TRANSAHARA AND BLACK AFRICA EXPEDITION Between Ocean and the Dunes

29 days from Bijagos Archipelago to Marrakech

29 Days Forests, Desert, Tribal Culture and Nature BISSAU, GAMBIA, , MAURITANIA, WESTERN SAHARA, MOROCCO

Departure

4th April 2020 from Bissau

What’s special about this departure:

- Vaca Bruta mask dances in Bijagos Archipelago - Gambia, reopening to tourism. - Djiola Mask dances in - The largest megalithic civilisation - Meet contemporary African artist in their studios - Enjoy vibrant live music in local clubs - Chinguetti and Ouadane the remotest oasis in theMauritania regions. - Exploratory crossing in the unknown Inchiri region, with wide range of dunes and remote nomad settlements. - The undiscovered Western Sahara

Full Expedition:

• 29 days expedition, a cross-section of Africa and Sahara • Departure: April 4th 2020 from Bissau; ending in Marrakech: 2nd May 2020

Or join us just for a part of the expedition, from 11 to 23 days itineraries:

• From Bissau to Dakhla, 19 Days: Trans-African Expedition

From the savannah of Senegal to the ultimate Trans-Sahara crossing via the lost oasis of Mauritania ending with the Rio de Oro in Western Sahara.

Starting date in Bissau April 4th 2020 Ending date in Dahkla, evening of 22nd April 2020

• From Bissau to Nouakchott 11 days: Animistic tribes, mask dances and rituals in Black Africa, , Saint Louis and bird sanctuaries.

From the forest to the savannah and Sahel

Starting date in Bissau: April 4th 2020 Ending date in Nouakchott: 14th April 2020

• From Dakar to Marrakech, 23 days: Trans-African Expedition

From the savannah of Senegal to the ultimate Trans-Sahara crossing via the lost oasis of Mauritania, Western Sahara, Rio de Oro, Dra estuary and the last troglodyte mountains.

Starting date in Dakar April 11th 2020. Arriving in Dakar on April 10th and joining the following day. Ending date in Marrakech May 2nd 2020

• From Nouakchott to Marrakech, 19 days: Trans-Sahara experience via the lost oasis of Mauritania, Rio de Oro, Western Sahara, Dra estuary and Troglodyte Mountains.

Starting date in Nouakchott April 14th 2020. Joining the group in the evening of Day 11 of the main itinerary. Ending date in Marrakech May 2nd 2020

• From Nouakchott to Laayoune, 12 days: the pure Trans-Sahara experience via the lost oasis of Mauritania, Rio de Oro, Western Sahara

Starting in Nouakchott April 14th 2020. Joining the group in Nouakchott in the evening of day 11 of the main itinerary Ending in Laayoune April 25th 2020. Ending in Laayoune in the afternoon of day 22 of the itinerary.

• From Dakhla to Marrakech, 12 Days: Western Sahara, Rio de Oro, Dra estuary and Sarhro Mountains.

Starting date in Dakhla April 21st 2020. Joining the group in the afternoon of Day 18 of the general itinerary. Ending date in Marrakech May 2nd 2020

Introduction

A great expedition starting in Black Africa and ending with a Trans-Sahara crossing.

A unique variety of 8 different transports, always using the best adapted to fully experience the natural and human environment, be comfortable and have fun. - On road and tracks our itinerary will be mainly in modern 4WD vehicles, for some visits an air-conditioned minibus will be used. We will enjoy a short but hilarious ride on a local colourful “bush-taxi” as the locals do, we will experience a calash-ride in the old town of Saint Louis and, to discover a fishing village in Senegal in a non-intrusive, amusing way, we will use a donkey cart. - On the water cruising, speedboats to reach the Bijagos Archipelago and a ferry to reach Gore Island. We will not neglect, where is safe, to experiencing typical local boats: ride on fishing boats in a sea loch between the dunes.

Experience a “peaceful raid” from south to north passing through a series of unique and changing landscapes. Starting with a spectacular navigation from the Bijagos Archipelago to the longest line of mangrove in Africa; then from the sacred forests of Casamance to Gambia that have recently re-open to tourism, to Dakar and the dry savannah in the Sahel regions. From Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, we start a complete Sahara crossing the from south to north. From the high dunes of Mauritania to the undiscovered Western Sahara, formerly Rio de Oro, going through the remote mountains of Djebel Sarhro and ending in Marrakech a mythical Caravan terminal. By going through these different countries, we will see how the culture and the ecosystems are linked.

