North and West Africa Overland Combo

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Start your new year with YPT by partaking in our incredible North and West Africa Combo tour. We travel mostly overland by any means necessary involving pinnaces, horses, the world’s longest train and 4WD covering 8 countries in total, including one disputed territory.

Our combo offers you the opportunity to pick and combine any of our African adventures listed below for additional discounts. There are no limits to how you want to plan this. Real adventurers ready to rough it out can partake in the entire trek for a once in a lifetime experience taking you from the Casbah of Algiers to the voodoo temples of Abomey.

Part A – Algeria: Explore the revolutionary anti-colonialist struggle, the ancient roman ruins of Djemila and the city of bridges of Constantine.

Part B – Morocco – Western Sahara – Mauritania: experience the old and new of Casablanca, explore Laayoune in Western Sahara – the largest city of the unrecognised region and also known as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), ride the Mauritanian Iron Ore train (the world’s longest), visit the disputed city of Dakhla and adventure to the ancient ruins within the Sahara and the mad-maxesque capital of Nouakchott.

Part C – Mali and Burkina Faso: close encounter with hippos, crocodiles and meet the local tribes of the Dogon Tribe for sacred ceremonies.

Part D – Togo and Benin: experience the mystery of voodoo, sample Sodabi and hike deep into the jungles to visit villagers of traditional mud houses.

Group	Start Date and Place	End Date and Place	Combo Reduced Price (EUR)	Single Supplement (EUR)
Part A: Algeria	8th January – Algiers	16th January – Oran	+€1225	+€300
Part B: Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania	16th January – Casablanca	27th January – Nouakchott	+€2175	+€240
Part C: Mali & Burkina Faso	28th January – Bamako	9th February – Ouagadougou	+€2845	+€260
Part D: Togo & Benin	9th February – Lomé	18th February – Cotonou	+€1420	+€140
Full Tour	8th January – Algiers	18th February – Cotonou	€7595	€940

ITINERARY

Sunday 8^th January – Algiers – Group A

Group A members arrive at your convenience into Algiers – the capital city of Algeria which is well connected from many countries within Africa and most of Europe.
Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of Hotel Samir at 6:00pm to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
Dinner at Arabesquer restaurant – here you have the chance to sample generous portions of Palestinian and Syrian dishes.
Explore the nightlife of Algiers
Overnight in Hotel Samir

Monday 9^th January – Algiers

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and head out for a full day tour exploring the best sights of Algiers. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as the majority of the tour will be conducted on foot as our vehicle will be unable to reach some areas due to the narrow roads of the capital.
Explore the Notre Dame d’Afrique, translated into English as ‘Our Lady of Africa’ – built in 1872, this Catholic basilica is a vital piece of Algerian history as it further details the French presence in colonial times with spectacular views of the city below.
Drive to the UNESCO world heritage site of Kasbah of Algiers – remains of the citadel, mosques and Ottoman-style palaces dating back to the 10th century. As you explore the winding streets gives a true sense of an Algerian experience.
Visit Martyrs’ Square – a massive iconic monument erected to commemorate the sacrifice of those who fought for the independence of Algeria.
Stop by Palais des Rais – also known as Bastion 23, it is one of the last standing examples of the Kasbah and a masterpiece of Moorish architecture. Once Algeria achieved its independence, the palace was occupied by beggars and reopened as a museum in 1994.
Visit the Dar Khedaoudj el Amia – a museum displaying Algerian art, rugs, jewellery, pottery and traditional outfits.
Walk along the peniche with stunning views of the bay of Algiers. Here we’ll head downtown, stopping by the Grande Poste or Central Post Office, an important building during the French period.

Afternoon

Lunch at a local restaurant sampling Algerian flatbread and stews
Take a ride on Algiers subway – the subway formally opened during the 1980s but faced many closures due to financial issues and the civil war. It reopened in 2011.
Stopping at the Botanical Garden Hamma which opened in 1832, we’ll continue onwards on cable car to the Martyr’s Museum.
Visit Martyr’s Museum – the museum which is in itself an important piece of Algiers landscape, is any political history buff’s dream. If you’ve been to the Pyongyang Victorious Fatherland Liberation Museum, it would be easy to imagine the vibe here. This museum depicts Algeria’s struggle against the French colonialists.
Continue back down the cable car and stopping at Algeria’s National Fine Arts Museum
Dinner at Caracoyo restaurant. An upscale restaurant where those interested can have a taste of Algeria’s homegrown wine.
Overnight at Hotel Samir.

Tuesday 10^th January – Algiers – Djémila – Constantine

Morning

Breakfast and check-out of hotel, and drive 3 hours to the Roman ruins of Djémila stopping for photos along the way.
Tour highlight – Explore the ruins Djémila city, formerly known as Cuicul. This incredibly well preserved ruin is what’s left of an ancient Roman colony dating from the 1st century AD. It is known as one of the world’s most beautiful Roman ruins and its state of preservation truly allows us to picture what life was like at that time.
Visit the local museum nearby to grasp a further understanding of the ancient Roman city

Afternoon

Lunch at restaurant nearby the ruins
Continue your adventure on the road and drive to the city of Constantine – Algeria’s third largest city. Along the way for refreshments and photos for an early evening arrival.
Dinner at Igherssan Restaurant – here you’ll have a great view of Constantine’s famous cliffs and bridges at night.
Experience Constantine’s nightlife.
Overnight in hotel at Constantine

