Senegal & The Gambia With a River Cruise

1050 €, 10 Days

Desert lands, tropical forests and magnificent coasts. On this unique holiday in West Africa we discover two different nations: tropical Gambia and exotic Senegal. We walk through French colonial towns, see prolific birdlife and visit the megalithic stone circles at Wassu. We also explore some of the region's finest wildlife parks, cruise down the Gambia River and venture into the Saloum Delta by traditional pirogue canoe.

Tour Highlights:
♦ Djoudj - one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world
♦ The Gambia River - a 2-day cruise on the mighty Gambia River through tropical forest, bamboo groves, rice paddies and mangroves
♦ Saloum Delta - explore the river delta by traditional pirogue through mangroves and aquatic birds
♦ Isle de Goree - a tranquil island rich in history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
♦ Saint Louis - visit a 19th century French colonial town by caleche
♦ Wassu Stone Circles - ancient burial sites and megalithic circles

Itinerary:

Day 1. Dakar
Arrival to the capital of Senegal - Dakar. Transfer to the hotel for overnight. -/-/-

Day 2. Dakar - Île de Gorée (Gore Island) - Dakar
City tour in Dakar: the Cathedral, Presidential lodge, Monument of African Renaissance, National museum, Sandaga market, Kermel market and Simboudioune market. In the afternoon, we take the ferry to the historical Gore Island where we spend a couple of hours. There are no sealed roads and no cars on this island, just narrow alleyways with colonial brick buildings. Back to Dakar for overnight. B/-/-

Day 3. Tendaba - Saloum Delta - Toubakouta
Drive to Pink Lake. After a stop by the lake we continue to turtle farm/kayar fishing project.
We continue to the Toubacouta Saloum Delta. The delta is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hotel in Toubakouta. B/-/-

Day 4. Saloum Delta
Free day at the delta. Boat trip along Saloum Delta to the village Sipo. B/-/-

Day 5. Toubakouta - Georgetown (the Gambia)
Today we will cross the border between Senegal and The Gambia and drive to Janjanbureh (formerly known as Georgetown), where we will stay at Baobolong camp. B/-/-

Day 6. Cruising along the Gambia River
A whole day of boat river cruise heading to Tendaba camp (at minimum 6 p). We will be onboard for 24 hrs like in a floated house, watching birds and other animals on the Gambia River. For smaller groups will spend two nights in Tendaba camp.We will not miss the Baboon Island, where we will see chimpanzees, and we will also visit the famous Wassu Stone Circles protected by UNESCO. Overnight on board. B/L/D

Day 7. Tendaba Camp
At about noon we will disembark the ship at Tendaba Village Camp, where we will overnight. B/-/-

Day 8. Tuba - Saint Louis (Senegal)
After crossing the Senegalese border, our journey continues to Touba - the Islamic brotherhood city, where we will visit the holy mosque built by Islamic Baifal leader sheikh Amadou Bamba. Then we continue to Saint Louis for overnight. B/-/-

Day 9. Djoudj - Dakar
Drive to Djoudj National Park. We will visit the park by boat to see pelicans and other bird species. We head back to Dakar, where you can use some time to explore the city. Transfer to the airport in the evening for a flight back home. B/-/-

Day 10. Departure
Transfer. to the airport for departure. B/-/-

Visa: Many nationals of the EU, USA, Canada and Norway do not need a visa to visit Senegal (please, check with your local embassy). A 3-month visa to The Gambia can be issued in Dakar within 24 hours. Bring 2 passport-size photos. Price: 40 USD (to be confirmed on spot). Some nationals of the EU do not need a visa for The Gambia - please, check with your local embassy.

Practical information: ►Senegal currency: West African Franc (CFA). ATMs are found in the larger towns. Banks and exchange bureaux tend to offer similar rates; the currency most easily changed is EUR ►Be aware of the street crimes in Dakar. At night stay away from dark alleys and the beaches. Rely on taxis and avoid wearing expensive jewellery ►The Gambia currency: Dalasi (GMD). CFA francs are widely used. It’s best to change money at banks or exchange bureaus. ATMs and credit cards facilities are rare ►In The Gambia you might be bothered by the beach boys (known as ‘bumsters’) who wait outside hotels and offer tourists anything from souvenirs to drugs and sex. Just ignore them completely.

Price Includes:
9 nights standard hotels/camps/ lodges rooms with private facilities
basic boat on day 6
all meals acc. itinerary
all transport
local English speaking guide
tour leader from Penguin Travel (at min. 8 p)

Not Included:
international flights
insurance
tips and personal expenses
entrance fees
drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
visas
additional activities ordered and paid on spot

Additional Services:
Supplement per person at 4-5 p. traveling together: 170 EUR

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