West Africa Discovery: Senegal & The Gambia

Salaa maalikum! Welcome to Senegal.
Your adventure begins in Dakar with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, explore the vibrant Sandaga Market for local goods and souvenirs, or unwind by the ocean at Ngor Beach.
In the evening, you might choose to join your group for an optional dinner and sample traditional Senegalese dishes like yassa (meat marinated in lemon, onions and mustard) or mafe (a rich peanut-based stew).

It’s important to attend the welcome meeting at the beginning of your trip — during this time, your leader will collect your travel insurance and emergency contact details. If you think you might arrive late, please let your travel agent or the hotel reception know in advance. You can also check with reception or look for a note posted in the lobby for details about the meeting’s time and location.

Discover Dakar today on a guided city tour, exploring on foot and by public transport for a truly local experience. Visit Tilem Market, known for its medicinal herbs and traditional healers, and learn about Senegal’s deep-rooted healing practices. Continue to the lively Soumbedioune Market and the nearby artisans market, where you’ll find fresh seafood and handmade goods.

Pass by the Presidential Palace — once the residence of foreign governors — before taking a ferry to Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a powerful and emotional history. Walk through the historic Slave House and stand before the ‘Door of No Return,’ a moving symbol of the transatlantic slave trade.
Return to Dakar in the late afternoon and enjoy a scenic drive along the Corniche, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. End your day at the iconic African Renaissance Monument — the tallest statue in Africa.

This morning, travel to Lake Retba — better known as Pink Lake — famous for its striking colour created by natural microorganisms and high salt levels. Take a relaxed walk along the shoreline and, if you’re feeling adventurous, float in its buoyant, mineral-rich waters.

In the afternoon, continue to Saint-Louis — once the French colonial capital of West Africa and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its rich jazz heritage and charming colonial architecture, the city offers a unique atmosphere.
Your evening is free to explore at your own pace — wander through the lively streets, enjoy live jazz music or sit down for a local favourite like thieboudienne (fish and rice in tomato sauce), a true Saint-Louis classic.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Rise early this morning and set off toward the breathtaking Start your day with a scenic journey along the Senegal River, boarding a traditional pirogue (dugout canoe) to explore Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary — one of the largest bird reserves in the world. Home to nearly 300 species, including flamingos and pelicans, this vast wetland is a true paradise for nature lovers.

In the afternoon, you may choose to take an optional pirogue trip to Guet N’Dar, a vibrant fishing community located within Langue de Barbarie National Park. Here, watch as colorful pirogues return from the ocean with the day’s catch, and experience firsthand the rhythm of coastal life — where fishing plays a central role in local culture.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Journey today to Touba — a sacred city and the spiritual heart of the Mouride brotherhood, one of Senegal’s most influential Islamic communities. As an autonomous city with its own customs, modest dress is required here, and women are expected to wear long dresses and headscarves out of respect for local traditions.
Visit the impressive Great Mosque of Touba — one of the largest mosques in West Africa — and learn about its founder, Cheikh Amadou Bamba, whose legacy continues to shape the region.
Later, continue to Kaolack, a bustling trade hub known for its peanut industry and vibrant markets, where you’ll settle in and unwind for the evening.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Start your day early with a ferry crossing over the Gambia River, then travel along rural roads to the village of Juffureh — the birthplace of Kunta Kinte, the central figure in Roots. Explore this historically significant area, a powerful reminder of the transatlantic slave trade.
Continue on to Banjul, the country’s laid-back capital. Known for its relaxed pace and coastal charm, Banjul offers the perfect place to unwind. This evening is free — ask your leader for local restaurant or activity recommendations to suit your mood.

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

This morning, visit a local tie-dye centre to discover traditional textile techniques that have been passed down for generations in The Gambia. Explore the workshop, see how colourful fabrics and embroidered pieces are created, and browse the boutique for unique handmade items like bags and children’s clothing.

Then, return to Banjul to explore the lively Albert Market — a bustling hub where stalls overflow with vibrant fabrics, fresh produce and everyday goods. Traders from across West Africa and beyond add to the market’s energetic, multicultural atmosphere.
The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. You might visit Arch 22 — the tallest structure in the country — and continue to the nearby National Museum to gain deeper insight into The Gambia’s colonial past and more recent history, including the 1994 coup.

Travel today from Banjul to Cap Skirring, passing through the lush landscapes and traditional villages of southern Senegal.
Along the way, stop in Mlomp village for the chance to meet the King of Oussouye — a rare and fascinating cultural experience that offers insight into local traditions and community leadership — before continuing on to the coast.

Today’s travel time will be approximately 6 hours.
Please note that a visit with the King of Oussouye is not guaranteed, as his availability can vary. This stop is also dependent on timing at the border crossing, which may occasionally take longer than expected. If a visit is not possible today, we will aim to arrange it on Day 10 instead.

Enjoy a well-deserved free day to relax in the laid-back coastal setting of Cap Skirring. Spend your time however you wish — whether that’s unwinding on the beach, wandering through town, or exploring local markets.
Your group leader will be happy to share recommendations if you’re looking for ideas, including the best spots to enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood.

Set off this morning for Ziguinchor, with a meaningful stop along the way in Djenbereng. Here, discover the rich cultural heritage of the Diola people, known for their strong community ties and traditional rice-farming practices.
Join a local priest for a guided walk through a sacred forest, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s spiritual beliefs, customs and connection to nature.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Rise early for the journey from Ziguinchor to Saly, crossing two borders as you travel through The Gambia via the Farafenni Bridge. Stop in Kaolack for lunch before continuing north.
Arrive in Saly by early evening, where you can check in to your beachside hotel, relax after the journey, and perhaps gather with your group for a final dinner together.

Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

After breakfast, your trip comes to an end and you're free to leave at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore more of Senegal, additional accommodation can be pre-booked – just speak to your booking agent in advance.