Wednesday 11^th January – Constantine – Ghardaia

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and head out for a day of exploring Constantine. Referred to as the City of Bridges, it is truly a sight to behold. Houses built on cliffs are interconnected with stone bridges, something that seems right out of Lord of the Rings.
Visit Ahmed Bey Palace – the palace was completed in 1835, two years before the fall of Constantine into the French occupation. The Algerian military moved in after independence and is now opened for visitors.
Explore the ruins of the Antonian Roman aqueduct that supplied water from outside sources into the city used mostly for public baths and households.
Visit the Abd al Hamid Ben Badis Mosque – Abdelhamid Ben Badis is an important figure of the Islamic Reform Movement in Algeria and a great influence on Algerian Muslim politics up to the Algerian War of Independence. Our local guide will share his impression and more information during your visit.
Tour highlight – walking across the Sidi M’Cid Bridge – this 164 meters long suspension bridge was a feat of engineering when it first opened to the public in 1912. Until 1929 it was the highest bridge in the world hanging 175 meters above the Rhummel River.
Explore Sidi Rached Bridge – the second most important bridge of Constantine. This impressive viaduct bridge was built in 1912. It spans 447 meters with a total of 27 arches.

Afternoon

Lunch at the traditional restaurant El Khaima.
Visit the Cirta Museum – collections of ancient Berber and Roman findings from excavations
Board a late afternoon flight to Ghardaia, the gateway of the Sahara. Located 600km south of Algiers.
Once arriving we’ll check-in to our hotel to refresh
Dinner nearby and explore the nightlight of Ghardaia.
Overnight in Ghardaia

Thursday 12^th January – Ghardaia

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and explore the wonders of Ghardaia – a city located in the desert with its own unique traditions and characteristics, very different from anywhere else in Algeria and it the rest of the world.
Drive to M’zab Valley – a UNESCO world heritage listed site where five villages await us.
Visit El Atteuf – the first Mzabite settlement in the region. Founded in 1020AD, here we’ll see palm tree plantations and the ancient winding alleyways of the town.
Explore Shikh Sidi Brahim Mosque – a 700 year old mosque, renowned for its unique architecture.
Visit the Ksar of Ghardaia – located on top of a hill allowing you to see most of the region. Exploring this area you’ll notice locals wearing traditional clothing.

Afternoon

Lunch at a local restaurant known for traditional M’zab dishes.
Visit the fortified city of Beni Isguen – this city is a real maze of streets, punctuated by archways and wells. The buildings around this area are all ancient and will take you for a time-travel experience. We end this section by climbing up the watchtower for a great view of the town.
Finish off the day by paying a visit to the lively market of Beni Isguen, where nomads come to trade their goods and possible for you to haggle for all sorts of trinkets and local goods.
Dinner in town
Overnight in Ghardaia.

Friday 13^th January – Ghardaia – Oran – Tlemcen

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and morning leisure to further explore the town or hit the marketplace again, or for an opportunity for those to catch up on sleep

Afternoon

Lunch in town
Head to the airport and board our flight to Oran – the second largest city in Algeria and scene of Albert Camus’s novel, The Plague.
Once arriving we’ll drive two hours to the lesser-known yet fascinating city of Tlemcen – a city previously its own kingdom and ruled by the Zayyanid dynasty
Dinner and overnight in Tlemcen

Saturday 14^th January – Tlemcen

Morning

Breakfast and head out to explore the El Mechouar Palace – the former official residence of the Zayyanid dynasty. Incredibly scenic.
Visit the Calligraphy Museum and the Museum of Tlemcen to learn more about the rich history of this city.

Afternoon

Lunch at a local restaurant to sample mechoui
Drive out of the city and explore the Beni Add Caves – the largest in Africa and previously used as a smuggling route between Morocco and Algeria for Algerian freedom fighters until the French blew it up blocking halfway. The stalagmites here make for a fascinating view.
Drive back to Tlemcen and further up the hills to reach the Islamic Complex of Ali Bendiouane – the Islamic Sufi answer to a monastery, provides us with great views of the city and an insight into local culture.
Take a leisurely cable car ride further up to the best viewpoint of Tlemcen.
Head on to the ruins of the ancient town of Mansourah in the form of its millennia-old minaret.
Dinner back in Tlemcen city centre and overnight in Tlemcen

Sunday 15^th January – Tlemcen – Oran

Morning

Breakfast at hotel
Begin long drive back to Oran passing incredibly scenic sights of rolling hills of green grass
Once arriving in Oran we’ll stop at Murdjajo, giving incredibly scenic panoramic views of the city by the sea.
Visit Fort of Santa Cruz – Oran’s most iconic sight with its whitewashed walls overseeing the city. The fort has changed hands as often as Algeria has changed rulership. Built by the Ottomans, taken by the Spaniards, then by the French and finally reclaimed by the Algerians. I is a real testament to the history of Algeria. Located within the fort is a chapel built after the town barely survived an epidemic reminiscent of Albert Camus’ The Plague.
Visit the majestic Grande Poste of Oran built by the French

Afternoon

Walk along the beachfront of Oran stopping for lunch, tea and coffee along the way
Visit the Palace of Bay Mohamed – One of the most exquisite buildings of Oran. Built to honour Mohamed El-Khebir, who wrestled Oran away from the Spaniards and by doing so Mohamed became an important figure of the resistance against Spain in Algeria.
Head back to the hotel to refresh
Farewell dinner in the city and explore the nightlife – Oran is populated with bars and hookah cafés
Overnight in Oran

