Tracing the West Coast of Africa

Home , Dakar, Kunta Kinteh Island

TRACING THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA GABON • SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE • GHANA • CÔTE D’IVOIRE LIBERIA • SIERRA LEONE • GUINEA BISSAU • THE GAMBIA • SENEGAL © Sergey Frolov February 8 – 24, 2021 | 17 Days | Aboard the Caledonian Sky Expedition Highlights • Discover island endemics on São SENEGAL Tomé & Príncipe, such as the Príncipe Dakar THE GAMBIA kingfisher and the São Tomé green Banjul GUINEA-BISSAU pigeon. • Walk among the treetops on the BISSAGOS world’s highest, and longest, ISLANDS SIERRA suspended rope walkways in Ghana’s Orango Island Kakum National Park. Aberdeen LEONE CÔTE D'IVOIRE LIBERIA GHANA • Visit the Bissagos Archipelago, home to rare, saltwater-adapted hippos, Monrovia Takoradi African manatees, crocodiles, and five species of marine turtles and Abidjan Santo learn about the unique matriarchal Antonio traditions of the Bijagos people. SAO TOME • Search for more than 290 species of & PRINCIPE São Tomé ATLANTIC Libreville birds in the Abuko Nature Reserve— OCEAN GABON including African paradise flycatchers, palm nut vultures, hammerkops, pygmy kingfishers, violet turacos, little greenbuls, and Abyssinian rollers. • Tour Cape Coast Castle, Ghana; PRIÍNCIPE James Island, The Gambia; and KINGFISHER Gorée Island, Senegal—all three are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Itinerary...... page 2 > • Flight Information ...... page 3 > • Ship, Deck Plan & Rates ...... page 4 > • Featured Leaders...... page 5 > • Know Before You Go...... page 5 > • Optional Pre-voyage Extension.... page 6 > GREAT WHITE PELICANS THE GAMBIA

Monte Café Coffee Plantation for a guided tour and tasting Itinerary of what some consider the world’s best coffee. You may then choose to enjoy lunch at the Bombaim plantation, view and Based on the expeditionary nature of our trips, there may be ongoing photograph another beautiful waterfall, and continue to tiny, enhancements to this itinerary. picturesque Trinidade Village. Or, opt for lunch in São Tomé and a tour of the Cathedral, the National Museum, the local artisan’s gallery, and enjoy a folkloric dance performance. Monday & Tuesday, February 8 & 9, 2021 DEPART USA / LIBREVILLE GABON Board your independent flight to Gabon. Arrive in Libreville Saturday & Sunday, February 13 & 14 in the late evening and transfer to the Radisson Blu Okoumé AT SEA Palace Hotel for overnight. Enjoy two educational days at sea as lecturers recap your experiences in Gabon and São Tomé & Príncipe.

Wednesday, February 10 LIBREVILLE / EMBARK CALEDONIAN SKY After breakfast, depart on a city tour, visiting the local market, Monday, February 15 TAKORADI, GHANA the lovely seafront boulevard, and stylish Louis Quarter This morning choose a tour of the Cape Coast Castle, a World known for its fashionable clubs, restaurants, and bars. Enjoy Heritage Site, built by the Swedes in 1653 and subsequently lunch at a lovely beachside restaurant, before embarking the conquered by the Danes, the Dutch, the local Fanti tribe, Caledonian Sky in the early afternoon. and finally the British, who established the seat of the British administration of the Gold Coast here until 1877. Or, elect to travel into the Kakum National Park for a rainforest canopy Thursday, February 11 walk that includes one of the longest and highest suspended SAN ANTONIO, PRÍNCIPE, SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE rope bridges in the world. Both groups enjoy lunch at a The ship will spend the day anchored off idyllic Bom Bom nearby beach resort before setting off to visit the 15th-century Resort on Príncipe’s northern tip. Birders and hikers set off Portuguese Elmina Fort—Africa’s oldest permanent building. for the lush interior to search for several species of endemic birds, including the Príncipe kingfisher, Príncipe sunbird, and endangered Príncipe speirops. The rest of the group will enjoy a tour of photogenic Santo Antonio, home to 1,500 welcoming residents, lovely Portuguese architecture, and colorful produce markets. This afternoon Zodiacs take you to Banana Beach for a swim in the warm waters with the option to snorkel among the ancient volcanic rocks.

