FES to ACCRA (75 days) Trans Africa
FES to ACCRA (75 days) Trans Africa
FES to ACCRA (75 days) Trans Africa
75 Days Starting in Fes, Morocco and ending in Accra, Ghana
Visiting: Fes, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Sahara Desert Morocco, Essaouira, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Dakar, Freetown, Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Monrovia, Abidjan, Accra
Tour operator:
Tour code:
574
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Physical rating:
All Ages / Not applicable
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$5436
$5164 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$272
Tour Overview
This epic West African expedition takes you from the UK to Accra on an unforgettable overland journey. The adventure begins in Morocco, with it's ancient medina's, souks, through the High Atlas then following the coastline down into the deep deserts of Mauritania, onto the real West Africa with it's bustling colourful markets and amazing cultural sites, finishing the trip on the stunning beaches of Ghana. You will discover a continent most travellers only dream of and have the experience of a lifetime!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 9 : Fes To Marrakech
Location: Fes, Casablanca, Marrakesh
Accommodation: Camp
West Africa is a road less travelled and still a largely undiscovered area of Africa for tourism. Please understand that your journey will be directly through this area of the continent and although we list our intended Itinerary below, please be aware that this is a rough guide and should be treated as such.
Oasis Overland has run a Trans Africa Expedition virtually every year since 1997, and during this time, not one Trans Africa trip has run an identical itinerary through West Africa.
This is due to many reasons, including availability of visas, road conditions, embassy and border closures, political unrest, elections and instability, disease outbreaks, changing government travel advice and adverse weather conditions, just to name a few. We also hear about new, exciting places that may only now be possible to visit, and so try to include some new places on each trip for that reason too.
Please therefore consider the itinerary shown as a guide and expect there to be some changes during your trip. This is all part of the experience of travelling through West Africa and one that makes this expedition such an epic journey that only a select few are willing to undertake.
We begin our journey in Fes in the north of Morocco where our Trans Africa Crew will greet you. After an introductory meeting we take an included city tour through Fes's huge old bazaar with its narrow winding alleys crammed with craft workshops, restaurants, food stalls, mosques, dye pits and tanneries.
Our first stop after we get on the road will then be at the Roman City of Volubilis, a remarkably well-kept reminder of the Roman presence in North Africa 2000 years ago. From there we head north to visit Chefchaouen - set in a fertile valley of the surrounding Rif Mountains - where we will camp on a ridge overlooking this picturesque town with its white roofs, blue alleyways and narrow streets. You can wander around this relaxed town and even visit one of the old hammam bath houses.
We'll then head South West along the coast past the old capital of Rabat to Casablanca, and on from there to another of Morocco's Imperial Cities, Marrakech, our base for the next few days. Here you will have plenty of time to look around the city including the famou Djemâa-el-Fna. This square is alive with activity through the day - from storytellers, snake charmers, water sellers and musicians. A nightly ritual sees hundreds of food stalls transform the square into one of Africa's largest local eating areas - the aromatic smells of fresh local food is fit for locals and tourists alike.
Day 10 - 18 : Marrakech To Western Sahara
Location: Marrakesh, Sahara Desert Morocco, Essaouira
Accommodation: Camp
After leaving Marrakech, the fishing port of Essaouira is our last major stop in Morocco. While in Essaouira you can take advantage of the often windy conditions to try some surfing, kite surfing or windsurfing, or explore the streets of the old town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then head south following the rugged Atlantic coastline towards Mauritania and the Sahara Desert. This journey will take a few days where we will be camping in the wild, and with no light pollution an abundance of stars can be seen in the night skies. Driving through Western Sahara will then be our first real time spent away from popular touristy areas and we may only see a handful of other travellers.
Day 19 - 33 : Western Sahara To Dakar
Location: Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Dakar
Accommodation: Camp
On this leg of the overland Africa trip, after crossing into Mauritania we will travel to the desert city of Nouadhibou.
From Nouadhibou will see us drive south. Passing small isolated villages surrounded by vast desert, we will also see herdsman migrating with their camels in search of water, before reaching the capital, Nouakchott. With very infrequent traffic on the roads, no food crops being grown, leaves one wondering how tough it is to live in such harsh desert conditions.
At Nouakchott we spend a couple of days re-organising the truck and life in general after our dusty desert travels. It is quite incredible to think that slavery was only abolished here in 1980 and it is rumoured that it still continues in some outlying areas.
South of Nouakchott, we will take 1 of 2 borders crossing into Senegal, the infamous and hectic Rosso border, crossing the Senegalese river by boat, or travel through a remote border - Diama, passing along the piste through Diawling National park (weather permitting).
We enter sub Saharan Africa by crossing the Senegal River and continue into St Louis, West Africa’s first French settlement and from where French colonialists conquered the interior. Senegal has a very different feel to the west Saharan countries we have just come from. We begin to be exposed to West Africa's vibrant food and music culture, colourful fashion and markets. We will start getting used to bad roads, 'interesting' local driving styles and a mixture of modern West African cities as well as some fly blown and remote border posts and villages.