Monday 16th January – Group B

Morning

Breakfast at hotel
Group A members conclude with airport drop-off arranged according to your flight details – YPT is also able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for flights.
Group B members apart of our Morocco, Western Sahara and Mauritania Overland tour board Air Algerie’s flight to Casablanca arriving early afternoon – flight not included in tour price.
Group B members starting may arrive at your convenience into Casablanca – the largest city of Morocco which is well connected from many countries within Africa and most of Europe.
Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of Hotel Diwan at 6:00pm to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
Dinner at traditional Moroccan restaurant to feast on local famous dishes followed by belly-dancing.
Explore old town and Medina to experience some of Casablanca’s dark and dingy nightlife
Overnight in Casablanca

Tuesday 17th January – Casablanca – Laayoune

Morning

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
Begin exploring Morocco’s most progressive and culturally diverse city with your first stop at the Medina – the old town that was left untouched by the French with narrow alleyways lined with stores and homes where locals have lived for hundreds of years.
Visit the United Nations Square – the square was first constructed in 1908 after the French bombardment and invasion of Casablanca and previously named the “Square of France”
Explore through Habous district – also known as the New Medina, this area is packed with street markets where locals bargain for fabrics, clothes, and local snacks such as almond pastries, stuffed dates or the incredible Makouda – deepfried potato balls dipped dipped into spicy harissa sauce.

Afternoon

Lunch in town at a local restaurant known for great couscous based dishes
Visit Hassan II Mosque – the largest mosque outside of the Middle East with tallest minaret in the world
Stop by the Boulevard de la Corniche – what was once the famous and glorious thriving nightlife of the city along the ocean, now remains a quirky part of town with plastic surgeries and odd shops.
Dinner nearby at a local restaurant
Head to the airport and board our 7:45pm flight to Laayoune in Western Sahara – the largest city of the disputed territory of Western Sahara
Overnight at Hotel Rimal in Laayoune

Wednesday 18th January – Laayoune

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and head to the busiest souk in Western Sahara
Visit the Grand Mosque – one of the most important landmarks in the city and apparently designed under the guidance of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. The mosque is a simple yet very peaceful symbol of the city situated in the central square and surrounded by palm trees
Stop by the Laayoune Craft Centre – a bazaar offering the most authentic traditional souvenirs

Afternoon

Lunch at a local restaurant for your chance to try camel meat
Explore the Spanish Cathedral – in 1940 Spain designated Laayoun as the capital of the Spanish Sahara and this Cathedral is the best relic leftover from colonial times. On previous YPT trips we have had the chance to meet one of the three catholic priests in charge of all of Morocco and Western Sahara. They are quite eager to share their experience being a priest in a country where the majority of the population are Muslim.
Head out of town to the dunes for late afternoon mint tea and sand based activities
On the way back into town we’ll stop for dinner on the way back at a truck stop offering surprisingly incredible fare and enormous delicious portions of local dishes
Visit a bar at Hotel Al Massira and overnight at Hotel Rimal

Thursday 19th January – Laayoune – Dakhla

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and hit the road for Dakhla city – a disputed territory currently administered by Morocco
On the way stopping at the rural town of Boujdour to visit a lighthouse built by the Portuguese during the 18th century
Explore Boujdour Port – an fascinating scene of hundreds of fishing boats with thousands of fishermen

Afternoon

Lunch of fresh fried fish
Stopping at one of our favourite hidden sites to take a dip into the Atlantic Ocean
Early evening arrival into Dakhla city
Dinner at Villa Dakhla and overnight at the Hotel Imperial Playa

Friday 20th January – Dakhla

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and a brief tour of Dakhla
Depart the city and head out for the dune blanche – a place that must be seen to be believed. This enormous sand dune perched in the middle of a lagoon is a hotspot for flamingos.
Visit the natural hot underground springs – here you can take a jet shower from a high pressure hose. The experience could be described as half massage, half waterboarding. The 38 degree Celsius sulphur water is said to contain various health benefits

Afternoon

Lunch at a local traditional seafood restaurant by the beach where they serve a delicious mixed seafood tajine as well as enormous fish (good for six people). You can also order fresh oysters (extra 0.5 EUR per oyster)
Stop by the Ostrich farm where you can prove your bravery by letting an ostrich pinch your hand
Head back to the hotel in Dakhla to freshen up
Dinner and night out in town – our last easy-to-find drinks at one of the restaurants on the main strip
Overnight in the Hotel Imperial Playa

Saturday 21st January – Dakhla – Nouadhibou

Breakfast at hotel
Begin our drive to the border of Morocco – here we’ll exit Morocco and end up in the ‘5 kilometres no man’s land’. While the rest of Western Sahara is claimed by Morocco, this particular area of land is indisputably Sahrawi where many thieves selling stolen cars, gun smugglers, refugees and other interesting folk hangout.
Cross into Mauritania – the moment you cross into Mauritania you’re entering a whole new world. There is visa on arrival service which may take some time to process – you must bring small denominations of Euros to pay for your visa in exact cash. 55 euros.

