10-Day Tour of Senegal
Description
Experience vibrant mangroves, quaint villages, bustling port towns, and a remarkable pink lake on this 10-day journey through the Petite-Côte and Casamance. This itinerary unfolds along Senegal’s picturesque west coast.
10-Day Journey Through Senegal
Day 1: Arrival at Pink Lake
Welcome to Senegal! Upon your arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport, our team will greet you and transport you to Lac Rose, a breathtaking locale along the Petite-Côte, where we will spend our first night.
Taking a moment to unwind at our hotel, you’ll be able to relax and recharge for the day's exploration that lies ahead.
Day 2: Lac Rose to Faoye
After enjoying breakfast, we will set off to explore the renowned Pink Lake, known locally as Retba. Here, you will learn about the lake's distinctive pink hue and observe local workers in the salt pans. If you wish, you can even take a refreshing plunge in its saline waters.
Our journey continues to the quaint village of Faoye, located near the salient of the Salum River, which signifies the endpoint of the Petite-Côte. We will dine and unwind at a campsite, gearing up for a day full of adventures tomorrow.
Day 3: Faoye to Ziguinchor
The third day is dedicated to our exploration from Faoye to Ziguinchor, leaving behind the Petite-Côte for the Casamance. Cross the Gambia River, all the while admiring lush mangroves and marshlands, with a visit planned to a Serer village, home to one of Senegal's oldest ethnic groups.
We conclude with dinner and a well-deserved rest at our Ziguinchor hotel.
Day 4: Ziguinchor and Oussouye
Following breakfast, we will explore Ziguinchor, the vibrant capital of the Casamance. This city exemplifies cultural amalgamation, where Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths coexist harmoniously. We will delve into its Portuguese and French heritage and note its architectural influences.
Before winding down for the day, we’ll head to Oussouye for a hearty dinner and restful night.
Day 5: Oussouye, Mlomp, and Carabane
After breakfast, we will dive into the rich Diola traditions of Oussouye, where we will walk through forests and engage with local clans. Discussions will focus on their unique beliefs, rituals, and lifestyles.
Next, we venture to Mlomp within the Diola territory, leading to the tranquil Carabane Island, situated at the mouth of the Casamance River. This serene destination enchantingly features pristine beaches.
We will round off the day with dinner and overnight accommodations in Carabane.
Day 6: From Carabane to Seleki
With renewed energy, we’ll explore Carabane and admire the delightful vegetation of southern Senegal. A boat ride will allow us to appreciate the island's colonial architecture alongside its lush rice fields.
Our journey culminates for the day as we reach Seleki.
Day 7: Seleki to Kaolack
Awakening in Seleki, we will explore this traditional Casamanza village, gaining insights into Diola architecture while observing local homes. Afterward, we travel to Kaolack, a key commercial center in Senegal. Arriving at our destination, we’ll partake in dinner and rest.
Day 8: Kaolack to Salum and Faoye
After breakfast in Kaolack, we will explore one of the largest markets in West Africa while learning about the city’s significant peanut export. Later, we venture to Toubacouta on the banks of the Salum Delta. Here, we’ll delve into the surrounding mangroves and then return to our campsite in Faoye for the night.
Day 9: Faoye to Fundiougne and Marlodi
On the ninth day, we continue to uncover the beauty of the Salum Delta. We will pause to take in captivating landscapes before heading to Fundiougne, one of the islands in this exquisite enclave. Visiting the Niominka people, we will gain insights into their daily living, including their fishing practices.
After visiting local markets, we will proceed to Marlodi, enjoying dinner and a restful evening.
Day 10: Marlodi to Joal-Fadiouth and Dakar
To wrap up our exploration of Senegal, we’ll soak in the tranquil nature of Marlodi before retracing our steps back to the Petite-Côte.
We will arrive at Joal-Fadiouth, where two villages connect via a wooden bridge in the Salum Delta, an area comprising over 200 islands! You'll be captivated by this destination’s architecture, which features elegant shell embellishments.
Finally, we will take you back to Blaise Diagne International Airport for your departure.
Accommodation Details
This journey includes 9 nights of half-board accommodations across the following locations:
- Lac Rose (1 night): 3-star Chez Salim Hotel or similar
- Faoye (1 night): Solidarity Camp or similar
- Ziguinchor (1 night): 3-star Hotel Kadiandoumagne or similar
- Oussouye (1 night): 2-star Emanaye Camp or similar
- Carabane (1 night): 3-star Carabane Hotel or similar
- Seleki (1 night): Seleki Solidarity Camp or similar
- Kaolack (1 night): 3-star Relais Kaolack Hotel or similar
- Faoye (1 night): 2-star camp in Faoye or similar
- Marlodi (1 night): 3-star Bazouk Hotel or similar
What's included
- Airport pickup and drop off
- Minibus or bus transport
- English–speaking guide
- 9 nights of accommodation in 2 and 3–star hotels and camps
- Breakfasts and dinners
- Boat ride on Carabane Island
What's not included
- Lunches
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 720 ore prima (local time)
Important information
When you land at Blaise Diagne International Airport, we'll be waiting for you to pick you up.
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