The city of St Louis, is located at the mouth of the Senegal River and is an interesting place to visit. We will spend a couple of nights near town camping within the national park 'Langue de Barbarie', well known for its fauna rich with various species of birds. You can take a pirogue trip and bird watch, relax and swim on the sandy beach, try your hand at fishing and much more.
Our Overland route through Senegal we will visit Lake Retba (or Lac Rose as it is known by locals) where you can float in the pink lake. Its salinity content compares to that of the Dead Sea and during the dry season it exceeds it. From here you may have the opportunity to visit Dakar. Like any large city in the world Dakar has its undesirables so compared to the laid back country side and small towns that we are more familiar with, in large cities we learn to take care and go out and explore in pairs.
Day 34 - 56 : Dakar To Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Dakar, Freetown, Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Accommodation: Camp
Continuing south, we will visit The Gambia - the smallest country on the continent (mainland) of Africa. We will take the truck across the Gambia River by ferry and base ourselves near the capital city Banjul. Banjul sits on an island where the Gambia River meets the Atlantic Ocean, you can visit the open air lively street market, wander the streets passing colonial buildings, visit nearby beaches or take a river boat trip.
Re-entering Senegal, we will cross into the southern Casamance region and will stop at the town of Ziguinchor to obtain a visa for Guinea-Bissau, before spending a day on the pristine coastal beaches of Senegal. Here you have the opportunity to swim, take a bike ride, fish or wandering through the nearby villages.
Guinea-Bissau considered one of the world's poorest and most fragile countries, has a population of less than 2 million. In the 19th century, it was colonized as Portuguese Guinea, and the official language is Portuguese. Still bearing the scars of the civil wars of 1997-8, Bissau is an interesting city to explore, less frequented by tourists the people are very welcoming and intrigued by our presence.
Leaving Guinea-Bissau, we travel east towards the Guinean border and will start to encounter challenging roads. Guinea Conakry (as it is usually called in West Africa) is a country that very few travellers ever visit, and is one of the proudest in West Africa. Its people have stood together and survived the always difficult post colonial era of independence without resorting to tribal conflicts or civil war. The first colony to gain Independence from France they stated they preferred ‘freedom in poverty, than prosperity in chains’.
We can appreciate Guinea’s spectacular tropical forests and waterfalls as we cross Fouta Djalon plateau and the beautiful hilly hinterland over the next few days.
We will enter Sierra Leone - Famous for its diamonds, fortunately Sierra Leone recovered from its disastrous civil war and became one of the safest countries in which to travel. However, its roads are still abysmal so it can be slow going on our drive to the coast, camping on the coast south of Freetown, we can enjoy its serene palm fringed beaches and remoteness. You will have time to explore the city markets and museums, take a trip to the nearby Tacugama Chimpanzee Reserve or a boat trip out to the nearby Banana Islands, we will also be obtaining visa’s here.
Travelling further south towards Liberia you have the option to visit the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary home to 11 species of primates as well as the rare and elusive pygmy hippo. This reserve is home to 11 species of primates as well as the rare and elusive pygmy hippo. You can explore the island by foot or dugout canoe, enjoying the river and forest wildlife.
Day 57 - 75 : Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary To Accra
Location: Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Monrovia, Abidjan, Accra
Accommodation: Camp
The roads from the east of Sierra Leone to the border of Liberia are generally in a poor state. Passing through the jungle and continuing our journey that few other travellers get to take, we make our way to Monrovia. Despite the ravages of the past, Liberia is full of hope and energy, and the city is becoming the thriving capital and moving on. Entering Liberia we notice another change in people and culture - especially the language! For the first time in two months of our overland Africa travels, we are in a country where English is the main language. The people in Monrovia are welcoming and pleased to see tourists coming to explore their city. We may have to apply for a visa here, so will be situated in and around the area for a couple of days.
The scenic drive north east takes us toward Guinea, passing Kpatawee waterfalls, considered one of Liberia's most beautiful spots.
Crossing back into Guinea we make our way towards Bossou where we have the unique opportunity to trek to see wild chimpanzees.
Reaching the border with Ivory Coast, more commonly known in its French form, Cote d’Ivoire, we then continue our adventure towards the city of Yamoussoukro. Built by President Boigny, one of the classic ‘Big Man’ dictators it was an expensive and vane project to glorify himself with six lane highways leading nowhere and a huge Basilica built to copy St. Peter’s in Rome.
A further day’s drive away is Abidjan, one of West Africa’s modern cities with skyscrapers and flashy restaurants. However, it very much has the feel of having seen better days and as with so many cities, ostentatious wealth mixes side by side with abject poverty.
