 22 Feb ) We now pass into our next destination, Gabon. We will spend 6 days travelling through this vibrant country. This is the point where the tarmac runs out, we will be getting used to dirt roads from now on! There may be options for time on safari here as much of Gabon is rainforest. This could be in Lambarene or Loango National Park which are barely inhabited by people and the wildlife is protected. There are also many Bwiti rituals in these areas. About Gabon: Gabon, on the west coast of the continent, is one of the area's most stable countries. GAbon gained independance from France in 1960 and since then has had 3 presidents. Gabon gains a lot revenue from oil production. The majority of the population live in urban areas however, many of the 1.5 million people live in poverty. Approximately three quarters of the country is covered in thick rainforest which holds thousands of different plant and animal species. There is also a tree called the okoumé which is the staple part of the timber industry in the country. Much of Gabon culture and heritage is remembered through oral histories. because of this the country is renound for its myths, legends and folklore. Masks are also a key part of Gabons heritage. Their exquisitley crafted masks made from rare wood and precious materials are wolrd renound and are generally used in traditional celebrations and ceremonies. The music in Gabon is not as traditional as it's neighbours like Cameroon. As well as traditional drumming and folk music imported music such as rock and hip hop from the US and UK are also popular. Football is the national sport of Gabon, this is played mostly along the coast as the rainforest is so dense inland. Sports growing in populatriy include Basketball, Boxing adn Squash. Tourists are starting to enter the country more and more for trekking and biking. Day 91 to 99: Republic of the Congo ( Sun 23 Feb to Mon 02 Mar ) Now onto 8 days in the Republic of the Congo. This is where we really prepare for the unexpected! Digging out the truck, huge potholes and overgrown passages can make this country feel truly wild. We will only

40 pass through this country with the whole team working together. The people in this country are renound for their hospitable welcomes and we will find smiling faces wherever we go, from Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park (home to Gorilla's), to Pointe-Noire (where the beaches are renound) we will be greeted with open arms. About Republic of the Congo: The Republic of the Congo is, historically, not one fo the most stable countries in the area. Civil wars and uprisings play a painful part in this countries history. Nealry half of the country lives in poverty even though they are a major producer of oil. It is this oil production that keeps the economy strong. Other areas of the economy include forestry, small farming areas and craft work. In 2010 the parliment brought in a new law to protect the rights of the indigenous people of the nation. This was the first ruling of its kind and will hopefully spread through the continent. The Congo has some very impressive landscapes including the massive Congo River, huge mountainscapes and over 150km of coastal beaches.this combined with large swathes of rainforest means that it is very hard to access much of the country. This means that most of the population live in the cities and along the coast. There is a lot of traditional heritage in the Congo such as ritual objects, masks and statue work. This differs from region to region within all the ethnic groups that are within the nation. There are also a number of colonial buildings and architecture that are being well looked after within the country especcially in Brazzaville. Tourism is not a major industry in the Congo. This is for a number of reasons, mainly that it is so inaccesible and the communications network it notoriously unreliable. Approximately a sixth of the country is protected. This is excellent for the forests, savannahs and plateaus which have plentiful amounts of gorillas, elephants, rhino's and wild dogs. There is also a large amount of birdlife which makes the Congo a 'must visit' destination for keen twitchers. One of the most dangerous creatures in the country are tsetse flies which can cause sleeping sickness if you are bitten by them, one to watch out for. As with many of the Western African countries, sport plays a large part in the nations identity. Football is by far and away the most popular. Day 100 to 111: Democratic Republic of the Congo ( Tue 03 Mar to Sat 14 Mar ) We will be passing through a small portion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as we make our way to Angola. Here we have the option of travelling West and visiting Kinshasa or, if it is in our best interests to

41 do so, we can visit the enclave of Cabina, which is part of Angola. We should be able to view the Crystal Mountains range and have the option to climb Mont Mangengenge, a pilgrimage site for local people. You will probably be overtaken by the Congolese praying step by step as they ascend. The DRC is also home to the only Bonobo sanctuary in the world, definitely worth a visit! About Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Democratic Republic of the Congo is named after the Congo River which runs through the country. It is very densely populated, the 4th highest is Africa and 17th highest in the world. As well as being rich in culture and tradition with over 200 ethnic groups, the country is also very rich in natural resources. The DRC contibutes to much of the worlds cobalt, diamon and gold production. It is these precious metals and minerals that have led to the expoitation of the nation for many years and has led to much of its political instability. There is a large amount of rainfall throughout the DRC as can be expected of a country along the equator. This rainfall facilitates the huge rainforest that takes up much of the country and is the second largest in the world after the Amazon. As can be expected, there is a huge amount of biodiversity within this area. This includeds a large number of rare and endemic plants and animals such as the bonobo and the white rhino. Unfortunately these extremly bio-diverse areas are under threat due to the civil war that raged in the 90's, a high amount of poverty, logging and the 'bushmeat' issue. Many areas are listed as 'in danger' by UNESCO. Most of the countries population lives in rural areas. The villages spread throughout the country range from 10 to 200 houses with the biggest villages being home to approximately 500 people. Music is the most well known part of the Congolese culture. Many other African countries music is based on Congolese origins. At the moment the music in the DRC is a blend of Cuban, Congelese and West African. Day 112 to 120: Angola ( Sun 15 Mar to Mon 23 Mar ) Our final country with no fixed itinerary is Angola. This is a country that is still making it's way back from years of civil war. Due to this tourists are not seen very regularly, in fact, we may be the first tourists to travel through some villages. We also have the chance to test out our Portuguese here. Close to where we enter the country is Turtle Beach where endangered Olive Ridley Turtles hatch through September to March. The National Museum of Slavery near Lobito is a stark reminder of Angolas past. Other highlights include Kalandula Falls and Quicama National Park. About Angola: Angola is a very large country on the South West coast of Africa. It is twice the size of France or Texas. As with many other countries in the

42 region Angola has large mineral and petroleum deposits and is their most valuable economic resource. Due this it has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Despite this much of the population has a very low standard of living and the life expectancy is just 50 years. There is a large rural population. In the North people mostly live in villages however, in the South, there is a more nomadic existance due to cattle herding. Subsitance farming is common with the main plant grown being cassava. Large farming for exportation is increasing with cotton, coffe and sugar regaining popularity after the civil war. The main trial when expanding farming areas are the land mines that are left from this civil war, they are littered haphazardly throughout the countryside. Along the coastline fishing is very rich with a cold water current encouraging crab, lobster, mackrel and many more into the area. Angola is unusual in that it has a province that it separate from the main territory. This area is called Cabinda and is separated by a 60km stretch of the DRC. The Angolan culture has been influenced by Portugeuse colonialism and this influence can still be seen today. This is especially noticable by the amount of the population that speak Portuguese. Many of the ethnic groups have their own rituals and traditions that still remain to this day. These have been kept alive through oral histories, music and dance. There is a yearly 'National Festival of Angolan Culture' that runs from August to September which celebrates the diverse cultures within their communities. The Angolan national basketball team is the best in Africa and regularly competes in the Olympic Games and World Cup. As to be expected, football also plays a large part in the sporting culture of the country. It has also been hypothesised that Angola could have been the start of the martial art of Capoeira. Day 121 to 122: Etosha National Park ( Tue 24 Mar to Wed 25 Mar ) Today we head west to the stunning Etosha National Park.

43 Etosha is one of the world's most pre-eminent wildlife areas, and we have an excellent chance to spot some of Africa's most famous animals such as elephant, lion, giraffe, zebra, leopard, oryx, impala, and rhino! We will stay in the park for 2 days, giving us plenty of opportunity for game drives in our truck in search of the animals here. In Etosha National Park we will stay in a mixture of the campsites of Namutoni, Halali or Okaukuejo according to availability, all of which are superbly located within the National Park, have excellent facilities and are situated next to watering holes where many animals come for a drink at night. Estimated Drive Time hours each day. About Etosha National Park: Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa's most important game reserves, home to a huge range of wildlife including many big carnivores as well as five rare or endangered species - the Black Rhino, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, Black Faced Impala, Roan Antelope and the tiny Damara Dik Dik - and because Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, there are large herds of elephant, antelope and other herbivores. Etosha means "Great White Place" in the local language, describing the massive mineral pan that dominates the National Park's landscape. The wildlife here is prolific and Etosha has every right to proclaim itself as one of the world's most pre-eminent wildlife reserves. Game viewing in the park is superb due to the man-made water holes and the large sparsely-vegetated pans, which make it easier to get good sightings of many of the animals. The bushland surrounding the pans is more difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to make most visits very worthwhile. Day 123: Windhoek ( Thu 26 Mar ) About Windhoek: The old German colonial town of Windhoek has evolved into a modern city, and has served as Namibia's capital since their independence in The German architecture of the older buildings lends the town a historic atmosphere - good examples of this German architecture can be seen in a number of buildings, including the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace) and the Christuskirche (church). Day 124: Spitzkoppe ( Fri 27 Mar ) Today we will drive south to the stunning mountains of Spitzkoppe. This remote region has breathtaking sunsets and sunrises as the colour of the landscape takes on remarkable oranges and reds. In Spitzkoppe we will wild camp with very limited facilities. Estimated Drive Time hours. About Spitzkoppe: The rugged mountain of Spitzkoppe is sometimes known as 'the

