Guinea Tours
Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone Expedition
Explore West Africa on this 16 day journey through three very different countries.
Tour Overview
This is a challenging and exciting trip that will take us to the heart of Africa. Together, we take on the Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone Expedition!
We will visit remote villages, see clay bas-reliefs, and hike to high waterfalls in the Fouta Djalon mountains. The group will also stay with the descendants of the oldest Fulani kingdom. This is in a large clay building with a decorated roof. Then experience driving on forgotten tracks to see mask dances and drumbeats in the sacred woods. Finally, cross the longest liana bridges in the forest while visiting the hidden villages of the birdmen.
The itinerary ends with Freetown, Sierra Leone. Freetown's peninsula is considered to have the best coastline in West Africa. For example, it has wild beaches, calm ocean, sand banks and estuaries. It is therefore the perfect place to relax after an intense and unforgettable odyssey.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Conakry, Guinea
On your arrival into the capital of Guinea, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight in Hotel Onomo, Conakry
DAY 2
Conakry
First comes a brief visit to the lively capital. It is home to the National Museum of Guinea, the Botanical Gardens, the Grand Mosque, beautiful beaches and delicious seafood. Once we leave the traffic, we head towards the outskirts of Kindia. Here, we may be lucky enough to experience a mask dance.
Overnight in Hotel Masabi or Moringa, near Kindia · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 3
Dalaba
Drive into the heart of the Fouta Djalon massif to visit Dalaba. This includes the "casa a palabra" (house of words), a fine Peul-style bas-relief building. Chiefs once met the colonial administration here. You also see the villa of the colonial governor, later used by independence leader Sekou Touré.
Overnight in Tinka Hotel, Dalaba · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4
Fouta Djalon and the Council of Elders
Spend a full day discovering West Africa's largest mountain massif. It is home to the Peul people, renowned for their beauty and zebu breeding. First, take a 90-minute forest walk to the Ditin waterfall, the region's highest at around 100m. Then, after presenting traditional gifts, be received by chiefs and dignitaries of one of the oldest Fulla kingdoms. They welcome you in a large clay round hut, where you hear the history of their people.
Overnight in Tinka Hotel, Mamou · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5
African Tales and Songs
Descend from misty mountains into the rolling savannah of High Guinea. This is home to the Malinke people, descendants of the Mali Empire. Then cross an old iron bridge over the Niger River near Faranah, birthplace of independence leader Ahmed Sékou Touré. Later, in the evening, enjoy traditional music around a fire performed by a Griot. This hereditary "African Troubadour" preserves centuries of oral history through song.
Overnight in Hotel de Niger · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6
Ancient Medicines and Markets
Visit a traditional Malinke village of round thatched huts, hearing stories from the village chief. After that, venture into the forest with the Dozo, legendary hunters and healers clad in amulet-adorned costumes. Then continue to Kissidougou, a lively trading hub at the crossroads of savannah and forest tribes.
Overnight in Hotel Rama, Kissidougou · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7
Stone Gods and Cultural Dances
Visit a small museum of ritual artefacts, including the mysterious Pomo stone gods worshipped by the Kissi people. Then pass through Guekedou, a border town where Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia meet. Finally, arrive in Macenta for the Toma young girls' initiation dances, celebrating their transition into adulthood.
Overnight in Hotel Macenta · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8
The Birdmen
Witness the spectacular Birdmen dance of the Toma (Loma) people. These kaolin-painted, feather-draped figures come from a secret initiation passed down for centuries. They were also once believed to be the fastest tribal-war messengers. Then visit a secluded village and a liana bridge stretching up to 70 metres. Initiated craftspeople build it entirely from natural materials. However, a forest spirit is said to complete it overnight. Finally, end the day in Nzérékoré, capital of the forest region.
Overnight in Hotel Residence Diani, Nzérékoré · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 9
Mountains and Forests
Wind towards the Liberian border in Nimba County, home to the Nimba Mountains. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve rises to 1,752m across Guinea, Ivory Coast and Liberia. Then reach the Nimba Eco Lodge at 900m. Here there is the option of a 1-2 hour trek into primary forest. Alternatively, relax on the panoramic terrace, said to be watched over by the mountain spirit Zogbenya.
Overnight in Nimba EcoLodge · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 10
Liberia
See the haunting remains of iron mining operations abandoned since Liberia's 1989 civil war. Then pass rubber plantations to witness latex tapping. Liberia was never colonised. Instead, freed slaves returning from the United States founded it. Its Krio community and pidgin-English language unite the nation. Finally, arrive in Monrovia for two nights on the West Point peninsula.
Overnight in The Cape Hotel, Monrovia · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 11
Monrovia
Spend a free morning by the pool or on a guided walk. The walk visits the Masonic Temple, a symbol of Krio heritage. It also takes in the ruins of the once-grand Ducor Palace Hotel, West Africa's first five-star hotel. Then visit the National Museum, housed in a Krio-style building. It holds sacred masks and a photo archive of Liberia's two civil wars (1989-2003). Afterwards, explore the surrounding Krio architecture.