The present itinerary is the outcome of years of field research.

TRIBAL CULTURES. Black Africa is the land of sacred forests where animistic traditional religions are still practiced, of fetishes and shrines in remote villages, tribal kings and dancing masks. The Saharan sands are inhabited by Moorish nomads and camel herders, fishermen at the edge between the desert and the ocean. Encounter the legendary Reguibat and Sahrawi nomads of the untamed Western Sahara, currently annexed to Morocco. Lastly, the last cave-dwelling families inhabit the most isolated Berber mountains.

AFRICAN ART. From tribal art in remote villages to modern metropolitan artists. Enjoy the vibrant live music in the “swinging evenings” in local clubs. In Dakar, the intellectual capital of West Africa, Senegalese artists will be met in their studios, sharing their experience about painting, sculpture, photography, productions within the “new Africa” artistic scene.

FROM PREHISTORY TO CONTEMPORANEITY. “Timeless” men and women in the forests in Bijagos Archipelago, prehistoric largest megalith culture between Gambia and Senegal and “historical” sites such Ouadane and Chinguetti oasis from the XIII century. Bolama, the old Portuguese town, now vanishing in the forest. Gore, the slave-trade island, Dakhla, the former headquarters of Spanish Rio De Oro settlements and Saint Louis, the first capital of the former French West African colonies. More than just ancient times, the expedition gives the chance to come across the contemporary history. Examples are the modern and cosmopolitan Dakar, centre of the post-colonial culture and Banjul that have recently achieved multiparty rules. Marrakech, trendy city and traditional terminal of the caravans arriving from Black Africa through the Sahara, will be the perfect ending point for our “modern caravan”.

NATURE. Travelling along the “uncertain border” between land and water, dunes and Ocean, from south to north we will follow the “flyway” in the time of bird migration, a constant and discreet presence along the whole journey. The departure date has been carefully chosen to correspond with the migratory period that is in spring, when millions of birds leave Africa heading to and Russia looking for the temperate season. In Senegal, we will discover one of the richest ornithological migrant sanctuaries on earth. The change of latitudes leads to the change of the flora from the giant trees of the forest to the rare shrubby vegetation of the Sahara. We will discover some unique micro-climates such as the one created by the moist winds from the ocean on the dry desert environment: an unexpected multitude of “spontaneous gardens” with flowers, succulents and lichens.

COMFORT is a must in order to fully enjoy the travel experience. • Modern and comfortable air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles will be the main transportation. • Overnights: mostly in hotels and fixed camps with large tents, beds, facilities and restaurants (25 nights out of 29). The hotels have been chosen according to the criteria of comfort, typical architectural style, restaurant quality, friendly service and scenic locations. • 4 nights will be spent at a mobile camp. Our modern tents are provided with mattresses and are totally equipped with mosquito nets at the windows. Tents are placed on a large mat that further isolates them from the soil. The staff will install the camp with the cooperation of the participants. Warm dinner will be prepared by the cooks and served at tables. Camping in tents, under the stars is a must of the “Sahara experience”.

SAFETY is the main condition for us. The expedition is based on a long experience in the area and is led by the best experts. The itinerary is constantly monitored from our local connections that will have direct information from the field.

CLIMATE. In black Africa and south of Sahara, the climate is mild and warm, some days might be hot. Late autumn and spring are the best seasons in the Sahara; climate is mild and pleasant - nights are cool but not cold and days are warm but not too hot

ITINERARY

Day 1 – BISSAU - Arrival and transfer to Hotel Azalai, international standard ****.