44 Matterhorn of Namibia' - it is a staggering 700 million years old, and stands at 1,987m rising above the wild lands of the surrounding deserts. Although you should not attempt climbing to the top, there are some excellent hikes throughout the area - it is a truly spectacular landscape, which although in the desolate rocky deserts is nevertheless abundant in unique plant life. This is a great place to get away from it all and to appreciate the stunning harsh beauty of this sparsely-populated country. One amazing sight to witness here are the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, as the colour of the landscape takes on a series of remarkable orange and red hues. Day 125 to 126: Swakopmund ( Sat 28 Mar to Sun 29 Mar ) Today we will continue to the old German colonial town of Swakopmund, where we will have 2 nights to explore the town and enjoy some of the many optional adventure activities on offer. We will also have an included visit to Cape Cross en route from Spitzkoppe, to experience the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shore. In Swakopmund we will stay in group Cabins, near town. Estimated Drive Time hours. About Swakopmund: Surrounded by the massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Swakopmund is an extraordinary remnant of German colonial culture that's found throughout Namibia. It's worth wandering around the town to admire the beauty of the Germanic architecture and take advantage of some excellent souvenir shopping. Swakopmund has become the adventure capital of the region. This is a great place for the adrenaline junkie, and there are some excellent outdoor activities that you can get involved with - some of the most popular include sandboarding, quad-biking across the beautiful dunes or exploring the marine life on a boat trip along the coast. Day 127: Sesriem & Soussusvlei ( Mon 30 Mar ) Today we will drive from Swakopmund to Sesriem, our base for exploring the spectacular Namib Desert. If time allows, en route we will have the option to take a short walking tour of the desert around Solitaire where we can learn all about the ecosystem of the desert - please note that our time available for this is dependent on the time of the sunset, as they close the gates to our Sesriem campsite at sunset. In Sesriem we will camp at a well equipped campsite. Estimated Drive Time hours. About Sesriem & Soussusvlei:

45 The Namib Deserts are thought to be the oldest in the world, and are between million years old. The most famous parts of the Namib Desert are its vast dune fields, the most spectacular of which are found near the Sesriem Canyon and in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Sesriem Canyon was formed when the Tsauchab River carved a gorge 30m deep into the gravel deposits about 15 million years ago. It is thought that this river once flowed to the Atlantic Ocean but its course was blocked by the encroaching sand dunes. Now the river flows out to the dune fields that stretch for hundreds of miles up the coast, and dries up in a clay pan at Soussusvlei. The dunes are stunning, with magnificent red/orange tones from the brightly coloured sands - they are the highest sand dunes to be found anywhere in the world and are home to a plethora of animal life. The sight of the graceful oryx wandering along the base of these massive dunes is beautiful to see. We get the chance to appreciate the area in all its glory on a sunrise climb to the top of Dune 45 - a star-shaped dune at the 45th kilometre marker from the Sesriem gate, standing over 170m tall above the ancient desert. This is without doubt the best way to take in the landscape, and watching a sunrise there is an ethereal and unforgettable moment! Day 128: Bethanie ( Tue 31 Mar ) Today we have an early morning start to climb to the top of the famous Dune 45 for a dramatic and incredible sunrise view across a vast sea of sand. We will also have chance to explore the otherworldy landscape of the Dead Vlei. In the afternoon, we head south to our river camp near the small town of Bethanie. At Bethanie we will camp at an eco-tourism campsite. Estimated Drive Time hours (not including the Dune 45 excursion). About Bethanie: An Eco campsite located on a river near to the town of Bethanie. This stop is perfect to wash out the sand after the dunewalk at Sossusvlei and all the dust after a long drive before heading to Fish River Canyon. Day 129: Fish River Canyon ( Wed 01 Apr ) Today we head south to the dramatic scenery of the Fish River Canyon. Here we will have some time for exploration and taking in the beautiful sunset over the canyon. At Fish River Canyon we will camp in a basic campsite. Estimated Drive Time - 8 hours. About Fish River Canyon: Fish River Canyon is one of the great natural wonders of Africa. It is Africa's largest canyon, and one of the largest canyons in the world - it is similar in dimension and sheer magnificence to the Colca Canyon in

46 Peru and the Grand Canyon in the USA. Fish River has its source east of the Naukluft Mountains, and from there it flows down into the great Orange River. The river has cut into the escarpment through which it flows to create a canyon more than 150 kms long, and up to 550 m deep in places. There are remarkable photographic opportunities here, and on our overland trips we will watch the incredible orange and pink glows of the ground at sunset before heading on to our campsite. Day 130: Noordoewer ( Thu 02 Apr ) This morning we will drive to Noordoewer, next to the scenic banks of the Gariep (Orange) River - the natural border between Namibia and South Africa. If there is sufficient water in the river we may be able to take an optional canoeing tour on the Orange River. NB: If we have arrived late the previous day, the Tour Leader may opt to spend more time at Fish River Canyon before driving to Noordoewer. In Noordoewer we will stay in a well equipped campsite. Estimated Drive Time hours. About Noordoewer: Noordoewer (meaning "North Bank" in Afrikaans) is a small settlement on the banks of the Orange River, which marks the boundary between Namibia and South Africa. It is one of the hottest places in Namibia, but fortunately there is an abundance of water which is used to irrigate the fruit trees - in particular, the grape vines that are common in the area. Day 131: Citrusdal ( Fri 03 Apr ) Border Information: Exit Namibia at Noordoewer, enter South Africa at Noordoewer. Today we cross the border into South Africa and head down the Western Cape to camp site near Citrusdal. In the evening we will have the option for some wine tasting! We will stay in a well equipped campsite. Estimated Drive Time hours. About Citrusdal: The Western Cape of South Africa is one of the world's best regions for wine production - the temperate climate of the region and the altitude profile of the nearby Cedarberg Mountains make the area ideal for the cultivation of grapes, and a thriving wine industry has grown up in the area. Amongst the most common varieties of wine produced here are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. The area of the Cedarberg Mountains is also famous as rooibos tea is endemic there - enjoyed in Southern Africa for centuries, rooibos tea has become very popular worldwide in recent decades, and is still

47 almost exclusively grown in the Western Cape. Day 132 to 133: Cape Town ( Sat 04 Apr to Sun 05 Apr ) Our final day takes us down the Western Cape to the charming and beautiful city of Cape Town. This evening you will have the opportunity to enjoy a final group meal to say goodbye to your fellow travellers. In Cape Town we stay in a well located and busy Hostel. Estimated Drive Time hours. About Cape Town: With its stunning coastline, dominating mountain and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most appealing cities. With vineyards on its doorstep, adventure activities around every other corner and plenty of restaurants and cafes to while away the time, this is a fantastic holiday destination in its own right. Whether you're finishing or joining a Dragoman trip here, Cape Town is a very easy city to spend some extra time in. Cape Town and the Western Cape in general has a very cosmopolitan feel thanks to its cultural diversity, vibrancy and creativity. The city is also lucky enough to benefit from great weather, with warm languid summers and mild winters - making it a great destination all year round. Home to 6 internationally recognised Blue Flag beaches, it's a great place to kick back and relax, or if you'd rather get active, hop inside the revolving cable car and set off on one of hundreds of hiking trails that criss cross Table Mountain to its summit, stopping off to admire the views of Camps Bay down below. If you've got any energy left you can even strap on a harness and abseil all the way down. Other attractions in the city include the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, the famous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela once spent time as a prisoner, and the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Day 134: Cape Town ( Mon 06 Apr ) End Day Important Notes The routes, activities and places visited described in these trip notes are intentions and are meant as a rough guide only. These trip notes have been compiled to help you prepare for your journey once you have booked. They include the full itinerary and dates, and information about kit lists, meeting hotels, insurance, vaccinations, visas, and other information that will help you get ready for your trip. We update these notes regularly, so please ensure you have an up-to-date version of these trip notes. We intend to follow the planned route but exact night stops and inclusions cannot be guaranteed. It sometimes happens that we decide to make a change to our planned itinerary. This may be for a variety

