Trekkup Dubai ✔

The Gold Coast | Journey Across Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana & Côte d’Ivoire

Sat, Oct 31 · 2:00 AM GST

Dubai International Airport, Dubai, AE

The birthplace of voodoo and pivotal centres of the slave trade for nearly three centuries, Benin, Togo and Ghana have rich and complex histories and fascinating cultural traditions that continue today.

We’ll discover this little known corner of West Africa on an 11-day journey deep into these countries’ northern reaches and along the Gulf of Guinea coast, to the heart of the regions where voodoo is still widely practiced today.

We will wander the fetish markets for relics, sail through stilt villages, and discover the mysteries of ancient practices.

In Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, we will get to know the roots of Voodoo beliefs and practices. The country is also famous for its wonderful local craftsmanship and numerous bustling bazaars. We’ll look through the often-surprising assortment of offerings at a fetish market, visit the Python temple, and explore the Slave Route in Ouidah, a place where enslaved peoples were sold and forced to bid farewell to their homeland forever.

With a population of around 20,000, Ganvie is the largest lake village in Africa, standing on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoue. 500 years later after its founding, the people of Ganvie have developed their own distinctive culture and lifestyle on the lake. Shaky houses, churches, mosques and other structures are built using red ebony wood, which is resistant to rotting and hence ideal for the watery conditions.

Neighboring Togo is a narrow strip of land located to the west of Benin. Another stronghold of Voodoo and animist practices, and a key region of the so-called "Slave Coast" in centuries past, it features picturesque hilltop villages and palm-lined beaches. Togo has suffered under the colonisation of three different nations, resulting in a melting pot of influences that linger to this day.

Here we will have the opportunity to learn about the customs of local communities, from mudbrick castle architecture of the Somba people and traditional ceremonies like the Fire Dance to animist beliefs reflected at shrines and fetish markets. We’ll make our through verdant landscapes and have close encounters with wildlife, visiting the Valley of the Bats and spotting rare butterflies in the green hills.

Ghana, the economic powerhouse of Western Africa, is a place where modernization intertwines with ancient rituals. Home to several very unique traditions, such their elaborately decorated coffins, Ghanians are open and welcoming people, and there will be excellent opportunities here to see the true face of Africa.

Côte d’Ivoire is the undisputed cocoa superpower: about 40% of the world’s chocolate begins its journey here. Add coffee, palm oil, and rubber plantations stretching to the horizon, and you get a country that essentially fuels your morning routine and your dessert cravings. Along the coast, palm-fringed beaches and historic trading towns tell stories of centuries of commerce and cultural exchange, while inland communities preserve ancient traditions, ceremonies, and beliefs that continue to shape everyday life.

From encounters with Voodoo priests and slithering reptiles to immersion in colorful markets and lush jungles, this trip is a deep dive into the culture and landscapes of West Africa. Our journey through this little-known region will surely reveal plenty of surprises, leaving you will memories of a lifetime and a few stories to tell!

Take a quick look at what awaits you here: https://vimeo.com/392949560

Let’s go!

DAY 1 / NIG :: Lagos
DAY 2 / NIG-BEN :: Cotonou
DAY 3 / BEN :: Amazons, snakes and slave port
DAY 4 / BEN :: Stilt village and ancient palaces
DAY 5 / BEN :: Sacred hills and fetish shrines
DAY 6 / BEN-TOG :: Border crossing, mud castles and Fire Dance
DAY 7 / TOG :: Crafts and Bat Valley
DAY 8 / TOG :: Hills of Kouma Konda to capital Lomé
DAY 9 / TOG-GHA :: Border crossing and Volta Region
DAY 10 / GHA :: Akossombo waterfalls
DAY 11 / GHA - CDI :: Accra and fantasy coffins + ACC-ABJ
DAY 12 / CDI :: Abidjan + flight to San Pedro, boat on Nero river
DAY 13 / CDI :: Grand Bereby, Dodo river + stay at turtle beach
DAY 14 / CDI :: drive back and departure

Full details available to confirmed RSVPs.

Level of difficulty: Easy
Activities: Sightseeing, walking
Accommodation & meals: Hotels and lodges, double sharing rooms. Meals excluded.

Cost: AED 14,280 excluding flights until OCT 05th.
Past this date cost will change.

Flights by Ethiopian + Emirates:
DAY 1 :: DXB-LAG
DAY 14 :: ABJ-DXB

Specifically excluded: Meals, visas, single supplement.

Visas:

Nigeria: E-visa (cost passport specific)
Benin: E-visa 60 USD
Togo: E-visa 40 USD
Ghana: transit visa on arrival 50-100 USD
Cote d'ivoire: 75 USD

Yellow Fever Certificate is mandatory for this trip.

See yah in West Africa x

Trekkup Crew

Whatsapp 0504848238 / info@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup

Atlantis of the Sands feat HIGHEST DUNE IN THE WORLD | Empty Quarter of Oman

Fri, Nov 13 · 4:00 PM GST

Dubai Airport Terminal 2 Departures, Dubai, AE

Named after your ex-girlfriend heart, the Empty Quarter (Rub’ Al Khali) of Oman is known for its harsh desert climate filled with endless sand dunes as far as the eye can see.

