Senegal and The Gambia: A Cultural and Wildlife Odyssey

Itinerary:

Day 1. Dakar
Arrival in the capital of Senegal, Dakar. Transfer to your hotel, located in the Lac Rose residential area near the famous Pink Lake (Lac Rose). -/-/-

Day 2. Dakar - Île de Gorée (Gore Island) - Dakar city tour.
We begin the day with a ferry ride to the historic Gorée Island, once one of the largest slave-trading centers on the African coast. It is estimated that up to 20 million enslaved Africans passed through the island during its most active years between the 16th and 19th centuries. During our visit, we will explore the House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves), where hundreds of people were once held before being shipped across the Atlantic. Today, the building serves as a powerful museum and memorial to the victims of the transatlantic slave trade. Gorée Island is peaceful and car-free, with no sealed roads – only narrow alleys lined with colonial-era buildings, creating a unique and contemplative atmosphere. In the early afternoon, we return to Dakar for a guided city tour. Highlights include: The Cathedral of Dakar, The Presidential Palace, The Monument of African Renaissance, The National Museum, Sandaga, Kermel, and Soumbédioune markets. In the evening, we return to our hotel in the Lac Rose area for overnight. B/-/-

Day 3. Lac Rose - Sangalkam beach- Kayar - Sakal (Saint Louis)
After breakfast, we visit a local market before walking to Lac Rose, where we learn about its fragile ecosystem and the traditional salt-harvesting industry. We then cross the lake and, after a short break, continue by 4x4 vehicles through the sand dunes toward the untouched Atlantic Ocean and its wide white-sand beaches, where an optional local lunch will be available. After time to relax on Sangalkam Beach, we embark on another scenic 4x4 drive along the coast to reach Kayar and its impressive fishing market. Kayar is one of the most important fishing villages on the Senegalese coast, and here we learn about the challenging daily lives of the fishermen and their families, while having excellent opportunities to capture vivid and colorful scenes with our cameras. We continue on to Saint-Louis, where we spend the night nearby. B/-/-

Day 4. Saint-Louis – Djoudj – Lompoul
This morning, we explore the historic city of Saint-Louis, the former capital of French West Africa. Once a major economic and administrative center, Saint-Louis has retained much of its unique colonial-era architecture, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. A stroll through its narrow streets offers a glimpse into its rich cultural past and French colonial charm. From Saint-Louis, we drive to Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, one of the most important wetland reserves in West Africa. A haven for hundreds of migratory bird species, the park is especially known for its populations of pelicans, flamingos, and other waterfowl. We’ll enjoy a short boat trip through the wetlands to observe the wildlife and learn more about this critical ecosystem. In the afternoon, we continue toward the village of Loumpoul, the gateway to the Lompoul Desert. Here, we transfer to a 4x4 vehicle that takes us across the dunes to our desert camp, where we’ll spend the night. Enjoy the tranquility of the desert, a romantic sunset, and a peaceful evening under the stars. B/-/D

Day 5. Lompoul – Touba – Mbour
This morning we will have some free time to relax and enjoy the scenery before we head to the city of Touba - the second most populated Senegalese city after Dakar. The city is a holy place for the Mouride brotherhood - a large Sufi order mainly in Senegal and The Gambia. The order was founded by Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba in 1883 and the city of Touba was built by his son and followers a few years later. Here we will visit the Great Mosque of Touba - one of the biggest mosques in Africa, with a capacity of up to 7000 people. The mosque is home to the tomb of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba, which makes it a pilgrimage for followers of the order. Overnight in a hotel in Mbour. B/-/-

