Dublin to Rickett Hike (Banana Islands)

Drive from Freetown to Kabala, departing 8AM. Lunch at Choices in Kabala (or similar). In the afternoon, we climb Gbawuria Hill for fantastic views across Kabala Town and the Wara Wara Mountains beyond (5.5km, approx. 1 hr 30 mins total walking time, low-medium difficulty). In the evening, relax and witness tradition in full flow as Kabala welcomes you with a traditional dance performance accompanied by Medo’s balange and African drums band.

Arise early and travel to nearby Senekedugu (10 min drive), with the option of touring local farms and get involved with seeding/harvesting of crops or climbing Len Konke Mountain (foothills reached by 15-20 min off-road Okada journey, then 3 km, approx. 1 hr 45 mins total walking time in very steep ascent/descent, high difficulty) with astounding 360 degree panoramic views – great also for birdwatching. In the afternoon, join a workshop in gara tie-dying, led by local expert, and make your very own own tie-dye cloth using traditional methods and inks. Abu will also take you to the ‘Norwegian Camp’ to visit Sarah Kamara and Dugeah Marah, inspirational survivors of civil war violence, to show you the art of weaving country cloth. In the evening we relax in Kabala’s local bars.

In the morning join local musician Medo for a crash-course in African drumming and learn to play (and make) the balange. Before driving from Kabala to Freetown, departing at 12.30pm.