Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone Expedition

Day 1 – Arrival in Conakry, Guinea
Welcome to the Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone Expedition! On your arrival into the capital of Guinea, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Onomo or similar

Day 2 - Conakry
Today we will have a brief visit to the capital. First-time visitors to Conakry are often struck by the city's lively atmosphere and its friendly people. The city is home to several interesting tourist attractions, including the National Museum of Guinea, the Botanical Gardens, and the Grand Mosque. Conakry is also known for its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and its lively nightlife. It is also renowned for dreadful traffic and, once we manage to leave the traffic jam, we will head to the outskirts of Kindia. Tonight we may be lucky enough to experience a mask dance.
Overnight at the Hotel Masabi or Moringa, bungalows with A/C, or similar (BLD) - No twin rooms available.
(140 Km, driving time 4 hr)

Day 3 – Dalaba
The road will bring us to the heart of the Fouta Djalon massif. On arrival at our hotel, we will have lunch before we visit Dalaba. Of particular interest is the “casa a palabra” (the house of words) with fine bas-relief in a Peul style. Here the chiefs used to get together to meet the colonial administration. We will visit the villa built by the colonial governor and later used by the first president of an independent Guinea. The leader of the independence was Sekou Touré, one of the most radical activists against colonialism. Touré ended the relationship with the French and moved the country closer to the Soviet Union and socialist countries, becoming personal friends with Ceausescu. During Sekou Touré’s time, the country also became more and more isolated, and the government turned into a dictatorship. Some villas used by the ministers and by the guests of Sekou Touré are reminiscences of that time. In one of these villas Miriam Makeba met and married Stokley Carmichael, an exiled from America and a former militant in the armed wing of the Black Panthers.
Overnight at Tinka Hotel or similar (BLD)
(280 km, driving time 8 hr)

Day 4 - Fouta Djalon and the Council of Elders
We have a full day to discover the largest mountain massif of West Africa: Fouta Djalon. Here the mountains meet the savannah and in there are deep valleys filled with forests. Thanks to the local climate, this region was a popular holiday site during the colonial times. Peul people come from this region and are known for their stunning beauty and for being the best zebu breeders of West Africa.
Our group will take a 1.30h walk in the forest to discover the Ditin waterfall, the highest of the region at about 100m.
After having been introduced by our local connections to the elders, where we present traditional gifts, we will have the honour to be received by the chiefs and dignitaries siting in council. In a very large clay round hut with a decorated grass roof, dressed in traditional costumes the descendant of one of the oldest Fulla Kingdom will tell us the history of their people and answer our questions about the origins of their tribe and the traditional rules still practiced. A truly unique and authentic experience. Our journey then continues to Mamou, where we arrive early evening.
Overnight at Tinka Hotel or similar (BLD)
(100 km, short drives)

Day 5 – African Tales and Songs
We set off early for a full day’s journey, descending from mist-shrouded mountains into the rolling hills and open savannah of the High Guinea region. This beautiful land is home to the Malinke people, proud descendants of the once-mighty Mali Empire. Before reaching Faranah, the regional capital and birthplace of Guinea’s first president, Ahmed Sékou Touré, we’ll cross an old iron bridge spanning the legendary Niger River. Rising here in the highlands, the Niger gathers strength from countless tributaries, becoming West Africa’s largest and longest river. From Guinea, it winds through Mali, Niger, Benin and finally Nigeria, where it empties into a vast estuary more than 3,000 miles downstream. Our hotel awaits just outside town, nestled in the golden embrace of the savannah.
After dinner, we’ll enjoy an unforgettable cultural evening. In a nearby village, gathered around a crackling fire, we’ll experience traditional music performed by a Griot, the revered “African Troubadour.” This hereditary caste preserves centuries of stories, history and emotion through song and instruments. Their performances weave tales of love, heritage and joy, keeping the oral traditions of the region alive.
Overnight at Hotel de Niger or similar  (BLD)
(250km on rough roads, driving time 7 hr)

Day 6 – Ancient Medicines and Markets
Today offers an easy yet unforgettable journey. This morning, we’ll visit a traditional Malinke village, where round thatched huts dot the landscape and warm smiles greet us. The village chief, guardian of age old customs, will share stories of their vibrant culture. Next, we venture into the tropical forest with the Dozo, who are legendary hunters and healers steeped in ancient traditions. Clad in costumes adorned with protective amulets, these guardians still play a vital role in local communities. With luck, they may reveal some of their herbal secrets. We’ll enjoy a picnic amid the forest’s wild beauty before continuing to Kissidougou, a lively trading hub at the crossroads of savannah and forest tribes. Its bustling market brims with goods from across the region. After a day rich in culture and nature, relax at our comfortable, air-conditioned hotel, complete with an open-air restaurant overlooking the pool.
Overnight at Hotel Rama or similar (BLD)
(160 km, driving time 4 hrs)