Day 2 – THE GHOST CAPITAL ON THE BIJAGOS ARCHIPELAGO - We will start our expedition with 3 days outboard sailing. The Bijagos Archipelago, located at an average of 40 miles off-shore, is the less known and largest Archipelago in Africa. It has 88 islands and islets, of which only 21 are permanently inhabited. The first visit of our outboard sailing is Bolama Island, the former capital of the Portuguese Guinea from 1871 to 1941 till it was moved inland to Bissau. When the Portuguese left, native people came to live in this town which is now falling apart, partly invaded with tropical vegetation. It was built following the plans of a «Castrum Romane » (roman citadel) and today we can witness the large sunny and lethargic avenues, the empty squares, the dry fountains, the bush-like gardens, and the charming administrative buildings in a neo Palladian style. In the Governor’s Palace we can still see the classic columns now surrounded by goats grazing. Although inhabited, this capital town is now plunged in the fair-tale atmosphere of a ghost town. Arrival to Rubane island at the best lodge in the archipelago. Afternoon free to enjoy the wild beach, swimming pool or to discover the island with a local guide. (Game fishing, optional on request). Dinner and overnight Ponta Anchaca Resort **** in comfortable air-conditioned wooden bungalows, hidden in the vegetation and facing the ocean. Restaurant on stilts with refined French and tropical cuisine. This lodge will be our base for two days.

Day 3 – DANCING MASK – Morning relax between wild beaches and swimming pool Afternoon: due to the remoteness, the lack of transports and the deep attachment of the locals to their traditions, the Bijagos tribes have been little influenced by the external world. Life in the villages is characterized by initiations, rites, and secret ceremonies. In some villages, the young men have to go through a seven-year initiation rite living in a “convent” with no contact with women With its wild and idyllic landscapes, and a genuine tribal culture, Bijagos Archipelago is a “geographical jewel”. In Bijagos Archipelago life is still ruled by the “cycle of seasons”. During the long dry season, when harvest is over, the main ceremonies take place. The most spectacular Bijago mask is called Vaca Bruto (wild bull) - a wooden helmet with eyes of frosted glass, real horns, leather ears and a rope through the nostril. Vaca Bruto is a male initiation rite, during which mask performances, dancers embody the spirit of the mask with great realism - they bow and face the ground, just like a real untamed animal would do. The mask represents a man in full possession of his physical strength but still with an immature behaviour since he has not yet undergone the final initiations. Dinner and overnight on Rubane Island at Ponta Anchaca Resort ****

Day 4 - ANCESTORS CULT –

We will end our three days speedboat navigation arriving to Bissau, the actual capital of the country. Here a vehicle will be waiting for a brief tour of this tiny and intriguing capital. Drive to the region inhabited by the Manjaco. This ethnic group calls their traditions “Gendiman”. We will visit tiny villages hidden in the forest to discover sculptured wooden poles called “Pecab” that represent the spirits of their ancestors and are kept in a sanctuary known as “Cab Balugun”, a tradition still alive. With the permission of the villagers, we will have the opportunity to admire sacred wooden sculptures of different styles; it is indeed a rare opportunity to enjoy tribal art in its original cultural context. Overnight in a simple hotel, basic comfort.

Day 5 – DANCING MASKS - In the morning we will cross the Senegal border and will arrive in Casamance, the most animistic region in the country. In a remote village, we will visit the adobe-fortified buildings, an interesting example of traditional African sculptural architecture. These large clay and wooden buildings, where the internal light comes from a central hole in the large roof, protect its dwellers from outside attacks. The buildings are known as “impluvium houses”, an African variant of the ancient roman houses. In the late afternoon we follow an isolated path to a tiny village and … masks will leave the sacred forest (where only initiated are admitted) to dance for an enthusiastic local crowd. Masks are part of the animistic Diola culture - people fear and respect masks and consider them spirits who play an important role in solving conflicts between villagers. In the evening, arrival in Ziguinchor. Dinner and overnight in the comfortable Kadiandoumange hotel, on the banks of Casamance River.

Day 6 –GAMBIAN BIRDS Morning departure for the border and lunch in Banjul, the capital of Gambia. The country has overcome a time of relative political instability. Brief but intense guided bird watching. In the agenda there is the visit of the small but interesting national museum.. In the evening area has many restaurants and clubs that attract foreigners and locals; if lucky we will enjoy live music in the vibrant African night. Overnight in a comfortable Hotel.

Day 7 - MEGALITES After crossing River Gambia on a typical African ferry we will reach Senegalese border. Between south Senegal and the north banc of Gambia River we will discover the world largest area of megaliths, visit of the biggest site in Sine Ngayene that includes more than 52 stone circles with 1102 erected stones; we will discover also the ancient quarry where, thousand years ago, the megaliths were cut from laterites rock. Dinner and Overnight at Kabatoco Safari Lodge air-conditioned comfortable bungalows facing a lake.