48 of reasons - climatic, road or bureaucratic conditions may demand it. By their very nature, overland itineraries need to be flexible and the regions that we are travelling through are often unpredictable. We run adventure journeys in off the beaten track areas, which often have poor infrastructure. You should expect that some of these areas do not adhere to 'Western' safety standards. Exploratory Trip Warning - this is a new trip for us! Please note that all or part of this trip is a brand new itinerary, and could be going through completely new areas for Dragoman. This is what we call a New or Exploratory trip, and it means that all the passengers on these trips for the first season are the route's pioneers! However, while we have thoroughly researched all aspects of this new route and put the itinerary together with the best of intentions, please note that your crew will be finding a lot of information out for us on the ground, will be playing a lot of things by ear, and may alter the itinerary slightly in places where it becomes necessary. Most trips will have slight or significant changes made to them after this first season, and frankly we would be very surprised if an Exploratory trip was to run perfectly to the published itinerary. Usually we find that this is rarely a problem but rather an exciting feature, that there are much more pleasant surprises in store than unpleasant ones, and these Exploratory trips are a fantastic opportunity to shape the trip as a group. However, the warning is sincere and these trips must be viewed as Exploratory - if this concerns you or you would rather stick to a tried-and-tested itinerary, then we recommend that you wait a year or two until we have this itinerary perfected following operating it many times, or of course to consider one of the more established trips in our extensive portfolio. Exploratory Trip Warning - this is a new trip for us! Please note that all or part of this trip is a brand new itinerary, and is going through completely new areas for Dragoman. This is what we call an Exploratory trip, and it means that all the passengers on this trip will be the route's pioneers for the first season! While we have thoroughly researched all aspects of this new route and put the itinerary together with the best of intentions, please note that your crew will be finding a lot of information out for us on the ground and will be playing a lot of things by ear. The itinerary may be altered in places where it becomes necessary and the drive times may differ significantly from the published estimates. Most Exploratory trips will have slight or significant changes made to them after this first season, and frankly we would be very surprised if an Exploratory trip was to run perfectly to the published itinerary. Usually we find that this is rarely a problem but rather an exciting feature and that there are much more pleasant surprises in store than unpleasant ones. You will be immersing in to the camaraderie with your crew and fellow travellers and give you the fantastic opportunity to shape the trip as a group. However, the warning is sincere and this trip must be viewed as Exploratory - if this concerns you or you would rather stick to a tried-and-tested itinerary, then we recommend that you wait a year or two until we have this itinerary perfected following operating it many times, or of course to consider one of the more established trips in our extensive portfolio. There will be numerous challenges on this trip including border delays, visa and paperwork delays, potential re-routing at short notice, lack of western facilities, road closures and other obstacles and unforeseen issues. There is a risk of cancellation if the FCO advise changes (as of now the route is safe to travel all the way through). West and Central Africa will test everyone's patience due to potential issues with obtaining visas. This is likely to lead to long delays in places where there may not be much to do. It may also be necessary to fly over some places which would be at your own expense.

49 This trip will have a higher level of participation compared to our other Dragoman trips and you will be required to help out with setting up camps, cooking etc. The campsites are also likely to be basic for much of the trip along with a high number of bush camps. This will be a challenging trip and you must be fit in order to participate. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or any medical concerns you should check with your doctor prior to travel that this would be a suitable trip for you. You should also be aware that in the event of accident or illness, access to medical centres will be limited. On the flip side, we ll be visiting regions and areas very rarely seen by Western travellers. Meeting people who have perhaps never seen foreigners. Enjoying the chaotic and buzzing cultures of West and Central Africa. And of course, the immense satisfaction of completing a classic adventure that only a handful of people ever get the chance to complete. Physical Preparation Physical preparation for Eastern and Southern Africa Travelling in Eastern and Southern Africa or Middle East can be demanding - long, rough travel days, dusty conditions and basic campsites all provide a challenge. It can be very hot in places, but also can be surprisingly cold at night so please make sure you are prepared! There will be many early starts in Africa, especially on mornings where we head out on wildlife spotting trips. You will need to be fit enough to help every day with the camp chores (cooking, washing up, general camp set up) as well as putting up and taking down your own tent. There are some long driving days and some early morning starts. The step up into the overland vehicle, while not overly high can become tiring and you need to judge yourself to be physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down the step at least 8-10 times a day. There are some long days driving on rough roads on all itineraries. We will be travelling to areas in remote locations where medical assistance will not be available. If you have a medical condition such as a heart condition that would put you at risk, we would suggest that this is not the trip for you. Also, please be aware that should an emergency occur, there is likely to be a considerable delay in accessing medical care, and by joining our trip you accept this risk. Physical preparation for West Africa itineraries The roads in West Africa can be very rough, which makes for some long bumpy travel days. Much of the area is very hot and humid. It is however all worth it for the spectacular scenery and for travelling through regions that very few other westerners go! Accommodation in the region tends to be very basic. Where there are public campsites or hotels, the bathroom facilities can be very basic, and may be non existent in the case of many of the bush camps on this itinerary. There is never toilet paper provided and shower facilities, if existing, often consists of a bucket of cold water and a jug. Once again, the spectacular serenity and chance to sleep so close to nature makes a little inconvenience all worthwhile and part of the African overlanding experience. Note that not all campsites are as basic as this description; it's just to make sure there are no surprises for you. You will need to be fit enough to help every day with the camp chores (cooking, washing up, general camp set up) as well as putting up and taking down your own tent. There are some long driving days and some early morning starts. Lastly, the step up into the overland vehicle, while not overly high can become tiring and you need to judge yourself to be physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down at least 8-10 times a day, as can the constant setting and packing up of camp. We will be travelling to areas in remote locations where medical assistance will not be available. If you

50 have a medical condition such as a heart condition that would put you at risk, we would suggest that this is not the trip for you. Also, please be aware that should an emergency occur, there is likely to be a considerable delay in accessing medical care, and by joining our trip you accept this risk. Visa Information Many countries that we visit on our travels will require visas to enter. Some are best obtained before you leave home, and others can be obtained en-route. Whilst the ultimate responsibility for obtaining visas is yours, we will endeavour to assist you wherever possible. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. The information provided is given in good faith and we do try to keep the visa information as up to date as possible. Please read the information very carefully to make sure everything is clear and you aware of what you need to do. Please also be aware that rules surrounding visas do change, often suddenly, and without prior warning. This is why it is important that you also double-check the information we provide for yourself. For visas that are needed in advance, you may wish to submit the applications directly to the relevant embassy or consulate. If you require any supporting documentation for your visa applications, Dragoman will obtain this on your behalf as part of your trip price - we will contact you to request additional information in order to make this application for you. However, for trips that involve multiple visas, you may find it beneficial to use a specialist visa agency to assist you with your applications. While this does sometimes increase the cost, it usually makes the process much easier for you. As you will often need to submit your passport together with your applications, we recommend that you avoid making any travel plans in the weeks leading up to your departure. Most countries require that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your entry into the country. For trips that are not yet guaranteed, you may find yourself in the position whereby you will need to start the visa application process prior to your trip being guaranteed - in this situation we still advise you not to purchase flights until your trip is guaranteed. However, you can start your visa application process, ensuring that when applying for your visas or letters of invitation that you allow several days before and after your entry into the country to allow for delays, availability of flights, etc. Cameroon If you are starting your trip in Accra please organise your Cameroon visa before arrival. The procedure and cost will vary depending on your nationality but it is common to require quite a lot of paperwork for this visa. This may include a copy of our vehicle carnet (licence to travel through Cameroon in our truck), guarantee letter with full itinerary, reservation letter from a hotel in Cameroon confirming your first nights' accommodation and stamped by the local police. If you are starting your trip in Dakar you will be able to obtain your visa while on the trip. Please bring all the documents mentioned above to process your application. Namibia Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not need a visa to visit Namibia as a tourist for up to 3 months. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. If a visa is required, you will need to obtain it in advance. Please note that certain Eastern European nationalities will need to obtain a visa. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from areas with risk of

51 yellow fever transmission (including transiting through an airport in an area of risk). Additionally, if the child is travelling with only one parent, with neither biological parent, or is unaccompanied, then they must provide a birth certificate and an affidavit of consent of the parent(s) that are not travelling, to prove that the trip is made with both parents' consent. Please contact your nearest Namibian Embassy if you have further questions regarding this. Senegal Citizens of all countries will not need a visa to enter Senegal as a tourist for up to 90 days. The excpetion to this rule are passengers from Australia. In March 2019 Senegal have started to enforce tourist visas for Australian citizens. You should get a free visa stamp if you enter at Dakar airport. As the system is very new you must double check your passport gets stamped with the visa on arrival otherwise you will encounter issues as you try to cross a land border. If you do not enter Senegal through Dakar airport the visa can be obtained in Freetwon for a cost of 150 USD and 2 passport photos. This visa takes two days to process. You can not obtain the visa at a land border. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission (including transiting through an airport in an area of risk). The Gambia Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and most EU countries will not need a visa to visit The Gambia as a tourist for up to 90 days. Citizens of the USA, France, Spain and Portugal will need a visa, but this can be obtained on arrival at the border. Citizens of South Africa, Slovakia and Ukraine will need a visa and this must be obtained in advance. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. If a visa is required, you will need to obtain it in advance. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission. Gabon Most nationalities require a visa for Gabon. The visa will be obtained en-route and will cost approx. 100EUR. South Africa Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Australia, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not need a visa to visit South Africa as a tourist for up to 3 months. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. If a visa is required, you will need to obtain it in advance and apply in person to provide biometric data. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission (including transiting for over 12 hours in an airport in an area of risk). Côte d'ivoire Citizens of all countries (except West African countries) will need a visa to enter Côte d Ivoire as a tourist for up to 30 days. You must obtain the visa in advance, and you cannot obtain the visa at the border in any circumstance. You also must apply directly to your closest Ivorian Embassy or Consulate for this visa, and attend in

