Trekkup Dubai ✔

Through ancient lands, over mountain peaks, and along endless coastlines, Southeastern Africa is a fascinating corner of this vast continent, with hidden gems at every turn.

Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, Mozambique’s thousands of miles of coastline has made the country a popular destination for its warm, turquoise waters, stunning marine life, and white-sand beaches. Meanwhile, The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Lesotho are two of Africa’s only three present-day kingdoms.

Beautiful Eswatini may be a small country, but it packs a punch, offering an opportunity for an unforgettable road trip via rolling hills, lush forests, and thundering waterfalls. It’s home to national parks and nature reserves which offer the chance to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and more, and features a proud and ancient history as well as the rich cultural traditions of its indigenous people, the Swazi.

Lesotho, a high-altitude nation known as “the Kingdom in the Sky, is packed with imposing mountain ranges. With one of the world’s smallest networks of roads, due to the extreme terrain, this is a truly off-the-beaten-path destination where you’ll feel on top of the world.
Get ready to island-hop in the tropics, encounter bucket-list wildlife, meet with local tribes, and traverse dramatic mountain passes as you trek in some of Africa’s most remote areas.

Let’s go!

Day 1 // MOZAMBIQUE
Arrival at Maputo International Airport, immigration clearance, transfer to hotel for overnight. Free time at leisure.

Day 2 // MOZAMBIQUE
Time to discover Mozambique’s stunning coastal areas! Our first stop is Santa Maria, where we will spend the morning snorkeling and swimming. Later we’ll take a short boat ride to Inhaca Island, where we’ll enjoy a seafood lunch and visit the local market, and our last stop of the day will be the pristine beaches of Portuguese Island.

Day 3 // ESWATINI
Today we cross the border into the Kingdom of Eswatini. Our destination is Hlane National Park, where we’ll hop into safari vehicles for a drive around the park in search of lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, zebras and an array of birdlife. After lunch we’ll rest and then set out for a sunset drive.

Day 4 // ESWATINI
Today we drive towards the centre of the country, visiting Mantenga Reserve & Cultural Village, a place where Swazi history, culture and tradition are brought alive, against the stunning backdrop of the Mantenga Falls and Nyonyane mountain. Later we’ll make stops at a Swazi candle factory and a Swazi art market.

Day 5 // ESWATINI
Today we’ll hit the trails for a visit to the famed Sibebe rock, a geological wonder that is some 3 billion years old, more than three times as old as Australia’s famed Uluru (Ayers) rock. The surrounding trails, which provide magnificent vistas all the way to the Lubombo mountains in the east.

Day 6 // LESOTHO
Early start and hit the road for 7-8hrs to Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. We’ll visit Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village, and then head to Kome Caves, home to a group of early 19th century mud dwellings created as a hide out during times of conflict – and still inhabited by the descendants of the people who built them. Later we’ll hit the road to our lodge at Tsehlanyane National Park.

Day 7 // LESOTHO
Today, prepare to be amazed by the country’s dramatic terrain on a scenic road trip passing by iconic Lesotho landmarks such as the famed Qiloane Mountain and Nipple Mountain, shaped like a woman’s breast. We’ll arrive at the village of Semonkong and enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by local Famo music, and be treated to a traditional Basotho blanket presentation.

Day 8 // LESOTHO
Today we’ll embark on an unforgettable experience: a pony trek through some of Lesotho’s most spectacular landscapes, making our way from the lowlands to the highlands towards our destination, the remote village of Ketane. There we will see first-hand the self-sustaining lifestyle of the Basotho people’s most isolated settlements, and sleep in traditional Basotho huts.

Day 9 // LESOTHO
Pony trek back to Semonkong, and then we’ll set out on the road to Malea-lea. This scenic route gives us one last chance to capture pictures of the dramatic mountainous landscapes. We’ll end the day and wind up our trip with dinner by the fire at our lodge, with entertainment by local musicians.

Day 10 // Departure
After breakfast we’ll make the 1.5-hour drive journey to Moshoeshoe I International airport, where we’ll say goodbye to The Mountain Kingdom.

Level of Difficulty: Easy, available for everyone.
Duration: 10 days.
Activities: Trekking, boating, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, wildlife and indigenous tribes encounter.
Rooms: African upmarket standards, hotels and lodges – shared rooms, single at extra cost subject of availability.
Meals: Restaurant meals excluded.

COST: 9,900 AED excl. flights until JUL 31.
Flights: Emirates + Airlink, approx. 4500 AED.

Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate, malaria prophylactics.