Day 7 – Stone Gods and Cultural Dances
Before leaving town, we’ll visit a small but fascinating museum showcasing ritual artefacts from the region. The Kissi people are famed for worshipping mysterious stone gods known as Pomo, ancient sculptures discovered deep in the surrounding forests, silent witnesses to a rich spiritual heritage. Our journey then takes us through a striking transition from open, tree-lined savannah to the lush embrace of tropical forest. We’ll pause for lunch in Guekedou, a bustling border town where Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia meet. Its vibrant market draws thousands daily, a lively crossroads of cultures and commerce. Later, we arrive in Macenta for a captivating cultural experience: the Toma young girls’ initiation dances. This powerful ceremony marks the end of puberty rites, celebrating their transition into adulthood with rhythm, colour and community spirit.
Overnight at Hotel Macenta or similar. (BLD)
(170 km, driving time 5 hrs, various drives)

Day 8 – The Birdmen
Deep in the remote forests, the Toma people, locally known as Loma, guard a powerful tradition of sacred masks. Today, we’ll witness one of West Africa’s most spectacular and little-known ceremonies: the Birdmen dance. These enigmatic figures, faces painted white with kaolin and bodies draped in feathers, belong to a secret initiation that has been passed down from father to son for centuries. Believed to possess magical powers, Birdmen were once the fastest messengers during tribal wars, able to slip unseen through enemy lines. As tam-tam drums echo through the village, the community gathers to celebrate this ancient rite. Lunch will be a feast of local specialities, lovingly prepared by village women for an authentic taste of regional gastronomy.

Beyond the ceremony, the mountains hide other marvels. A narrow trail leads to a secluded village and a breathtaking liana bridge spanning a jungle river. These bridges, masterpieces of tribal engineering, can stretch up to 70 metres, crafted entirely from natural materials without nails or rope. Only the initiated may harvest and prepare these materials, and legend says a forest spirit completes the bridge overnight. Our journey ends in Nzérékoré, the vibrant capital of the forest region, where jungle traditions meet modern life.
Overnight at Hotel Residence Diani or similar (BLD)
(160km, driving time 4 hrs, various drives)

Day 9 – Mountains and Forests
We set off early, winding along rugged roads towards Liberia’s border in the heart of Nimba County. The Nimba Mountains, a spectacular massif straddling Guinea, Ivory Coast and Liberia, rise to 1,752 metres and form a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve rich in rare natural wonders. As we ascend, the scenery shifts from dense rainforest to high-altitude forest. Our route leads to the Nimba Eco Lodge, perched at 900 metres where these two worlds meet. From its panoramic terrace, choose your adventure, either a one or two hour trek into ancient primary forest alive with secrets, or simply relax and let the cool mountain breeze and sweeping views soothe your soul. Local legend speaks of the Zogbenya, a mysterious spirit said to guard the Nimba peaks and protect the balance between nature and humankind. Keep your eyes open as sometimes the mountain wind whispers its presence.
Overnight at Nimba EcoLodge or similar (BLD)
(60km, driving time 3 hrs)

Day 10 – Liberia
Our journey begins in the dramatic Nimba Mountains, where the haunting remains of iron mining operations, abandoned since the 1989 civil war, cling to the rugged slopes. These rusting relics, now overgrown and silent, evoke a powerful sense of nature reclaiming its ground. As we travel onward, the landscape bursts into colour with lively villages and vast rubber plantations. Here, you’ll witness the delicate craft of latex tapping: precise cuts in the bark release milky droplets, carefully gathered in small containers all nourished by over 1,200 mm of annual rainfall.

We’ll pause for a picnic lunch, enjoying fresh tropical fruits amid the wild beauty of the surroundings. Liberia holds a unique place in African history. Never colonised, it was founded by freed slaves returning from the United States. Named “Liberia,” the land of the liberated, its Krio community, though just 5% of the population, plays a key role in national affairs. Their language, a lively blend of American English pidgin, is spoken by nearly 80% of Liberians, uniting the country. As the sun sets, we arrive in Monrovia. Our base for two nights is a comfortable ocean-view hotel on the West Point peninsula, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic and a perfect gateway to Liberia’s vibrant capital.
Overnight at The Cape Hotel or similar (BLD)
(336 km, driving time 8 hrs)

Day 11 – Monrovia
Spend the morning as you wish. Relax by the hotel pool or join a guided walk to uncover the spirit of Liberia’s capital. Our first stop is the imposing Masonic Temple, a symbol of Krio heritage and influence. From there, we ascend to the ruins of the Ducor Palace Hotel, once West Africa’s crown jewel and the region’s first five-star hotel. Stories linger. Idi Amin allegedly swam in its ocean-view pool, pistol at his side, while Miriam Makeba performed. We break for a traditional Liberian lunch, rich in bold African flavours, before visiting the National Museum. Housed in a charming Krio-style building, its exhibits include sacred masks, ritual objects, and a poignant photo archive from Liberia’s two civil wars (1989–2003). Nearby streets showcase Krio architecture, from colonial churches to grand timber facades. Back at the hotel, unwind with a fusion dinner blending European and Lebanese influences, as the Atlantic breeze closes the day.
Overnight at The Cape Hotel or similar (BLD)

