West Africa Overland Tours
Picture exploring ancient Roman Volubilis, camping by Chefchaouen's picturesque blue streets, then navigating bustling Djemâa el-Fna in Marrakech. Fes to Accra trans Africa is genuinely epic. Cross the Sahara star-gazing in Western Sahara, visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Seventy-five days overland through Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and beyond shows you West Africa that most travelers never see. Truck camping means authentic encounters beyond resort bubbles.
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9 best overland trips in West Africa
Compiled by
NinaWest Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Fes to Accra (75 Days) Trans Africa
- Accra to Fes (75 Days) Trans Africa
- 20-Day Morocco Grand Overland: Desert, Atlas Mountains, Imperial Cities & Atlantic Coast
- Morocco All Aspects Tour
- 2-Days Sahara Desert trip to Erg Chigaga
- From Marrakech: Private 3-Day Sahara Trip to Erg Chigaga
- Morocco Outback Mountains, steppes and Desert Tour
- Morocco Camel Caravan Adventure
- Morocco Hinterland Discovery
This 75-day overland truck journey starts in Fes and goes all the way down to Ghana's coastline, crossing a huge chunk of West Africa. You'll see the Roman ruins at Volubilis, camp in Mauritania's remote Adrar Plateau under the stars, and trek to find wild chimps at both Bossou in Guinea and Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Sierra Leone.
Duration 75 days Destinations Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Oasis Overland From $6,232
13% Off- US$5,418You save $814
This 75-day overland truck trip covers 6,000 miles from Accra through seven West African countries, with camping under Saharan skies and jungle tracks. You'll trek the 30-meter Canopy Walkway at Kakum National Park, see Elmina Castle's slave dungeons, and visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary near Freetown.
Duration 75 days Destinations Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Mauritania, Morocco Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Oasis Overland From
13% Off- US$5,963
20-Day Morocco Grand Overland: Desert, Atlas Mountains, Imperial Cities & Atlantic Coast
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Travel to Gaza to see the pyramids was fantastic. Great conversations and made sure I was very safe.”
William, traveled in January
Morocco's diverse terrains reveal themselves during this comprehensive overland adventure. The route spans from Casablanca through 27 cities, showcasing medieval medinas, remote oases, and Saharan dunes. This 20-day expedition features camping with Tuaregs, stays at traditional kasbahs, and authentic local experiences for approx. $130 per day.
Duration 20 days Destinations Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Moulay Idriss, Volubilis, Fes, Sefrou, Ifrane, Midelt, ErfoudSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Morocco Discoveries From
13% Off- US$3,150
Morocco All Aspects Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful scenery along the way and we were able to stop when I saw a great photo opportunity.”
Jean, traveled in November
West Africa unfolds before you in specialized 4x4s across Morocco's diverse regions. The wilderness of Talassemtane National Park provides overnight sanctuaries, while Merzouga's desert camps offer memorable stays. Dedicated transport ensures smooth passage through varied terrains.
Duration 14 days Destinations Rabat, Ouazzane, Chefchaouen, Talassemtane National Park, Meknes, Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, Fes, Azrou, MideltSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Morocco Discoveries From
13% Off- US$3,265
2-Days Sahara Desert trip to Erg Chigaga
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The drive through the dunes was exciting, and arriving at the desert camp just before sunset was magical.”
Leo, traveled in February
Head into West Africa's Sahara on this overland desert trip from Mhamid, going deep into Erg Chigaga's dune fields by 4WD. You'll visit nomadic families near desert oases, drive through areas with wild donkeys and camels, and camp overnight in a Berber-style tent with Moroccan furnishings and authentic tagine dinners.
Duration 2 days Destinations Mhamid, Erg Chigaga Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Operator SAHARA HOLIDAY From
13% Off- US$147
From Marrakech: Private 3-Day Sahara Trip to Erg Chigaga
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The drive across scenic valleys and through quiet villages broke up the journey perfectly.”
Amy, traveled in February
A private 4x4 takes you through the 200km-long Draa Valley, stopping at the fortified Kasbah Ait Benhaddou and Tamegroute's old library before reaching Erg Chegaga's 300-meter dunes. You'll ride camels at sunset, have traditional tagine dinners by the campfire, and sleep in a luxury desert tent with real beds while nomadic drums play.
Duration 3 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Zagora, Mhamid, Erg Chigaga, Foum Zguid, Tazenakht Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian, French Operator SAHARA HOLIDAY From
13% Off- US$324
Ancient trade routes of West Africa come alive as you drive 4x4 Land Cruisers through Guelmime's traditional markets and Goulimine's exotic oases. The overland route connects North Africa to sub-Saharan regions, featuring authentic Bedouin encounters and historic caravan outposts. All camping gear and full board meals included for approx. $230 per day.
Duration 16 days Destinations Oujda, Guenfouda, Jerada, Ain Bni Mathar, Tendrara, Bouarfa, Figuig, Merzouga, Rissani, ErfoudSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Morocco Discoveries From
13% Off- US$3,250
What our customers ask about West Africa Overland Tours
What is the typical duration and route of a West Africa Overland Truck tour?
West Africa Overland Truck tours run between 14 and 81 days following the West African coastline through multiple countries. A notable example is Madventure's Morocco to Ghana route which takes 81 days and crosses through 10 countries: Morocco Mauritania Senegal Gambia Guinea Bissau Guinea Sierra Leone Liberia Ivory Coast and Ghana. Most tours begin in larger cities such as Fes or Casablanca with stops at the Sahara Desert Cap Skirring beaches Fouta Djallon region and Kakum National Park. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "This was an amazing trip where you get to experience every climate and visit great places traveling in the best trucks on the road."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a West Africa Overland Truck tour?
Most nights are spent camping (about 75%) with occasional stays in basic hotels or guesthouses (25%). Camping locations range from beaches to desert dunes and riverside spots. Hotel stays include properties like Hotel Merinides in Fes and Kasbah Lamrani in Tinghir. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Many of the formal campsites were basic but the bush camps were good - not exactly remote or pretty but adequate. The paid accommodations were few and far between." Tour operators often recommend bringing your own tent for personal comfort.
What are the transportation and vehicle conditions like in West Africa?
The main mode of transport is purpose-built overland trucks designed for Africa's challenging terrain. These trucks come with coach seats storage lockers kitchen facilities charging points and tool kits. Madventure's trucks can fit up to 36 travelers and store 400L of drinking water. Tours sometimes use 4x4s for desert trips or local transport options. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The vehicles were good but somewhat unreliable on the bad roads. Make sure your tour operator maintains their fleet well for these challenging conditions."
What are the must-see highlights of a West Africa Overland tour?
The journey takes you through the sand dunes of Merzouga the medieval streets of Fes and Marrakech the mountains of Fouta Djallon in Guinea the beaches of Cap Skirring and the grand Basilica in Yamoussoukro. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The diverse landscapes from sub-20 degrees in Northern regions to 40+ degrees in desert areas make for an incredible journey through different climates and cultures."
What's the best time of year to do a West Africa Overland tour?
The dry season from October to April offers the most reliable conditions with better road access and weather for outdoor activities. Climate varies significantly by region with coastal areas staying humid throughout the year while the Sahara experiences extreme temperature swings. A TourRadar traveler advised: "The weather varies dramatically by region. Research each country's climate patterns carefully based on your intended route and timing."