Day 8 – GOREE, THE SLAVE ISLAND – The main characteristic of this expedition is the progressive and continuous change of landscapes, climates, natural and cultural environments. From today, we will discover a new environment, the dry savannah of the Sahel regions. Lunch in a restaurant specialized in the “catch of the day” (other menus available). Dakar became an important centre of political, artistic and intellectual “renouveau” during the independence of the country and it is still a lively African metropolis. Visit of the centre and the traditional market. After leaving Dakar, we will board on a ferry to Gore Island, facing Dakar. Gore is where the slaves used to be crammed, waiting to be shipped to the Americas. Fully restored buildings remain to bear witness of those times. Thanks to the nice breeze, the many restaurants and shops, Gore today has become a very pleasant and trendy location for both local and foreign visitors. The best time to enjoy Gore is at sunset when all the tourists are gone. Dinner in the plaza facing the small harbour and overnight at “Maison Municipal” or similar. A comfortable Guest house in an ancient, restored building.

Day 9. DAKAR, CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS The “Village des Arts” is composed by about fifty studios of contemporary artists. The Senegalese artistic scene has attracted artist from al the continent. We will meet the artist in their production site and discover their works that range from painting, sculpture and pottery to photography and filming. Lac Rose or Lac Retba (meaning Pink Lake), is a saltwater lake surrounded by dunes. The water is ten times saltier than the ocean and due to the high concentration of minerals, the lake often shimmers into pink; swimming in the lake gives the sensation of floating. More than 600 people work there collecting salt from the lake in the traditional way. Evening arrival to Lampoul desert, we cross some ranges of dunes to reach our comfortable fix camp. Dinner and night at Lampoul Lodge. Tents are spacious, with beds and private facilities.

Day 10 –SAINT LOUIS - Drive to Saint Louis. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Visit of Saint Louis, a charming old town which was the first capital of the French colonies in West Africa. The old town is built on two long islands of Senegal River between river and ocean and has a breezy climate. The first island has been the administrative colonial capital of the French West Africa until 1902, when the administration was transferred to Dakar. The second island, near the ocean, is inhabited by a large local community of fishermen. The best way to get around the narrow streets of Saint Louis is on a buggy pulled by the horse, like the locals do! Dinner and overnight at “Hotel de la Poste”, a historical hotel built in 1850 and which used to be the base of the “Aeropostale” (airmail pioneer operation) pilots. Totally restored, it has conserved the best “old colonial atmosphere” in town.

Day 11 - DJOUDJ ORNITOLOGICAL SANCTUARY –

Early morning departure to Djoudj National Park, a natural oasis composed by hundreds of miles of partially flooded lands. This “humid paradise” is the best habitat and nesting site of over a million migratory and sedentary birds. Wikipedia says: “The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (French: Parc national des oiseaux du Djoudj) lies on the southeast bank of the Senegal River in Senegal, in northern Biffeche, north east of St-Louis. It provides a range of wetland habitats which prove very popular with migrating birds, many of which have just crossed the Sahara. Of almost 400 species of birds, the most visible are pelicans and flamingos. Less conspicuous are the aquatic warblers migrating here from Europe; for these, the park is the single most important wintering site yet discovered. A wide range of wildlife also inhabits the park, which is designated a World Heritage Site. The site was added to the list of World Heritage in Danger in 2000 due to the introduction of the invasive giant salvinia plant, which threatens to choke out the park's native vegetation. However it was removed from the list in 2006.”

Boat excursion to visit the banks of an island in which there is an astonishing concentration of pelicans. Continue to the Mauritanian border. The landscape will change slowly from a dry savannah to the desert with ranges of dunes. Evening arrival in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, a new town surrounded by the desert. Dinner and overnight at hotel Azalai ****

Day 12 – NORTH TO THE SAHARA - Day spent driving along the road going north to the Sahara Desert in a dunes landscape. Crossing the Adrar Mountains through scenic landscapes with gorges and highlands to the oasis of Chinguetti. In the evening we will arrive at the guest houses where we will spend three nights. Dinner and overnight at “La Gueila” Guest House (or private residence), the cosiest addresses in Chinguetti. Comfortable rooms in a traditional building. Mauritanian cuisine with a French touch.