Our Africa Overland Adventure now heads east to the frontier with Ghana, and back to English again. Making our way towards the coastline of Ghana we will spend a couple of days relaxing on the palm-fringed beaches near Cape Coast. From here we will visit the castles of Elmina and Cape Coast, where thousands of slaves passed through the ‘Door of no Return’. We will also stop at Kakum National Park where you have the opportunity to embark on a canopy walk, or walk through the nature trails in the forest.
Kumasi is the capital city of the Ashanti Region and our next stop. You will have the opportunity too visit one of the largest markets in West Africa - Kejetia Market, stalls sell everything from glass beads, live chickens to Ashanti sandals. Kumasi is also known as a center for Ashanti culture where you can visit the National Cultural Centre offering craft workshops and dance performances.
A day’s drive takes us to the capital Accra.
What's Included
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Accommodation - 100% camping
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Guided tour of Fes
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Guided tour of Volubilis
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Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
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Entry into Yamoussoukro's Notre-Dame de la Paix, the world's largest basilica
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Entry into Cape Coast Castle
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Kakum National Park canopy walk
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Meals - approx. 65%
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All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
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All road tolls and ferry crossings
What's Not Included
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Flight from UK to Gibraltar or Malaga
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Visas
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Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
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Flights
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Airport Taxes & Transfers
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Travel Insurance
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Meals - approx. 35%
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Drinks
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Tips
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Local payment from US$1,050
Local payment (LP) is in addition to the Trip Price and is paid to your tour leader at the start of the trip.
It covers the cost of some of the trip's day to day expenses such as food and accommodation which your tour leader pays direct to local people.
More Info
This epic West African expedition takes you from the UK to Accra on an unforgettable overland journey. The adventure begins in Morocco, with it's ancient medina's, souks, through the High Atlas then following the coastline down into the deep deserts of Mauritania, onto the real West Africa with it's bustling colourful markets and amazing cultural sites, finishing the trip on the stunning beaches of Ghana. You will discover a continent most travellers only dream of and have the experience of a lifetime!
Mode of Transport
For most of your trip the Oasis expedition truck will be your new home - giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use purpose built truck's which have been converted especially for this expedition, which pass through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all the equipment we may need en route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts and the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an overland trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed.
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
The return airport transfer can be arranged through your hotel / hostel and is not included, it is at your own expense. We regret these services cannot be arranged via the Oasis office before departure.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What to expect at meal times?
When 'on the road' or camping, we usually cook using gas or over open fires in a rota system and you can expect to cook in a group of two or three people approximately once every ten days depending on the number of people on trip and whereabouts you are. Your cook group will have to decide on what to cook, utilise stocks from the truck stores and locally obtain ingredients from markets, shops etc. and rustle up a meal. But don't worry if you're not a Gordon Ramsay as the rest of the group and the Tour leader usually lend a helping hand. Here is an idea of what to expect at meal times: Breakfasts: Usually simple - we help ourselves to cereal, toast, hot drinks and on occasion we will splurge with a cooked breakfast. Lunch: Cold and usually quick. The cook group will put out bread, tinned supplies and maybe make a salad. Dinner: Cooks come into their own in the evening, and will always attempt to cook up some delights. When the truck is parked up for a few days in a town or city most people usually like the option to eat out at local restaurants - so we often don't cook all meals when at these locations.
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Are flights included in this tour?
For the Trans Africa starting in Morocco, you will need to arrange your own flight to Fez either at least the day before the trip starts or on Day 1 early enough so that you can join the group at the campsite in time for the pre-departure meeting. For starters further on during the trip, you will need to arrange your flights to arrive at your departure city at least the day before your trip begins. Purchasing return tickets to the UK or onward to India, SE Asia or Australia and New Zealand. Due to the nature of this expedition, unforeseen delays can be experienced anywhere along the route and we cannot guarantee our arrival dates at the various locations. It is therefore recommended to purchase these when you arrive in either Cape Town/Nairobi/Cairo. One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry. Departure Taxes: Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.
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Can there be changes in the itinerary?
Due to the unpredictable nature of this expedition - it is not always possible to follow the exact itinerary as set out below. We will always endeavour to visit all the places listed, and often more that are not. All the information regarding the itinerary is given in good faith and is subject to change, dependent on local political or country instabilities, weather, security & road conditions etc. Any major itinerary changes will be decided by the crew & company directors and will be discussed with the group beforehand whenever possible. It is also possible that the expedition may arrive later than specified into Cape Town/Nairobi or Cairo. It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all your costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis. If we do have to fly over a particular area or country we will endeavour to take in other places of interest if time permits. While Oasis Overland will cover all ground and transport costs, we have not taken the cost of flights into our pricing structure. Therefore any flights will have to be paid for by each individual.
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What is the maximum group size?
Maximum 10 people.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Dates & Availability
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Sunday - Thursday
Oct 26, 2025 - Jan 08, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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