Gambia, Senegal — Africa — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

AFRICA CAPE VERDE ISLANDS NEW! The Fortunate Isles TREKKING GRADE B Ref VC JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 12 DAYS HOTELS/PENSION - CULTURE, VOLCANOES & ISLAND WALKING Cruising the Gambia River Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa, the Cape Verde archipelago has nine inhabited islands each with its own character. Deserted beaches, volcanic slopes and spectacular scenery make these undiscovered islands a perfect destination for those who want something a little bit different! Colonial Santiago Our adventure begins and ends on Santiago, the island with the most African feel to it and also the largest of the group. Santiago was the first of the islands to be colonised by the Portuguese and is host to the archipelago's capital city, Praia. From our base in the village of Rui Vaz we'll explore the island's old capital, Cidade Velha with its 16th century fort and cathedral - ruins of its once wealthy past. We'll also hike from the market town of Assomada high in the hills down to the coast at Ribeira da Barca. Pico de Fogo Volcano Fogo is an active volcano which last erupted in 1995. Due to the volcanic nature of the island the soil is extremely fertile, producing a fruity wine and excellent coffee! We spend two nights in Ch� das Caldeiras, a village which is situated inside the volcano crater itself where the houses are made of volcanic rock. From here we'll make an optional ascent to the summit of Pico de Fogo (2829m). The soft volcanic sand becomes more rocky as we climb and the views of Fogo and Santiago are spectacular. Hiking down towards the Atlantic coast through a barren moonscape, we'll spend a night in the island's capital, Sao Filipe. The Fortunate Isles Ref VC Scenic walks Porto Novo RIBEIRA GRANDE Ribeira de Torre Paul 0 km 60 S A N T O A N TA O SAO VICENTE MINDELO GAMBIA " SENEGAL Senegal & Gambia River Cruise Ref SE CAPE VERDE ATLANTIC OCEAN CHA DAS Mosteiros CALDEIRAS Monte SAO FILIPE SANTIAGO Assomada Pico do Antonio Rui Vaz JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 15 DAYS HOTELS/RIVERBOAT/CHALETS FRENCH & BRITISH, BUT ALL AFRICAN An in-depth look at two different nations: tiny, tropical Gambia hugging the river and exotic Senegal land of drums, French colonial towns, fantastic birdlife and dusty villages on the Sahel. Our adventures include the regions premier game park and an absorbing cruise down the Gambia river by traditional riverboat. Old Colonial Senegal From Banjul we ferry over to Senegal and head for the Saloum Delta National Park. Here well explore the myriad islands and waterways of the delta by pirogue (motorised canoe); in season we should see plenty of waterfowl. Driving along the sun-drenched coast, we reach Dakar and make a short ferry ride over to Isle de Gor�e. Theres time to roam the quiet streets, admiring the colonial buildings with shutters and wrought iron balconies, and also see the haunting dungeons of the Maison des Esclaves. St Louis and Djoudj Laid-back St Louis is perhaps Senegals most charming town; our sightseeing is by horsedrawn carriage. In nearby Djoudj National Park we take to motorboats again to enjoy a unique wildlife spectacle as millions of migratory birds flock to the creeks of the Senegal river to feed after the long flight over the Sahara. Djoudj has one of the worlds largest pelican colonies and supports flamingo, spoonbill and many other species. There is also the opportunity to take a day trip to Mauritania. Next, we drive south through the dusty Sahel to Wassadou, and on into the forests of the Niokolo-Koba National Park. We explore by truck and by boat, looking out for hippos and enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the local people. Cruising the Gambia River Crossing to Gambia, we make for Georgetown, situated on an island in the Gambia River. The river is the lifeblood of the nation, and