Senegal and The Gambia




Overview
Highlights
- Discover West Africa's fantastic bird and wildlife in Senegal and The Gambia
- Cruise the waterways of the great Gambia River and stay at a tranquil river lodge
- Experience old Senegal and immersive yourself in its rich colonial heritage
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Itinerary

Arrive in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. Dakar is one of the main sea ports on the west African coast, and it's thought the name derives from Wolof word for the tamarind tree. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6...
After a relaxed breakfast our leader will complete the welcome meeting before we will drive to the ferry terminal to take a ferry to Isle de Goree, a small and peaceful island without any traffic. The ferry crossing takes around 30 minutes, and on arrival we'll drop o...
This morning we return to the mainland by ferry and drive to Lac Rose - the Pink Lake. This large shallow lagoon is extremely salty and is also renowned for its pink tinge, caused by the high concentrations of minerals in the water. We'll have a 30 minute walk around ...
An early start to visit Djoudj National Park, regarded as one of the most important bird reserves in the world. This national park provides the first major water source for migratory birds after their long and gruelling flight over the Sahara desert. We travel by moto...
Today we'll start early for our visit the Langue de Barbarie National Park, located on a thin sandspit in the estuary of the Senegal River, and home to water birds such as flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets and ducks. During the months from November to Ap...
Early this morning we begin our journey to The Gambia and much of the day will be spent in the bus travelling. We will break up the first leg of this journey with a visit to an astounding mosque in Touba, the sacred focus of the Mouride Islamic brotherhood. Their foun...
The Gambia River flows along the entire length of the country for 300 miles from east to west into the Atlantic Ocean. The banks of the river have been inhabited since 2000 BC and slave ships once travelled along its course exporting slaves. We spend the next two days...
This morning we continue our gentle cruise downstream, with time to take in the flora and wildlife along the river banks. The crew will put together lunch on the boat before arriving in the small settlement of Tendaba on the Gambia's south bank in the late afternoon. ...
We spend a full day in the river basin around Bintang Bolong. The lodge is located in the middle of a mangrove forest which offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, in particular for those with a keen interest in birdwatching. The rich habitat supports a huge ...
This morning we begin our journey back into Senegal. We'll drive for around three hours to cross over the River Gambie before continuing to the land border to cross into Senegal at Karang. Once we've crossed we'll then continue to Toubakouta, our home for tonight. Tod...
This morning we will depart our accommodation and cruise north along the Sine-Saloum Delta by motorised fibre boat for approximately 4-5 hours. We weave our way through the maze of wide channels, past mangroves, open forests, sand islands and villages built on islands...
Today we depart Saloum Delta National Park to begin our journey back to Dakar. Our first stop, just a short time away is to see a giant Baobab tree. Baobab trees are the national symbol of Senegal, some trees dating back 6,000 years and can only be found in a few plac...
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Dakar. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Dakar at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an a...
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Senegal and The Gambia
This trip to Senegal and The Gambia is excellent. Travel is mainly by boat, allowing great views of birds living along the rivers and waterways. The holiday was fast...
Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Senegal and The Gambia
An interesting itinerary which took us far away from the more popular tourist areas on the coast. We travelled on boats along rivers and through mangroves, seeing an...
Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Senegal and The Gambia
Keen birdwatchers will get most out of this trip, but there is plenty for everyone else too, with the old colonial towns and fascinating (if disturbing) history of s...
Stephen
Feb 2025
Senegal and The Gambia
Very interesting and excellent tour throughout. Fantastic tour leader Assan and driver Osman. Hotels and food were generally very good. The only issues were sleeping...
Patricia
Feb 2025
Senegal and The Gambia
This trip is an excellent opportunity to explore a little known part of the world, beyond the popular beaches. It is particularly aimed at those who enjoy birdwatch...
Other Explore! Reviews
Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Upgraded - Discover Vietnam
Great locations and a fantastic guide
Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Senegal and The Gambia
An interesting itinerary which took us far away from the more popular tourist areas on the coast. We travelled on boats along rivers and through mangroves, seeing an...
Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Very good
Prompt, courteous service.
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