Senegal & The Gambia Adventure

Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore Senegal and The Gambia on this 12-day journey, where adventure and relaxation seamlessly blend. Discover the rich biodiversity and birdlife of Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and explore the wetlands of Abuko Nature Reserve.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (11),
Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights)

Highlights

Explore a sacred forest with a traditional priest, gaining insight into spiritual practices, community traditions and the enduring cultural heritage of the region.
Unwind on the golden, palm‑fringed beaches of Cap Skirring, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere and vibrant local life of the Casamance.
Visit the village of Djenbereng to learn about the Diola people’s rich culture, including their communal rice‑farming traditions, spiritual beliefs and connection to the surrounding sacred landscapes.
Experience Saint Louis’ jazz culture, where the rhythms of this UNESCO‑listed city flow through its atmospheric streets and lively music venues.
Visit a traditional tie‑dye center, where you can see centuries‑old fabric‑dyeing techniques in action and browse vibrant handmade textiles created by local artisans.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle, Public Bus

Guide Language

English

Starts

Dakar, Gambia

Finishes

Saly, Gambia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Dakar

Salaa maalikum! Welcome to Senegal. Your adventure begins in Dakar with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe check out Sagada market for some local produce and souvenirs or relax on Ngor beach. Perhaps get to know your group a little better over an optional dinner tonight, where you can sample some Senegalese cuisine, like yassa (meat marinated in lemon, onions and mustard) or mafe (peanut based stew).

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Dakar

Get to know the city today with a guided tour of Dakar, travelling on foot and public transport for an authentic local experience. Call into Tilem Market, known for its medicinal herbs and traditional healers. Learn about the healing practices rooted in Senegalese culture before heading to the Soumbedioune Market and Artisans Market for fresh fish and homemade goods. Visit the Presidential Palace, formerly the home of foreign governors. Then, travel by ferry to Goree Island – a UNESCO World Heritage site with a haunting history. Once a major slave trading post, the island is now a place of remembrance. Visit the Slave House, one of the last remaining buildings of its kind, where you’ll see the infamous ‘Door of No Return’ – a poignant reminder of the countless lives torn apart by the slave trade. Return to Dakar in the late afternoon and drive along the scenic Corniche, with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Finish your day at the giant African Renaissance Monument – the largest statue in Africa.

Included Activities:

Dakar - Afternoon City Tour
Dakar - Goree Island Tour
Dakar - Morning Market Tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: St Louis

Drive to Pink Lake this morning – a body of water famous for its rare pink colour, which is a unique phenomenon caused by a combination of microorganisms and high salt concentrations. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake and, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in the salty waters. In the afternoon, head to Saint Louis – this city once served as the French capital of West Africa. Known for its deep-rooted jazz traditions, Saint Louis is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The evening is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe stroll through the streets, listen to live jazz or try thieboudienne (fish and rice in tomato sauce) – a Saint Louis speciality – for dinner.

Included Activities:

Pink Lake - Walk & Swim

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: St Louis

Start your day with an adventure on the Senegal River. Board a traditional pirogue (dugout canoe) and set off to explore the Birds of Djoudj National Park – one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the world. With almost 300 species of birds, including flamingos and pelicans, this vast wetland is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. In the afternoon, consider an optional visit by pirogue to Guet N’Dar – a lively fishing village on the Langue de Barbarie National Park, a thin sandbar where the Senegal River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Watch as dozens of pirogues return from sea, their catches ready to be gutted and smoked along the shore, and get a glimpse into the importance of fishing in Senegalese life.

Included Activities:

Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj - Pirogue Safari

Optional Activities:

Guet N'Dar - Fishing Village - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Kaolack

Journey to Touba today – a sacred city for Senegalese Muslims and the spiritual heart of the Mouride brotherhood, a powerful Islamic sect founded in Senegal. This autonomous city operates under its own set of rules, and out of respect for local customs, women are required to wear long dresses and headscarves. Visit the Touba Mosque – one of the largest mosques in West Africa – and learn about Cheikh Amadou Bamba, the Mouride founder. Continue to Kaolack, known for its peanut industry and busy markets, and unwind for the evening.

Included Activities:

Touba - Touba Mosque

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Banjul

Wake up early and take the ferry across the Gambia River. Navigate the unpaved roads to the small village of Jeffereh – the birthplace of Kunta Kinte, the central figure in the novel ‘Roots’. Explore this historical area that serves as a poignant reminder of the transatlantic slave trade. Then, continue to Banjul, the capital of The Gambia. As the least-populated capital city on the African mainland, Banjul offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Feel free to ask your leader for restaurant and activity recommendations that match your mood this evening.

Included Activities:

Jeffureh village & Kunta Kinteh Island - Guided Tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Banjul

This morning, visit a local tie‑dye center to learn about the traditional textile techniques that have been practiced for centuries in The Gambia. Explore the sewing and craft areas, see how vibrant patchwork and embroidered items are made, and browse the on‑site boutique for unique pieces such as purses and children’s clothing. Then, return to Banjul to explore Albert Market – the city’s bustling hub of daily life, where stalls overflow with shimmering fabrics, household goods and an array of fresh fruit and vegetables. The market attracts a mix of traders from Senegal, Mali, Nigeria and Lebanon, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. This afternoon is free for you to explore Banjul as you wish. Maybe visit the National Museum via Arch 22 – the tallest structure in The Gambia. At the National Museum you can gain a better understanding of The Gambia’s colonial history, as well as the 1994 coup d’etat.

Included Activities:

Banjul - Albert Market
Banjul - Tie Dye Factory

Optional Activities:

Banjul - National Museum (4 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Cap Skirring

Travel from Banjul to Cap Skirring today, passing through the scenic villages of southern Senegal. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stop in Mlomp village for a possible audience with the King of Oussouye — a unique cultural encounter offering insight into local traditions and community leadership before continuing on to Cap Skirring.

Included Activities:

Cap Skirring - King of Oussouye Visit
Cap Skirring - Jola Village Visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Cap Skirring

Enjoy a well‑deserved free day to unwind in Cap Skirring’s idyllic coastal setting. Whether that means spending time by the beach, taking a stroll through town, or browsing the local markets. Your leader will be on hand with suggestions if you’d like ideas on where to go or what to try, including good spots for fresh seafood.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Ziguinchor

Head to Ziguinchor this morning, stopping en route in Djenbereng village to learn about the cultural heritage of the Diola people, known for their strong sense of community and long‑standing traditions of communal rice farming. Here, a traditional priest will guide you through one of the area’s sacred forests, offering insight into local customs and beliefs.

Included Activities:

Djenbereng - Village Visit
Ziguinchor - Sacred Forest Guided Visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Saly

Wake early to begin the journey from Ziguinchor to Saly, crossing two borders as you travel through The Gambia toward the Farafenni Bridge and on to Kaolack where you'll stop for lunch. Continue north to arrive in Saly by early evening, where you can check in, unwind at your beach hotel, and perhaps gather the group for a final dinner together.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Saly

After breakfast, your trip comes to an end and you're free to leave at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore more of Senegal, additional accommodation can be pre-booked – just speak to your booking agent in advance.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $6,095

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Nov 2026

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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