Friday, February 12 SÃO TOMÉ Set out by Zodiac for the town pier at São Tomé. Drive into the interior for a short walk through picturesque forest to the stunning Sao Nicolau Waterfall. From here continue to the KAKUM NATIONAL PARK

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | TRACING THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA < 2 > CÔTE D’IVOIRE GOREE ISLAND

Tuesday, February 16 Monday, February 22 ABIDJAN, CÔTE D’IVOIRE BANJUL, THE GAMBIA Cosmopolitan Abidjan is the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire Birders set out this morning for the Abuko Nature Reserve and a city tour takes you through the business district of Le where more than 290 bird species can be seen—including Plateau, filled with gleaming sky-scrapers, chic boutiques, and African paradise flycatchers, violet turacos, little greenbuls, outdoor cafes. Observe interesting colonial architecture and and Abyssinian rollers. A second group departs for a tour of colorful markets as you continue on to Abodo, Africa’s largest the Makasutu Culture Forest showcasing the five ecosystems outdoor laundry where hundreds of Fanicos (washers) crowd protected here. Traditional Joal tribal dancing, a pirogue together in a stream to wash their clients’ clothes. ride, and palm wine tasting are high-lights. During lunch, sail upriver to Albreda Village and Kunta Kinteh Island, a World Heritage Site, where The Gambia’s slave history began. Wednesday, February 17 AT SEA Spend your day at sea attending lectures on western Africa’s Tuesday & Wednesday, February 23 & 24 momentous history, diverse cultures, and natural wonders. DAKAR, SENEGAL / DISEMBARK / USA Today, visit the infamous slave-trading center, Gorée Island, including the moving 18th-century House of Slaves, the Thursday, February 18 Women’s Museum, and the fortified Le Castel. An afternoon MONROVIA, LIBERIA Liberia’s capital and most populous city boasts beautiful tour of Dakar includes the Great Mosque, French colonial beaches, a thriving culinary scene, and a fascinating history. buildings, the President’s Palace, and the impressive new Visit the National Museum which traces Liberia’s tumultuous African Renaissance Monument. Check in to the Radisson history, and browse the bustling Waterside Market, where you Blu Dakar Hotel for dinner and a chance to relax before your can find colorful textiles, leather goods, and pottery. independent late evening flight. Arrive in the USA the next day.

Friday, February 19 ABERDEEN, SIERRA LEONE Flight Information Today arrive in Aberdeen, a suburb of Freetown, with beautiful You will need to purchase airfare from your home city/Libreville, white-sand beaches lined with lively shops and restaurants. and Dakar/home city. Please contact our in-house Air Department Permission pending, visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee for fare quotes, reservations, or other air-related questions. Sanctuary, set in a spectacular rainforest habitat.

Saturday & Sunday, February 20 & 21 ORANGO ISLAND, BISSAGOS ISLANDS, GUINEA-BISSAU Just off the coast of Guinea Bissau, the Bissagos Archipelago is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Today, join naturalists to explore Joao Viera and Poilao Marine National Park, an important nesting site for green, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles, as well as several species of terns. The next day, visit Parque Nacional do Grupo de Ilhas de Orango. Spend the day exploring this unique habitat that is home to rare, saltwater-adapted hippos, crocodiles, five species of marine turtles, and the African manatee. In the afternoon, meet with the lovely Bijagos people to learn about their traditional matriarchal system. SIERRA LEONE