Visas:

Welcome to Nigeria, the economic powerhouse of Africa and the continent’s major technological and creative hub. With over 200 million inhabitants, this wildly diverse state is home to more than 250 ethnic groups speaking 500 distinct languages. Part of a region where voodoo was born and is still widely practiced today, we will wander fetish markets for relics, sail through floating villages and discover ancient cultural traditions.

The former capital of Lagos is a mega-metropolis of an estimated 21 million people, and the most populous urban area on the African continent. The center of the country’s “Nollywood” film industry, this city has it all, from historical sites and beautiful beaches to vibrant culture and nightlife.

Away from the city, Nigeria is a network of distinctive regions, from deserts, plains and swamps to mountains and steamy jungles. The country is an underrated gem for natural landmarks, from the UNESCO-recognized Idanre Hills area, with its spectacular valleys and massive granite mounds rising from the plain, to the famed Olumo Rock looming over the town of Abeokuta.

In the ancient city of Ife we’ll find the remnants of a great medieval settlement, once one of the largest urban centers in 14th century West Africa. The Ife Empire was the first kingdom of the Yoruba, the dominant ethnic group in Nigeria, rising to power and cultivating a sophisticated culture during the classical period from 1000 to 1420 CE.

An unmissable experience is the Osun-Osogbo Festival, a cultural tradition passed down for more than 700 years. Each August thousands of people gather in the sacred Osun-Osogbo Grove to make their annual offerings to Osun, the goddess of fertility, and witness spectacular cultural displays. With music, dance and more, the festival is a time of celebration for those in the Osogbo area, “cleansing” the city and symbolically reuniting the people with their ancestors.

Pack your sense of adventure…Let’s go!

Day 1 // Sat 9 Aug // Arrival
Arrival in Lagos, immigration clearance and overnight in hotel.

Day 2 // Sun 10 Aug // Idanre
We’ll hit to the road to the UNESCO-recognized Idanre Hills, with its plains dotted with large rock mounds jutting up from the earth. A place of great historical and cultural significance, the people of Idanre lived on these boulders for almost a millennium. We’ll tour the area’s highlights and learn more about Yoruba ideology and mythology.

Day 3 // Mon 11 Aug // Ife & Osogbo
The ancient city of Ife is the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba and, according to myth, the location where all life was created. At the 18th-century Ooni’s (King’s) Palace we’ll visit its sacred shrine and learn about Yoruba creation stories. We’ll pass by the 13th or 14th century Oranmiyan’s Staff, 20 feet tall and made entirely of granite, then visit Ife National Museum, with its impressive archaeological and ethnographic collections.

Day 4 // Tue 12 Aug // Osun-Osogbo Festival
Tour of Osogbo, visiting the Central Mosque, Susanne Wenger’s House, an important example of Brazilian-style architecture, and the Fetish Market, we’ll find ingredients for amulets and potions and discover local spiritual customs.
Next we experience the Osun-Osogbo Festival, the highlight of the Yoruba cultural and spiritual year. The two-week event culminates in a procession to the shrine in the sacred grove, where large crowds engage in drumming, dancing, musical performances, parading costumes, reciting praise poetry and more.

Day 5 // Wed 13 Aug // Abeokuta
Abeokuta (“Refuge Among Rocks”) was founded around 1830, chosen for its strong defensive position by Egba refugees fleeing the collapsing Oyo empire. Here we’ll climb Olumo Rock, a massive outcrop of granite above the city that served as a natural fortress for the Egba, and is still worshipped by members of the clan. Afterwards, we’ll stop by Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, then head to the local market and enjoy a Nigerian cooking lesson.

Day 6 // Thu 14 Aug // Lagos
Today we explore chaotic and vibrant Lagos, stopping at Nike Art Gallery, with its collection of around 8,000 artworks, then moving on to Lekki Conservation Centre, an ecological haven home to native plants and wildlife covering more than 78 hectares. Our last stop is Makoko floating village, the so-called 'Venice of Africa'. This enormous, impoverished community is partly on water and partly on land, with anywhere between 100,000 and 400,000 people living in stilt houses on the lagoon.

Day 7 // Fri 15 Aug // Departure
Its time to say goodbye to Nigeria and catch our flight home.

Level of difficulty: Easy
Activities: Sightseeing, walking, participating in tribal festival, cultural immersion.
Accommodation & meals: Hotels and lodges, double sharing rooms. Meals excluded.

Cost: AED 6,100 excl. flights until AUG 05.

Specifically excluded: Meals, visas.
Visas:
Consulate visa or visa support at passport specific cost, 300-500 USD.

Yellow Fever Certificate is mandatory for this trip.