DAY 13 OUADANE: THE REMOTEST Entire day dedicated to discovering Ouadane, the remotest oasis in Mauritania, an outpost in the emptiest part of the desert. Ouadane was founded in 1147. Mainly in ruin, some of his stone-houses perched on a rocky hill surrounded by the immensity of Sahara are still inhabited. In the ancient days this town was an important caravan trading point between Maghreb and black Africa. Trading was so flourishing that in 1487 Portuguese built a fortified trading counter in the region. We will return to Chinguetti in an absolute “out of any tracks” itinerary that follows the Ouadi (dry creek) discovering remote tiny oasis hidden in the high dunes. Return to our cosy base in Chinguetti. Dinner and overnight at “La Gueila” (or private residence)

Day 14 CHINGUETTI: THE OASIS Full day dedicated to discovering Chinguetti, the stone village, and the green oasis in a spectacular desert environment. Chinguetti is an ancient Berber town founded in the VIII century as the centre of several trans- Saharan trade routes. For centuries the city was the main religious place of the area. Part of the old stone town is inhabited. Its ancient mosque built in stone, is considered the second oldest mosque still in use. The Ksar, made of white stone with 5 towers, is a remarkable example of the Arab-Berber architecture. Chinguetti also boasts great collections of ancient manuscripts. We will spend the evening enjoying the magical atmosphere of this oasis which is considered as the best preserved in Mauritania and one of the nicest in all Sahara. Dinner and overnight “La Gueila” (or private residence).

Days 15, 16 & 17- SAHARA EXPLORATION: DUNES and MOUNTAINS - Out of any track, we will discover remote oasis and Moorish nomad tent settlements in the most scenic landscapes of Mauritania: valleys, high mountains, golden yellow sand dunes with ranges of massifs brown and red peaks, and lost adobe villages lit only by the moon at night. Thanks to the experience of our staff we will follow our own itinerary out of any track, finding our way in the ocean of sand to Inchiri region, one of the less-known regions of the Mauritanian desert. Final arrival to the main road and to Nouadhibou. Days 15 and 16 camp on the virgin sands. Day 17 Nouadhibou, comfortable El Medina hotel ****.

Day 18 – TROPIC OF CANCER Drive north. At Guerguerat military post we will cross the southern border of Morocco, part of the former Spanish Sahara territories. Being this empty desert, it was the site of a long war between the Polisario Armed Front and the Moroccan army. Nowadays it is part of Morocco. After the formalities, we will cross a few miles of “no-man land”. The border is a theoretical line in the desert that “divides the sand from the sand”. On the other side, the military post of Morocco, a real sensible place, the only open border between Maghreb and Sub-Sahara Africa. A signboard in the immensity of the desert will indicate that we are crossing the “Tropic of Cancer” line. The road runs along a spectacular cliff that separates the dunes from the waves… In this geological universe a few brave fishermen live for months in caves overhanging the sea, extending their fishing rods… Arrival at the hotel in Dakhla that will be our “base” for two nights. Hotel Dums, air-conditioned rooms.

Day 19 – Dakhla, Rio de Oro The Rio de Oro (River of Gold) is a 25-mile long sea loch situated between cliffs and dunes. Different colours paint the scenery: the intense blue of the ocean, banks of white sand, green seaweed fields and yellow dunes. The exceptional beauty of this landscape makes Dakhla peninsula a special place. The small town of Dakhla was founded by Spanish navigators in 1502 and called “Villa Cisneros” until recent times. Excursion to the colourful fishing harbour. Along the shore we discover a unique changing border between ocean and desert, between dunes and waves: with the high tide sand dunes and a rocky hill will becomes temporary islands. Lunch in an oyster farm, fish and oysters directly from the sea (vegetarian meals available on request). Return to the hotel. Dinner in a typical restaurant, and excursion to the animated night street market.