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | TRACING THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA < 3 > The Caledonian Sky Deck Plan PANORAMA DECK The all-suite 100-guest Caledonian Sky is a spacious, yet intimate, expedition vessel. Refurbished in 2012, Library her beautifully designed public spaces include a Panorama Lounge Sun Deck Bar single-seating dining room, a large lounge, elegant Elevator bar, enclosed panoramic viewing deck, sun deck, library, and gym. All suites have an ocean view and BRIDGE DECK

feature a sitting room, en suite bathroom, flat-screen 511 505507509 television, spacious wardrobes, and dressing table. Outdoor Cafe Bridge Elevator The Caledonian Sky carries a fleet of Zodiacs, avail- 506508510512 able for accessing remote shorelines and islands. PROMENADE DECK Visit www.zegrahm.com/caledonian-sky for Salon 433 431 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 more information about this ship. WC Elevator

Gym 434 432 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414

CALEDONIAN DECK

Bar 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 Castle Deck Caledonian Deck Lounge Reception Elevator

348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3

CASTLE DECK

261 259 257 255 Doctor Restaurant

Elevator 260262 258 254256 252 250

Rates

From $14,990 per person, double occupancy; From $22,990 per person, solo occupancy.

For complete pricing visit www.zegrahm.com/west-africa

INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED: • Daily activity options including Zodiac cruises, nature walks, • Airfare from your home city/Libreville and Dakar/home city and cultural tours • Excess baggage charges • All gratuities • Airport arrival and departure taxes • All accommodations • Transfers for independent arrivals and departures • World-class lecture and expedition team • Passport and/or visa fees • All onboard meals and group meals ashore, including soft drinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner • Travel insurance • All entrance fees, taxes, and landing and port charges • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, (other than listed at left), and other incidentals • Arrival and departure transfers on group dates • Email/Internet/fax/telephone charges • Gift certificates for recommended expedition gear • Medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation insurance

A 25% per person deposit will secure your space on this expedition. All rates are per person, based on double occupancy, quoted in US dollars, and must be paid in US dollars. Rates and itineraries are subject to change. Please review our Terms & Conditions online at www.zegrahm.com/terms, or call our office for a printed copy.

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | TRACING THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA < 4 > Featured Leaders Our leaders have visited this area numerous times and will provide valuable insight and commentary on the history, culture, and wildlife of this intriguing region. Fascinating lectures, photo presentations, daily recaps, and informal discussions will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the wonders you will see. Leaders from additional fields of study will join the leaders featured below.

MIKE MESSICK (EXPEDITION RICH PAGEN – Rich first became LEADER) – One of the best enthralled by the wonders of expedition leaders in the business, the natural world around the Mike embarked on a full-time career tide pools and forests of his in adventure travel shortly after native New York. Since then, he graduating from college and has has embarked on a career in since visited more than 195 countries conservation biology, including a around the world. He is a cofounder variety of field biology projects. of Zegrahm Expeditions, a member of He has also conducted shipboard The Explorers Club, holds a US Coast surveys for marine mammals and Guard captain’s license, and received his scuba instructor seabirds, as well as tagging studies of sea turtles and certificate from NAUI. pelagic sharks.

ANNETTE KÜHLEM– Annette was JIM WILSON – Jim hails from born in southern Germany, but the city of Cobh, County Cork, grew up in the Dominican Republic, Ireland and is a highly respected Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. At an ornithologist and ecologist with early age she accompanied her more than 40 years of birding father on geological survey and experience in the Antarctic, Ireland, mapping projects that took her to Europe, and Africa. He is a full- remote West Africa. She studied time freelance wildlife filmmaker, archaeology, ethnology, and political broadcaster, and the author of sciences at the University of Bonn, three books—two on Irish birds and one on the whales Germany, and has worked on excavations in such diverse and dolphins found in the waters surrounding Ireland. places as the Rhineland, Netherlands, Mexico, Mongolia, Peru, and Bolivia.