Afternoon

Transfer to Nouadhibou city, the country’s second largest city and economic capital and lunch on arrival
Head to the Atlantic ocean at Cape Blanc – a peninsula that is shared between Mauritania and Western Sahara. It was this exact spot where the Spanish expanded their fishing presence from the Canary islands onto the African coast. This is where the biggest ship graveyard used to be located until it was broken down into pieces and the steel sold by Chinese companies in recent years. It is also possible to spot the Mediterranean monk seal colony here.
Visit the new ship graveyard of Nouadhibou
Dinner at Ice NBC, a family restaurant with a wide menu of delicious local dishes. For those who fancy a well deserved ice cold beer it is possible to visit the Chinese restaurant next door for the only establishment that openly serves beers.
Overnight at Hotel Al Jezira

Sunday 22nd January – Nouadhibou – Choum

Morning

Breakfast at hotel
Head to the Port of Nouadhibou that was first controlled by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally by the French. Many local fish markets to explore.

Afternoon

Lunch at a local restaurant in town
Prepare for Mauritania Mineral Train – we’ll stop at local shops and stores to ensure the group is stocked up on plenty of water, fruits, sandwiches and snacks
Tour Highlight – Board the world famous Mauritania Mineral Train – this is the longest and heaviest train in the world. You’ll be sitting inside open top cars so please ensure you have prepared a blanket, warm clothing and goggles to protect yourself from the sand. Train will depart around 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

Monday 23rd January – Choum – Chinguetti

Morning

Arrive at the town of Choum approximately at 3:00am and spend the rest of the late evening/early morning resting in an igloo tent
Wake up in the morning and enjoy a cooked breakfast by camp fire
Begin exploring the Adrar Region of Mauritania
Visit Azoughi oasis and village for a tea stop and experiencing how locals live

Afternoon

Lunchtime at hotel Mer et Desert. You’ll most likely meet the owner, a French woman who has left everything behind to become member of the community. She knows a lot about the social issues of local tribes and is a wonderful source of information.
Drive to the UNESCO world heritage site of Chinguetti – a holy city of Islam. You’ll visit the library and other historical monuments and landmarks including the much loved Friday Mosque of Chinguetti, the national symbol of Mauritania.
Evening sunset watched from the huge sand dunes of Chinguetti
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Eden – a traditional stone guesthouse

Tuesday 24th January – Chinguetti – Ouadane

Morning

Breakfast at hotel
Begin 80km drive through pure desert and sand dunes: on the way stopping in Tanounichert for a tea stop with the locals – once upon a time it was an important stop of the trans-caravan routes of the Sahara. In YPT, we nicknamed Ouadane the Pompei of Mauritania for its sprawling city in ruins which is sure to amaze you. It was here that products of sub-Saharan Africa were traded with those of the Maghreb. The Portuguese arrived in 1487 and transformed the city into a local centre of cultural, economic and scientific advancement.

Afternoon

Explore the streets and see the buildings that once glorified the country as a whole and then move on to the new part of town where we’ll be sure to mingle with the locals.
Traditional dinner and overnight in the Hotel Vasque

Wednesday 25th January – Ouadane – Atar

Morning

Breakfast at hotel
Depart for Tergit Oasis – Mauritania’s most picturesque location.
On the way stopping at Agrour – here’s your chance to see pre-historic paintings left there 5000 years ago as well as incredible lava formation
Visit the Mheirith Oasis – an incredibly picturesque place where Mauritanian like to come and relax during the date season
Continue onwards to the White Valley – a dune-filled fault line with many small settlements and palm groves. The Guelb Aouelloul crater is 3.1 million-old impact crater approximately 40 km across and can be observed from space. Breathtaking scenery.

Afternoon

Home-cooked lunch in Terjit Oasis followed by a short trek (approx 30 minutes) to the source of the oasis, here, the scenery will remind you of Jurassic Park.
Drive through the stunning Tivoujar Pass and arrive early evening in Atar
Overnight and dinner in the Hotel Des Caravanes

Thursday 26th January – Atar – Nouakchott

Morning

An early rise for breakfast and the long drive to the Mauritanian capital city of Nouakchott

Afternoon

On the way stopping for lunch at San Francisco Café for a hearty meal and access to WiFi after a few days of deprivation.
Arrive in time to catch the lively Atlantic fish market. Every evening hundreds of fishermen bring in the day’s catch on their distinct sea canoes recognized by their colourful hand-painted hulls. The catch is then brought by donkey cart to the city’s markets
Visit the National Museum where artefacts of the history of Mauritania and its ancient cities are exposed – this will allow you to have a quite recap of what we’ve seen in the last days.
Visit the local craft market where locals specialise in camel wool rugs
Driving tour of the massive embassies of the main players of the region – USA, China, France, and Russia.
Quick photo stop by the Great Mosque of Nouakchott – funded by Saudi Arabia and built in 1982.
Head to the beach for some great people watching. This is where local Nouakchottois come to escape the city and cool off.
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant and try our luck at getting inside a Chinese owned restaurant for a cold beer
Overnight in Nouakchott

Friday 27th January – Nouakchott – Group C

Morning

Breakfast at hotel
Group B members tour concludes – YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for flights out.
Group C members apart of our Mali and Burkina Faso Tour will visit the Malian embassy to receive your visas the quickest and cheapest way!
The rest of the day is rather free, with the possibility to go for a nice meal and a beer at a Chinese restaurant or to visit a farm right outside the city
Overnight in Nouakchott