See yah in Nigeria x

Located in the Horn of Africa, Somalia is one the least developed and stable countries in the world. For a long time now, it struggles with an unfriendly climate and civil war but recently, due to global warming, the waves of droughts and floods are even bigger than before.
Among the most Godforsaken places on this planet, Mogadishu is way up there. Known as the capital city of the “failed state” of Somalia, it has been plagued by pirates, civil war and sectarian violence for years. So, it’s no wonder that it is the least annually visited tourist destination, worldwide. And if it wasn’t for the brave journalists who venture into these parts, the world wouldn’t actually know the extent of the volatility taking place.

The constant presence of rickshaws on the rough roads creates a somewhat perfect blend of Sudan and Bangladesh.
So yes, although not exactly a coveted holiday destination, visits are possible – and worth it – for the most daring of travelers. Most of the buildings that line the streets of Mogadishu, some would say, look like swiss cheese because of the sheer amount of bullet holes in them. While shop signage is literally spray painted on, graffiti style. And the multi-coloured, cardboard-shaped facades almost symbolically emphasize the fragility of the reconstruction of Somalia, as the seeds of commercialisation make an appearance on a shot-up canvas.
Somaliland’s status may be unofficial, but its hidden gems are officially amazing! Having declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but not yet recognized, it’s a country that’s not technically a country. For over three decades, Somaliland has now established many embassies worldwide, but remains unrecognized by the UN.

Hargeisa, the capital of a non-existent state, still makes an impression. It doesn't have spectacular monuments, but it has its own ambience. The buildings are mostly white, looking like they have been scorched by the sun, as the temperature here reaches up to forty degrees in the summer.
With curiosities around every corner, there are many tales to tell here: from friendly bustling camel markets to money exchanges with towers of bills, it’s surely one of Africa’s most unique destinations.
The cave paintings of Laas Geel (meaning “Well Camel”) spread over 10 alcoves are some of the most vivid rock arts in all of Africa. With depictions of horned cattle in ceremonial robes accompanied by their human herders with animals as varied as giraffes and even a domesticated dog. It’s estimated that these paintings originate nearly 20,000 years ago!

From the jaw-dropping wonders of Las Geel, to fish-heavy Mogadishu, horn of Africa holds many surprises, waiting for your curiosity to be unveiled!

Let’s go!!!

Day 1 // Somaliland :: Hargeisa
Meeting at DXB T2 at 2am for a direct flight to Hargeisa. After arrival and immigration, transfer to hotel for a quick rest before heading into town for a walking tour of central market, war memorial, and a stop at livestock exchange for those who want to purchase a goat or a camel. Afterwards we’ll head to dinner at restaurant run by Yemeni refugees. We’ll have a chai with the locals before heading back to hotel.

Day 2 // Somaliland :: Laas Geel + Berbera
After breakfast drive to the caves and rock arts of Las Geel. We’ll explore the colourful paintings estimated to be nearly 20,000 years old and the second oldest in all of Africa! Continue to Berbera and Batalale beach. Return to Hargeisa.

Day 3 // Somalia :: Mogadishu
Short flight to Mogadishu, immigration clearance and check in to the hotel in Green Zone. After lunch we ll head to the roof of Sahafi hotel for a view of metropolis. From here we ll head for Makka Almukarama Road, one of the busiest street followed by city highlihgts: Daljirka Dahsoon and city monumnets. Short break for coffee and head to Lido beach for a boat trip and interaction with local or two. Back to Green Zone for overnight.

Day 4 // Somalia :: Mogadishu
Today we start with fish market for some day catch of sharks, tune and perhaps a turtle. Follow to Mogadishu lighthouse and old port with Ottoman buildings, where fisherman unload the tuna on their backs. Followed by Shanghai old city, we will make a stop at Bakara market, Black Hawk Down site for a selfie with remaining tank. Quick look at camel market, as Somalia is a home to 20% of worldwide population of 35m.

Day 5 // Departure
In the morning return to airport for a flight back home. Bye, bye Horn of Africa!

Activity: sightseeing, short hiking, boating, cultural immersion.
Accommodation and meals: 4* hotels, single rooms. Meals excluded.

Cost: 9290 AED all incl. flights and visas, until AUG 07.

Specifically excluded: arrival fees in Somaliland ~60 USD, restaurant meals, insurance, photography fees if any.

Yellow Fever Certificate is mandatory for this trip.

See yah in Horn of Africa x
Trekkup Crew

Nestled under the shoulder of northwest Africa, crossed by the equator, the three nations of Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and São Tomé & Príncipe are some of the least visited in the world – but offer a treasure trove of sights, sounds and experiences.