Days 20 & 21 -WESTERN SAHARA: THE FORBIDDEN TRACK We will meet our local guide, a nomad from a Sahrawi tribe who will lead us during three days through a real desert crossing in the Western Sahara, now Sahara Provence of Morocco. Since the second half of the seventies, due to the long “sand war,” this region has been off-limits to travellers. Until today no peace treaty has been signed, but a cease-fire is respected. We are proud to be the “first” to take intrepid travellers to discover the vast desert regions of Tiris and Zemmour. During these days of extreme Saharan expedition, we will cross large dunes and get off the tracks to discover wells frequented by long lines of camels belonging to the legendary Reguibat nomads. Days 20 and 21, camping on the virgin sand of the Sahara.

Day 22 - FROM THE DESERT TO THE OCEAN – After crossing the automated conveyor belt, the longest in the word, taking phosphate to the Atlantic coast (phosphate is the main resource of the region) we will arrive to Laayoune, a “frontier” town, main base of Morocco economic development in the Sahara. We will arrive in the late afternoon at Tarfaya on the Juby Cape, (facing the Canary Islands that are at less than 100 km). Tarfaya is a former “Aeropostale” base, which pioneered airmail transport from Europe to Africa and Latin America; interesting museum on the Aeropostale and Saint Exupéry, the writer-pilot. Hotel Casamar, rooms with private facilities.

Day 23 - DUNES AND LAGOONS – The Naila lagoon is a unique inland sea, separated from the ocean only by rows of dunes; we will rent a local fishing boat to explore the remote shores inhabited only by birds. After lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit a ghost military fort, which still “guards” the former borders between the French protectorate of Morocco and the Spanish Sahara. We will feel like we were on the set of an old Foreign Legion movie. Evening arrival at the comfortable Ksar Tifnidilt, that will be our base for two nights. The hotel is built using local materials in a beautiful Saharan style and managed by our friends, Guy and Magali, a French couple. Magali is a desert expert; she won the “Rally des Gazelle,” the most gruelling off-track competition reserved for female teams. Ksar Tifnidilt is a meeting point for passionate Sahara travellers.

Day 24 - ESTUARIES and FISHERMEN - We will leave Tifnidit in the early morning, crossing a steep range of dunes. … The Dra estuary region is visited only by brave travellers. Between the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean there are not paved roads. We will discover tiny temporary settlements of fishermen, ghost colonial military posts, dunes, and camels… A steep descent will take us to the bed of a river, the only access to the ocean for an exciting drive on the “white beach”. Return to Ksar Tifnidilt.

Day 25 - OASIS AND CASBAH - Guelmim has always been an important caravan terminal, and in the Souk, we will be still able to find remains of the caravan trade. Full day of driving in an astonishing landscape, we will discover luxuriant oasis surrounded by thousands of palm trees and shady gardens, a real miracle in the desert. Near the oasis, there are fortified adobe villages, called Kasbah, still partially inhabited. This scenery will give us a “timeless” feeling as if we were in the Middle Age. Visit of an oasis still shearing irrigation time with an ancient “water hourglass”. Overnight in Tata at the comfortable Les relais des sables 3* hotel

Day 26 DUNES and FOSSILS - We will leave the main road for an of road itinerary to cross the spectacular landscape of the Iriki dry Lake through a flat, salty plane. Out of any track, we will discover rocky hills where just looking attentively we will find our own fossils. The tall dune ranges of Erg Chegaga will bar our way, only the expertise of our driver and the experience of our guide will lead us through these sand labyrinths in an unforgettable itinerary, finding our way across steep dunes in the northern edge of the Sahara, the wildest desert on earth. Evening arrival to a comfortable fix camp in the dunes. Overnight in large tents with beds. Restaurant and facilities.

Day 27 & 28 – ROC ART, CAVERN DWELLERS AND A SECRET VALLEY – Morning departure following the spectacular road that crosses the Dra Valley. Visit of an ancient rock art site. Hundreds of fine graffiti dating thousands of years ago, silent witness of peoples living in these regions before the desertification. We will leave the main road to explore the less visited regions of the Djebel Sarhro mountain range. Following a tiny track that climb rocky valleys through a breath-taking landscape of mountains and desert. A highland itinerary (more than 2,000 meters high) will take us to some Berber villages. We will discover large caves where shepherd families still live permanently, the last remainder of an ancient troglodyte civilization. Day 27: Overnight at a hotel in Zagora, comfortable rooms. Day 28: Overnight at Ibis hotel in Ouarzazate.