Overnight in The Cape Hotel, Monrovia · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 12
Diamonds
Cross the Mano River into Sierra Leone, where a traditional village welcomes you. Then travel through rainforest into a region famed for diamond riches that shaped the country's history. Here you meet artisanal miners at an active site to learn techniques including sand washing. Finally, end the day in Bo, Sierra Leone's second-largest city.
Overnight in Hotel Bo or Hotel Dohas, Bo · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 13
Bundo Mask Dance
Visit a village near Bo to witness the Bundo mask dance. It is one of the few African mask traditions led by women, among the Mende and neighbouring peoples. The dance celebrates a girl's transition into womanhood. Afterwards, continue to the fishing village of Kent for a traditional boat crossing to the secluded Banana Island.
Overnight in Bafa Lodge, Banana Island · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 14
Banana Island
Today is a well-earned retreat after 13 days of overland travel. Take a scenic boat tour around the island's forested hills, hidden coves and Krio fishing villages. There is also an optional two-hour forest hike. Alternatively, simply relax at the camp's open-sky bar with sea views.
Overnight in Bafa Lodge, Banana Island · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 15
Chimps and Freetown
Return to the mainland along the scenic Freetown Peninsula. This is the "Sierra of Lions" that gives Sierra Leone its name. Then visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Reserve, home to over 120 rescued chimps. Finally, end the day with a scenic drive into Freetown.
Overnight in Swiss Hotel, Freetown · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 16
Freetown and Departure
Explore Freetown's remarkable history. Freed slaves founded the city in 1792, and it later became the first British colony in tropical Africa. First, visit the site of the historic Cotton Tree (felled by a storm in 2023). Then see the Supreme Court, Saint George's Cathedral and the National Museum. You also visit Fourah Bay College, sub-Saharan Africa's oldest university. Finally, as the sun sets, board a local ferry across the bay to Lungi. You arrive at 5pm for your transfer to the airport.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Assistance at airport upon arrival (Day 1) and departure (Day 15)
Transfers and tour in 4WD vehicles. This covers the arrival transfer only on Day 1 and the departure transfer only on Day 15. Additional charges apply outside these days.
English speaking local guide
Tours and visits as per the programme
Accommodation in standard rooms, as per itinerary
All meals as described – breakfast, lunch and dinner
One bottle of mineral water in the bus/car each day during the visits
Entrance fees to parks, concessions, protected areas and cultural sites
First aid box
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements/fees
Mineral water and drinks at meals
Any photography and video fees
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
A yellow fever certificate is required for this tour.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy. Get in touch if you’d like to check availability or discuss a private departure on different dates.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest advice for Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
All British nationals need a visa for Guinea. Apply via the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea or the Guinea Online Visa Portal. Entry has been refused without the correct visa. You also need a visa for Liberia, from the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in London. In addition, you need a visa for Sierra Leone. This is available on arrival for $80 cash, or you can apply in advance for an e-visa. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months for Guinea and Sierra Leone. For Liberia, however, it should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. Finally, a yellow fever certificate is required for entry.
Local Laws and Customs
Don't become involved with drugs of any kind in any of the three countries. Penalties are severe, with heavy sentences and harsh local prison conditions. This also applies to gem or diamond smuggling. In Guinea, precious stones require an export licence. Moreover, photography of bridges, military sites, police installations or government buildings is forbidden there. In Guinea, also carry certified photocopies of your passport rather than the original. Homosexuality is illegal in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Finally, carry photographic ID with you at all times in Liberia.
Health
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice for each country. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Medical facilities are poor across all three countries. For example, in Guinea, only private clinics can be contacted by phone and equipment is often not sterile. Similarly, Liberian hospitals are poorly equipped, with no effective emergency or ambulance service. In addition, malaria, typhoid, Lassa fever and cholera are all present in the region. Serious medical treatment is likely to require evacuation to Europe. Therefore, make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds. Finally, drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
What to Bring
Bring lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing, because cotton and natural fibres are best. It should appropriately cover the body when you are in the company of local communities. In other words, it doesn't need to be fancy, but it needs to be respectful. Walking shoes or boots plus sandals are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sun cream, a torch, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle. Finally, bring a small medical kit for scrapes and cuts, and a power adapter for phones and laptops.
While You're There
The local currency is the Guinean Franc in Guinea, the Liberian dollar in Liberia, and the Leone in Sierra Leone. It's best to bring Euros for exchange, because local currency is difficult to obtain outside the region. Your guide can also help exchange money at banks or hotels. ATMs are increasingly available in larger towns. However, you shouldn't rely on them as your main source of cash. Moreover, credit cards are only commonly accepted in larger hotels in Conakry and Freetown. Exchanging currency on the street or via unofficial changers is illegal, including at the airport. In fact, it has led to arrests even for small amounts.
The region has a dry season (October-April) and wet season (May-September). Most visitors travel in the dry season, although the wet season is feasible too. This is because it brings short, sharp rain bursts rather than all-day downpours. However, some roads can be difficult to pass. To use your mobile phone, contact your provider in advance for international roaming. Alternatively, purchase a local registered SIM card. Many hotels also offer wifi via wireless hotspots.
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