As we trace the equatorial line across sprawling volcanic peaks and lush forest wilderness, indigenous villages and wildlife sanctuaries, we’ll discover the beauty of lands unscathed by mass tourism and catch glimpses of the roots of human civilisation.

Surprisingly, all three are off the main tourism radar, but are filled with stunning, unique natural gems that will make you crave to return.
We will dive straight into this African adventure in Equatorial Guinea, to the fascinating island of Bioko, home to the capital Malabo, three volcanic craters and long-established coffee and cocoa plantations.
Colonization of Bioko began with the arrival of Portuguese sailors in 1474, and following hundreds of years of oppression, resistance and uprisings, independence for Equatorial Guinea was eventually declared independent from Spain in 1968. Today, Bioko’s farms and plantations are locally owned, and the island is an off-the-beaten-track paradise, ringed by black-sand beaches, covered by waterfall-filled jungle and overlooked by imposing crater peaks.
Occupying an 800km stretch of the continent’s Atlantic coast, Gabon is a conservationist’s dream. Its land, 10 per cent of which is protected territory, houses 13 national parks, and the highest concentration of elephants across all of Africa. Gabon’s topography is so varied it rivals the diversity of all wildlife here, with landscapes ranging from tropical forests, mangroves and white-sand beaches to savannas and mountains.
This former French colony is a melting pot of 40 ethnic groups, among them the Fang, Tsogo, Teke and the Babongo Pygmies, while the sleepy capital of Libreville is also home to Lebanese, French, Central and West African immigrants. Outside the city, ancient rituals still prevail, including the traditions of Bwiti, a belief system whose costumed followers mark spiritual enlightenment with riotous ceremonies of drumming and dancing.
Next we discover a little-explored Shangri-la, in the Jurassic Park-like landscapes and coastlines of São Tomé and Príncipe. Bisected by the equator and close to the zero meridian, most people wouldn’t be able to locate these islands off the Gulf of Guinea on the map. Known for its mix of Portuguese colonial and local traditions, picture-postcard beaches and “leve-leve” (laid-back) atmosphere, this playground for adventure is sure to tick a number of experiences off your list.
Nature lovers will be in their element, with Obô National Park covering about 30% of the island of São Tomé. Expect dramatic landscapes, with volcanic chimneys emerging in the middle of nowhere, and rich biodiversity, with many endemic species on land and in the surrounding waters. Here we’ll trek through jungle terrain to reach rushing waterfalls, snorkel in waters teeming with marine life and taste some of the world’s finest chocolate.
This epic adventure wraps up in Ghana, the economic powerhouse of Western Africa, where one day is enough to get to know the highlights of capital Accra and witness a unique tradition: the making of elaborately decorated Ghanian fantasy coffins.

This is a journey through wild jungles, impenetrable forests, cascading waterfalls and black sand beaches. Are you ready to explore the unknown, and venture far away from anything resembling a tourist trail?
Let’s go!

DAY 1 // Equatorial Guinea: Malabo
DAY 2 // EG: Lake Moka jungle trail
DAY 3 // EG: Ureca
DAY 4 // Gabon: Sipopo & Islote Horacio --> Gabon
DAY 5 // Gabon: Libreville & Mangroves
DAY 6 // Gabon: Bwiti Ceremony
DAY 7 // Gabon: Pongara
Day 8 // Gabon: Pongara --> Sao Tome
Day 9 // São Tomé: Waterfall, Channels & Chocolate Refinery
Day 10 // São Tomé: Santana
Day 11 // São Tomé: Ilhéu das Rolas --> Ghana
Day 12 // Ghana: Accra

All details available to confirmed RSVPs.

Level of Difficulty: Easy, raw Africa with limited facilities at places.
Duration: 12 days.
Activities: Trekking, boating, canoeing, swimming, snorkelling, sightseeing, wildlife and indigenous tribes encounter.
Rooms & Meals: African upmarket standards – double sharing, single at extra cost subject of availability. Restaurant meals excluded.

Cost: 3,100 EUR + 9000 AED flights.
Cost valid until JUL 31. Past this date, please inquire about cost and availability.

EG: Traditional mansion and 5* hotel,
Gabon: 4* hotel, 1 night in tribal village,
Sao Tome: 4* Eco lodges.

Meals: Restaurant meals excluded. Breakfasts included.

Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate, malaria prophylactics compulsory.

Visas:
Equatorial Guinea: E-visa
Gabon: E-visa or Consulate visa in Equatorial Guinea
Sao Tome: visa free or e-visa 30 USD

YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificate is mandatory for crossing inter-african borders.

See yah in Equatoria x