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Meeting at the airport, flight to Banjul. Arrival, transfer to the hotel, dinner, overnight in Banjul.
After breakfast, departure towards South Senegal through the western part of the province of Casamance. It is the greenest and most fertile area, full of palm forests and rice fields. Casamance is considered the most beautiful natural part of Senegal. The fabulous bends of the river of the same name (bolongi) give life to a rich ecosystem full of fish and oysters. On the way, we will pass through the town of Ziguenchor, the capital of the region. The city, inhabited today mainly by the Diola tribe, was once one of the main points for the export of slaves. Today it is an important port and a place from which peanuts are exported. Relax in a riverside restaurant and continue to the kingdom of Oussouye. A visit to the local market where you can buy fresh seasonal fruit. A visit to a palm straw tableware manufactory. Then we will drive to the Koukangoume Women’s Activation Center, where we will have a delicious lunch consisting of typical dishes of the cuisine of the Diola people. We will have the opportunity to see how local batiks and other handicrafts are made. Further on, drive to Cap Skirring, dinner, overnight.
After breakfast, take a dip in the ocean or take a morning walk along one of West Africa’s most beautiful beaches. Around noon, westbound to Elinkine. Crossing to the island of Carabane, which is a former trading post. Walking around the island, you get the impression that time has stopped on it. In colonial times, it was a kind of gate to the Atlantic Ocean. To this day, the old church and the casemates of slaves have been preserved. On the way back, we will visit the tower houses in Mlomp. In the afternoon, drive along the river’s course through the second capital of the Casamance region – Kolda Late in the evening, check in at a hotel in Kolda or the surrounding area, dinner, overnight stay.
After breakfast, departure towards the so-called Oriental Senegal. Around noon, we will arrive at Niokolo Koba Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an endangered biosphere reserve. It is one of the largest naturally preserved national parks in West Africa with an area of over 9000km². Located at the source of the Gambia River, it is located in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Guinea. Almost 80% of the gallery forests of the entire Senegal are found here. Most of the park is covered by savannahs and semi-desert areas. In addition to its rich flora, there are also many species of animals. There are 20 species of amphibians, 38 species of reptiles, about 80 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds. A dozen or so species of antelopes live here, such as the swarthy kob, kudu or eland, as well as chimpanzees, red gerezes, crocodiles, warthogs and hippos. However, it should be remembered that animals live here in the wild and seeing them is not always easy. The park is a lowland area reaching a height of 311 m above sea level at its highest point. We will move around the park under the care of a guide. In the late afternoon we will depart for the vicinity of Kedougou. Accommodation, dinner, overnight stay. (route about 420 km)
After breakfast, departure to “Bassari Country” and “Bedik Country”. The number of inhabitants of these tribes is small, 7,000 and 1,500 respectively. They are very friendly people towards strangers and respect other cultures. It is a safe, and at the same time the wildest and most authentic corner of Senegal, a real piece of the dying primitive West Africa. The tribes living here speak their own languages and have developed their own culture. They practice animism with elements of Christianity. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will reach the village of Bandafassi, which is the “entrance gate” to the “Land of Bedik”. Most of the villages in Bedik located in the hills. That is why from Bandafassi we will start an intensive uphill climb (440 m a.s.l.) to the extremely picturesque Iwol. We will meet the chief of the village, the residents, learn about the history of the Bedik people, walk among traditional huts and old baobab trees, and at the end we will have the opportunity to buy traditional jewelry of the Bedik people and figurines made of baked earth, products not found in other regions of Senegal. Then we will drive through the area inhabited by the Bassari people. In one of the villages we will stop for lunch (paid additionally 6 EUR/person) combined with an artistic performance. Return to the hotel near Kedougou, dinner, overnight stay (route 150km).
Early in the morning, after breakfast, departure to the Dindefello waterfall, south of Kedougou. Not too difficult, an hour-long trek (you should bring airy, comfortable shoes). Then we will find ourselves at the junction of two countries, Senegal and Guinea, from where you can admire the magnificent landscapes of the Futa Jalon mountain range – the land of neighboring Guinea. From the Futa Jalon region flow the great rivers of West Africa: The Gambia, Senegal and Niger. In addition, we will see beautiful, natural gallery forests. Next, drive to the largest city in eastern Senegal – Tambacounda. Again, we will pass the area of the Niokolo Koba park. Arrival at the hotel late in the evening, check-in, dinner, overnight. (route approx. 280 km).
After breakfast, we will drive to a typical African market, where you can admire textiles and other products of local artistic craftsmanship. A stroll down the bustling avenue of Leopold Sedar Senghor, the first president of independent Senegal. We guarantee a colourful atmosphere. Drive in the direction of Kaolack to the village of Toubacouta, in the Saloum Delta. This is another charming place inscribed on the UNESCO list. Check-in at the hotel, free time for an afternoon of relaxation. For those interested, a speedboat cruise on the Saloum River, where you can see clusters of mangroves and oyster colonies. As part of the trip, we will go to the Baobab Island, famous for its centuries-old trees, from where there is a beautiful panorama of the Saloum River Dinner, and an overnight stay. (Route approx. 350 km).
DAY 8 – FATHALA – BANJUL – (AIRPORT) (FB)
After breakfast, there is an optional opportunity to take part in a walk with lions in the Fathala reserve. Senegal is one of only five places in the world that offers this opportunity. Then there is a ferry crossing from Barra to Banjul and then a tour of the city, the capital of the smallest country in Africa. We will see, among others, Arch 22, from where there is a wonderful view of the city. We will have the opportunity to admire local handicrafts at the local grand bazaar. Then transfer to the airport. For customers choosing to stay in the Gambia, transfer to the hotel of their choice.
DAY 9 – Departure Day and End of Services
Breakfast in the hotel. Leisure time to enjoy hotel services. Visit the art village to buy some souvenirs. Lunch. At convenient times, transfer to the airport for the international flight.