Saturday 28th January – Bamako

Morning

Group C members starting may arrive at your convenience into Bamako – the largest and capital city of Mali which is well connected from many countries within Africa and most of Europe.
Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 8:30am to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
Begin the your Mali adventure by visiting the Rose Market of Bamako which will give you an idea of the hustle and bustle of the Malian capital.
Explore the National Museum of Mali – an astounding collection of masks and traditional outfits.
Visit the Tower of Africa – the tallest tower in Mali

Afternoon

Lunch at Bating Restaurant providing incredible local dishes such as Poulet Yassa
Ascend to the top of Point G Hill – a French military hospital was built on top of this hill between 1906 and 1913 offering fantastic views over Bamako.
Dinner at a local joint in the city popular with locals
Bamako being the largest city in Mali offers somewhat of a nightlife – we’ll head out and see what we can discover!
Overnight at hotel in Bamako

Sunday 29th January – Bamako – Segoukoro – Segou

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and begin drive to Segou (4 hours) – a town built on the banks of River Niger.
Before arriving at Segou we’ll stop at the town of Segoukoro – the former capital of the Bambara Kingdom.
We have an appointment with none other than the village chief, who is a direct descendant of the kings of old. You’ll have tea with him and he’ll help answer all of our questions about the history of Segou and its royalty.
The King’s descendants will show us the rebuilt vestibule, where the king used to receive his guests.
Explore the village, home to four mosques, the most famous being the waterfront one which the local famous King Biton Coulibaly built for his mother.
Depart Segoukoro by a pinasse – the Malian boat of choice. You’ll cruise along the Niger River, the third largest river of Africa. You’ll see the lifestyle of the people on the riverbanks, most of them being from tribes of nomadic fishermen.
During your cruise we’ll stop at one of the fisherman villages to say hello and then stop again in a village of potters

Afternoon

Continue cruising down the river with lunch on the boat
Arrive into Segou and explore an old neighbourhood to meet with a local family who’ll will cook us a classic Malian dish of peanut sauce
Further explore a Somono neighbourhood – this area has the oldest adobe buildings, a traditional architectural style house found mostly in Segou that help keep the family inside cool during intense summers. Here you’ll also take part in a traditional Malian tea ceremony.
Head to the centre of the town and seek out Segou’s culinary scene, stopping by a local restaurant and later check out Segou’s nightlife.
Overnight at the Hotel L’Auberge

Monday 30th January – Segou – Djenne

Morning

Visit a nearby plantation for breakfast
For members visiting Burkina Faso – we will stop by the consulate downtown at the opening times so that your visa will be processed throughout our stay in Sogou.
Visit the Monument to the Kings located at the entrance of the city – previous King that had Segou
Explore artisan villages located in the outskirts of Segou where you’ll see how calebasse bowls are made and a village of blacksmiths.

Afternoon

Lunch in town and collect passports from the consulate
Begin 5 hour drive to Djenne – also known as the capital of mud as the buildings and streets constructed within the city are made entirely out of mud.
Climb the top of a structure for a grand view of Djenne’s Great Mosque – the world’s largest mud building. The inside of the Mosque can only be visited by Muslims.
Dinner at a local restaurant that specifically opens for us since the local economy has collapsed.
Assist our team with setting up our tents for the evening within a family’s compound.
Overnight camping, for those group members opting for single supplement may stay at a nearby hotel.

Tuesday 31st January – Djenne

Morning

Breakfast by the camp
Visit Koranic schools and drop by the Museum of Djenne’s manuscripts – here a single man protects the documents of days gone by.
Inspect a sacred well – it is said that the ancestors of the town used this wall to consult the spirits to plan their next moves.
Explore the Shrine of Tapama – a young virgin was sacrificed here to appease the bad spirits of the town.

Afternoon

For your lunch you’ll experience the local speciality of Djenne, the Tion Tion – a delicious fish fried rice
Adventure out of the walled city and into various villages each profoundly different from the others as they were built by different tribes. You’ll experience the Bozo, Fulani, Bambara and Songhai tribes – they have very own culture and ways of life. Our own horse and cart will be provided for these trickier roads.
Head back to town with dinner hosted by our families
Overnight camping, with single supplement available for those who wish to stay at a nearby hotel.

Wednesday 1st February – Djenne – Mopti

Morning

Breakfast in town and head 4 hours further north to Mopti – located directly under the security corridor established by the UN Forces
Along the way we’ll stop to grab lunch

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring Mopti and its bustling street life. There is a magnificent mud mosque similar to the one we saw in Djenne, and a women’s market.
Trip highlight – Later in the afternoon we’ll board a boat and explore the busy port of Mopti. This is where the Bani and Niger River meet. The port is an important hub of transportation in Mali with people here embarking on the dodgiest 3-day trip aboard a shabby pinasse to Timbuktu of all places! This boat ride is one of YPT’s favourites around the world!
Dinner and overnight at our hotel

Thursday 2nd February – Mopti – Dogon Country

Morning

Breakfast at a nearby market and make our way to Dogon Country – the first stop being the town of Songo.
Once arriving you’ll experience the traditional Dogon Village. The villagers here previously lived further up the rocks to keep their animistic beliefs and flee persecution from Muslims.
Visit the area where the village arranges the circumcision ceremony for the surrounding villages. There’s a large rock painting retelling the stories of the villages as well as the circumcision ceremony. Our guide will explain to us all about the ceremony, which lasts more than a week.
Climb the nearby mountain for an impressive view of the town

