Transport

Bus, 4WD, Boat

Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 12 Breakfasts 5 Lunches 6 Dinners

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

Accommodation

1 nights simple boat 1 nights simple guesthouse 5 nights standard hotel 1 nights simple rondavels 4 nights standard rondavels

Not included:

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately.

Optional

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. Saloum Delta N.P. - Bird watching trip £12. Ndangane - Calesh Ride £10.

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip In Dakar (Senegal)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Trip In Dakar (Senegal)

Arrive in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. Dakar is one of the main sea ports on the west African coast, and it’s thought the name derives from Wolof word for the tamarind tree. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Dakar at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), which is about one hours’ drive from the city centre. Our welcome meeting will take place on the morning of day two at 8.30am. If you have free time on arrival, you may choose to take in the atmosphere at one of the markets.
Day 2 Day 2: Ferry To The Island Of Goree; Visit This Unesco World Heritage Site
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Ferry To The Island Of Goree; Visit This Unesco World Heritage Site

After a relaxed breakfast our leader will complete the welcome meeting before we will drive to the ferry terminal to take a ferry to Isle de Goree, a small and peaceful island without any traffic. The ferry crossing takes around 30 minutes, and on arrival we’ll drop off our luggage before a guided tour of Isle de Goree on foot. Once a busy trading centre during the 18th and 19th centuries, the island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s architecture may make you feel you have been transported in time to an old-world Mediterranean district, due to the island’s charming colonial-style houses, wrought-iron balconies, narrow streets and brightly coloured bougainvillea. Le Castel is situated on a rocky plateau with its fortifications dating back to different periods, and we’ll also explore the old Slave House originally built in 1786. This evening will be free to relax.
Day 3 Day 3: Visit To The Pink Lake Followed By An Afternoon Drive To The Old French Capital Of West Africa; St. Louis
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Visit To The Pink Lake Followed By An Afternoon Drive To The Old French Capital Of West Africa; St. Louis

This morning we return to the mainland by ferry and drive to Lac Rose - the Pink Lake. This large shallow lagoon is extremely salty and is also renowned for its pink tinge, caused by the high concentrations of minerals in the water. We’ll have a 30 minute walk around the lake followed by free time for a lunchbreak. The pink hues change during the day and from season to season but no matter the time of year the locals can be seen out on the lake working hard to collect salt into baskets on their small boats. This afternoon we will drive to north for around 4.5 hours to St. Louis. Once the French capital city of West Africa, St. Louis is colourful, charming and full of culture. Jazz music is the rhythm of the city which is now a UNESCO World Heritage, and the evening will be free to explore. For dinner you may wish to try the local dish of Thieboudienne, a mix of fish, tomato, rice and vegetables created in St. Louis.
Day 4 Day 4: Djoudj Bird Reserve And St Louis. Visit A Charming French Colonial Town
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Djoudj Bird Reserve And St Louis. Visit A Charming French Colonial Town

An early start to visit Djoudj National Park, regarded as one of the most important bird reserves in the world. This national park provides the first major water source for migratory birds after their long and gruelling flight over the Sahara desert. We travel by motorised boat along the complex network of channels which lead off the Senegal River. The bird count reaches millions, some species are prevalent such as pelicans - there are as many as 15,000 in the park. We may see them performing an amazing display of synchronised diving for fish and will see a breeding colony. Around three million birds pass through the park annually which includes 400 different species - including herons, white-breasted cormorants, spoonbills, jacanas, Egyptian geese, West African fish eagles and flamingos to name but a few. You may also see crocodile, wild hog, monitor lizard and water python. Early this afternoon we return back to St. Louis in time for lunch and some free time before exploring this marvellous old town by calesh (horse-drawn carriage) with a local guide. Full of 19th century French colonial buildings, this was the first French settlement in Africa and the Headquarters of Senegambia (the term used to describe the whole region). By the late 18th century St Louis was a busy port and trading centre and was inscribed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.
Day 5 Day 5: Explore The Langue De Barbarie By Motorised Pirogue
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Explore The Langue De Barbarie By Motorised Pirogue