Day 29 – MARRAKECH Morning departure, heading north to cross the spectacular High Atlas range on a panoramic route that will take us through the Tin Tichka pass (2,260 m). Meet local gems diggers in quest of Amethyst, Tourmaline…. With their help we will be able to find our own gems. Arrival in Marrakech in the early evening. Marrakech, traditional caravan terminal is the ideal end of our journey. Day-rooms will be available in a hotel for a last shower before the final transfer to the airport.

EXTENSIONS on request

PRE-EXPEDITION: Before the expedition, at Ponta Anchaca hotel on the paradisiacal Rubane Island in the Bijagos archipelago. Comfortable large oceanfront bungalows surrounded by tropical vegetation with hotel services and French cuisine. You will really enjoy Ponta Anchaca, relaxing at the swimming pool, on the wild beaches, scouting or sport fishing in the natural paradise of Bijagos Archipelago.

POST-EXPEDITION: After the expedition, you can stay in Marrakech or visit the rest of Morocco; there are different options.

Technical Sheet

Expedition leader: With long experience of the visited regions, assisted by local drivers.

Transports 8 different transports, the best adapted to fully enjoy each environment: most of the itinerary will be on 4WD air-conditioned vehicles, also brief experiences on calash, donkey chariot, bush-taxi and minibus. Sailing will be on ferry, boats, local pirogues, and speedboats fit for the Atlantic Ocean. During the speedboat trips, passengers could be splashed by water or foam, we advise protecting all electronic equipment, cameras, etc., and to bring appropriate clothing. All navigations are subject to changes and cancellations due to the meteorological conditions. Navigation in the Bijagos Archipelago strictly depends on the tides, therefore some changes in the daily program can be expected.

Vaccinations: Yellow fever: Mandatory for those taking part of the tour in Guinea Bissau, Senegal and Mauritania, from day 1 to day 17. (Note: Word Health Organization has recently stated that a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides life-long protection against yellow fever disease. A booster dose of yellow fever vaccine is not needed). Cholera: Not required at the time of editing the program, please check before departure. Malaria prophylaxis: Absolutely recommended for first part of the tour in Guinea Bissau, Senegal and southern Mauritania (from day 1 to day 12).

Visas: • Guinea Bissau, visa required. You can get the visa at the airport, let us know in advance. • Mauritania, visa required, we can obtain the visa at the border, let us know in advance. • Senegal, visa not required for EU and most nationalities, please check if a double entry visa is needed. • Gambia, visa required. We can get the visa at the border. • Morocco, visa not required for most nationalities, please check.

Meals: Lunches: Cold meals (picnics) or at restaurants. Dinners: in the hotels, where you will enjoy a great variety of fish specialties among other possibilities; vegetarian meals available on request. Please mention it on booking. Camping: simple dinners made of local fresh products where available; Bottled water included in mobile camps, wine included in mobile camps, not in Mauritania. Please note that Mauritania has a strict 0 alcohol policy.

Hotels: Twenty-four nights in hotels or comfortable fix camps with beds, carefully chosen. In the event of overbooking, a hotel as similar as possible as the previous one will be chosen.

Mobil Camps: Four nights will be spent in igloo tents fitted for tropical climate. Our modern tents are provided with mattresses and are totally equipped with mosquito nets at the windows. Tents are placed on a large mat that further isolates them from the soil. The staff will install the camp with the cooperation of the participants. Please bring your own light sleeping-bag.

Luggage: Due to the nature of the itinerary including boat rides and camping, the maximum weight allowed per person is 20 kg, and a soft water-proof sac is recommended for the sailing in Guinea Bissau.

Clothing: Bring a light sleeping bag for the nights camping. T-Shirts, long sleeve shirts, a light sweater, long pants and a light jacket for the mountains in Morocco and Sahara. Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes are recommended. Please bring something to protect your skin from the sun. Africa south of Sahara: bring also shorts, as Bermuda shorts, water sandals ... and, don’t forget your swimsuit.

Insurance: The insurance is mandatory for medical assistance (health care), repatriation and physical damages. In case of insurance failure, TransAfrica will not be held responsible for any material and physical damage during the tour.

Notice: The itinerary is designed to discover fascinating places where the visit of a foreigner remains an exceptional event. You need to be tolerant and flexible if you want to fully enjoy your tour and appreciate the unique nature, as well as the spontaneous hospitality of the local populations, African magic and mystery, its metaphysics, ceremonies, life philosophies and religious beliefs that people are willing to share with us.