Day 12 - Diamonds
We set off early, crossing the Mano River, which marks the southern border between Liberia and Sierra Leone. On arrival, we’re welcomed into a traditional village, where local hosts proudly share their homes and way of life. A newly renovated road guides us through lush rainforest and across broad rivers into a region famed for its diamond riches, an industry that has shaped the country’s global reputation. Diamond prospecting here is a gamble, with fortunes made by only a lucky few. These precious stones played a pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s civil war, and both their quantity and quality remain notable today. Local villagers will lead us to an active mining site, where we meet artisanal miners and learn about small scale techniques, including the intricate process of sand washing. We end the day in Bo, Sierra Leone’s second-largest city.
Overnight at Hotel Bo or Hotel Dohas or similar (BLD)
(310 km, driving time 7 hrs)

Day 13 – Bundo Mask Dance
Bo is a vibrant and welcoming town, full of colour and character. Its bustling markets and diamond shops offer everything a hopeful prospector might need including shovels, sieves, and tools to chase glittering dreams. In the morning, we visit a nearby village to witness one of West Africa’s most remarkable cultural traditions, the Bundo mask dance. Unlike most African mask rituals, which are male-led, the sacred Bundo masks belong to women among the Mende and neighbouring peoples. These powerful performances celebrate a girl’s transition into womanhood, rooted in centuries-old initiation rites. The atmosphere is electric, drawing crowds from surrounding communities.

After this unforgettable experience, we journey towards the Atlantic coast, arriving at the fishing village of Kent. Here, a traditional boat awaits to carry us across the sea to the legendary Banana Island, a secluded paradise of forested hills and ocean breezes, and our home for the next two nights.
Overnight at Bafa Lodge - fixed tents with shared facilities (BLD)
(260 km, driving time 6 hrs)

Day 14 – Banana Island
After 13 days of thrilling overland travel through savannahs and rainforest, we enjoy a well earned retreat on Banana Island. We begin with a scenic boat tour around the island, its emerald hills cloaked in untouched forest. Along the way, hidden coves and charming Krio fishing villages emerge, echoing the island’s Caribbean soul. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, an optional two-hour forest hike offers shaded trails and wild beauty. Prefer to unwind? Our camp, nestled among the trees with sea views, invites you to relax, sip something cool at the open sky bar, and soak in the rhythm of the waves. Whether you’re exploring jungle paths or lounging on a quiet beach, this day is yours to enjoy the beauty and peaceful spirit of Banana Island.
Overnight at Bafa Lodge - fixed tents with shared facilities (BLD)

Day 15 - Chimps and Freetown
After bidding farewell to Banana Island, we return to the mainland and continue along the wild, scenic slopes of the Freetown Peninsula. This dramatic mountain range, the “Sierra of Lions,” from which Sierra Leone takes its name, forms one of West Africa’s most breathtaking coastlines. Our route winds between emerald hills and golden beaches before heading inland to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Reserve. Hidden deep in the rainforest, this inspiring project is home to over 120 rescued chimps, each with a story of survival. As we explore, we gain insight into the vital work being done to protect these intelligent primates and their fragile habitat. With the sounds of the forest and the ocean still fresh in our minds, we end the day with a scenic drive into Freetown, where the vibrant energy of the capital awaits.
Overnight at the Swiss Hotel or similar (BLD)

Day 16 - Freetown and departure
Freetown is more than a capital. It is a city built on liberation, resilience, and renewal. Today, we delve into its remarkable history and vibrant spirit. In 1786, 308 freed slaves from the United States, many of whom had fought alongside the British in the American Revolutionary War, were resettled here. Their dream of freedom was nearly lost to disease and hardship. But in 1792, the settlement was reborn as Freetown under British protection, becoming a beacon for thousands more freed slaves. It later survived a French naval attack and became the first British colony in tropical Africa.

We explore the city on foot, uncovering symbols of its storied past. At its heart stood the legendary Cotton Tree, a gathering place for freed slaves. Though felled by a storm in 2023, it remains a powerful monument to resilience. Nearby, the Supreme Court, Saint George’s Cathedral, and the National Museum reflect Freetown’s rich Krio heritage and intellectual legacy, home to Fourah Bay College, sub-Saharan Africa’s oldest university, in a city once known as the “Athens of West Africa.” Despite its turbulent past, including civil war and the Ebola crisis, Freetown today pulses with music, colour, and the unstoppable energy of its people. As the sun sets, we board a lively local ferry across the wide bay to Lungi, where our journey comes to a close.
Arrival in Lungi at 5 :00 PM. Transfer to the airport for departure.