Today we’ll start early for our visit the Langue de Barbarie National Park, located on a thin sandspit in the estuary of the Senegal River, and home to water birds such as flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets and ducks. During the months from November to April, the national park also fills with many more migratory birds from Europe. We’ll take a motorised pirogue across the river to access the national park. After a morning of exploration, the afternoon is free to relax or wander further around the town. The streets of the St. Louis are narrow, dusty and easy to navigate and are lined with old French-style villas, some of which are slowly crumbling, that still have an air of colonial charm with colourful shutters and iron balconies.
Day 6 Day 6: Drive To Georgetown (Gambia) Via Touba Mosque
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Drive To Georgetown (Gambia) Via Touba Mosque

Early this morning we begin our journey to The Gambia and much of the day will be spent in the bus travelling. We will break up the first leg of this journey with a visit to an astounding mosque in Touba, the sacred focus of the Mouride Islamic brotherhood. Their founder Amadou Bamba, Senegal’s most famous and influential ’marabout’ (holy man), is buried here and pilgrims visit the town all year round, and as we pass through on a Friday the Mosque is busy with worshippers. Continuing through the town of Kaolack we enter The Gambia and head east following the route of the river towards Georgetown which was an important administrative centre during the colonial period. Our accommodation this evening is a simple riverside camp made up of simple rondavels with basic ensuite facilities. There is no main electricity but instead limited solar power and no hot water but the fantastic location offers a feel of sleeping within nature while the monkeys and birds add to the wild setting.
Day 7 Day 7: Cruise Along The Gambia River And Visit An Archaeological Mystery, The Wassau Stone Circles
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cruise Along The Gambia River And Visit An Archaeological Mystery, The Wassau Stone Circles

The Gambia River flows along the entire length of the country for 300 miles from east to west into the Atlantic Ocean. The banks of the river have been inhabited since 2000 BC and slave ships once travelled along its course exporting slaves. We spend the next two days on this mighty waterway, cruising downstream in a converted groundnut boat, passing tropical forest, bamboo groves, rice paddies and mangrove swamps. Amongst the varied fauna present in this area are monkeys, hippos, crocodiles and of course a great number of bird species. Along the way today we will visit the Wassu Stone Circles by bush taxi. There are several circles each consisting of about 10 to 24, reddish-brown stones between one and 2.5m high and weighing several tons. These were once burial sites dating back to 500 to 1000 AD, however very little is known about the people who were buried here and the stones still present a mystery to archaeologists. We spend one overnight on board a motor cruiser. Facilities on board are very simple with a western-style toilet, a small kitchen and bar. At night we sleep in a communal setting on the upper deck on mattresses, and during the day time can be spent relaxing on the upper deck in the sun or on the lower deck with seating in the shade.
Day 8 Day 8: Bird And Wildlife Spotting As We Continue To Cruise Down The Gambia River; Late Afternoon Drive To Bintang Bolong
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Bird And Wildlife Spotting As We Continue To Cruise Down The Gambia River; Late Afternoon Drive To Bintang Bolong

This morning we continue our gentle cruise downstream, with time to take in the flora and wildlife along the river banks. The crew will put together lunch on the boat before arriving in the small settlement of Tendaba on the Gambia’s south bank in the late afternoon. On arrival we leave our boat and drive to a lodge on the banks of a tributary of the Gambia River at Bintang Bolong and check in to our river front accommodation, home for the next two nights. The next couple of days will be a break from the hustle and bustle of normal life, as our accommodation is set on the water’s edge, it’s a great chance to explore the natural surroundings spotting the resident birdlife from the restaurant terrace. Due to the camp’s rural setting electricity and hot water can be very limited and outages may occur.
Day 9 Day 9: Full Day In The Bintang Bolong River Basin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Full Day In The Bintang Bolong River Basin