so we plan a relaxing 2-day cruise downstream back towards Banjul, sleeping on board our riverboat. Theres always something of interest as rice paddies give way to fishing Friendly local children Senegal & Gambia River Cruise Ref SE ATLANTIC OCEAN ST LOUIS Caleche tour Rose lake Dakar Touba Mosque Kaolack FOGO S e ne gal M A U R I T A N I A Djoudj NP Pirogue safari Birdwatching Velha Ribeira Pico de da Barca Fogo 2829m PRAIA 1995 Peak Cidade Velha ISLE DE GOREE SALOUM NP Cross delta by pirogue SENEGAL TAMBACOUNDA Stone circles ELEPHANT ISLAND GAMBIA BANJUL km 0 Ga m bia GEORGE TENDABA -TOWN Mangroves WASSADOU Ribeiras of Santo Antao Passing through Sao Vicente we then spend a few days exploring the island of Santo Antao with its breathtaking mountain scenery and its ribeiras - deep valleys carved into the volcanic rock by erosion. Our walks on Santo Antao acould arguably be the most beautiful in the archipelago from hiking up Ribeira da Torre to a stunning coastal walk to the picturesque village of Fontainhas. Bing Tang Bolong 150 Village walk Niokolo-Koba NP Game drive & boat safari GUINEA GUINEA -BISSAU FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Praia (Santiago); transer to Rui Vaz. 2 Fly Sao Filipe (Fogo); drive Cha das Caldeiras; afternoon crater trek. 3 Optional ascent of Pico de Fogo. 4 Trek Cha das Caldeiras to Mosteiros via Monte Velha villages; transfer to Sao Filipe. 5 Fly Sao Vicente; transfer to Mindelo; free to explore town. 6 Ferry to Porto Novo (Santo Antao); trek from Cha de Igreja to Fontainhas. 7 & 8 On Santao Antao; trek Cove crater to Paul and Ribeira da Torre. 9 Transfer to Porto Novo; ferry to Mindelo (Sao Vicente); trek Lameiro to Monte Verde. 10 Fly to Praia (Santiago); transfer to Rui Vaz; trek to Cidade Velha. 11 Trek Assomada to Ribeira da Barca. 12 Fly London. Note: Itinerary may vary depending on inter-island flight schedules. Accommodation & Meals: 9nts hotel, 2nts pension; 11 breakfasts, 10 lunch & 11 dinner included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Minibus transfers/Ferry/Inter-island flights as itinerary/On foot. Comment: Island walks are moderate (3-6hrs) and flexible, with a more strenuous, but optional, ascent of Pico de Fogo volcano (2829m). Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. villages, sandy beaches and mangroves. Well pause at the megalithic stone circles at Wassu and to explore villages along the way. FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Banjul. 2 In Banjul, tour; ferry/drive to Saloum Delta NP (Senegal). 3 Exploring the delta by pirogue. 4 Along the coast to Dakar, ferry to Isle de Gor�e. 5 Drive to St. Louis via the Pink Lake. 6 Excursion to Djoudj NP; birdwatching safari by pirogue. 7 Free day in St Louis; optional full day trip into Mauritania or visit to Langue de Barbarie NP. 8 Drive Tambacounda via Touba Mosque. 9 Drive Wassadou; afternoon walk. 10 In Niokolo-Koba NP; game drive and boat safari. 11 Drive Georgetown (Gambia). 12 & 13 2-day cruise on Gambia river aboard motorboat; en route visit Wassu stone circles. 14 Visit Boabolong wetland reserve; cruise to Bing Tang Bolong; drive Banjul. 15 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 10nts hotel, 1nt rondavels, 1nt guesthouse, 2nts simple riverboat; 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 8 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/4WD vehicle(s)/Pirogue(s)/ Motor Cruiser/Ferries/ Caleche. Comment: A great introduction to West Africa exploring several of the regions major waterways, National Parks and old colonial island towns. Generally good roads with a couple of long drives. We sleep on deck at night during our 2-day river cruise. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), some local guides and boat crew. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. Welcoming local family Volcano trekking Request a tour dossier for comprehensive tour information 109

Africa contd… Gambia, Senegal