Day 6. Mbour - Joal - Saloum Delta- Serer traditions- Ndangane
Mbour is situated about 80 kilometers south of Dakar. It is home to one of the largest fishing ports in the country and fishing plays a central role in the everyday life of the locals. Here we will learn more about the local life, the traditional way of fishing and visit the local fish market. Next, we visit the mixed-faith cemetery on Fadiouth Island, a powerful symbol of peaceful coexistence between Christian and Muslim communities. The cemetery, located on a shell-covered island, offers a unique and tranquil atmosphere. We'll then take time to sit and reflect under the second-largest baobab tree in all of West Africa - a sacred and symbolic site for the local population. The baobab is often seen as a spiritual gathering point and a symbol of strength and longevity. Finally, we head to Ndangane Island, another haven for birdlife, home to over 200 species of birds, including the iconic pink flamingos, pelicans and various migratory birds, and a peaceful retreat within the delta. With its rich natural surroundings and calm waters, it's a perfect spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. In the Marlodge Island we will have a walk visiting a primary school (guests who wish are welcome to bring small gifts such as candies, pencils, or school supplies), learn about the ancient "Tam-Tam telephone" fascinating communication system once used to send messages from village to village using rhythmic drum beats. Overnight in a lodge in Ndangane island. B/-/D

Day 7. Ndangane - Kaolack - WASSU (Gambia)
Today, we cross the border from Senegal into The Gambia and travel toward one of West Africa's most fascinating archaeological sites: the Wassu Stone Circles, also known as The Circles of Senegambia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest collections of megalithic stone circles in the world and remains one of the continent's greatest historical enigmas. Believed to date from between the 7th to 15th century A.D., the origin and purpose of these structures are still debated. Local beliefs range from mythical-stones placed by gods at the beginning of time-to spiritual-haunted by restless spirits. The most widely accepted theory, supported by archaeologists and many locals alike, is that these stones served as burial markers, built by a highly organized and technically skilled ancient civilization. Some scholars even speculate they may mark mass graves, possibly related to war or disease. In the evening, we settle into a secluded riverside lodge near the Wassu Stone Circles for an overnight stay. B/-/-

Day 8. Wassu - Baboon Island - Sokone (Senegal) 
After breakfast we will do a boat trip around Baboon Island - one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in The Gambia. Here we will have the chance to see some more of the local bird species, as well as hippos and manatees. Thanks to the efforts of the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Camp project, the islands are now also inhabited by over 100 baboons, some of which, if we are lucky, we can see from the boats in their natural habitat. Since the island is a conservation project, it is not allowed to land on it and it is off-limits even for the staff at the sanctuary. In the afternoon we are heading back to Senegal. In the afternoon, we return to Senegal and continue to our accommodation near Sokone, where we stay for two nights. B/-/-

Day 9. Sokone- Immersion day- Dioron Bou mag - Reposoir des oiseaux
Today is dedicated to discovering the rich local culture and daily life of the delta's communities. We begin our journey by boarding small local boats and gliding through the peaceful mangroves toward Diorong Bou Mag, a remote village in the heart of the delta. Next, we'll accompany some of the village women to the local market to purchase fresh ingredients. Back in the village, we'll join them in preparing a traditional meal and share lunch together. This hands-on culinary experience offers insight into local specialties, African fruits, vegetables, and the rhythms of rural life. The women will also introduce us to Rogga Fakha, their community association, and explain how it supports social and economic initiatives in the region. After lunch, we'll continue with a short boat ride through the mangroves to explore an abandoned island, a secluded and untouched Robinson Crusoe-like spot hidden deep within the delta. We end the day with a visit to Bird Island, a sanctuary for local and migratory birds, where we'll have the chance to observe pelicans, herons, and other species that make this region a birdwatcher's paradise. B/-/-

Day 10. Sokone - Somone Lagoon - Dakar - Departure
Today, we return to Saly and drive to Somone Lagoon. The morning offers a final opportunity to relax by the pool, go kayaking, or enjoy a swim. Later, we transfer to the airport in Dakar, marking the end of the tour. B/-/-

Looking for an extension to this trip? Check our Guinea-Bissau tour, which can easily be done after the end of this trip. Click here to see the Guinea-Bissau itinerary and more details. 

Click here to see a photo diary from our most recent trips to Senegal and the Gambia.