The Empty Quarter, which encompasses most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Yemen, has ancient remains only recently discovered by archaeologists in 1992 using remote sensing equipment.

The city of Ubar, once a trade port along the fabled frankincense route through ancient Arabia, dates to 2,800 BC. And based on excavations and satellite imagery it is also believed to be the Iram of the Pillars, mention in the Quran as a wicked and many-towered city eventually swallowed up by a massive sandstorm – a place sought out by adventurers and explorers for over a century!

Ramlet Jedelah - Some 12 kilometers from the Yemen-Oman border is a home to the highest dune in the world. The summit has been measured at 455m, surpassing the previous record holder - BIG DADDY. You may know BIG DADDY from our trekkup to Namibia, standing on 418m.

And on this weekend, we will take a deep dive into this mysterious area, not far from Salalah, trekking the dry canyons, exploring lost Bedouin cities, and discovering ancient archaeological sites. And as the sun sets on the vast dunes of Arabia, we will get settle into our desert camp for Salalah-style delicacies, served by a campfire.

https://vimeo.com/1005835391

Lets go!

Day 1: DEPARTURE
Meeting at airport at 4pm for direct flight to Salalah, immigration formalities. Check-in to beach resort. Relax or explore surroundings.

Day 2: EMPTY QUARTER - RAMLET JEDELAH
After an early breakfast, the expedition begins! Board our 4×4s and set out toward the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali), the world’s largest sand desert, known for its endless dunes and ancient legends of lost cities.
The route passes abandoned settlements and camel farms, offering a glimpse into the traditional desert life. Soon the dunes appear on horizon, and we start exploring their golden waves and vast panoramas.

Continue drive to Ramlet Jedelah - highest dune in the world with elevation 455m, even higher than Namibia's own Big Daddy. After short climb and several hundred selfies, we’ll visit a nearby geode plateau, where hollow stones sparkle with crystals.

As the sun sets, we drive across dunes to our campsite. BBQ dinner under a sky full of stars. Overnight in tents.

DAY 3: LOST CITY OF UBAR - WESTERN DHOFAR
Today we headfirst to the Lost City of Ubar, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site steeped in mystery and legend. Often called the “Atlantis of the Sands,” Ubar was once a thriving trade hub before it vanished beneath the desert.

Although it’s time to head back to Salalah, brace yourself for another set of stunning views! We will visit Rakhyut pools, Shaat view point, Mughsayl blowholes, where seawater shoots high through natural limestone vents.

In the evening, we set compass to the airport for our flight home, with pockets full of memories of Oman’s desert magic.

Level of Difficulty:
Easy & relaxing, available to everyone. Stunning views ahead!

Duration: Weekend

Activities:
Camping, dune bashing, dune trekking, sightseeing, discovering ancient cities.

Accommodation and meals:
Camping, equipment provided - bring your own sleeping bag. Camping meals included.

Cost: AED 3100 excluding flights until NOV 09.
Past this date cost will change.

Specifically excluded: restaurant meals in Salalah, visa (GCC residents are visa free), insurance.

Clip: https://vimeo.com/1005835391

See yah at Empty Quarter x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup

TAJ Rider | Weekend in Taj Mahal & Jaipur, India

Fri, Nov 13 · 9:00 PM GST

Sharjah International Airport, 25°19'40.44" N 55°30'50.24" E, Sharjah, AE

Are you ready for weekend overload of iconic forts, romantic palaces, ancient treasures and hidden secrets? From Jaipur to Agra, Amer Fort and Taj Mahal, on bike, boat, and rail!

https://vimeo.com/201904755

This is one intensive weekend through the highlights of Agra and Jaipur, from the iconic Taj Mahal on the banks of the river Yamuna to the mysterious Amer Fort with legends under every Mughal arch.

The Taj, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, is a mausoleum built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to her 14th child. Set behind a reflecting pool inside a courtyard defined by 4 minarets, the imposing main building features a massive dome and intricately carved white marble inlaid with precious stones.

We'll travel in style by Indian train, crisscross the country-side on bike, wander the streets of Agra and the hidden courtyards of Amer, and watch the sun set behind the Taj Mahal from the riverside.

Let's go!!

Day 0 // Friday // Departure to Jaipur

Meeting at Sharjah Airport for direct flight to Jaipur at midnight.

Day 1 // Saturday // Train, Bike, Rikshaws

After arrival and immigration, we’ll have a short breakfast on way to train station (Class 1, with AC!) for ride to Agra and check-in to Hotel TAJ. Take time for a rest or enjoy the bar and swimming pool then hop on our bikes for an easy ride in the countryside around the Taj Mahal. Passing by local villages, we’ll stop to observe local life and handicrafts before we reach the Yamuna River for admiring sunset over the Taj. In the evening we’ll wander the old city of Agra before returning to hotel for dinner and rest.