52 person to give biometric data. Visas are often only issued 3 months or less before your intended arrival. For British residents, please go to for information on how to apply for the visa and arrange your appointment. If there is no Ivorian representation in your country (such as New Zealand), you will often be able to apply for the visa at your nearest French Embassy or Consulate, who are authorised to issue them - you will still need to make an appointment to attend in person. Another option is to obtain the visa at the Ivorian Embassy in Accra, Freetown or Dakar, although you will need to allow at least a week for the visa to be processed in these places. Wherever you apply, you will need 2 passport photos, an employment letter, a travel itinerary and trip voucher, and a copy of a confirmed hotel reservation - Dragoman will provide this hotel confirmation for you, but we will need to apply for it approximately 3 months in advance of the trip. In order for us to apply, we will need the passport details of everyone in the group in advance please send this information as soon as possible after booking. We recommend that you wait until you have received this confirmation before making any appointments at the Côte d'ivoire Embassy. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers upon entering the country. Please note that Côte d Ivoire also require proof of vaccination for meningitis to be shown at all land borders when entering the country - if you do not have proof, then they will insist on giving you the vaccination at the border at your own cost. Please note that Letters of Invitation are typically issued once a day to the complete group of people that happen to have applied on the same day through the same agent addressed to the same consulate; as such your name, nationality and passport number will appear on a list on the Letter of Invitation alongside other tourists who may be on your Dragoman trip or travelling with other companies, and this list will be shared with everyone on it. As this is a standard practice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we do not have any control over this and cannot get around it; if you view this as an unacceptable breach of privacy, then you will be unable to apply for the Letter of Invitation. Togo Citizens of all countries (except West African countries) will need a visa to enter Togo as a tourist for up to 30 days. The easiest way to obtain the visa will be en route whilst in West Africa, with the help of your tour leader. We have built time into the trip to visit the Togolese Embassy in Accra, Ghana, where we will all visit as a group to put the applications in, then collect the passports in the afternoon and continue with our trip. Please bring 2 passport photos for the application. At the time of writing (2014), the cost was USD85 for all nationalities. Due to the difficulty and expense of obtaining a Togo visa in many countries, we do not recommend trying to get the visa before travel. However, if you do wish to obtain your Togo visa in advance, please make sure you apply for a Multiple-Entry visa valid for 30 days. If you are asked to provide an address in Togo on your visa form, please use the address below: Hotel Le Galion, Rue de Camomilles, Lome, Togo Tel: A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers upon entering the country. Benin Citizens of all countries (except West African countries and South Africa) will need a visa to enter Benin as a tourist for up to 30 days.

53 You must obtain the visa in advance, and you cannot obtain the visa at the border in any circumstance. The best way to do this is via Benin's e-visa system - You can apply up to 90 days before your entry date, it should take up to 24 hours to process however you should always apply at least one week before entry to ensure it is issued in time. You can also apply yourself directly to the embassy, or hire a specialist visa agency to make the application on your behalf (which is recommended, especially if you are applying for several visas). It is also possible for most nationalities to obtain a visa in the Benin Consulate in Accra, Ghana, which may be a good option for those arriving early to Accra - this takes between 1-3 working days to process, but please note that there may be additional charges in order to get an express visa in Accra. If you are asked to provide an address in Benin on your visa form, please use the address below: Chez Monique, Abomey, Benin, Tel: A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission. Guinea Bissau Citizens of all countries (except West African countries) will need a visa to enter Guinea Bissau as a tourist for up to 90 days. The easiest way to obtain the visa will be en route whilst in West Africa, with the help of your tour leader. On Southbound trips, your crew will visit the Guinea Bissau Consulate in Ziguinchor, Senegal in order to make the application on behalf of everyone in the group; on Northbound trips, your crew will do the same in Conakry, Guinea. This is a simple process which is done in 1 day, please bring 2 passport photos for the application. At the time of writing (2014), the visa costs are USD80 from the consulate in Conakry or USD40 from Ziguinchor. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers upon entering the country. Democratic Republic of the Congo Most nationalities require a visa for the DRC. Visas will be obtained en-route and will cost approx. 250 USD. Ghana Citizens of all countries (except West African countries) will need a visa to enter Ghana as a tourist for up to 30 days. You must obtain the visa in advance, and you cannot obtain the visa at the border except in certain special circumstances it is highly recommended that you do not try this, and simply get the visa in advance. You can either apply yourself directly to the embassy, or hire a specialist visa agency to make the application on your behalf (which is recommended, especially if you are applying for several visas). IMPORTANT NOTE - if you are on our trip that goes through Togo and Benin and then returns to Accra, you must obtain a Double or Multiple-Entry visa for Ghana. If you are asked to provide an address in Ghana on your visa form, please use the address below: The Stumble Inn, Elmina,

54 Ghana Tel: If you are asked to provide a host in Ghana on your visa form, please use the details below: Aubrey Malcolm Green, Sabre Trust Project, Elmina, Ghana Tel: A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers upon entering the country. If you arrive at Accra Kotoka International Airport without a certificate you will be vaccinated at the airport (at massive expense). Please note that Letters of Invitation are typically issued once a day to the complete group of people that happen to have applied on the same day through the same agent addressed to the same consulate; as such your name, nationality and passport number will appear on a list on the Letter of Invitation alongside other tourists who may be on your Dragoman trip or travelling with other companies, and this list will be shared with everyone on it. As this is a standard practice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we do not have any control over this and cannot get around it; if you view this as an unacceptable breach of privacy, then you will be unable to apply for the Letter of Invitation. Angola All nationalities except, Botswana, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zimbabwe and Singapore, require a visa for Angola. You will obtain this visa on route and it should cost approximately 300USD. For the purposes of granting a tourist visa, citizens of the countries concerned must present proof of hotel reservation or proof of reception by a citizen resident in Angola, passport valid for more than six months, round-trip ticket, international vaccination card and proof of livelihood. The visa should be issued within three working days. Guinea Citizens of all countries (except West African countries, Egypt and Tanzania) will need a visa to enter Guinea as a tourist for up to 90 days. You must obtain the visa in advance, and you cannot obtain the visa at the border in any circumstance. You can either apply yourself directly to the embassy, or hire a specialist visa agency to make the application on your behalf (which is recommended, especially if you are applying for several visas). In an emergency, it has been possible in the past to obtain Guinean visas in 1 day in Accra and Abidjan (for Westbound trips), Dakar (for Eastbound trips) and Freetown (for trips starting in Freetown), however please be aware that the rules on this are notoriously subject to change, so it would be much better to obtain the visa before you travel rather than relying on this. IMPORTANT NOTE - if you are our trip that starts in Dakar and finishes in Accra (or vice versa), then you must obtain a Double Entry visa to Guinea. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers upon entering the country. Please note that Letters of Invitation are typically issued once a day to the complete group of people that happen to have applied on the same day through the same agent addressed to the same consulate; as such your name, nationality and passport number will appear on a list on the Letter of Invitation alongside other tourists who may be on your Dragoman trip or travelling with other companies, and this list will be shared with everyone on it. As this is a standard practice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we do not have

55 any control over this and cannot get around it; if you view this as an unacceptable breach of privacy, then you will be unable to apply for the Letter of Invitation. Sierra Leone Citizens of all countries (except West African countries) will need a visa to enter Sierra Leone as a tourist for up to 30 days. You must obtain the visa in advance, and you cannot obtain the visa at the border in any circumstance. You can either apply yourself directly to the embassy, or hire a specialist visa agency to make the application on your behalf (which is recommended, especially if you are applying for several visas). It takes approximately 10 working days to obtain and is valid for 3-12 months. You will need a copy of a hotel confirmation letter for the visa application, which Dragoman will provide. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers upon entering the country. Please note that Letters of Invitation are typically issued once a day to the complete group of people that happen to have applied on the same day through the same agent addressed to the same consulate; as such your name, nationality and passport number will appear on a list on the Letter of Invitation alongside other tourists who may be on your Dragoman trip or travelling with other companies, and this list will be shared with everyone on it. As this is a standard practice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we do not have any control over this and cannot get around it; if you view this as an unacceptable breach of privacy, then you will be unable to apply for the Letter of Invitation. NIGERIA All nationalities will need to obtain a visa for Nigeria in advance. The procedure and cost will vary depending on your nationality but it is common to require quite a lot of paperwork for this visa. This may include a guarantee letter with full itinerary, reservation letter from a hotel in Nigeria confirming your first nights' accommodation and an appointment at your local embassy to provide your fingerprints. Most nationalities require a visa for the Republic of the Congo. Visas will be obtained en-route and will cost approx. 115EUR Personal Spending West Africa Currencies and Cash In North and West Africa we recommend bringing Euros and not US Dollars. Please note that although we do quote kitties, personal spending and other items in US Dollars (because we operate globally), for trips passing through these countries it is better to bring Euros as exchange rates are more favourable. It is still possible to change USD if you need to. If you pay the kitty in EUR, the trip leader will confirm the exact exchange rate between USD and EUR to be used for the kitty at the pre departure meeting. It is very easy to change your money into local currencies at borders and in most towns, so it is not really worth trying to buy local currencies before you travel. Do also bear in mind that many countries have strict regulations about the amount of their own local currency you are allowed to import - if you are found with amounts in excess of the allowed amounts, it may well be confiscated! For obvious security reasons we hesitate to recommend you bring lots of cash with you, but in West Africa travellers cheques are almost impossible to change so for that reason we recommend a mix of cash and ATM cards. Please note that most ATMs only take Visa cards NOT Mastercard. You should take a mixture of denomination notes. Banks and moneychangers in most countries will now only accept bills with a metallic strip running top to bottom of the bill and which are no more than 8 years old. You should not take worn or damaged notes, or any that have been written on. Cash machines