Afternoon

Lunch is arranged in Bandiagara – the largest town in the area
Our 4WD drops us in Aindelou where we’ll walk 4km to the isolated village of Dogon
Arrive in Begnimatu – YPT’s favourite Dogon three-village-in one. One with a Muslim, a Catholic and a Christian neighbourhood. The village is perched on the mountains in the canyon and sunsets here are a sight to behold.
Farewell dinner with the locals as they prepare a feast. We’ll be staying with the Christian neighbourhood which allows us to party with the locals.
Camp overnight in Begnimatu on the houses’ rooftop under a very starry sky

Friday 3rd February – Dogon Country – Ouahigouya

Morning

Trip highlight – After breakfast by the camp, we are invited to a traditional Dogon mask ceremony. This is where the elders of the village chant in order to chase bad spirits while the very sacred Dogon masks are taken out of their sacred places to be worn for the dance. All members of the community, Muslims, Catholics and animists alike unite to re-enact ancestral dances.
Once the ceremony concludes, it’s time for us to trek down the rocks stopping by the villages of Doundiourou and Bagourou. Here you can see traditional Dogon Justice Halls. The halls are built with ceilings too low for people to stand, are where family elders meet to discuss and solve issues peacefully.

Afternoon

Arrive in Ende for lunch
Mali members – begin 4 hour drive to the town of San, dinner and overnight
Burkina Faso members – begin drive towards Burkina Faso. We’ll cross the border and go through necessary car and immigration formalities. Arrive in Ouahigouya – the third largest town in the country. Dinner and overnight.

Saturday 4th February

Mali Members: San – Segou – Bamako (Mali)

Breakfast at hotel, visit the outside of the adobe mosque and explore the rest of the village.
Begin the long journey back to Bamako, stopping in Segou for lunch
Arrive in Bamako, check into hotel to refresh and head out for dinner
Tour concludes with airport drop-off arranged according to your flight details – YPT is also able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for flights.

Burkina Faso Members: Ouahigouya – Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)

Breakfast at hotel and head towards Bobo Dioulasso – the second largest city in the country
Along the way stopping in Yako – the birthplace of Thomas Sankara, the Che Guevara of Africa. His time in power was abruptly ended by the treason of his best friend and subsequent murder. Although Sankara was incredibly ruthless, he did focus on education and the empowerment of women. He’s mostly remembered fondly in these parts.
Arrive in Bobo Dioulasso and head out for dinner
Visit the maquis, typical Burkinabe open-air bars which turn into nightclubs
Overnight in Bobo Dioulasso

Sunday 5th February – Bobo Dioulasso

Morning

Breakfast in town
Explore the old neighbourhood and grasp the feeling of what life was like in old Burkina Faso, or as it was known during the colonial times – the Upper Volta.
Followed by a short drive and a 1km hike to Dafra – known for the famous pilgrimage site in Burkina Faso where people come from far to sacrifice animals to the local catfish. Things get very real as we get up close to those animist rituals. Please note that it is taboo to wear red clothes and take photos on this site.
Visit the Sudanese-style mosque

Afternoon

Lunch in town and begin our horseback journey to the countryside. If prefer the comfort of our 4WD this option is still available.
Set up our camping site in the bush.
Delicious dinner is arranged here on our very own campfire – you’ll be surprised what our local friends can whip up on a campfire and drinks are included.
Overnight camping

Monday 6th February – Bobo Dioulasso – Sindou

Morning

Enjoy a bush breakfast
Visit the nearby maternity clinic where a local doctor will introduce the healthcare situation in Burkina Faso
Ride your horse back into town and hop into your 4WD to head to Sindou – 3 hours

Afternoon

Once arriving in Sindou we’ll have lunch and check into your hut to refresh
Drive out of Sindou and visit Kawara – a village of potters known for performing a traditional pottery dance.
Return to Sindou and explore the village and the impressive rock formations for which it is renowned for. It is the highest point of Burkina Faso. People used to live here as it was an easy to defend location. Each rock formation has a story which our local guide will share whilst we enjoy the sunset.
Dinner arranged by our local contacts
Overnight in huts

Tuesday 7th February – Sindou – Banfora

Morning

Breakfast in town
Begin driving journey to Banfora – here you’ll visit the Fabedougou Domes. The natural rock formations which have to be seen to be believed. This area was used to hide from neighbouring tribes.
Hike 1.5km to the Karfiguela Falls

Afternoon

Picnic lunch by the falls and a dip in the refreshing water
Board a boat to go hippo spotting. Although hippos are known for being dangerous and territorial, here the hippos are sacred animals and the locals live in harmony with these large wild animals. It’s possible to get close and have a real close encounter with a few!
Head back to Banfora
Dinner in town with plenty of options from local maquis to nice and cosy French restaurants
Overnight in Banfora

Wednesday 8th February – Banfora – Ouagadougou

Morning

Breakfast in town and begin our largest road trip yet of expected 7 hours.
We’ll make scenic stops and a lunch break along the way to stretch our legs including a last stop in Bazoule – a sacred crocodile pond. Here the locals are at peace with the crocs. The crocodiles are never hunted, harmed or killed. In exchange, the crocs do not eat the locals. As crazy as this sounds it is possible to play with the crocodiles.

