Senegal/Gambia: Lands between the Rivers
On this journey through Senegal and The Gambia we discover the stunning birdlife and the natural beauties of two of West Africa’s most
fascinating destinations. A large number of nature reserves, national parks and river landscapes offer optimal conditions for viewing local species
of antelopes and primates, as well as mammals introduced from other parts of Africa. Senegal’s outstanding Djoudj Bird Sanctuary is one of the
best places for birdwatching in the world. As for the countries’ history, it is no less interesting. We’ll learn more about the history of the slave trade
visiting the Island of Gorée and Juffureh, the birthplace of the famous “Roots” character Kunta Kinteh. Walking around Saint-Louis we’ll be taken
back to the old days of the French colonies. Beyond that, enjoy the serene beaches of the Grande Côte and the Petite Côte, relax on the shores of
the colourful Pink Lake and watch the sun go down behind the baobab trees of the West African savanna!
Day 1: Arrival at Dakar
Meet and greet with your tour leader at the new Blaise Diagne Airport
and transfer to the hotel (approx. 65 km).
(-/-), Overnight at Dakar
Day 2: Dakar - Thiès - Lompoul Desert
This morning we explore Senegal’s vibrant capital. Dakar was founded
in 1857 by the French as a military post on the lands of the Lebou
community. Due to its fast development it became the capital of French
West Africa in 1902. We’ll visit Independence Square, the Cathedral
and the Grand Mosque and we’ll see the Presidential Palace and the
National Assembly with its modern glass façade. Later today we’ll head
north to the Lompoul Desert. On our way we stop in Thiès to visit the
town which is the third largest city in Senegal with a population officially
estimated at 320,000. Thiès is a major industrial city and important
business site. We take a stroll through the old town center visiting St.
Anne cathedral with its unusual architecture. The town is famous for its
high quality tapestries which we possibly may see. We then continue to
the Lompoul Desert, where we spend the night in the stunning sand
dunes. (approx. 190 km).
(B/D), Overnight in Moorish tents in the Lompoul Desert
Day 3: Lompoul - Gandiol
We start the day with a walk or a camel ride across the dunes stretching
from the ocean far inland. Heading north we’ll arrive at the fishing
village of Gandiol, gateway to the Langue de Barbarie National Park
where we board a motorised pirogue to explore this bird paradise in the
estuary of the Senegal River, home to many different species of water
birds. We’ll spend the night in a campement on the river banks. (150
km).
(B/D), overnight at Gandiol
Day 4: Gandiol - Saint-Louis
Early this morning we head to Gueumbeul Reserve, It covers an area of
720 hectares where we’ll spend two hours of game viewing. The park is
home to some endangered species and is also the center for
reintroduction programs of the Dorcas gazelle, Addax antelope and the
scimitar oryx. The reserve is also inhabited by wild boars, monkeys and
African spurred tortoises. We continue north to St. Louis, former capital
of the French colony of „Afrique occidentale française“ and considered
by many as the jewel of West Africa. Despite population growth to
estimated 175.000 inhabitants Saint-Louis has retained its charme. This
afternoon we will explore the beautiful old town with its well-preserved
and restored colonial buildings by a typical horse-drawn carriage. The
old quarters on the Island of Saint-Louis at the mouth of the Senegal
River were inscribed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. We’ll also
discover the thriving fishing community of Guet N’Dar situated on the
Langue de Barbarie peninsula. (approx. 30 km).
(B/D), overnight at St. Louis
Day 5: Saint-Louis: Excursion to Djoudj NP
Near Saint-Louis the Senegal River pours into the ocean forming a
large delta. In this wetland, about 60 km from the town’s center, lies the
world’s third-largest bird sanctuary, the Djoudj National Park designated
a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.This morning we will board a
motorised pirogue to explore the waterways of this natural paradise in
search for aquatic birds and other birds belonging to the 400 species
living in the park. We return to Saint-Louis.The afternoon is left free for
you to relax on the beach or stroll on your own through this bustling
town. (approx. 140 km).
(B/D), overnight at St. Louis
Day 6: Saint-Louis - Touba - Kaolack
Today we drive to Kaolack, center of the Senegalese groundnut
industry. En route we’ll visit the holy town of Touba, stronghold of
Senegal's most famous Mouride Sufi brotherhood. Touba is a sacred
place and the Mourides have strict rules indicating that the consumption
of alcohol and tobacco is prohibited and respectful behaviour is
demanded. There is no police in town and nobody needs to pay taxes.
We’ll explore the Great Mosque with the tomb of Cheick Amadou
Bamba, founder and spiritual leader of the Mourides. In the afternoon
we continue to Kaolack (approx. 280 km).
(B/D), overnight at Kaolack
Day 7: Kaolack - Tendaba (The Gambia)
This morning we will have a quick tour of Kaolack’s market, one of the
largest covered markets in West Africa, surrounded by oriental arcades.
The goods sold in the market range from meat, fruit and vegetables to
clothing and Chinese mobile telephones. On our way to the Gambian
border we’ll visit one of the mystic stone circles of the Sine-Saloum
region. At Farafenni we cross into The Gambia. This afternoon we’ll
arrive at Tendaba. On arrival we’ll have a two hours’ boat trip through
the complex channels called bolongs to discover the local plant life and
birdlife. (approx. 160 km).