56 are readily available in most areas but are not always reliable therefore we recommend that you do not rely on them as your only source of cash. Credit cards such as Visa and American Express are the most commonly accepted, but be prepared for very high commission charges. Please do not rely on cards for daily use, as they are not always accepted outside of larger towns and cities. Please bring the majority of the money you intend to change in large denominations (USD/EUR100 and 50 bills) as the exchange rate is often significantly worse if you try to change smaller bills; however, it is also a good idea to have some smaller bills as well, as in more remote areas it can be hard to change amounts over USD50. Personal Spending - Africa Based on the range that previous travellers have spent on our trips in all of Africa, we recommend you allow between USD10 and USD20 per day. This will cover individual expenses such as drinks, meals whilst out (when staying in cities), souvenirs, tips and personal permits. Eastern and Southern Africa Currencies and Cash It is not really worth trying to buy local currencies before you travel. Do also bear in mind that many countries have strict regulations about the amount of their own local currency you are allowed to import - if you are found with amounts in excess of the allowed amounts, it may well be confiscated! For obvious security reasons we hesitate to recommend you bring lots of cash with you, a sensible mix of cash and cash passports such as TravelEx cards and ATM cards is best. However, most of our past passengers have said they wished they had been told to bring more cash. Apart from the convenience of being able to change money in many more places, you will sometimes get a much better exchange rate for cash. You should take a mixture of denomination notes. Banks and moneychangers in most countries will now only accept bills with a metallic strip running top to bottom of the bill and which are no more than 8 years old. You should not take worn or damaged notes, or any that have been written on. Please bring the majority of the money you intend to change in large denominations (USD/EUR100 and 50 bills) as the exchange rate is often significantly worse if you try to change smaller bills; however, it is also a good idea to have some smaller bills as well, as in more remote areas it can be hard to change amounts over USD50. Cash machines are readily available in most of East and Southern Africa but are not always reliable therefore we recommend that you do not rely on them as your only source of cash. Please note that most ATMs only take Visa cards NOT Mastercard. Please also do not not plan to take out large amounts of USD from the ATMs in Zimbabwe for use on the rest of the trip - the cash in Zimbabwe is often old, dirty and falling apart and will not be accepted anywhere else in the world. Please note that due to a shortage of money in banks and ATMs in Zimbabwe, many ATMs are running dry of cash and some local banks are putting restrictions on international cards being used. It is also illegal to exit Zimbabwe with more than USD1000 per person, so please make sure that you do not bring a greater amount than this out of Zimbabwe. Credit cards such as Visa and American Express are the most commonly accepted, but be prepared for very high commission charges. Please do not rely on cards for daily use, as they are not always accepted outside of larger towns and cities. Zambian Kwacha - please note that the currency of Zambia (the Kwacha, old code ZMK, new code ZMW) was re-based in 2013, and the old notes are no longer accepted. Please be careful that you only accept notes of the new currency (2013 and later) when exchanging money as some money changers have been known to offload old currency onto travellers. The new currency comes in denominations of ZMW2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and any notes such as ZMK5000 are the old currency, do not accept them! What else you need to know

57 Overland Lifestyle and Trip Suitability Dragoman was founded in 1981, and has had many years of experience of leading overland trips across 4 continents. Overlanding is all about sharing a great travelling experience with like-minded people. On your trip you ll travel in one of Dragoman s purpose-built iconic expedition vehicles on an off the beaten track adventure along rugged roads, experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the world up-close. Your journey will be overland, sometimes across vast distances, so some long days spent driving are inevitable - but these will be interspersed with breaks of a day or two at a destination or activity. On an overland journey, you are more than just a passenger and everyone gets involved setting up camp - we supply the tent but it s up to you to pitch it! As part of your trip, you will be assigned a truck job which could be collecting firewood or water, luggage loading, organising food, stores, etc. Like all great adventures, the more you put in the more you'll get out! We are looking forward to welcoming you on one of our overland journeys, but before we do there are a few things we would like to draw to your attention. Who Travels with Dragoman? Our groups are made up of people from around the world, and are always an interesting mix of nationalities and ages. On average there is a pretty even split between males to females, and between solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends. We believe that overlanding should be open to as many people as possible, and so although we have a minimum age limit of 18 (or 7 on our Family Trips), as long as you are fit, healthy and passionate about travel, we are happy to take you, whatever your age is. One of the wonderful aspects of group travel is the camaraderie and friendships that are formed along the way, and the variety of people that you will meet. Group Size The maximum group size we take on our overland journeys ranges from 19 to 22 depending on the geographical location; however the average number of passengers is more likely to be around 16. Please note that there is an overlap of 2 trips in Cuzco and during the Inca Treks. This means a group starting a trip in Cuzco will embark on the Inca Trail at the same time as a group finishing in or travelling through Cuzco. In practical terms this means there could be more than 22 group members in Cuzco and on the Inca Trail at the same time. Please note that there is also an overlap of 2 trips in Zanzibar. This means a group starting a trip in Nairobi, for example, will visit Zanzibar at the same time as a group starting their trip there. In practical terms this means there could be more than 22 group members in Zanzibar at the same time. Please also note that on some departures there may be more than one truck doing the same route. This means that you will be in the same hotel or campsite as another Dragoman group on some days. To ensure that you are not always at the same place at the same time as another group, your itinerary will most likely be slightly altered from the itinerary advertised in these trip notes. Our Crew and 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.

58 On all Dragoman overlanding trips, we usually have 2 western crew but please be aware that there may be times when one crew member has to leave the trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as visa issues, illness of a group member, etc. On some of our trips we have 1 western crew and 1 local driver instead of 2 western crew. 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. 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. 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). 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. Accommodation on Tour Dragoman's overland trips are designed for shared accommodation, whether camping or staying in hotels or hostels, and therefore do not involve a single supplement. Whilst our crew will do their best to accommodate couples travelling together in twin rooms, all our travellers should expect to stay in multi-share accommodation when staying in hostels, gers or yurts. The type, variety and standard of accommodation will vary greatly depending on what options are available at the time; hotels can vary from very basic rooms without electricity or running water to high standard hotels with good facilities! Generally in hotels most rooms will be single sex, twin-share, but in South America many rooms are triple/quad-share. Hostels, gers and yurts are nearly always multi-share and may be mixed sex. The campsites will range from rather basic to those with excellent facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants and bars. In some cases it may also be possible to upgrade locally to bungalows, lodges or even tree-houses. One of the highlights of overlanding is that in more remote areas we wild camp away from the tourist crowds. Occasionally on some of our trips we are able to stay in villages or local homestays allowing us to get close to the indigenous population and ensuring that our money stays within the local community. The Kitty In addition to the trip price on our overlanding trips, you will also be required to pay a kitty specified for your trip (please note that there is no kitty on our Family Trips). The kitty is payable in installments at the start of each section of the trip for combination trips, and in full at the start of the trip for individual trips. Each customer joining a trip pays their kitty into a central fund. The fund is managed by the Dragoman crew and the kitty accounts can be viewed by all throughout the trip. The kitty covers all things that the whole group does, such as: Hotel accommodation and campsite fees Meals whilst camping (not whilst staying in hotels) Activities listed as included (e.g. National Park or historical site entrances, excursions, etc.) The kitty system is unique to overlanding and allows us to have flexibility and transparency on our trips. You can see exactly how your money is being spent and ensure that you are getting the best value by buying locally. It also helps to keep the costs competitive and save on administration costs so that we can pass the saving on to you. Dragoman makes NO PROFIT on kitties, as they are the group's fund. If there is

