TOUR TO GUINEA, WEST AFRICA 2024!!

WONTANARA! We are together!

Join us on a colourful adventure soaked in cultural traditions to Guinea, West Africa with our flexible 1-4 week Study intensive. The tour will run from 25/12/2023-31/01/2024. YOU CHOOSE the weeks that best suit you.

Develop your musical craft in its original form from the home of the Djembe, with 4 hours of tuition per day. We focus on Percussion and dance study but the additional options are endless and easily organised. This study tour will not only give you the opportunity to experience Guinea as a local, but you will be welcomed with open arms to live together as part of the musicians family in Conakry, Guinea. This is an honour limited to only a few outside visitors to Guinea.

In addition to your daily drum and dance classes, we will visit bustling local and traditional village markets, witness an array of traditional ceremonies, view the local live talent at beachside bars and many other world class performances. You will also have the opportunity to take your drum and dance classes on a weekend holiday to the pristine beaches of Roume Island or beside the breathtaking waterfalls of Kindia!

Our tour offers an authentic experience where you will study & have the opportunity to perform with members of “Les Petit Sorciers” managed by Papa kouyate (percussionist for Miriam Makeba ‘mama africa’). You will also be able to witness your hosts family, The Kalissa family, perform together and share in a dundunba to conclude your Guinean experience!

YOUR HOST

Your host, Amadou Kalissa, was born into the musician’s family dated back many generations. Now adding Melbourne Australia to his home, Amadou has extensive tutoring experience and a thorough understanding of what it means to bring these 2 different worlds together harmoniously.

Amadou has toured several times to Europe and tutored students from around the globe.

Amadou is considered by many a Master in Dun Duns but his skill extends to many more traditional instruments that he and his family have been studying for generations.

OUR TOUR

Our tour to West Africa, is unique in that, through our programs we aim to inspire you with a deeper understanding behind the richness of Guinea’s musical rhythms and dance culture as a way to further enhance your musical interest and skills. We achieve this by adopting Amadou’s late father’s open door hospitality policy. For any budding musicians, he would provide a home, food and inspiration for those to pursue their passions and talents. This tradition has been kept alive by the whole Kalissa family and as a result you will be lulled to sleep by the strings of the Kora and guitar every night! You will be exposed to many inspirational musicians during your stay, which ensures your trip will be a life changing, unforgettable experience!

Succumb to the vibrant Guinean community while they bathe you with their warm kindness and hospitality. Guinea is the hidden gem of West Africa, whose subtle charms will grow on you and remain in your heart forever.

TOUR DETAILS:

Our tour is a flexible 1-4 week tour. Want to stay longer than 4 weeks? Easily arranged!

The tour will run from 25/12/2023-31/01/2024. Choose the weeks that best suit you.

TOUR RATES:

4 weeks = $3,300 (Early-bird rate $2,970)

3 weeks = $2,600 (Early-bird rate of $2,340) 2 weeks = $2,000 (Early- bird rate of $1,800)

* A 30% deposit is required upon booking and paid in full prior to tour commencing.

** Early-bird rate – book & deposit by 1st August 2023 and you save 10%!! Remaining fee to be paid in full prior to tour commencing.

WHATS INCLUDED?

~ 4 hours group tuition per day, 5 days a week (8 Hours per day for both drum & dance is available for an additional charge)

~ Accommodation

~3 meals per day

~ Transport and accommodation for overnight trips to island/village

~Airport pickup and drop off

~ Instrument hire for your tour. You can also purchase your own and take them home with you!

NOT INCLUDED

Airfares, Visa’s, Travel insurance & Ground Transport.

‘Extra Activities’ or Additional tuition are not included in your tour fees but can be easily arranged according to your budget.

TUITION:

Percussion tuition will be from Master Drummer and host, Amadou Kalissa, alongside various other masters residing in Guinea.

General structure of the day commences with a 2 hour Djembe class, followed by 2 hours of dance (if registered – additional fees for both Drum & Dance). Afternoon is 2 hour Djembe and/or 2 hour dance class.

The day can be tailored to student’s interests of any extra activities/sights to see.

In addition, you can learn DunDuns & Kora from Amadou’s family, Balafon from ‘Les Petit sorcier de Papa Kouyate’ member. Any other instrument you would like to learn can be easily arranged by a professional in that field.

ACCOMODATION:

You will be residing within Amadou’s family residence in ‘Enco5’, which is a 15 minute drive to Conakry airport and 30 mins from the city.

Our guesthouse features western bathroom, lounge and large balcony for the star gazers! Rooms can sleep 2 people either twin or double share.

Mosquito nets are also provided.

FOOD:

Food will be prepared by Amadou’s Sister Bountou, who is renowned by many locals as an amazing cook. Sort after for ‘favourites’ that she sells at the local markets.

Rice, fish, vegetables, and salad are the staples.

WEEKENDERS & ACTIVITIES:

·         Roume Island/Kassa Island or a night in Bel-Air –

Pristine beaches, relaxed location to take a deep breath & soak up your Guinean

experience alongside your tuition & meeting local musicians.

·         Various venues to see the amazing musicians of Guinea perform, including some

great beachside bars.

·         Witness and become involved in various ceremonies. These include: dundunba,

engagements, and weddings.

Kora performance most weekends by

Amadou’s family as various locations.

·         Opportunity to participate/watch Amadou’s group ‘Les Petit Sorciers de papa kouyate’ rehearsal and performance.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

AIRFARES

A round-trip to Guinea is required. The purchase of your airfare ticket is your responsibility. We can suggest a travel agent that we use which can be contacted via email.

We will greet you at Conakry airport regardless of the time you arrive.

Personal Travel & Health insurance must be purchased for this tour. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.

PASSPORT & VISA

Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return.

A 3 month tourist visa is required to enter Guinea and is arranged through the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea in Tokyo, Japan or online directly with the Republic of Guinea https://www.paf.gov.gn/visa . We can help you with this.

VACCINATIONS

It is advised that you visit a travel doctor well in advance to discuss with them what the recommended vaccinations and precautions are for travel to Guinea, West Africa.

Yellow fever is mandatory, and you will need a valid ‘Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate’ to show for entry into Guinea at Conakry airport.

Anti-malaria tablets are strongly recommended.

For more information on health & vaccines, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

PRECAUTIONS/SUGGESTIONS TO NOTE:

To ensure you remain healthy and happy during your stay, it is recommended you consider the following:

·         Drink readily available bottled water only

·         Carry a small personal first aid kit

A LITTLE ABOUT GUINEA

French, the official language of Guinea, is the main language of communication in schools, in government administration, in the media, and among the country's security forces, but more than twenty-four indigenous languages are also spoken, predominately Fula, Susu & Malinke.

You do not need to speak French for our tour as Amadou speaks 5 indigenous languages & French fluently and English. We do, however recommend a French phrase book as this can really make a difference to your experience from communicating with the host’s family to bargaining at the market stalls!

The country is a republic. The president is directly elected by the people. Current president is Incumbent Mamady Doumbouya (Interim).

Conakry, The capital of Guinea, features a tropical monsoon climate, with a wet season and a dry season. Dry season temperatures average 32 degrees Nov-Jan.

Guinean Franc is the local currency, but you are best to travel with USD or EURO’s which can easily be changed locally.

For bookings or more info PM via Facebook or call Amadou =61 412 311 369 or Renee +61 424 424 212