Essence of Senegal: A Journey to the Roots of Teranga
Overview
This nine-day circuit offers a deep immersion in the duality of Senegal, combining its historical memory with the wild nature of the eastern regions. Throughout this expedition, you will discover four sites declared World Heritage by UNESCO, treasures that tell the cultural and natural essence of the country. The route begins in the vibrant capital, Dakar, and the Island of Gorée (UNESCO), a sanctuary of memory, to then move towards the aquatic landscapes of the Saloum Delta (UNESCO) and the singular island of shells of Joal-Fadiouth. The adventure continues towards the heart of Eastern Senegal, where the unbridled biodiversity of Niokolo Koba National Park (UNESCO) and the ancestral traditions of the Bédik and Bassari ethnic groups in the Bassari Country (UNESCO) are explored, in the mountainous areas of Kédougou. After marveling at the spectacular Dindéfelo waterfall, the trip concludes with a restorative rest on the golden beaches of the Petite Côte.
Highlights
Gorée Island (UNESCO)
Joal-Fadiouth
Saloum Delta (UNESCO)
Niokolo-Koba National Park (UNESCO)
Bassari Country (UNESCO)
Iwol Village
Dindéfelo Waterfall
Small Coast
Day by Day Itinerary
Included / Not Included
What's Included
- Selected accommodation among hotels and typical camps
- All transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles with an expert driver throughout the journey
- Constant accompaniment of a professional Spanish-speaking guide, supported by local cultural mediators for visits to the Bassari and BĂ©dik communities
- Navigation in traditional pirogue through the mangroves of the Saloum Delta (UNESCO)
- Wildlife observation safari in Niokolo-Koba National Park (UNESCO).
- Guided hikes to the Dindéfelo waterfalls and exploration of their historic caves.
- Meetings and coexistence: Traditional lunch at a local family in Ethiolo.
- Entries and permits: Access to all national parks, entrance fees to UNESCO sites and visit permits for traditional villages
- Full logistics: Daily breakfasts and specified meals in the program, in addition to 24/7 assistance throughout the trip
- Full board regime with accommodation in selected hotels, adventure camps or local houses, and/or tasting of regional cuisine in authentic restaurants.
What's NOT Included
- International flights
- Documentation: Visasand administrative procedures.
- Travel insurance, medical or cancellation.
- Personal expenses: Extra drinks, tips, laundry, phone calls or personal purchases
- Unspecified meals: Dinners and lunches not explicitly detailed in the itinerary.
- Additional services: Extra nights or optional activities not included in the base program
Additional Services
(You can add them later)
Enhance your experience with these optional services
Hotel Neptune
Discover the Hotel Neptune, a sanctuary of serenity where African elegance meets high-end comfort. Located in the heart of lush tropical gardens on the outskirts of Mbour, this complex offers an absolute disconnection experience just a few steps from your own private beach. A Wellness and Design Oasis Spectacular Pool: Dive into our 400 m² outdoor pool, the hotel's relaxation epicenter, surrounded by palm trees and sun. Charming Architecture: Stay in exclusive individual structures with thatched roofs, combining local tradition with contemporary luxury in a totally private setting. Temple of Relaxation: Pamper yourself in our world-class Spa, where massage services and personalized treatments will renew your body and mind.
Hotel Terra Lodge
Terra Lodge Sénégal is located in Mbour and offers garden views, outdoor pool, garden, private beach area, terrace and restaurant. The lodge offers wifi and private parking, both free. Each unit has a private bathroom, shower, air conditioning, flat-screen TV and fridge. Some units have a seating area and/or balcony. Mbour Beach is a few steps from the accommodation, and Golf De Saly is 6.6 km away. The airport is 28 km away, and the accommodation offers paid airport shuttle service to and from the airport.
Hotel Yokai Lodge - Luxury
The Yokan Lodge is a family-friendly and eco-responsible destination located in Palmarin, Senegal, between Joal and Djiffer, an area recognized for its natural and cultural value. Situated on a three-hectare property along the Atlantic Ocean, the lodge is designed to offer an experience of calm, luxury, and authenticity, using local materials and craftsmanship in its construction
Hotel Royam
The Hotel Royam, in Saly Portudal, offers a tropical garden with outdoor pool and private beach. It also features a shaded terrace, equipped with sun loungers, a cocktail bar and organizes tourist visits and animation activities. The rooms are located in bungalows decorated in traditional African style. They are air-conditioned. They have a private bathroom and a private terrace with views of the pool or garden. Some rooms also have a minibar, TV and sea views. The buffet breakfast includes a wide variety of pastries, crepes, fresh fruit, eggs, cereals and cheese. The restaurant, with views of the garden and the sea, prepares traditional local cuisine. There is also a bar. The establishment has free private parking and free Wi-Fi in the common areas. There is a massage service. Water sports can also be practiced, such as windsurfing, jet-skiing or pedal boating and it is possible to fish in the sea, in the surroundings.
* Price per person