59 money left in the kitty at the end of your trip, then this is divided between the group and you receive a refund. Once you book your trip it is very important that you check our website on a regular basis and just before departure for any changes to the kitty amount. We constantly update the kitty prices on our website and the kitty advertised in the brochure is an estimate at the time of printing. Prices can go up or down with no notice, and exchange rate fluctuations will affect costs. The kitty is payable in full at the start of your trip (in instalments at the start of each individual trip on combination trips). Alternatively you can pay in advance via a bank transfer 3-4 weeks before the start of your trip - please see for more details - this information sheet will also be sent in your booking confirmation upon booking a trip and can be found on Please also note that prepayment is not available for our trips to West Africa, Iran, Tajikistand and any trip in Africa north of Nairobi. If you are bringing the kitty out in cash, please ensure your USD notes (EUR notes if your trip goes through West Africa) are clean and undamaged and no more than 8 years old. If needed, your tour leader will be able to accept some of the kitty in local currency, and they will let you know the exchange rate locally. In most destinations you can withdraw local currencies from ATM machines, using either a cash passport or a credit/debit card. However, please bear in mind that most cards have a maximum withdrawal amount per day, local ATMs may run out of cash, and your bank could block the card despite you warning them of your travel plans, so it could be impractical to try to get the entire kitty out from an ATM. We cannot accept traveller's cheques on our trips. Meals and Group Participation On an overland journey you are more than just an individual passenger - you're part of the team. You are expected to pitch in to set up camp, shop for food, cook and generally help out. As part of your trip you will be assigned a truck job which could be collecting water and firewood, sweeping out the truck, loading the back locker, etc. While camping on overland journeys, the meals are included in the kitty. This means that you will have to work together to cook for everyone in your group. You will be divided into smaller units of 3-4 people and take it in turns to cook for the whole group according to a rota system. When it is your group's turn to cook you will have to plan the meal, shop for the ingredients in local markets or supermarkets and then prepare the meal for the whole group. The secret to cooking for 20+ people using a basic camping kitchen is to keep it simple! (On trips south of Nairobi we have a cook on board the truck; however you will still be required to help them to prepare meals). An example of a typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, fruit and cereal as well as tea and coffee. When time allows it will also be possible to serve something hot such as eggs or pancakes. Lunch is almost always a sandwich heaped high with healthy salad and assorted fillings, with fruit to follow. Dinner might be a BBQ, risotto or pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some local cooking. Generally our passengers find the more they put into a trip, the more they benefit from it. Dietary Requirements If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking and tell your crew at your welcome meeting. Our crew will try to cater for any particular dietary requirement or food intolerance whenever possible. However, it must be remembered that it may not always be possible and the variety of dishes may be severely limited in comparison to those available to others. If there is anything in particular you require in your diet, that you would miss from home, or because of an allergy would miss out on, it would be best to bring this with you. Depending on your particular requirements, you may need to allow yourself some extra spending money to allow you to purchase extra food items. Itineraries

60 Our itineraries are developed and published with the best of intentions, however travel in more remote areas of the world is unpredictable borders can close, there can be extreme adverse weather, strikes or maybe mechanical issues that affect the running of your trip, but equally due to the nature of our trips we can often spontaneously include a local festival or event into the itinerary. This being said, the safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a priority for us. With this in mind we monitor world events very closely. By the very nature of the adventure travel that we take, there are risks and hazards that are inherent in our itineraries. We make operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources, including the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice, reports from other travel companies and local suppliers, leaders' reports from off the road and local contacts we have built up over many years of experience. British Foreign Office Travel Advice and Warnings Dragoman follows the British Foreign Office Travel advice when deciding where and where we are unable to travel. We will base our decisions on itineraries and alterations to published routes based on their advice rather than the advice of other governments. We will advise you of any significant changes in advice before travel or whilst you are overseas. However, we recommend you check the latest travel advisories from your own government for the country you are travelling to before you book and prior to departure. If there are any travel warnings present for the region you will travel to, as well as considering whether you are happy to travel despite the warning you must also check to ensure that it is not invalidating your travel insurance. Here are a few useful addresses: UK - Australia - New Zealand - United States - Canada - We also recommend that you check out the UK Travel Aware website before you travel at This website offers straightforward travel advice, top tips, and upto-date country information to help you plan a safe trip. Health You need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in our trips. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assessed your ability to cope with our style of travel. To help you assess if this trip is suitable, please refer to the physical rating. The ratings for each trip are a good indication of how challenging they are and in some cases you should be prepared for some long driving days and possibly limited facilities. We are always happy to give extra advice if you have additional concerns. Please note that if, in the opinion of our leader, you are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group, Dragoman reserves the right to exclude you from all or part of the trip without a refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information prior to travel, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. We also advise you to declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your travel insurers upon purchase. Altitude Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to

61 aid acclimatising to high altitude; please discuss these options with your doctor. For trips that travel to areas of high altitude, the tour leader will issue you with a self-assessment altitude questionnaire which allows you to monitor how you are coping with the altitude and informs you of danger signals so that you can reports these as soon as possible, either to the tour leader or a medical professional. Yellow Fever A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting. Malaria & other mosquito-borne diseases There is a risk of contracting malaria in some areas which we travel through. If your trip goes to a areas with malaria it is always best to get expert advice before travelling about the types of malaria pills available, whether they are recommended, and take any that are prescribed as instructed. Consult your GP or travel clinic for the most up-to-date requirements. Other mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika are continuing to spread and are becoming a bigger problem around the world. Mosquito bite prevention is vital to avoid contracting any of these diseases, as there are no vaccines or specific treatments available. Health professionals have issued warnings for pregnant women travelling to areas affected by the Zika virus. For more information about Zika please visit: WHO: Center for Disease Control and Prevention: The Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria usually bite between the hours of dusk and dawn, whereas the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika bite both during the day and the night. To prevent being bitten, it is recommended to cover up by wearing long-legged and long-sleeved clothing, preferably light-coloured and buttoned at the wrists. Do not sleep without closing your windows, tent door, etc. and use a mosquito net in hotels or if sleeping outside where there are mosquitoes present. Use mosquito repellent applied directly to your skin or soaked into your clothing. Treating clothes and mosquito nets with a Permetherin solution also provides significant protection. It should be available at most travel stores. Mosquito coils are useful on still nights and in hotel rooms, but cannot be used inside the tents. For more advice on how to avoid bites please see: Vaccinations Recommended vaccinations and other health protections vary according to different regions and recent bulletins issued by health authorities. It is essential to get the latest specific health advice on the regions and countries you are planning to travel in, so please check with either your doctor or travel clinic in good time before you travel. The following websites are also a helpful resource: and In the UK, we have been working with Nomad Travel for many years and their website has comprehensive, up-to-date vaccination and health information. You will receive a 10% discount off all vaccinations given at Nomad Travel clinics. Safety & Security At Dragoman your safety is of paramount importance and we will do our best to ensure that your travel with us is safe and trouble-free, but we do ask that you take that little bit of extra care whilst you are away and to understand about the nature of this style of travel.

62 Of course we want you to have an enjoyable time, but you must also remember that part of the enjoyment of travel is experiencing a different way of life and cultures. This may also mean experiencing different safety and hygiene standards than those you are normally used to. Therefore, please take note of the following safety tips and follow any local safety advice or briefings delivered by our crew or any third-party suppliers we use during your trip. Transport Safety Our own vehicles have fully-fitted seat belts; make sure you always belt up. If you find a safety belt inoperable or missing on one of our vehicles, please inform the crew immediately. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that other vehicles we may use or recommend in some countries will be fitted with seat belts on every seat as it is not a legal requirement in much of the world. Please remain seated on board vehicles at all times when the vehicle is in motion. Never place luggage in the aisles or foot wells. Ensure you know where your nearest Emergency exit is; this may be a designated emergency exit, a window, a door, or a roof hatch. Check the location of the fire extinguisher and first aid kit. Follow any safety instructions provided by the crew/driver. Our vehicles are fitted with roof seats which can be used in certain conditions, such as when driving at low speeds, off main tarmac roads, etc. The roof hatches can only be opened and the roof seats used with the express permission of the crew and you must never sit in the roof seats without seat belts. Road Safety Traffic in some countries travels on the opposite side of the road to what you may be used to, so ensure you look both ways before crossing the road. In many countries vehicles do not automatically stop at crossings and driving styles may be very unpredictable, so please remain very vigilant when near roads and vehicles. Crash helmets are often not provided with mopeds and motorbikes overseas we do not recommend you hire these vehicles. Fire & Other Safety Hostels/Hotels/Homestays Ensure you know where your nearest fire exit is and check to ensure that it is operative. Check the location of the nearest fire extinguisher. Study the fire instructions in your room if available. Identify how to raise the alarm if a fire occurs. If a fire occurs, leave immediately; do not stop to collect your effects. Proceed to an assembly point well away from the building. Electrics in hotels in many of the places that we visit will not be up to the same standards as at home. Please ensure that you check rooms, especially bathrooms and are aware of any issues that look unsafe. If in doubt inform the crew who will endeavour to sort the situation out if possible. Staircases and stairwells are often built to a very different design than under western building standards. There may be no guard rails, be excessively steep, have dangerous gaps between the stairs and the wall, etc. At all times be aware and take appropriate and prudent care. We often stay in homestays and farmstays. These may range from a traditional yurt through to a tree house or a town house. As these are traditional homes, they may well not adhere to our western standards of safety and so it is important that you make yourself aware of potential risks. If in doubt please inform the crew of any safety issues with the hotels/hostels or homestays. Fire Safety Campsites

