Sene – Gambia Culture & People – 10 Days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
ARRIVAL
1 stop
1
Senegal
Following a well-deserved breakfast, we embark on a tour by horse carriage to explore the narrow streets of this area, known as the Kingdom of the Signars, founded in the mid-17th century. The Signars are mixed-race women, descendants of black African mothers who were slaves and European fathers who were slave masters. Stop at the Governor's Palace, a fortress built in the 18th century. We will visit the Nguet Ndar area, the famous fishing village nestled between the river and the Atlantic Ocean. After lunch, we drive to the Lompoul Desert, nestled between the great coast and the eucalyptus forest. This desert is characterized by its pink and orange sand dunes. Enjoy a camel ride, and at the top of the dunes, stop for a picturesque view of the coastline and sunset. Dance your way into the night with Djembe dance entertainment or enjoy a Senegalese tea tasting around a bonfire. Overnight in tents and feel like nomads admiring the moon or the stars.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Dakar – Goree Island
1 stop
2
After breakfast, start the city tour of Dakar, including a visit to the African Renaissance Monument, a 164-foot statue overlooking Dakar and symbolizing African hope. We will then stop at Independence Place, the heart of Dakar, followed by a drive past the presidential palace and main cathedral. Enjoy views of the ocean as we head to the Soumbedioune market and the Mosque de la Révélation. This tour will showcase the contrasts between upscale areas and popular neighborhoods, including tourist spots like Kermel market. In the afternoon, take a short ferry ride to Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the streets with colonial-era buildings and enjoy views of Dakar Bay. Visit the House of Slaves and the “Door of No Return,” which memorializes the painful history of the slave trade. The tour includes a visit to the ethnographic museum and a lecture on Goree’s history. Return to Dakar for an overnight stay.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Pink Lake
1 stop
3
Kaolack
After breakfast, drive straight to the North with a stop at Pink Lake, a rare natural phenomenon caused by a unique combination of microorganisms, halophilic bacteria, and a high concentration of salt combined with sunlight, giving the lake its different colors. Interact with the salt harvesters and learn about their traditional methods of salt extraction. Then, continue driving to Saint Louis, the colonial capital of Senegal. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Time permitting, you can start the city tour, exploring the narrow streets flanked by multi-colored houses with carved wooden balconies and verandas. Discover the unique charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its rich colonial history. Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner Hotel: Residence Saint Louis
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
St. Louis – Lompoul
1 stop
4
Kedougou
After breakfast, we will start our tour in this lost world where peoples are staying away from civilization in some awesome countryside The Bediks and the Bassaries are living in perched villages on the mountains front of magnificent and endless landscape. Animist peoples where everything turn around the ritual ceremonies and traditional initiations. Exiled in those lands far away just to keep their ancestral beliefs and refused to submit to any other foreigner religions. Attractive, intriguing villages and peoples settled on the foothills of the Fouta Djallon, here the tradition is the way. Continue to Dindefelo waterfalls, with its 80 meters high offers a natural swimming pool unique in Senegal. Refreshing shower and meet the locals, why not a picnic in this jungle atmosphere before going back to the hotel .
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Day 5: Lompoul – Touba – Kaolack
1 stop
5
After enjoying the sunrise in the desert and breakfast, we proceed to the holy city of Touba. Visit the main Mosque, the largest and most magnificent mosque in all of West Africa. You will learn about Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, the spiritual founder of Mouridism, the only brotherhood born in Senegal. Spend a few minutes in the large library which holds thousands of volumes, all hand-written by the mystic founder. Learn about the history of Touba, an autonomous city that operates much like the Vatican and is noted as one of the most significant cities in Senegal. Continue to Kaolack in the south, with stops at various villages along the way. Meet the locals and learn about their daily activities and culture. Upon arrival in Kaolack, visit the local open-air market if time permits. Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner Hotel: Ajana
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Kaolack – Sine Ngayene – Jame Island – Banjul
1 stop
6
Senegal
We depart early to visit the Sine Ngayene stone circles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 52 stone circles and 1,102 carved stones. Near the site is the quarry where these monoliths were extracted. We continue to Gambia, crossing the border east of Banjul. After immigration, we proceed to the twin villages of Juffureh and Albreda on the North Bank of the River Gambia, about 25km upriver from Banjul. Juffureh, featured in Alex Haley’s Roots, and Albreda, a key slave trade post, are rich in history. Observe Kunta Kinteh Island’s ruins in the Gambia River, once disputed by various European powers. We then sail back to Juffureh to see the Kinteh family home, still occupied by the family. After lunch, we head to Bara, cross by ferry to Banjul, and check into your hotel.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Lamin Lodge – Banjul – Serrekunda
1 stop
7
This morning, we will explore the south bank of the Gambia River by dugout canoe. Sailing through a vast labyrinth of creeks inside the mangrove forest, we will visit the village of the Socè tribes tucked behind the wetlands. Row back to Banjul and embark on a city tour. We will start at the National Museum, which exhibits the history of The Gambia, tracing the blend of African culture and European colonialism. We then take a short drive through Banjul to “see the sights,” stopping to visit Albert Market with its bustling activity, where anything from live chickens and vegetables to herbs and hair extensions can be purchased. Alternatively, visit Serrekunda, the most densely populated town in The Gambia, where you can see displays of “Tie & Dye” fabrics and beautiful Batik cottons. We drive back to the hotel for overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner Hotel: African Princess
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Banjul – Joal and Bush – Fishermen Arrival
1 stop
8
Dakar
After breakfast, cross the ferry back into Senegal towards Joal at the mouth of the Saloum River. En route, visit the oldest baobab tree in West Africa, which is 1500 years old, followed by a visit to typical villages of the Serere farmers, the second largest ethnic group in Senegal. Alternatively, make a stop at a Fulani nomadic camp, the third largest ethnic group. After lunch, visit the shell island of Fadiouth, a symbol of tolerance where Muslims, Christians, and animists coexist peacefully and share a cemetery where they bury their dead side by side. In the late afternoon, drive to the Mbour fishing port to observe the return of the fishermen, with intense trade activity creating a unique atmosphere of sensation and smell. Continue to Saly for your overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner Hotel: Royam Beach
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Saly – Bandia Reserve – Somone Delta
1 stop
9
Enjoy a scenic drive this morning to visit Bandia National Park for a three-hour safari. This is a great opportunity to see wildlife such as giraffes, antelopes, rhinoceroses, monkeys, buffalos, impala gazelles, oryx, and others, as well as several bird species including small hornbills, grey herons, ostriches, eagles, blackbirds, and kingfishers. Observe the legendary Baobab tree, which in the past was used as a burial place for griots. Griots were caste people, and according to an old legend, once dead, they were buried in the hollow walls of baobab trees. Continue to the Somone Delta for a boat cruise through the mangrove forest to observe various shorebirds, the oyster farm, and the seafood exploitation. Meals : Breakfast,Dinner Hotel: Royam Beach
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Departure
1 stop
10
Senegal
Enjoy this morning at your leisure, whether it's shopping or exploring any outstanding excursions. Later, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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