• • Marvel at the basilica in the surreal capital of Ivory Coast – Yamoussoukro
  • Soak up the beaches, nightlife and music of Freetown, the buzzing atmospheric capital of ‘Sweet Salone’
  • Explore the crumbling grandeur of Monrovia
  • Marvel at the modern architecture, skyline and museums of Abidjan, and party until dawn to coupé-décalé or Ivorian reggae!
  • See artisans at work and wander amongst the colonial buildings in Grand Bassam
  • Learn about the rain-forest ecosystem in Ankassa National Park, Ghana
  • Take a tour of Jamestown or visit the world famous coffin makers in Accra, Ghana

From Freetown, we head west along the coast, stopping at some of the most breathtaking beaches the region has to offer. Our destination is the coastal village of Kent, where we’ll unwind for the night, soaking in the serene beach vibes.

We’ll leave our trusty truck, Aminah, behind as we set off to discover the paradise of Banana Island. Whether you’re into snorkeling, water sports, scenic boat trips, or simply wandering through the charming village of Dublin, you’ll find your kind of adventure. As the sun drops there’s no better place to grab a palm wine and watch the sun dipping into the ocean, you’ll truly experience the essence of Sweet Salone.

Returning from Banana Island we’ll be reunited with Aminah, our next destination Kambama village, home to the remarkable Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. This pristine reserve hosts 11 primate species and is one of the few places on Earth where the rare and elusive pygmy hippo still roams. Explore the island on foot, by motorboat, or in a traditional dugout canoe, taking in the lush forest and river wildlife as you search for this secretive creature.

Leaving Tiwai Island behind, we take advantage of new roads and a recently built bridge, transforming what was once a four-day overland journey into a smooth single day drive into Liberia.

To experience the magic that Sierra Leone has to offer watch this superb video that Jamie Noel made for us. Jamie joined one of our trips in 2012 and made a series of videos highlighting the pristine beaches, friendly people and stunning landscapes the country is so famous for!

Our first stop is Robertsport, a sleepy beach paradise on Liberia’s northern coast, where golden sands stretch for miles and life moves at an easy, unhurried pace. Known for its laid-back charm and scenic headlands, Robertsport is a favourite escape for surfers and beach lovers alike. If the surf’s up, head to the local surf club for lessons with experienced instructors. On a free afternoon, take a peaceful walk along the shoreline to the famous shipwreck resting just offshore, a striking reminder of the area’s maritime history and a perfect spot for photos at sunset.

Next we’ll travel to Monrovia, Liberia’s capital. Though parts of the city remain in disrepair after years of upheaval, Monrovia is moving forward and rebuilding for the future. Highlights include the haunting remains of the Masonic Lodge, the crumbling but iconic Ducor Hotel, and other fascinating reminders of Monrovia’s complex and captivating history.

A short drive brings us to Libassa Eco Lodge. Here wildlife conservation meets beach resort. Take a tour of the wildlife sanctuary and learn about their conservation work, special mention goes to unique creatures like pangolins, one of the world’s most trafficked mammals. If animals aren’t your thing, float around the lazy river or relax in one of the 5 pools.

From the coast, we’ll head north towards Yekepa, stopping at the beautiful Kpatawee Waterfalls, one of Liberia’s natural gems. Here, you can choose to hike along the river and discover a series of cascading falls up the hillside, or relax and swim in the dammed pools fed by cool mountain water.

Our final stop in Liberia is Mount Nimba Eco Lodge, a unique nature reserve set on a reclaimed mining site, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity.

A range of guided treks and activities are included during our stay. You can kayak across the tranquil lake, explore forest trails, or take on a rewarding hike to the tri-border point where Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone meet. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful connection with nature, the choice is yours.

The following morning we’ll continue east to one of Africa’s more curious capitals: Yamoussoukro. Though it’s the official capital of Ivory Coast, its title is mostly symbolic. The city was the hometown of long-serving post-independence President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who poured vast sums into transforming it into a monumental capital.

During our stay, we’ll visit the astonishing Basilique de Notre-Dame de la Paix, a near replica of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, as well as the grand hotel offering sweeping views of Yamoussoukro’s unique and dramatic skyline.

Despite only a small portion of the Ivorian population being Catholic, the President spent hundreds of millions of dollars constructing this immense basilica. The city also features six-lane highways that lead to nowhere, extravagant hotels, and monumental architecture, all set in a town of fewer than 300,000 people. It’s a surreal and fascinating place that truly must be seen to be believed.

Next, we head south to Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s bustling economic capital. With its modern architecture and soaring skyline, Abidjan provides a striking contrast to the remote areas we’ve travelled through over the past few weeks. Here, you’ll find vibrant museums, striking buildings, and the opportunity to restock on a few luxuries. We plan to stay 2 nights here to enjoy the city’s dynamic nightlife, with the chance to hear Ivorian reggae and experience the infectious rhythms of coupé-décalé.

From Abidjan, a short drive east takes us to Grand-Bassam, the former French colonial capital. This relaxed coastal town feels like a world away from the energetic pace of the city. You can stroll past grand colonial buildings, watch local artisans at work, or simply unwind on the golden sands of its scenic beach.

Our next highlight is Cape Coast castle, once the residence of the British governor before Accra became Ghana’s capital. Like Elmina, this grand structure offers a sobering reminder of the suffering endured during the transatlantic slave trade. Its striking setting belies the painful history within its walls.

From here it’s a short final day’s drive into Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital. A visit to the coffin makers on the outskirts of the city is well worth it. Here, craftspeople sculpt timber into fantastical shapes like animals, cars, and rockets, crafting unique coffins for unforgettable send-offs.

For those interested in cultural exploration, a tour of Accra with the excellent local guide Charles Sablah is highly recommended. Based in the humble suburb of Nima, Charles offers eye-opening walking tours that take you into the heart of a community and show a side of the city most tourists rarely see.

Accra’s artisans market also provides a wonderful opportunity to pick up last minute souvenirs, masks, statues, handmade textiles, jewellery, chess boards, and more.

Still need convincing about this incredible trip? Check out this video Jamie Noel made for us, highlighting some of the many great things detailed in this itinerary!