Afternoon

Arrive in Ouagadougou – the capital of Burkina Faso.
Trip highlight – While its successors have tried to erase any trace of him, the memory of Thomas Sankara is still very much alive in the people of the city, this is why we’ll spend the day touring the city along with friends and relatives of Thomas Sankara, who will be there to tell us about the man himself. We’ll also make sure to visit his brand new statue.
Explore Ouaga 2000 – the weird futuristic city project where you’ll visit two monuments of great importance: the Monument to National Heroes and the Monument to the Martyrs. If you’ve visited North Korea, you’d feel that these monuments would fit right into Pyongyang.
Visit the roundabout of the Second of October – commemorating the day Sankara announced the revolution
Farewell dinner at a phenomenal restaurant and experience the nightlife of the city’s busiest maquis
Overnight in Ouagadougou

Thursday 9th February – Ouagadougou – Group D

Morning

Group C members tour concludes with airport drop-off arranged according to your flight details – YPT is also able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for flights. For those departing later, YPT can arrange visits to the National Museum, Music Museum and handicraft market of Ouagadougou.
Group D members apart of our Togo and Benin tour board flight to Lomé, the capital of Togo – flight not included in tour price
Group D members starting may arrive at your convenience into Lomé – the capital city of Togo which is well connected from many countries within Africa and most of Europe.
Transfer to our centrally located Hotel Le Galion and meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide in the lobby at 2:00pm

Afternoon

Head out for lunch in town and go over pre-tour details
Visit the Monument to Independence – a tribute to Togo’s independence from France on April 27 1960
Explore Africa’s largest fetish market – here you’ll be receiving your first lesson in Voodoo. Locals visit this market to purchase animal carcasses and charms to obtain favours from the spirits
During your exploration of Lomé it is possible to see the Ghana border from the capital
Pass markets and sample famous local snacks such as pâte and fufu with a wide range of sauces
Lomé is situated by the beach and packed with nice bars and spots to mingle with the locals, we take up this opportunity and enjoy the nightlife
Overnight at Hotel Le Galion

Friday 10^th February – Lomé – Avévé

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and begin making our way out of the capital and deep into the jungle of Togo along the border of Benin (2 hours drive)
Along the drive you’ll stop by Agbodrafo’s secret slave house – after slavery was outlawed, Togolese slavers continued their business by operating from a house with hidden passages leading to cells where they would keep their captives.

Afternoon

Lunch at a delicious pork barbeque joint named ‘’Moins cher’’.
Arrive in Aveve – a town dedicated to the Palm industry. Led by the villagers, you’ll see how the women of the town collect and gather the palm, produce palm oil, and other uses they have for the leftovers.
As you explore the town you’ll pass different voodoo guardians, totems and sacrificial altars.
Visit a Sodabi refinery – a type of liquor made from distilled palm wine
Board a palm tree carved into a boat for a short yet rather thrilling ride around town
Visit the Tanti-Ayoko’s drinking hole for refreshments – this is the best spot to try a different variety of Sodabi, and other non-alcoholic refreshments with the locals.
Begin our trek into the jungle to explore the voodoo tree. This humongous tree allegedly grants people with jobs and promotions. It is rumoured that presidents from other countries visit the tree under the cover of darkness to pray for their re-elections.
Dinner is arranged by the villagers at our hotel – it’s apart of their culture to invite us for a dance party where they’ll show you local moves to their distinct music
Overnight at Hotel Akpedze

Saturday 11^th February – Avévé – Kpalimé

Morning

Breakfast at the hotel and begin our drive to the other side of the country to reach Kpalimé (4 hours) passing Lomé for lunch and plenty of stops along the way for rests or photos.

Afternoon

Once arricing into Kpalimé – you’ll visit the craft school where students are learning to sculpt, weave and paint.
Treak the jungle of Kpalimé – our local guide will introduce to you the strange plants and trees that grow in this jungle and the multiple uses locals have for them. Along your trek you’ll also see buildings dating back from the German colonial times as well as local villages up the hill.
Dinner is prepared for you in Kouma Kunda – a village on top of the mountain chain.
Overnight at Auberge Villageoise

Sunday 12^th February – Kpalimé – Kara

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and head further north of Togo (4 hours)
Along the drive we’ll stop to visit a bat forest where thousands of bats can be summoned by making sounds. You’ll be able to get great shots as they start flying around in massive flocks.

Afternoon

Stopping for local lunch along the way
Visit the Bafilo weavers – specialists of a very interesting technique of weaving.
Stop by the Death Rock of Aledjo – an interesting rock formation.
Arrive in Kara – known as the second capital of Togo. It is the hometown of Gnassinbé Eyadema – the strongman of Togo, who led the country from 1967 until his death in 2005. He was succeeded by his son who is still in power today. You’ll visit the North Korean like statue which was erected in his honour and explore the presidential palace.
Dinner in Kara where our hotel has very nice options.
Overnight in Hotel La Douceur

Monday 13^th February – Kara – Somba Country

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and head to the neighbouring villages for a trek amongst intriguing vegetation and villages. During your trek you’ll witness some of the local trade, the most impressive being the blacksmiths which use stones instead of hammers and anvils.

Afternoon

Lunch at a local millet beer bar.
Head to Tamberma country where you will start spotting the Tata-Sombas – the impressive UNESCO mud houses which act like fortresses to protect herders and their livestock.
Exit Togo and cross into Benin – don’t expect much formalities here! The Togo border is manned by one old man sitting on a bench and the Benin border has zero staff.
Since there are no immigration officers at Benin, we will need to visit the nearest police station to get stamped into the country.
Explore around the first Beninois village and visit the local community
Visit Tata-somba – along with full explanations of how these wonders are built and their functions.
Dinner on top of a Tata-somba and bunker down for an evening under the stars.