(B/D), overnight at Tendaba Camp
Day 8: Tendaba - Kiang West NP - Banjul
This morning we take a game drive in Kiang West National Park
situated on the southern bank of the mighty Gambia River. We may see
crocodiles, birds and mammals such as warthog, various species of
antelope and monkeys. Even leopard is said to still exist in this
mangrove area on the border to Senegal. On our way to Banjul we’ll
stop to visit a Mandinka village. (approx. 150 km).
(B/D), overnight at Banjul
Day 9: Banjul: Excursion to Makasutu
This morning
we’ll visit the
Makasutu
cultural forest, a
nature reserve of
1000-acres
encompassing
five different eco-
systems. we will
spend the
afternoon on a
site-seeing tour
of Banjul, the
country's
economic and
administrative
centre formerly
called Bathurst.
This small capital
of only 60.000
inhabitants lies on a peninsula. We’ll explore the central market and the
fish market as well as the craft center, a good opportunity to buy some
Gambian souvenirs. A wide range of locally-produced crafts are
available, including leather goods, puppets, woodcarvings, gold and
silver jewelry. We’ll visit the National Museum and see the Half-Die
Mosque which was built in 1926 in honour of the victims of a cholera
epidemic in 1869. It was restored in 1950. (approx. 80 km).
(B/D), overnight at Banjul
Day 10: Banjul - James Island - Toubacouta
Today we cross the river once more to Barra and later take a boat ride
to James Island, 30 km from the river mouth. We’ll visit the ruins of Fort
James, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003 and explore
the history of Kunta Kinteh, famous character in the novel Roots, born in
the Mandinka village of Juffureh only 4 km north of the island which was
renamed to Kunta Kinteh Island in 2011. This afternoon we cross the
border into Senegal heading for Toubacouta, The rest of the day will be
at your leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset. (approx. 110 km)
(B/D), overnight at Toubacouta
Day 11: Toubacouta: Boat ride in Saloum Delta NP
This morning we’ll take a boat ride to explore the Sine-Saloum Delta,
once the area of the Serer pre-colonial kingdoms of the same name.
The Saloum Delta is Senegal’s second-largest national park, created in
1976 and inscribed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011. We wind
our way through a labyrinth of channels, past mangroves and small
villages. We may see fishermen at work and view many species of
waterbirds. This afternoon is free for relaxation at the hotel’s swimming
pool or a walk to the nearby village. (approx. 160 km).
(B/D), overnight at Toubacouta
Day 12: Toubacouta - Ndangane
This morning we continue to Foundiougne, where we get a ferry to
cross the river. Then we’ll drive through Senegal’s biggest palm grove to
Joal Fadiouth, birthplace of the country’s first president, Léopold Sédar
Senghor. Joal is an important center of the Senegalese fishing industry.
Here we’ll visit the unique village of Fadiouth, entirely built on an island
artificially made of oyster and clam shells. The village can only be
reached by a solid wooden bridge. Another bridge leads to an unusual
cemetery, where both Muslims and Christians are buried in the same
place. The granaries for millet and groundnuts built on stilts in the water
are also worth a visit. We continue our trip heading to Ndangane, where
deserted sandy beaches and a stunning sunset are waiting for us.
(approx. 200 km).
(B/D), overnight at Ndangane
Day 13: Ndangane
Day at leisure. You may relax on the beautiful beach, take a walk or an
optional boat ride. You can also explore the place by horse-drawn
carriage.
(B/D), overnight at Ndangane
Day 14: Ndangane - Bandia - Pink Lake
Leaving the beach of Ndangane we make our way to the Pink Lake. En
route we’ll visit the private wildlife reserve of Bandia. We will head out
on a game drive in search of wild animals including patas monkeys,
gazelles, antilopes, giraffes, zebras and even rhinos. Several species
that have been extinct or never have inhabited West Africa have been
introduced to the park. In the afternoon we’ll arrive at the Pink Lake also
called Lake Retba, famous for having been the finishing point of the
Dakar Rally. The lake is also known for its high salt content. We’ll see
the local salt production. The Pink Lake is named for its pink waters, a
blaze of colour, particularly visible during the hours before sunset.
(approx. 150 km)
(B/D), overnight at Lac Rose
Day 15: Pink Lake - Goree - Dakar - end of tour
Our last day sees us heading back to Dakar where we’ll take a ferry to
Isle de Goree. The Europeans were the first to settle in the 15th century.
We’ll take a walking tour across the island which was a center of the
Atlantic slave trade for 300 years. In the Slave house, “Maison
d’Esclaves” we’ll see the „Door of no return“. On our walk we’ll also
discover the church of St. Charles Boramee, the Historical Museum of
Senegal and many other interesting sites. The island was designated a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Back to the mainland we should
have time for a last-minute shopping. In the evening transfer to the
airport. (approx. 100 km)
(B)
Please note that from time to time our itineraries may be amended.
•
Lompoul: Fascinating ocean of dunes
•
Gandiol: Boat ride in Langue de Barbarie NP
•
Gueumbeul: Rare antelopes
•
St. Louis: The jewel of West Africa
•
Djoudj: Bird paradise in the Senegal Delta
•
Touba: Great Mosque of the Mourides
•
Kaolack: Bustling market
•
Tendaba: Boat ride through the mangroves
•
Makasutu: 5 eco-systems
•
Juffureh: The story of Kunta Kinteh
•
Sine Saloum: Boat ride across the NP
•
Joal Fadiouth: Unique island built on shells
•
Bandia: Wildlife viewing
•
Pink Lake: Stunning blaze of colour
•
Isle de Goree: Slave history
•
Dakar - Banjul: two contrasting capital cities
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