63 Ensure you know where the nearest source of water or fire extinguisher is. Know how to raise the alarm. Extinguish all camping fires fully before retiring to bed. Observe any regulations regarding fires and bushfires in dry conditions. Identify how to raise the alarm if a fire occurs. If a fire occurs, leave immediately; do not stop to collect your effects. Proceed to an assembly point away from the tented accommodation/affected campsite. Other Campsite Safety & Security Familiarise yourself with the campsite and any known hazards. Group the tents around our vehicle wherever possible. No open flames, smoking or flammable liquids in or near the tents. Ensure the cooking area is well away from the tents. Ensure all water for cooking and drinking is purified first. Ensure any soil toilets are a minimum of 50m away from the tents and the cooking area. All food waste should be burned or buried a minimum of 100m away from the site. Ensure local advice is followed concerning any wildlife in the area. Keep valuables locked in the vehicle. Be aware of any local security issues that might be important. Do not set out tents close to perimeter fences which may be a security risk. Be aware of the security arrangements and local guards for campsite and if in doubt ask them where and where not to pitch tents. If in doubt please inform the crew of any safety issues with campsite. When wild camping, ensure that you do not wander away from the camp alone. If you do leave camp, ensure that you have notified the leader or other members of the group. Food Safety Make sure your food has been thoroughly cooked. Hot food should be hot, cold food should be cold. Avoid any uncooked food, except fruit and vegetables (notably those you can peel or shell yourself). In many countries you should only drink bottled water or purified water and ensure any seal is intact when purchasing bottles. On the Dragoman vehicles we have a tank of drinking water that is kept purified by the crew. Avoid ice in drinks as this can cause upset stomachs in hot climates. Make sure you wash your hands in antibacterial product when preparing and/or eating food. Many of the restaurants that you will eat in, either as a group or as individuals, will NOT have the same standards of food hygiene as we have in the western world. Unfortunately this is a reality of life in these regions. Therefore please think carefully about where you eat, what food you order and be aware of the risks. Personal Safety One of the real advantages of overland travel is that the vehicle provides a very real level of security when travelling. There is no doubt that a properly-equipped overland vehicle, with safes, fully lockable doors and windows is an obvious advantage when travelling in much of the world. Generally speaking, you will not be travelling on local public transport and will have the added security of travelling in a group with experienced crew on-hand to offer advice. We have come up with a few pointers that we recommend you follow: Follow the crew s specific safety advice in each destination. Always remain aware and vigilant, and stay away from situations where you do not feel comfortable. Avoid carrying too much money. Always avoid carrying your passport, driving licence, air tickets, and other valuable items around

64 with you unless this is essential. Instead, keep valuables such as this locked away in the truck's safe, or the safety deposit box in the room or reception of the hotel/hostel. If you are carrying cash, cards or valuables, use a money belt or neck wallet which are more easily concealed and more difficult to pickpocket. Do not take any valuable jewellery, watches, etc. away with you in the first place. Avoid walking in poorly lit areas. If possible avoid walking around on your own; it is always safer to explore with others. Always try to walk with confidence and purpose, which will help you avoid looking like a lost tourist! Take special care when walking to avoid spraining or twisting your ankle on potholes, cobbles and uneven ground. Activity Safety & Optional Activities You will have the opportunity to take part in many exciting activities and excursions, some of which are included (e.g. hiking the Inca Trail, trekking to see Mountain Gorillas, visiting the Taj Mahal, etc.), whilst others are optional (e.g. white water rafting in Uganda, zip-lining in Costa Rica, etc.). Some of these activities require a certain level of fitness, so it s important that you read through the trip notes thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough to enjoy this trip and its activities to their fullest. Some activities may have higher risks than you are used to and you must judge whether or not you wish, or have the physical ability, to take part. Please note that riding helmets are mandatory for all optional and included horse riding activities. This is an insurance requirement. Optional activities mentioned by Dragoman are not included in the trip price or kitty, and do not form part of your contract with Dragoman. As such you accept that any assistance given by Dragoman crew members or local representatives in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The Dragoman crew are assisting you in arranging these activities for your added enjoyment whilst on your trip. The operators of these services and optional extras are local suppliers who contract directly with the client on the road, subject to and in accordance with their own terms and conditions. Dragoman accepts no liability for any action or activity undertaken by the client which is arranged independently of Dragoman while on tour. Crew may take part in an optional activity but do so as private individuals and not as company representatives. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Ensure that you use the appropriate equipment on optional activities, including life jackets, helmets, etc. This is especially important on activities such as horse riding, white-water rafting, etc. Always ensure that your travel medical insurance covers you for all included and optional activities that you wish to participate in. Included Activities Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary, all other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not necessarily be refunded; this is something you will need to check with your leader. Optional Activities A selection of optional activities is listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This list is designed to be a helpful guide as to what is commonly available in each location, and is neither an exhaustive list, a guarantee that the activity is available, or an endorsement or recommendation. Please note that certain activities may not be available on your particular visit if they are overbooked, underbooked, out of season, or for

65 any other reason - the list of activities is made according to our latest information and in the best faith, but please be aware that things may change between our last visit and your arrival. Please also note that it may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, and it is recommended to give yourself extra time in your joining or ending city if you would like to participate in some optional activities there. Prices listed are for entrance only and do not include transport costs to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated - again, these prices are displayed according to our latest information and in the best faith, but prices do fluctuate due to exchange rates, season, numbers of participants, and simple increases from the operator - any prices listed are a guide only and certainly cannot be guaranteed. Optional activities are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Dragoman nor included in the price of this trip. If you do any optional activities, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with Dragoman. You may be required to sign/complete a waiver form or optional activity form for some optional activities. Insurance It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Without evidence of valid travel insurance you will not be allowed to start the trip. We recommend that any policy has a minimum medical (including repatriation) cover of 5,000,000. We recommend that any policy also has a minimum level of cover for Personal Liability of 2,000,000 and for Cancellation and Curtailment of 5,000 (or the full cost of your trip). Cover for loss of baggage, personal effects, money and other inclusions are down to personal choice although please bear in mind that personal effects are more likely to go missing whilst travelling and you should ensure that your policy is adequate to cover the value of your personal effects e.g. cameras, tablets, phones, ipods, etc. Please note that Dragoman is not responsible for your personal effects and is not insured for their loss. Please note that you should be insured for trip postponment or cancellation purposes immediately upon paying a deposit. Whatever policy you choose, you must ensure that it is designed for adventure/overland travel and make sure it covers any activity that you intend to undertake (whether included or optional). As such it must cover you for adventure activities such as white water rafting, trekking, horse-riding, etc., and that the 24-hour Emergency Assistance Company must be experienced in handling situations in developing countries - for example, that they have the ability to arrange repatriation from remote areas such as the Sahara or if you were trekking in the Andes. On activities or side trips that are not recommended by us, please ensure you are happy with the safety of the activity before participating. Please note that in the case of credit card travel insurance we will require details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number prior to travel rather than just the bank's name and credit card details. It is up to you to ensure that these policies have the cover you require, as many of these policies are not able to cope with adventure travel to remote areas and many are not valid for travelling outside your country of residence or outside the EU. Our Liability Insurance Dragoman has comprehensive passenger vehicle liability protection and tour operator insurance. These policies have total indemnities of 5,000,000 and 10,000,000 per incident respectively. This is in addition to local vehicle insurance and your personal travel insurance. Out of Office Hours Contact We have an out of office hours number you can call which should only be used once you have left your home country to start the trip and in the event of a real emergency. Should you need to call the number, we will do what we can to help but please bear in mind that real progress or action may not be possible until normal office hours. If you can not get through please leave a message with you name, reference number, contact details and a message with the help that you need and we will get back to you.

66 If your flight is delayed or cancelled, please let us know and then make your way to the joining hotel as instructed in these trip notes. If you cannot get through leave a message and a contact number as these will be regularly checked and the crew informed if necessary. Out of hours Number: +44 (0) Luggage & Kit List Although you will not have to carry your main bag for long distances, you will need to help load and unload them onto the truck. For this reason we recommend that you use a backpack or soft bag rather than a heavy suitcase. During your trip your main luggage will be kept in the truck's back locker which will be inaccessible during a drive day, so you will also need a small daypack. This can be used to carry your camera, water bottle and other personal effects for daily use. Please be aware that due to the constant dust and vibrations your luggage bag will be subject to extreme wear and tear. The size of baggage that can be brought on this tour is limited by the locker space on the truck. We recommend that your bag be no larger than a large rucksack with a capacity of about 80 litres (approximately 70cm high, 40cm wide, and 40cm deep). The weight limit for luggage on all trucks is a maximum of 20kg. Your clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in, which will vary depending on which part of the world you're heading to. On overland trips, Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats, so you'll need to bring those with you if your trip includes camping nights. Think about the climate and altitude of the areas you'll be travelling to - there's nothing worse than being cold at night so it's worth investing in a decent sleeping bag if it's likely to get cold. And remember that even when it's warm during the day, it can often get cold at night, particularly in desert regions. For a general idea of what you need, this list provides a guide: General Sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, sleeping mat and small pillow if your trip includes camping nights Sandals or flip flops Comfortable walking shoes Sun hat and sunglasses Waterproof jacket Warm sweater or fleece Swimwear Comfortable travelling clothes and a set of casual but smart clothes for evenings out If visiting places of worship on the trip, men should bring a pair of full length trousers and women should bring a skirt that covers their knees and a scarf Towel quick dry, lightweight travel towels are best Toiletries including bio degradable wet wipes, sanitary products, hand gel, sun cream and insect repellent Day pack essential for keeping things handy when on the truck, on short hikes, walking around cities, etc Assorted dry bags to protect your kit from dust and damp Pouch or money belt Water bottle (at least 1 litre) we carry drinking water on all of our trucks and actively encourage our customers to use the water supplied. Whilst away from the truck we encourage the use of a filter water bottle and we are able to offer Dragoman customers a 25% discount on Water to Go bottles and filters using the code DRAGOMAN25 on the link Head torch with spare batteries and bulbs Camera with spare battery and extra memory cards Electrical accessories such as charger, power bank, adapter, etc Carbon monoxide detector