Tuesday 14^th February – Somba Country –Natitingou – Taneka – Dassa

Morning

Breakfast and begin making our way south
Your morning will be dedicated to an introduction of the Taneka people.
Visit the Regional Museum of Natitingou where you will be introduced to the culture of the multiple tribes populating the north of Togo and Benin.
Visit the Cultural Bank of the Taneka which has also been converted to a museum – packed with artefacts of the Taneka and you will be given multiple explanations about their lifestyle, war skills and magic.
Visit the Taneka headquarters of Taneka-Beri – explore sacred spirit houses and trial grounds and meet dignitaries of the tribe. These dignitaries are guardians of the tradition and still dress in animal skins.

Afternoon

Lunch in town before starting our 6 hour long drive to Dassa with breaks and refreshments along the way
Dassa is most famous in the region for its fourth king. The fourth king came from Nigeria with his people in his later days. He was 155 years old when he forced himself to die. Locals say his magic was so strong that he couldn’t die even when he wanted to). He then transformed into a human-headed snake. The princes and kings of Dassa to this day climb up the hill where the fourth king transcended this world for numerous rituals.
Arrive at an eco farm where fresh food is grown and cultivated for your meal this evening
Overnight at Eco-Farm Maktub

Wednesday 15^th February – Dassa – Abomey

Morning

Breakfast at the eco farm
Visit the Cathedral of Dassa – A stone was brought from Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes in France. The cathedral receives believers from all around West Africa.
Drive to Abomey
Along the journey you’ll stop by the underground warrior shelters of Bohican – The warriors of the Dahomey Kingdom, the fiercest in the region, would hide in impressive man-made caves to prowl on unsuspecting locals and turn them into slaves.

Afternoon

Voodoo tour of Abomey along with a local expert guide in Voodoo – you’ll visit a priest at his home/shrine and witness a voodoo ceremony where all your questions can be answered. You’ll witness the priest making offerings to ancient idols covered in grime.
Explore the fetish market of Abomey. While the fetish market of Lomé is a great place for an introduction to voodoo and photos, it can be a little bit touristy. The fetish market of Abomey is smaller but is truly the real deal, with locals purchasing live animals for their sacrifices.
Visit the massive voodoo church, shaped like a chameleon!
Dinner at restaurant La Palmeraie, where we can treat ourselves to amazing woodfire pizza.
Overnight in Hotel Le Tennessee

Thursday 16^th February – Abomey Ganvié – Cotonou – Ouidah

Morning

Breakfast at hotel and begin drive to Abomey-Calavy – located by the suburbs of Cotonou.
Arrive at Lake Noukoué and board a boat to visit the incredible Ganvié village – a village fully built on stilts and has been nicknamed the Venice of Africa.
Continue onwards to Cotonou – while Porto-Novo is the capital of Benin and the seat of the National Assembly, Cotonou is truly the seat of power with all the rest of the government and embassies located here.

Afternoon

Lunch at a local joint best known for pounded igname with curry.
From the 1970s to the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Cotonou was the place from which General Mathieu Kerekou ran his socialist regime. Multiple artefacts of the socialist times can be spotted around this city.
Visit the Red Star monument – the monument depicts a man holding a sickle and is the symbol of Cotonou. The monument promotes green socialism, the idea which promoted self-sufficiency through agriculture.
Visit the Monument du Souvenir. The monument was previously known as the Martyrs’ monument. It was built with the help of North Korean artists from Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang. The monument =commemorates the sacrifice of soldiers, aided by none-other than North Korean soldiers, and help push back putsch attempt orchestrated by anti-socialist countries.
Stop by the Monument to Georgi Dimitrov – the first leader of the Communist International (Comintern) and leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Government.
Begin drive to Ouidah
Dinner at Momo’s venture cooking school – provides a handful of local pupils full culinary training for free. You’ll be sampling delicious African-European fusion meals.
Overnight at Hotel le Dauphin

Friday 17^th February – Ouidah

Morning

Breakfast at hotel
Visit the Python Temple – sacred pythons are kept here and venerated. Once a month the pythons are freed and allowed to roam around the town to feed themselves. Those brave enough may access inside the python cell.
Trek the 4km slave trail of Ouidah – Ouidah was an important hub of the slave trade orchestrated by Europeans colonists and the Dahomey Kingdom. Along your walk you’ll pass numerous stations which slaves were punished and where rituals by the slaver kings were used to ward off revengeful ghosts. The trek will lead us all the way to the beach where the captured Africans of all tribes where pushed onto galleons, never to come back.

Afternoon

Lunch at Momo’s school and a farewell to the students
Head to a nearby village where the local trade is salt extraction. You’ll be introduced to the process but also to the different fetishes and guardians of the village.
Before departing the village, the people arrange a mask ceremony and ritual dances
Dinner in one of the varied restaurants of Ouidah
Overnight in Ouidah

Saturday 18^th February – Ouidah – Cotonou

Breakfast at hotel
Drive back to Cotonou on a different route along the scenic sea
Arrive in Cotonou – you may visit more of the city according to your interests.
Shower and refresh
Group D members tour concludes with airport drop-off arranged according to your flight details – YPT is also able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for flights.