Trekkup Dubai ✔

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: 12,500 AED + 9000 AED flights = 21,500 AED,
Cost valid until MAY 18. 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

Lalibela is located in the heart of Abyssinian Highlands, on the side of mountain range culminating at 4284 mtrs. Its 2500 meter altitude provides a climate with daily temperatures 20-15C. The world recognized glory of the city comes from the churches curved in monolithic rocks, concept similar to Petra or Ellora gained Lalibela a spot not only on UNESCO World Heritage list but also on many travel connoisseurs bucket lists. We will discover this 7th or perhaps 8th world's wonder over an extended weekend trip.

Afghanistan may fascinate, enchant, although this love can be difficult. In 2021, the Americans finally withdrew from Afghanistan, and the Taliban took power almost without a single shot being fired. They quickly established relative safety in the country, although unfortunately women lost many rights under the new regime. Nevertheless, Afghanistan once again became a country that is possible to visit.

Afghanistan has a fascinating history and material evidence of it. The hospitality of its people, beautiful landscapes, mountains, customs, and monuments will make you forget of any association with the conflicts.

Kabul – the capital and largest city of Afghanistan – will certainly make you think and feel many things, a destination for the bold at a time when many will have a word or two to share about your adventure choice, let’s have a quick look and see for ourselves. High in a mountain valley between the Kabul River and the Hindu Kush, dense with history dating back thousands of years, a Silk Road destination half-way between Istanbul and Hanoi, a crossroads between Tartary, India, and Persia, and ruled by dynasties and empires from the Kushans and Hindu Shahis to the Turks, Samanids, and Mongols, among many others.

The historical site of Bamiyan in Afghanistan was once home to several large Buddha statues. Before the destruction of the statues in 2001, there were two prominent statues known as the Bamiyan Buddhas. One statue was 53 meters tall, and the other was 38 meters tall. These statues represented the culmination of the Gandhara Buddhist art style and served as significant religious and cultural landmarks in the area.

DAY 1 :: Bamian
Meeting at airport for a direct flight to Kabul. Arrival, immigration and drive to Bamian. Start exploration by visiting the Buddha Niches. These ancient caves used to house large Buddha statues, some of which were tragically destroyed during the Taliban regime. Continue to nearby caves, still inhabited by Hazaris. Continue to the city of Zhonk. Visit the historic Qala Kephthar fortress, which overlooks the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Take a stroll through the local bazaars and interact with the friendly locals. If time allows: Shahr-e Gholghola (City of Screams) the ruins of an ancient city thought to have been built in the 13th century by the Mongol leader Genghis Khan. Admire the fascinating archaeological remnants and learn about their historical significance. In the evening traditional Afghan dinner, at rooftop restaurant (subject of trip karma) to check out delicious dishes like mantu (dumplings), kebabs, and qabuli pulao while enjoying the evening breeze and take in the panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Overnight in Bamian.

DAY 2 :: Kabul
Return to Kabul. Subject to traffic condition, we should have ample time to visit Babur Garden, which is a charming and well-maintained historic garden with a Persian-style design. It was constructed in the 16th century by Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. This garden is renowned for its breathtaking terraces, pavilions, and vibrant flora.
Followed by Shah-e Soh Shamshira Mosque and Darulaman Palace, if its open for visitors. In the evening kebab dinner. Overnight in Kabul.

DAY 3 :: Shopping time & Departure
After having breakfast, we will visit a couple of intriguing markets in Kabul. First, we'll explore the Ka Faroshi bird market, which is a cherished hobby among the locals. Then, we will head to Chicken Street, known for being a part of the historic "Hippie Trail," but nowadays it is filled with local handicrafts and a few extraordinary items that are hard to find elsewhere. We will have our last lunch at a local bistro before transferring to the airport for our flight back home.

Grade: Easy.
Activities: Sightseeing, trekking.
Accomo & meals: included, shared local guesthouse and hotel in Kabul.

Cost: 5700 AED all incl. flights, until JUNE 05. Past this date cost will change.

Visas: Costs related to visas are specifically excluded from the budget. We will guide you throughout visa process.

See yah in Bamian x

Trekkup Crew

In a story old as time, there is a place on this earth regarded as one of the holiest to have ever existed – where ancient tales and traditions are venerated and upheld for believers of the only three monotheist religions know to mankind.

The center of one of the longest political disputes of our time, the Holy City of Jerusalem sits at the heart of the three Abrahamic religions of Islam, Christianity and Judaism. For believers, agnostics and atheists alike, it is a place of depth and wonder.

A city with a thousand magical tales, sights, sounds, smells and tastes. Jerusalem is not a place to let pass you by, whether you seek a spiritual journey or one of pure adventure - it is a beautiful city of many contradictions and living proof of mankind’s age-old struggle to find harmony amidst chaos. So pack your bags and join us on a modern trip back in time to the Holy City. But hey, Holy City is only the beginning...

Let's go!

Day 1 :: Friday // Departure + Jericho – Bethlehem

Meeting at DXB Terminal 3 for a direct flight to Ben Gurion Airport on flydubai. Transfer to Jericho in the West Bank, believed to be the oldest continuous settlement in the world. In Biblical history it is famous for the episode, that the walls of Jericho felt down, after the Israelites under Joshua played their trumpets. Next we take cable car to the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil. From the Greek Orthodox monastery, we will enjoy panoramic views of the area. Further on to old Sycamore Tree, where the tax collector Zacchaeus climbed a tree to get a better look at Jesus. If time permits we will visit the Islamic remains of Hisham’s Palace from the 8th century.

Drive to Bethlehem, a town with a Palestinian Christian community. See the Shepherds Fields in Beth-Sahour, then arrive at Manger Square and the ancient Church of the Nativity. Here St. Hieronymus wrote the first Latin translation of the Bible, the Volgata. On the way we will see a part of the 700 km long Separation Wall, dividing the West Bank and Israel, used as graffiti wall, with its world-famous Banksy graffiti and take a sneak peek inside Walled Off Hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem in a boutique hotel with a view over Al Aqsa Mosque.

Day 2 :: Saturday // Jerusalem – City of David – Christianity – Bethlehem

We will start our day at the City of David, believed to be the oldest populated part of Jerusalem and an archaeological site. Proceed to Mt. of Olives for a panorama view of the old city, divided into the Jewish, the Christian, the Armenian and the Muslim quarter. Walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested. We follow Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering, until the Church of the Holy Sepulchres. The church marks the spot where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 3 :: Sunday // Jerusalem Islam and Judaism – Mahane Yehuda Market

Check-out from hotel. Depending on authorities visit to the Temple Mount, known as Haram El Sharif. We will see the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, two of the most important Islamic sanctuaries. From the Temple Mount Prophet Mohammad ascent to heaven.
Walk in the old city, colonnaded streets dating back to the Romans, running from north to south in the old city. We continue along Souq Az Zeit to the Damascus Gate, built in its form by Suleiman the Magnificent.
End the day at Mahane Yehuda market, where you can watch the locals shop, smell the culinary delights of the little cafes. With pockets full of memories, back to airport for a return flight to Dubai .

Grade: Easy, available to everyone.
Room & Meals: new 4 star hotel in Jerusalem, with a view on Al Aqsa Mosque. Shared rooms, single room at 100 USD extra . Meals excluded.

Cost: 5290 AED incl. flights on flydubai, until MAY 25.