67 A good book, a diary or notebook and pen, a fun game for travel days Personal medical kit see notes below Cold weather For trips going through mountainous areas, deserts, high altitude regions and Patagonia, you should be prepared for cold weather, especially at night. Ensure you bring: 3/4 or 4/5 season sleeping bag with liner see note on sleeping bag ratings below Thermal base layers Winter jacket Hat, gloves and scarf Warm socks Hot weather For trips going through tropical areas you should be prepared for hot and humid weather. Ensure you bring: Loose fitting clothes with long sleeves and legs Mosquito repellent Mosquito net not essential as our tents have mosquito netting but can be handy for hotels and hostels or sleeping under the stars Trips with trekking For trips including treks, ensure you bring: Lightweight walking clothes suitable for the general climate Waterproof trousers Sturdy walking boots Walking stick(s) not essential but can help in steep terrain; sticks can generally be hired or purchased en route Sleeping Bags A sleeping bag's rating typically indicates the lowest temperature at which it will keep the average sleeper warm enough to sustain them but not necessarily make them warm enough to feel comfortable. For example, with a 0 C bag, you should be able to stay in 0 C temperature but you will not necessarily be able to sleep comfortably. For European sleeping bags there are the following standards: The upper limit is the highest temperature at which a 'standard' adult man is able to have a comfortable night's sleep without excess sweating. The comfort rating is based on a 'standard' adult woman having a comfortable night's sleep. The lower limit is based on the lowest temperature at which a 'standard' adult man is deemed to be able to have a comfortable night's sleep. The extreme rating is a survival-only rating for a 'standard' adult man. This is an extreme survival rating only and it is not advisable to rely on this rating for general use. The transition zone, in between the comfort and lower temperature, is usually considered as the best purchase guideline. Personal Medical Kit All of our trucks have a standard motorist's first aid kit on board for use in emergency situations only. The first aid kit is in compliance with UK standards for first aid provision within motor vehicles, and contain

68 supplies to treat road side injuries. We do not carry prescription medications, therefore in addition to this we recommend that you purchase your own personal medical kit. In the UK we have teamed up with Nomad Travel Stores and Clinics to produce travel medical kits. They have been designed in conjunction with the truck kits and contain everything you would need for any minor incidents and health issues. For more details please visit their website: Global Survival Kit - Ultimate Medical Kit (POM) - Passports Check that your passport will still be valid for 6 months after the end of your trip - this is important as some countries WILL refuse entry to anyone whose passport is due to expire. A temporary or 'visitor's' passport is not valid on our trips. You will need to provide us with your passport details prior to departing for your trip. If you change your passport, please remember to inform us as soon as possible - however, please be aware that changing your passport can cause big problems if you need to apply for visas or permits (such as the Inca Trail or Gorilla Trekking) in advance. Pre and Post Trip Accommodation and Airport Transfers At Dragoman we believe you should make the most of the places you visit, so if you would like to see more of the joining or finishing point cities, why not book additional accommodation to extend your stay? Dragoman can take away the hassle of time zones and language barriers by making the booking for you. This accommodation is only available at the joining or finishing city of your trip, immediately before or after the trip you are travelling on. While Dragoman is happy to assist with booking your pre and post trip accommodation, it is important that you understand that you may be able to book your own room at a cheaper rate directly through the hotel or on the internet. Our additional accommodation prices are based on the hotel s rate plus an administration fee. Please note our rates do not reflect last minute walk-in rates or internet specials. We can also book arrival airport transfers for you as long as we have your flight arrival details. These are normally payable in cash upon arrival; however we do have pre-paid transfers in a few destinations. Please contact our reservations team for details of the accommodation and transfers that we can offer, as not all hotels offer this service. Continuing Your Trip Having an amazing trip and met a great group of people? Having too much fun to go home yet? If you're on one of our trips and decide that you would like to continue with us, then why not speak to your trip leader who can advise you of the cost and availability of continuing your journey. Contingency Emergency Fund Sometimes, civil or political unrest, or reasons beyond Dragoman's control (e.g. a natural disaster), can mean that an itinerary is disrupted and we have to make a contingency plan. This may involve hiring alternate transport or even the whole group flying over an area. Although Dragoman will help organise travel arrangements, in circumstances outside Dragoman's control you will be required to contribute the additional costs involved and therefore we ask you to bring along a 'Contingency Fund' of USD400. In almost all cases trips run smoothly and this fund is therefore never used. We also recommend that you take along an internationally recognised credit or charge card with a decent limit in case of emergencies, such as medical treatment en route, or even the need to be repatriated; though these occurrences are rare. Remember that travel insurance policies usually only refund you for expenses after you have already

69 paid out. Responsible Tourism Dragoman is committed to ensuring that we have a positive impact on local communities and that we implement policies to minimise any negative impact on the local environment. We are dedicated to making sure that we adopt a responsible attitude to the areas through which we travel and believe that our trips should benefit the local people and their environment. Dragoman recognises that we are guests of local communities and strive to make these communities our partners, so that they benefit directly from our visit. You can find full details of Dragoman s Responsible Tourism policy from the link below: Water The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in the bottle, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by using the chemically sterilised water stored in the purposebuilt storage tank on your overland vehicle. You are free to refill your bottle as many times a day as you like. You are helping the environment and your pocket! Electrical Equipment Your vehicle will be usually equipped with a 12-Volt socket, so to charge your ipod, MP3 player, camera, laptop and mobile phone you will need a DC 12V adapter - the type that can be used from a cigarette lighter in your car. Please be aware that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets and the majority of the campsites we stay at have electricity points, so please bring along your normal charging adapters as well. You will need to ensure that you have the correct country adapter for your specific charger. For mobile phones, please note that most countries in the Americas operate at 850 MHz and 1900 MHz which is not the same frequencies used in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Most modern tri-band and quad-band mobile phones will be able to operate on these frequencies but please check your mobile phone specifications before travelling to ensure that you'll be able to use your phone in the Americas. A Few Rules It is one of our core values to treat all people we encounter with respect, including the local people who make our destinations so special. We have therefore set down a number of rules to which our customers must adhere. Engaging in commercial or exploitative sexual activities, committing acts of violence or threatening violence towards local people, other group members or any member of our staff is not allowed. Any customer engaging in such activities will be required to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited and conduct yourself in accordance with our responsible travel policy. Any customer found contravening such laws or regulations will be required to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price. Although we are aware that in some parts of the world taking, carrying or selling drugs, carrying weapons, or engaging in commercial or exploitative sexual activities may be legal, it is not acceptable for

70 Dragoman customers and our tour leaders have the right to ask you to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price if you are found to be engaging in such activities. Issues on the Trip While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. If this is the case please contact our customer relations department on customer-relations@dragoman.co.uk. You may also choose to provide details in your feedback questionnaire which we ask you to complete at the end of your trip, but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete. Tipping Tipping is entirely voluntary. The Dragoman crew may be travelling with you for many weeks and usually they become good friends with most members of the group. It is sometimes easy to forget that they do work hard to ensure that you do have a great trip. If you feel you would like to tip them, they certainly would appreciate it. On a number of our trips, we also use a local guide as well as our own Dragoman crew. These guides live and travel with you through their home country and it is usual to tip them when they leave. We recommend USD 1 to USD 4 per person per day, but check with your crew for an appropriate amount. Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us to understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better, and it allows us to make improvements for future travellers. Country Specific Notes Côte d'ivoire Note This trip travels to areas of Côte d'ivoire bordering Liberia, where there has been recent political tension. The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) currently advises against all but essential travel to parts of Côte d Ivoire, including the western region of Dix-Huit Montagnes, through which our trips in the country pass when coming to or from eastern Guinea. Our route passes by the town of Man and the border of Danané. Please see the link below for more details:

71 Our trip is scheduled to pass through this region for one day. From all the advice given to us from the FCO and also from our local ground agents, we have decided to continue to travel through this area on this itinerary. The majority of the problems occur a large distance to the south of where we travel, and any alternative routes that avoid this area are not currently an option due to the condition of the roads. It s important to understand that your travel insurance may be affected by travelling through this region, so please seek advice from your travel insurance company to check your coverage for travel in these regions. We recommend taking insurance through an insurer who will cover your for this travel. Should you choose to embark on your travel without appropriate travel insurance cover, please understand that you undertake this at your own personal risk. Non-UK clients should check the travel advice of their own governments, as this may be different to the British FCO advice. Some relevant links are provided below: Australian Government travel warning Canadian Government travel warning New Zealand travel warning