Day 2 // Sunday // Amer Fort & Monkey Temple

Early start with sunrise at Taj Mahal, quick breakfast, head back to Jaipur with look around the Amer Fort and Monkey Temple before dark. Once we’re done with sightseeing we enjoy spectacular view from a fort high above the city.

Day 3 // Monday // Departure for Sharjah

We’ll finish this spectacular weekend on a late night flight to Sharjah. Back home in time for breakfast.

Level of Difficulty:
Easy, available for beginners.

Activities:
Sightseeing, leisure cycling, train hopping.

Duration:
Weekend.

Cost:
AED 3,750 incl. flights on Air Arabia, until NOV 09.
Past this date cost will change.

Accommodation & Meals:
Hotels, double sharing. All meals included.

Visas:
Most of nationalities are eligible for E-visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/.

For more information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_India.

See yah in Agra x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971504848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup

Meghalomania feat. Cherry Blossom season | Meghalaya, India

Wed, Nov 18 · 12:15 AM GST

Dubai Airport Terminal 3, Airport road, Dubai, AE

Meghalaya, an Indian state located north of Bangladesh, is a paradise playground for adventure. Its landscape is a result of climate that receives the highest rainfall in the world, leading to lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and raging rivers.

Known for rolling hills, misty valleys and simply breathtaking scenery, Meghalaya is often referred as the "Scotland of the East” in Downtown or “Salalah of India” in Jebel Ali.

https://vimeo.com/1015667082

One of the most magical aspects of the Meghalaya is a monsoon blanket of mist that covers the area. During the monsoon season, while most of India is dealing with flooding, Meghalaya remains unaffected due to its high altitude. Moreover, you can witness numerous full-volume waterfalls scattered throughout the region.
The indigenous people, the Khasis, have developed a unique technique for building living bridges. Its the only place in the world where you can see this incredible feature as it never got exported elsewhere.
For hundreds of years, people have been growing living bridges from the India Rubber Tree, a type of walking tree. These trees, in addition to their main roots, send out extra roots from their branches which hang freely to the ground. As time passes, these additional roots are shaped and directed to become hardened and sturdy, creating a bridge. The oldest living bridges are over 400 years old and are able to support up to 50 people at a time. Some of great significance are constructed one below the other, in a double decker style.

Living Bridges have been included in the UNESCO world heritage site tentative list. Locally known as “Jingkieng Jri”, there are around 100 known living root bridges found in 72 villages.

However, bridges are only the part of our exploration. This time we invite you to find yourself surrounded by cherry blossoms. Yes, you heard correct – season for blooming here is in the fall! Meghalaya phenomenon is celebrated with festivals, concerts and accompanied events.

Festival aside, countless waterfalls, caves and cliffs await us on every corner here, get ready to be endlessly amazed with mighty Meghalaya!

Let’s go!

DAY 1
Arrival, proceed to cherry blossom festival locations to set the tone for upcoming days. We will start with Shillong Peak on our way to Nohkalikai falls – Angel Falls of India. Here we will indulge in the overwhelming views of tallest, single plunge waterfall of subcontinent, 340m. We will then descent to the pools at the bottom. Drive back to Shillong and visit Wards Lake shores covered in pink blossom for a peaceful evening stroll before dinner and overnight.

DAY 2
Today we put on the helmets of speleologists and hit the road to Krem Liat Prah Cave. Meghalaya hosts 1580 known caves but this one holds significant records. With the documented length of over 30kms, it is considered the biggest cave in this part of the world.

DAY 3
Early in the morning, after breakfast drive to Mawsynram (the Wettest Place on Earth). Here in Mawlyngbna we will do river crossing until we arrive in magnificent lake Umkhakoi for serene kayaking. After lunch its time for Split Rock, so put your Indiana Jones shoes back on for yet another unique walk in the narrow corridor between two rocks, split most likely by the earthquake.

DAY 4
Short drive to Tyrna village and get yourself ready for quite challenging descent (or ascent on the way back) of 3500 stairs, some 1200m down to the Double Decker Bridge, UNESCO tentative list. You will not believe your eyes, this walk hosts yet another stunning locations. Further on explore several bridges, continue to Blue Lagoon for some swim, and all the way to Rainbow Falls, which in fact cascades the water from the upper NohKaLikai.

DAY 5
Today we hit the road back to airport. Sadly, its time to head back for return flight home.

Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate (day 2 & 4)
Activities: Trekking, swimming, kayaking, caving, sightseeing, celebrating cherry blossom season.
Room & Meals: Guesthouse 2 nights, resort 2 nights - double sharing, meals excluded.

Cost: 3,060 AED excluding flights, until NOV 05.
Flights: Emirates + Indigo, approx. 2,100 AED.

Specifically Excluded: International flights, visa, meals, insurance.

Visas:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

See yah in Meghalaya x

Trekkup Crew

Whatsapp 050 - 4848238 / docs@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup