Adventure in the Bissagos Islands

Dakar, set at the tip of the Cape Vert peninsula, is West Africa’s westernmost point and the capital of French-speaking Senegal. Although it was not founded until 1857, it is West Africa’s oldest European city and one of the most westernised. The opening of the Dakar-St Louis railway in 1885 put the town on the map; it subsequently became a French naval base and in 1904, the capital of Afrique Occidentale Française. It bears the legacy of Africa’s French colonial past, especially so in the downtown Plateau area, where the architecture is redolent of southern France. Every inch a modern city, Dakar is a frenetic buzz of activity, which can be startling. Perhaps sample the popular mint tea and try your hand at bartering in the colourful craft markets for traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, metalwork and costume jewellery.

Situated just off the west African coast of Guinea-Bissau is Carache Island. The lush green island that is surrounded by turquoise seas was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1996. Boasting a string of islets, the island has a rich and diverse landscape that is precious in fauna and flora. In the heart of the nature, you'll meet the Bijagós inhabitants, who have adapted to and melted in with their natural environment.

Enjoy this paradisiac and quiet beach out of the crowds. The contrast of its turquoise waters with its golden sand and the palm trees make this an unbeatable scenery.

Sacred, serene, and secluded, the Bijagos Archipelago is one of the most intriguing island collections the world can offer. Almost falling off the map, the string of 88 lands forms an archipelago of tropical beauty, scattered from the west of Guinea Bissau. The sprawling archipelago's challenging location cocooned the islanders from much of the colonial interference for many years. So local traditions - of ancient ritual and colorful initiation ceremonies - have remained strong and safeguarded here. Thatch-roofed houses host welcoming locals, in villages where diminutive pygmy cows wander freely. Anthropologists note the islands for matriarchal elements in society, and priestesses play a significant role here, sermonizing the islander’s bonds with the natural world. Many of the islands are uninhabited, instead declared sacred and reserved for spirits. This has also helped form a protected paradise for some of Africa's most exotic wildlife. UNESCO declared the archipelago a Biosphere Reserve in 1996, and its sprawling mangrove forests, undisturbed savannahs, and muddy flats attract long-legged migrating birds, as well as beady-eyed crocodiles. West Africa's largest saltwater hippo colony lurks in the waters of Orango National Park - see them smashing their way in and out of the water. Endangered sea turtles also faithfully return to the tranquil beaches each year, digging out over 25,000 nests. Extraordinary and authentic - an expedition to this enchanted, off-the-grid archipelago is one to cherish.

Enjoy this paradisiac and quiet beach out of the crowds. The contrast of its turquoise waters with its golden sand and the palm trees make this an unbeatable scenery.

Enjoy this paradisiac and quiet beach out of the crowds. The contrast of its turquoise waters with its golden sand and the palm trees make this an unbeatable scenery.

Caravela is the northernmost island of the Bijagós Islands of Guinea-Bissau. Landscaped by white sandy beaches and black rock, Caravela Island is a magnificent location as you begin to round up your expedition cruise. The island is heavily forested with mangroves and like many of the surrounding islands, it has flourishing fauna and flora life.

Dakar, set at the tip of the Cape Vert peninsula, is West Africa’s westernmost point and the capital of French-speaking Senegal. Although it was not founded until 1857, it is West Africa’s oldest European city and one of the most westernised. The opening of the Dakar-St Louis railway in 1885 put the town on the map; it subsequently became a French naval base and in 1904, the capital of Afrique Occidentale Française. It bears the legacy of Africa’s French colonial past, especially so in the downtown Plateau area, where the architecture is redolent of southern France. Every inch a modern city, Dakar is a frenetic buzz of activity, which can be startling. Perhaps sample the popular mint tea and try your hand at bartering in the colourful craft markets for traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, metalwork and costume jewellery.