Classic Senegal & The Gambia
10 days
From
$ 2149
Duration10 days
Merging cultural experiences with important histories and stunning landscapes, this 10-day tour through Senegal and The Gambia brings you to a part of Africa that's seldom explored. Learn about daily life in a local Wolof village, immerse yourself in Gambia's important slave history, and get time to relax on sandy beaches in between. Experience what West Africa has to offer before the rest of the world gets to these unique destinations.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 10 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Dakar
Arrive at anytime.
Day 2: Dakar & Goree Island
Start your day with a guided tour of Dakar, visiting the Cathedral, IFAN Museum and African Renaissance Monument.
Visit the historic Goree Island, to learn about the Atlantic slave trade, and the role this little island played.
Meals: B, L
Day 3: Lake Retba/Lompoul Desert
Opt to explore the surrounding dunes on foot, ATV, or camel, and in the evening sit down to a traditional Senegalese meal.
Depart from Dakar and stop at Lake Retba (Lac Rose) and see the men and women collecting salt in the pink waters. In the afternoon drive to Lompoul, and get settled into our desert camp.
You will need to pack a small overnight bag to take into the desert, as your main luggage will stay with the bus. Don't forget to pack something warm, as the temperature can drop at night, especially in the winter months from December to February.
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Lompoul/Saint-Louis
Free time in the morning to explore the Lompoul Desert, then drive north to Saint-Louis, the historic French capital of Senegal. Enjoy a tour of the Saint-Louis island on a caleche (a traditional horse drawn cart).
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Djoudj NP
Spend the day exploring the the waterways of Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, keeping a look out for 400 species of birds, including pelicans and flamingos.
Djoudj NP is sometimes closed at the end of the dry season (May/June), in this case we will visit Langue de Barbarie NP as an alternative.
Meals: B, D
Day 6: Saint-Louis/Kaolack
Drive to the holy city of Touba, to visit the Great Mosque. Visit a local Wolof village on the drive to Kaolack, a busy commercial centre for trade coming from and going to The Gambia and Mali.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Kaolack/Banjul
Cross into The Gambia, and visit Jufureh and Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James island), two important stops in The Gambia's slave history. In the afternoon, continue to Banjul.
Meals: B, L
Day 8: Banjul
Embark on a guided city tour of Banjul in the morning, visiting the Arch 22, National Museum, and Albert Market. Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own, or relaxing on the beach.
Meals: B
Day 9: Banjul/Somone
Cross back into Senegal and head to the beaches of Somone, for some well deserved relaxation. Stop at the Mbour fish market for a glimpse of the thriving industry, and authentic view of Senegal living.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Somone/Dakar Airport
A relaxing day at the beach before heading to the airport, where the tour ends on arrival.
The tour ends on arrival at the Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) at 5pm. If you would like to extend your stay, we recommend booking additional nights in Somone and returning to the airport from there. If you need to travel back to Dakar city from the airport, or would like post nights in Somone, you can book these with your agent/GCO.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Goree Island tour
- Lake Retba visit
- Lompoul Desert stay and traditional Senegalese dinner
- Saint-Louis calèche tour
- Djoudj National Park boat tour
- Local Wolof village visit
- Touba Grand Mosque
- Tour of Jufureh and Kunta Kinteh Island
- Half day Banjul city tour
- Mbour fish market visit
- Free time at Somone beach
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private minibus, Ferry, 4x4, Boat, Walking -
Accommodation
Standard hotels/guesthouses (9 nts)