We spend a full day in the river basin around Bintang Bolong. The lodge is located in the middle of a mangrove forest which offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, in particular for those with a keen interest in birdwatching. The rich habitat supports a huge range of birds, including kingfishers, egrets parrots, hornbills, lapwings and herons in abundance. Birdlife is at its most active in the mornings and evenings, we start the day with an early morning boat trip to spot wildlife on the banks of the river including three species of monkey, and at low tide, crocodiles and lizards. The middle of the day is left free to take shelter from the heat. In the evening apes and vultures inhabit the overwhelming Baobab trees, and after dusk great colonies of fruit bats can be seen swarming into the night.
Day 10 Day 10: Drive To Saloum Delta (Senegal)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Drive To Saloum Delta (Senegal)

This morning we begin our journey back into Senegal. We’ll drive for around three hours to cross over the River Gambie before continuing to the land border to cross into Senegal at Karang. Once we’ve crossed we’ll then continue to Toubakouta, our home for tonight. Today’s journey will take around six hours in total but could be longer depending on how long it takes to cross the border. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax, have a dip in the pool or explore the local area. Our accommodation is rondavels set within the lush grounds of the hotel set on the river bank. This evening there will be the opportunity to join other guests an optional boat excursion.
Day 11 Day 11: Saolum Delta National Park; Boat Trip Through The Delta To Ndagane
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Saolum Delta National Park; Boat Trip Through The Delta To Ndagane

This morning we will depart our accommodation and cruise north along the Sine-Saloum Delta by motorised fibre boat for approximately 4-5 hours. We weave our way through the maze of wide channels, past mangroves, open forests, sand islands and villages built on islands constructed with oyster shells. We may also chance upon pelicans and flamingos. After a packed lunch onboard, we’ll arrive in Ndangane, our destination for tonight where the afternoon will be free to absorb the slower pace of life. Ndangane is a small fishing village often used a base along the Delta, the beach is lined with traditional pirogues and along the main stretch of road there is a small number of bars and craft shops.
Day 12 Day 12: Visit Senegal’S Giant Baobab Tree, Explore Fadiout Island And Return To Dakar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Visit Senegal’S Giant Baobab Tree, Explore Fadiout Island And Return To Dakar

Today we depart Saloum Delta National Park to begin our journey back to Dakar. Our first stop, just a short time away is to see a giant Baobab tree. Baobab trees are the national symbol of Senegal, some trees dating back 6,000 years and can only be found in a few places around the world. We’ll have a short stop here before we continue. Our next stop will be for a guided walking tour Fadiout Islands. This unusual destination is composed of oyster and clam shells, and the inhabitants are both Muslim and Christian who all live together peacefully. The Christian and Muslim cemeteries are built on a huge ancient shell mound and our guide will take us around to help us understand this very unique community. Later this afternoon we’ll continue on our return journey to Dakar, arriving in time for dinner.
Day 13 Day 13: Trip Ends In Dakar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Trip Ends In Dakar

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Dakar. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Dakar at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), which is about one hours’ drive from the city centre.

+10

13 days tour

Senegal And The Gambia

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Senegal And The Gambia

Day 1: Join Trip In Dakar (Senegal)

Day 2: Ferry To The Island Of Goree; Visit This Unesco World Heritage Site

Day 3: Visit To The Pink Lake Followed By An Afternoon Drive To The Old French Capital Of West Africa; St. Louis

Day 4: Djoudj Bird Reserve And St Louis. Visit A Charming French Colonial Town

Day 5: Explore The Langue De Barbarie By Motorised Pirogue

Day 6: Drive To Georgetown (Gambia) Via Touba Mosque

Day 7: Cruise Along The Gambia River And Visit An Archaeological Mystery, The Wassau Stone Circles

Day 8: Bird And Wildlife Spotting As We Continue To Cruise Down The Gambia River; Late Afternoon Drive To Bintang Bolong

Day 9: Full Day In The Bintang Bolong River Basin

Day 10: Drive To Saloum Delta (Senegal)

Day 11: Saolum Delta National Park; Boat Trip Through The Delta To Ndagane

Day 12: Visit Senegal’S Giant Baobab Tree, Explore Fadiout Island And Return To Dakar

Day 13: Trip Ends In Dakar

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