Itineraries, visits and overnight accommodations are subject to change or modification by the organizer due to force majeure and can be modified or adapted according to ocean tides timing and roads and tracks conditions. Sailing and driving on the beach are conditioned upon weather conditions and tides.

EURO Rates per person in sharing double – Validity 01.01.19 to 31.12.19

29 days FROM BISSAU TO MARRAKECH

Departure date: 4th April 2020

Ending date in Marrakech: May 2nd, 2020

Group of 9 or more participants: Public price € 8,094

Group of 6 to 8 participants: Public price € 8.498

Group of 5 participants: Public price € 8.890

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: Public price € 1.050

Join for part of the expedition:

19 days FROM BISSAU TO DAHKLA

Starting date in Bissau April 4th 2020

Ending date in Dakhla the evening of April 22th 2020

The price includes as per indication above, FB from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on the last day.

Group of 9 or more participants: public price € 5.580

Group of 6 to 8 participants: public price € 5.859

Group of 5 participants: public price € 6.139

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: public price € 773

11 days FROM BISSAU TO NOUAKCHOTT

From day 1 to day 11 evening in Nouakchott (On request return to Dakar on day 11, ask quotation for the transfer)

Starting date in Bissau: April 4th 2020 Ending date in Nouakchott: April 14th 2020

The price includes as per indication above, FB from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on the last day

Group of 9 or more participants: public price € 3.208

Group of 6 to 8 participants: public price € 3.530

Group of 5 participants: public price € 3.695

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: public price € 414

23 days FROM DAKAR TO MARRAKECH

Joining the group on day 8 of the main itinerary

Starting date in Dakar April 11th 2020

Ending date in Marrakech May 2nd 2020

The price includes as per indication above, FB from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on the last day

Group of 9 or more participants: public price € 6.556

Group of 6 to 8 participants: public price € 6.886

Group of 5 participants: public price € 7.215

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: public price € 846

19 days FROM NOUAKCHOTT TO MARRAKECH

Joining the group in the evening of day 11th of the main itinerary

Starting date in Nouakchott: April 14th, 2020 Ending date in Marrakech: May 2nd 2020

The price includes as per indication above, FB from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on the last day.

Group of 9 or more participants: public price € 5.440

Group of 6 to 8 participants: public price € 5.713

Group of 5 participants: public price € 5.986

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: public price € 721

12 days FROM NOUAKCHOTT TO LAAYOUNE

Joining the group in the evening of day 11 of the itinerary and ending in the afternoon of day 22

-Starting date in Nouakchott 14th April 2020 -Ending date in Laayoune 25th April 2020

The price includes as per indication above, FB from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on the last day

Group of 9 or more participants: public price € 3.628

Group of 6 to 8 participants: public price € 3.809

Group of 5 participants: public price € 3.991

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: public price € 450

12 days FROM DAKHLA TO MARRAKECH

Joining the group in the afternoon of day 16 of the itinerary

Starting date in Dakhla April 21th 2020 Ending date in Marrakech May 2nd 2020

The price includes as per indication above, FB from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on the last day

Group of 9 or more participants: public price € 3.488

Group of 6 to 8 participants: public price € 3.663

Group of 5 participants: public price € 3.838

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: public price € 450

Prices include:

• Transfers airport-hotel and hotel-airport on first and last day. • Full board during the expedition. Lunch the last day. • Drinks at meals during the nights in the mobile camp. No alcohol in Mauritania • All transferts in 4WD • Tour Leader (languages spoken English, French and Italian) • Tours and visits as per the program • Participation cost to events, as scheduled • Accommodation as per the program • First aid box • All services included in the program

Prices do not include:

• International flights • Visas • Dinner on the arrival and departure day • Drinks and mineral water at meals, except for those at the nights in the mobile camps • Portage • Fees for personal photos and videos • Personal insurance (compulsory) • Tips for drivers, guides and hotel staff • Any item of personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc. • Whatever is not mentioned as included • • PAYMENT POLICY • A non refundable deposit of 30% is required at the time of confirmation and the balance is due not less than 90 days before the arrival of guests at the destination.