Know Before You Go GREEN MONKEY SAO NICOLAU WATERFALL Most activities require a moderate level of exertion. You must be able to walk, unaided, over sometimes rough terrain, such as unpaved roads and uneven trails. Be prepared for high heat and humidity throughout this itinerary. Some of the areas we visit lack modern facilities and the infrastructure can be poorly developed, expect occasional delays.

To reserve, visit www.zegrahm.com/west-africa or contact your travel consultant. < 5 > TANZANIA WITH THE GREAT MIGRATION

January 29 - February 9, 2021 | 12 Days | Optional Pre-voyage Extension

Friday & Saturday, January 29 & 30, 2021 Wednesday & Thursday, February 3 & 4 DEPART USA / KILIMANJARO, TANAZNIA NDUTU Board your independent flight to Tanzania. Arrive in Kilimanjaro Spend two full days exploring the Ndutu area, famed for its vast and transfer to the Rivertrees Country Inn for dinner and grass plains that are particularly rich in nutrients. This sustains the overnight. migratory animals during calving season, which peaks around February. Serengeti Safari Camp was designed to be in the best Sunday, January 31 possible location to view the wildebeest migration and the main KILIMANJARO / NGORONGORO focus of your time here is getting right into the action of the Today, depart overland for the world-famous Ngorongoro migration, be it the drama of a river crossing or the breathtaking Conservation Area, with stops for wildlife viewing along the way. moment of seeing the herds stretch for impossible miles. Check in to Entamanu Ngoronrogo, a sustainable camp nestled in a small forested area set high atop the rim of the crater. All of Friday, February 5 the large, stylish tents offer sweeping views over the crater, the NDUTU / KOGATENDE (NORTHERN SERENGETI) plains of the Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge, and the Gol Mountains. This morning, board our flight to the far north of Serengeti National Park. Check in to your stone and thatch room at Lamai Serengeti, set high above the Mara River Valley. Monday, February 1 NGORONGORO Saturday & Sunday, February 6 & 7 With a prime position, just a stones-throw from the floor of the KOGATENDE crater, you’ll enjoy a peaceful morning safari well ahead of the Explore the area during game drives to view iconic African crowds. This time of year is known for beautiful, lush scenery with wildlife, including the Big Five and numerous plains species. clear skies and lots of baby animals for both predators and prey. During game drives, search for big herds of elephants, buffalo, Monday & Tuesday, February 8 & 9 and wildebeest. This area is also home to one of the densest KOGATENDE / KILIMANJARO / LIBREVILLE, GABON populations of lions in Africa and large prides are often found After breakfast, board our charter flight to Kilimanjaro. Check in to sprawled in the shade of acacia scrub. Birding here is fantastic, our hotel for dinner and overnight. The next day, board your flight with over 550 recorded species. Take a walk along the crater rim to Libreville and check in to our group hotel. with local Maasai guides, and visit a traditional boma to learn about the Maasai culture and daily life. Flight Information

Tuesday, February 2 You will need to purchase airfare from your home city/Kilimanjaro, and Dakar/home city. Flights within Tanzania and Kilimanjaro/ NGORONGORO / NDUTU (SOUTHERN SERENGETI) Libreville, are included in the cost of the extension. Contact our After one last game drive and breakfast, depart overland for one in-house Air Department for fare quotes, reservations, or other air- of the most beautiful drives in Tanzania. As you descend from related questions. the Ngorongoro highlands, the vastness of the Serengeti plains opens up and you get a real appreciation of the scale of this iconic wilderness. Check in to Serengeti Safari Camp, a mobile Rates camp that follows in the tracks of the wildebeest migration. Time $15,480 per person, double occupancy; permitting, embark on an afternoon game viewing excursion. $18,980 per person, solo occupancy

To reserve, visit www.zegrahm.com/west-africa or contact your travel consultant. < 6 >