After two research trips to the region we are now offering an exploratory tour to Guinea/Guinea Bissau. We hope this will become a regular tour in the future!
Arrive to Bamako and transfer to your hotel.
Early morning departure from Bamako and travel south to the Guinea border. After crossing we will travel off road to Niagassola, an ancient village that many consider to be where music first originated from. It is also considered to be the origin of the Balafon, a popular African musical instrument. The first ever Balafon – the Sosso Bala – or “Sacred Balafon” is over 800 years old and is kept here under the protection of the Kouyate family ever since its protection was ordered over 800 years ago by the famous Malinke King, Soumagourou Kante.
We have a special invitation to visit the village by the Kouyate family who are known all over the world for their involvement in African music – often playing major music festivals in Europe and the US. A balafon performance will be specially hosted for our group. After the show, we will continue south to the town of Siguiri where we will stay overnight.
After breakfast we travel to Kankan, Guinea’s second largest city. We will check in to our hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the Jelis or Griots of Kankan for another musical show. Evening at leisure.
Today we take a city tour, starting with a visit to the museum which is located in the military barracks. We will also visit the colonial train station that once linked the region to the capital Conakry, Independence Square, the market, the Grand Mosque (the oldest mosque in West Africa) and the handicraft market – many of the masks used across West Africa originate from Kankan.
Today we travel to Daloba, the city considered as the centre of Guinea and a major transit hub for Malian cargo trucks. After lunch we will visit the local market, before a short tour the city. Evening at leisure to sample the local nightlife.
After breakfast we continue our journey to Dalaba, a colonial city that once served as a retreat for French colonial masters. The city is situated at over 1400 feet above sea level. The climate here is very different to the rest of Guinea with the temperatures regularly dropping below 16 degrees. After checking into our hotel we will take a tour of the city before visiting the Chute de Ditinn waterfall. We will also visit Villa Sili, the home of the colonial French governor and the home of Miriam Makeba, the South African singer who was exiled to Guinea during Apartheid.
In the morning we depart to Labe, visiting the beautiful Chutes de Kambadaga en route. After arriving in Labe we will visit the market to experience the daily commercial life of the Fulani merchants.
Today we visit the Chute de Saala waterfall, the Fouta Jallon Cultural Museum, and there may be an opportunity for a Fulani cultural dance.
Today we set off early for the long journey west to Gabu, the first major town inside Guinea Bissau.
After breakfast we travel south to the capital, Bissau. Evening at leisure to explore the city.
We take a city tour today, starting with a visit to Porto de Perch (fishing port). After the port we will visit the colonial quarter of the city that once was the administrative seat of the colonial era. Here we will find the Fortaleza d’Amura, a Portuguese fort, former presidential palace, the new Presidential Palace, Assemblie Ministerio de Justica, the Catholic Cathedral, and the various markets.
Today the tour ends and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.