Visit West Africa that few travelers have experienced!
UNDISCOVERED AFRICA
A Voyage Exploring West Africa’s Traditional Cultures & Hidden Nature Reserves
Aboard the 34-Guest Private Yacht Callisto
February 1 - 13, 2012

Dear Traveler,

Even for a lifetime adventurer, the Bijagós Archipelago is one of the most obscure places in the world. Few people outside anthropological or conservationist circles have ever heard of this tropical 88-island chain off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, in West Africa. A couple of years ago, a reporter for the New York Times found himself there and wrote that to spend time in “these verdant tropical specks…is to enter another world and another century, though it would be difficult to pinpoint exactly which ones.”

The inhabitants of the islands practice an animist religion. Nature is holy to them, and many places are considered sacred, much as they had been in prehistoric times when the Bijagós people settled the islands (believed to be around 9000 b.c.) Such beliefs have helped to preserve the rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife of the islands, which have been declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. We will spend three days in this “undiscovered” archipelago, viewing the wildlife, including the rare saltwater hippos found only on Orango Island, and meet with the friendly Bijagós people and learn about their ancient culture and traditions.

Our three days in the Bijagós Archipelago are only one of the highlights of this unique voyage. Also sail up Senegal’s Saloum River and visit the fishing village of Joal-Fadiout, entirely constructed from crushed seashells. Take in the exuberant musical traditions of Dakar, weave through riverine forests in The Gambia where colobus monkeys gambol, and venture to the gorgeous, isolated Soumba Waterfalls of Guinea. Witness the marvelous songs and dances of Guinea and feel the pulse of life in the region’s cities.

This is the West Africa that few travelers have experienced. Tourism, on a large scale, would destroy these authentic cultures. We must have a small footprint. And that’s only possible aboard a ship like the 34-guest yacht Callisto. Please join us to discover the “hidden” Africa.

Sincerely,

Margaret M. Betchart
President, Betchart Expeditions Inc.
For AAAS Travels and
Sigma Xi Expeditions

From $8,995 plus air.

Brochure (Requires an Adobe pdf reader to view)