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.

Highlights

Explore Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary – one of the world’s most important bird-watching spots. Travel by pirogue through wetlands teeming with over 250 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans, and observe the diverse wildlife.
Experience Saint Louis’ jazz culture, where the rhythms and melodies of this UNESCO-listed city resonate through its lively streets and music venues.
Walk through Abuko Nature Reserve and look out for the variety of wildlife that lives here, including Nile crocodiles and exotic birds, as well as its diverse vegetation.
Unwind on the golden, palm-fringed beaches of Cap Skirring while experiencing the vibrant local life of the Casamance region.
Visit the village of Djenbereng to learn about the Jola people’s rich culture and traditions. Gain insights into their communal rice farming, sacred forests and cultural practices, deepening your understanding of this community.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Public Bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Dakar, Senegal, Gambia

Finishes

Saly, Senegal, Gambia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Dakar, Senegal

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:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Dakar, Senegal

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:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: St Louis, Senegal

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:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: St Louis, Senegal

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:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Kaolack, Senegal

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:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Ziguinchor, Senegal

You’ll drive through The Gambia into Senegal’s Casamance region this morning – an area shaped by the winding Casamance River. Learn about the cultural heritage of the Diola people, known for their strong sense of community, communal rice farming and reverence for sacred forests. When you arrive in Ziguinchor, the largest city in southern Senegal, you’ll have time to relax and check out the streets lined with old houses and tropical mangroves.

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Cap Skirring, Senegal

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Ziguinchor before driving to Cap Skirring, home to the best beaches in West Africa. Check in at your beach hotel and unwind in this idyllic setting. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the sandy shores or take advantage of optional activities like kayaking and cycling. Maybe try some freshly grilled seafood for dinner since you're on the coast!

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Cap Skirring, Senegal

Get an insight into the culture and history of the Jola people during a daytrip to Djenbereng. You’ll learn about their traditional customs, lifestyle and community practices, enriching your understanding of the village's heritage. Then, return to Cap Skirring, where you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon or to explore at your own pace on a bike or kayak.

Included Activities:

Djenbereng - Village Visit

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Banjul, The Gambia

Cross the border into The Gambia and head to Abuko Nature Reserve, known for its rich diversity of vegetation and wildlife. Enjoy birdwatching in this premier spot, with up to 250 bird species. The reserve is also home to a variety of reptiles, including Nile crocodiles and spitting cobras – so keep your eyes peeled! 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:

Banjule - Abuko Nature Reserve

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Banjul, The Gambia

This morning, visit the Saint Joseph Adult Education and Skill Centre – a historic Portuguese building where disadvantaged women are empowered through sewing, crafts and tie-dye skills. Learn about their efforts to enhance knowledge and advocate for children’s and women’s rights. Then, head back to Banjul so you can explore Albert Market – a busy street with stalls selling fabrics, souvenirs and fresh produce. This afternoon is free for you to explore 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

Optional Activities:

Banjul - National Museum (4 EUR)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Saly, Senegal

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. After, cross the border into Senegal and continue to Saly, where you can check in at your beach hotel and relax. As this is the final night of your trip, consider getting the group together for one final dinner.

Included Activities:

Jeffureh village & Kunta Kinteh Island - Guided Tour

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Saly, Senegal

After breakfast, your trip comes to an end and you're free to leave at any time. You'll also have the option to join a group of Senegalese women at a local market to pick out the freshest produce before heading back to one of their homes to prepare your own lunch with their guidance. Enjoy the meal with your hosts and learn about their daily life in Senegal. 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.

Optional Activities:

Saly - Market Visit & Home Cooked Meal (17 EUR)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $5,010

(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 16 Jan 2027

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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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