Travel overland from London to Dakar on an epic 28-day journey by rail, sea and road through Europe and deep into North West Africa.
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Travel overland from London to Dakar on an extraordinary 28-day journey across two continents, watching the landscapes, cultures and rhythms of life change gradually around you. Beginning by rail, travel through France and Spain, stopping in San Sebastian, Segovia and Ronda before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar by sea. Continue through Morocco by train, discovering Tangier, Fez and Marrakech, before turning south and embarking on a remarkable road journey along the Atlantic coast and deep into the Sahara.
Beyond the familiar cities of Morocco lies a very different world. Journey through the immense desert landscapes of Western Sahara to remote Dakhla, cross into Mauritania and explore ancient caravan towns, hidden oases and the extraordinary landscapes of the Adrar. Visit UNESCO-listed Chinguetti and Ouadane, venture towards the legendary Eye of the Sahara, and experience places that remain well beyond the routes followed by mainstream tourism. From Mauritania, continue south into Senegal, visiting historic Saint-Louis before finally reaching Dakar on the westernmost edge of mainland Africa.
This is a journey for travellers who value the experience of getting somewhere as much as the destination itself. There are long travelling days, remote border crossings and simpler accommodation along the way, but no camping, and the rewards are considerable: spectacular landscapes, fascinating encounters and the rare satisfaction of having travelled all the way from London to West Africa by rail, sea and road. For those with patience, curiosity and a genuine sense of adventure, this is an overland journey that will stay with you long after you return home.
London to Dakar – An Epic Overland Journey
Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.
The highlights
An extraordinary journey across two continents, travelling entirely by rail, sea and road as the landscapes and cultures gradually change from Europe to West Africa.
Travel by Eurostar and high-speed trains through France and Spain, stopping to discover San Sebastian, Segovia and spectacular Ronda along the way.
Sail across the Strait of Gibraltar by fast catamaran from Tarifa to Tangier, leaving Europe behind and arriving in Morocco by sea.
Travel south through Morocco and Western Sahara, following remote desert roads where the Sahara meets the Atlantic before reaching Dakhla and its spectacular lagoon.
Experience a genuine Saharan overland adventure without having to camp. Even in remote Mauritania, spend each night in a hotel, riad or characterful guesthouse, with a proper bed and private ensuite facilities.
Explore UNESCO-listed Chinguetti and Ouadane, atmospheric Saharan settlements of ancient mosques, manuscript libraries, stone houses and centuries of trans-Saharan caravan history.
Trip highlights for London to Dakar – An Epic Overland Journey
Full itinerary · 28 days
Reserve your place with a £500 per-person deposit; the balance is due 70 days before departure. Prefer your own space? A single room is available on every departure.
| Departs | Returns | Status | Price pp | Single supp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Oct 2027 | 29 Oct 2027 | Available | £12,950 | +£1,350 | Book now |
Every one of our Morocco journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
The FCDO does not currently advise against travel to Morocco generally. Travellers should nevertheless check the latest official advice before booking and again before departure.
For travellers continuing south on our Atlantic Sahara journey, the FCDO has specific warnings covering parts of Western Sahara. Our planned route is designed to avoid the areas to which the FCDO advises against all travel.
Independently verified reviews from travellers who joined London to Dakar – An Epic Overland Journey. Rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ reviewers.
Make London to Dakar – An Epic Overland Journey your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.
Join a small-group departure, or let our Morocco specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
Common questions
Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.
Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.
Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.
The next available departures are 2 October 2027. See the "Choose your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.
Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Services of an experienced Undiscovered Destinations tour leader from London to Marrakech; Rail travel based on first-class seats, including Eurostar Plus from London to Paris; One-way catamaran ferry crossing from Tarifa to Tangier; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.
This tour visits Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.
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