It is that time of the year when we try to catalogue the groups who are running trips to Africa. The potential for big bonuses might have disappeared this year but you may still be able to afford a trip. Here are some that we have heard of. Culture Central does not endorse pr recommend any trip. We are merely sering as a clearing house for the information. Before you spend any money to travel to Africa, make sure you are comfortable with the people running the trip. Check the iternary and make sure it will satisfy what you are looking for. There is nothing worse than spending the money to go to Africa and then being unhappy when you get there. Be a smart consumer, do your ground work and research before you commit. Having said that..do go to Africa, particularly if you teach dance or drum. It will change your life and your perspective on your craft.

Trip information below:

November 18 - Dec. 10th Trip to Guinea. Drumming classes and dancing. For more info go to www.triptoafrica.org or call 617-686-6080 or 781-648-0066

December 1-14th MSY International Trp to Dakar, Senegal For more info go to www.msyinternational.com

December 19 - Jan. 9th Trip to Ghana, including trips to Accra, Kumaasi, cape Coast and Tamale. Trip includes dance, drum and song classes. Sponsored by Sohoyini Dance. For more info go to www.sohoyini.com or call 206-902-7379

December 27 - January 2010 - Fode Bangoura's trip to Guinea. Two, three or four week options.Deposit reqquired by Sept. 15th. For more info go to www.fodebangoura.com

January 2010 Trip to Bamako, Mali with Abdoulaye Diallo. Side trip to Dakar, Senegal can be arranged. For mor info contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

December 31-January 27th Trip to Guinea with Youssouf Koumbassa. Total workshop cost $1950. Deposit of $500 due by July 31st. For more info go to www.westafricandance.com

January 2010 - Mamady Sano- First Annual Homecoming Trip to Guinea: 1,2 or 3 week option, which includes dance, drum and song classes. Deposit of $200 with final payment by November 2009. For details contact  Mamady at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

January 4 - February 28, 2009 Travel to Guinea with Moustapha Bangoura. Trip options from two weeks to seven weeks. You can contact Le Bagatae at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit their website for more info.

February 20, 210-March 10th- Ousmane Sall Trip to Senega, West Africa: Trip includes two daily dance classes, i drum class, Wolof and French language classes as well as day trips and a side trip to Casamance. $1800. Deposit due by 11/15/2009; balance due by Jan. 15th For more info contact Ousmane Sall, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 646-325-6723