Western Beaches & Jungles (westbound)
Tropical West Africa boasts idyllic beaches and lush rainforests as gorgeous as anything on the east coast - but far more secluded. Roam these exotic landscapes and soak up their delights on this Overland adventure through five welcoming countries. Along the way, spot iconic African animals and discover the esoteric practices of voodoo. There's also plenty of time for simply chilling out in the shade of a palm tree. Make the most of the changing landscapes and cultures on this journey through West Africa.
Itinerary
Day 1 Douala
Discover Douala's curious mix of gracefully decayed colonial ambience and modern, marble buildings.
Days 8-10 Drill Ranch Monkey Sanctuary
Delight in spending time in the forests of the Drill Monkey Sanctuary and perhaps help out the guardians of orphaned drill monkeys and chimpanzees at this worthy wildlife project.
Day 11 Bush Camp
Watch the dramatic African scenery unfold on a full day of driving towards Yankari National Park.
Days 12-13 Yankari National Park
Soak in a hot spring beneath sandstone cliffs and safari among prowling lions, springing antelope and elegant ostriches in this remote reserve.
Day 14 Jos
Enjoy the cooler climes of the scenic Jos Plateau.
Days 15 Abuja
Explore Nigeria's capital then leave the city behind to camp in the bush.
Days 19-20 Abomey
Cross the border into Benin. Pay a visit to a palace filled with gold and silver - and pervaded by the spirit of voodoo!
Days 24-25 Grand Popo
Lounge on the beach or wander in the nearby museum. Perhaps join locals in the evening to spot sea turtles on the beach.
Days 26-27 Agbodrafo
Make tracks to Togo and take a ride with local fishermen to Togoville to learn about the mysteries and rituals of voodoo.
Days 28-29 Mt Klouto
Perhaps take a butterfly safari through lush rainforest before enjoying a night of traditional African cuisine and music.
Day 30 Akosombo/Lake Volta
Travel across the border into Ghana and camp by one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
Days 31-32 Keta
Explore the Keta Lagoon Complex - vast wetlands that are home to myriad birds, fish and butterflies
Days 33-34 Accra
Wind up your African travels on the beach in Ghana's golden capital city.
Days 2-3 Kribi Beach
Live it up in Kribi - a glitzy, palm-fringed playground for the rich and relax on the beach while soaking up the glorious African sun.
Days 4-5 Limbe
Travel to Limbe and lounge on the black volcanic sands of its quiet beaches. Perhaps visit the Limbe Wildlife Centre and watch the playful antics of the resident monkeys and gorillas.
Days 6-7 Cameroon Rainforest
Journey through the tropical rainforest of Cameroon and camp in remote locations along the way.
Days 16-18 Bush Camp/Abeokuta
Spend time getting acquainted with this thriving African city.
Days 21 Ganvie
Stay overnight in the fascinating village of Ganvie, built entirely on stilts in the middle of a lagoon and accessible only by canoe. Travel to Cotonou and take the chance to visit a unique African market.
Days 22-23 Ouidah
Visit the epicentre of Voodoo culture in Ouidah. Perhaps explore the fascinating Musée d'histoire d'Ouidah to learn about the history and culture of voodooism. For a sobering experience, visit the Ouidah Museum of History which gives a glimpse into the horrors of this town's slave trade past.