Tour overview

This 12-day small-group trip travels through Senegal and The Gambia, two of West Africa's most welcoming countries, from Dakar on the Atlantic to the green Casamance region in the south. Groups have no more than 12 travellers, with a leader throughout, and you stay mostly in hotels with breakfast each day. The trip is land-only: international flights to Dakar and home from Senegal are arranged separately.

In Dakar a guided tour on foot and by public transport takes in the traditional healers' market at Tilène, the fish and craft markets of Soumbédioune and the Presidential Palace. A ferry takes you to Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a former slave-trading post, where you visit the Slave House and its Door of No Return. The day ends at the African Renaissance Monument, the tallest statue in Africa.

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Heading north, you walk around the Pink Lake, coloured by salt and micro-organisms, where you can float in the salty water. Saint-Louis, once the French capital of West Africa, is a UNESCO-listed island city known for its jazz. From there a pirogue trip explores Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, one of the world's great wetlands, with almost 300 species including flamingos and pelicans. Inland, you visit the great mosque at Touba, the holy city of the Mouride brotherhood.

A ferry across the Gambia River leads to Juffureh, the village associated with Kunta Kinteh and the novel Roots, and to Banjul, the capital of The Gambia. There you visit a tie-dye centre that supports local women and the busy Albert Market. In southern Senegal you may meet the King of Oussouye, visit a Jola village and spend a free day on the beaches of Cap Skirring. Near Ziguinchor, a traditional priest leads you through a sacred forest in the Diola village of Djenbereng.

The trip ends at a beach hotel in Saly. The physical rating is medium: there are long road journeys on busy and sometimes unpaved roads, two border crossings and a lot of walking in cities and villages. Some hotels are simple, with power cuts and unreliable hot water. It suits travellers who want an honest, varied introduction to West African history, culture and wildlife.

Trip highlights

  • Gorée Island and the Slave House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Day 2)
  • A walk and swim at the Pink Lake, and jazz-loving Saint-Louis (Day 3)
  • A pirogue trip in Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, home to almost 300 species (Day 4)
  • The Great Mosque of Touba, centre of the Mouride brotherhood (Day 5)
  • Juffureh and Kunta Kinteh Island, then Banjul's markets and a tie-dye centre (Days 6–7)
  • A guided walk through a sacred forest with a traditional priest in Djenbereng (Day 10)

Your route

11 stops from Dakar to Saly

12-day route: Dakar – Gorée – Pink Lake – Saint-Louis – Touba – Kaolack – Banjul – Cap Skirring – Ziguinchor – Saly
  1. Dakar Days 1–2
  2. Gorée Island Day 2
  3. Pink Lake Day 3
  4. Saint-Louis Days 3–4
  5. Touba Day 5
  6. Kaolack Day 5
  7. Banjul Days 6–7
  8. Cap Skirring Days 8–9
  9. Ziguinchor Day 10
  10. Juffureh Day 11
  11. Saly Day 11

Why choose this tour

In 12 days you see the history, faith, wildlife and coast of two countries, with a leader who handles the border crossings and logistics. Small groups of up to 12 make it easier to meet people in markets and villages, from the King of Oussouye to the women of a Banjul craft centre.

Best suited to

  • Travellers curious about West African history and culture
  • Birdwatchers and nature lovers
  • Flexible travellers happy with long drives and simple hotels
  • Solo travellers, who can share a room at no extra cost
Aerial view of fishing pirogues at the edge of the Pink Lake (Lac Rose), Senegal

Day-by-day itinerary

12 days from Dakar, Senegal to Saly, Senegal

  1. Day 1 · Dakar Arrive in Dakar

    Welcome to Senegal. The trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. If you arrive early, you could visit Sandaga market or relax on Ngor beach. In the evening, you might join an optional group dinner to try Senegalese dishes such as yassa, meat marinated in lemon and onion, or mafé, a peanut stew.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  2. Day 2 · Dakar, Gorée Island, African Renaissance Monument Dakar and Gorée Island

    Explore Dakar on foot and by public transport, from Tilène Market and its traditional healers to the Soumbédioune and artisans' markets, and the Presidential Palace. Take the ferry to Gorée Island, a former slave-trading post, to visit the Slave House and its Door of No Return. Return along the Corniche to the African Renaissance Monument.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  3. Day 3 · Pink Lake, Saint-Louis Pink Lake and Saint-Louis

    Walk around the Pink Lake, coloured by salt and micro-organisms, with the option of a dip in its buoyant water. In the afternoon, drive to Saint-Louis, the former French capital of West Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The evening is free to listen to live jazz or try thieboudienne, the local fish and rice dish.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. Day 4 · Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Saint-Louis Djoudj bird sanctuary

    Board a traditional pirogue on the Senegal River to explore Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a vast wetland with almost 300 species, including flamingos and pelicans. In the afternoon, you could take an optional pirogue to the fishing village of Guet N'Dar on the Langue de Barbarie, where boats come in to land their catch.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Day 5 · Touba, Kaolack Touba and Kaolack

    Drive to Touba, the holy city of the Mouride brotherhood, to visit one of the largest mosques in West Africa and learn about its founder, Cheikh Amadou Bamba. Women must wear long dresses and headscarves here. Continue to Kaolack, a market town known for its peanut trade.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  6. Day 6 · Gambia River, Juffureh, Banjul Juffureh and Banjul

    Cross the Gambia River by ferry and follow unpaved roads to Juffureh, the village associated with Kunta Kinteh, the central figure in the novel Roots. A guided visit explores its history and the transatlantic slave trade. Continue to Banjul, the relaxed capital of The Gambia.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  7. Day 7 · Banjul, Albert Market Banjul

    Visit a tie-dye centre to see traditional textile techniques and the sewing and craft workshops, then explore Albert Market, with traders from across West Africa. The afternoon is free. You could visit the National Museum by Arch 22, the tallest structure in The Gambia.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  8. Day 8 · Oussouye, Cap Skirring To Cap Skirring

    Travel south into Senegal's Casamance, through the villages of the region. You stop in Mlomp, with a possible audience with the King of Oussouye, and visit a Jola village before arriving on the coast at Cap Skirring.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  9. Day 9 · Cap Skirring Free day in Cap Skirring

    A free day on the coast. You could relax on the beach, walk into town or browse the markets, and your leader can suggest places for fresh grilled seafood.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  10. Day 10 · Djenbereng, Ziguinchor Djenbereng and Ziguinchor

    Stop in the village of Djenbereng to learn about the Diola people and their tradition of communal rice farming. A traditional priest guides you through one of the area's sacred forests and explains local beliefs. Continue to Ziguinchor, the main town of the Casamance.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  11. Day 11 · Kaolack, Saly Through The Gambia to Saly

    An early start for a long drive north, crossing two borders as you pass through The Gambia and over the Farafenni Bridge, with a lunch stop in Kaolack. Arrive in Saly by early evening, and perhaps gather for a final group dinner.

    Hotel
    Beach hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  12. Day 12 · Saly Trip ends in Saly

    The trip ends after breakfast at your beach hotel in Saly, and you are free to leave at any time. Extra nights can be booked in advance if you would like to stay longer.

    Meals
    Breakfast
Fishermen bringing in their catch on the coast of Senegal

Where you stay

  • Dakar (2 nights) Hotel
  • Saint-Louis (2 nights) Hotel
  • Kaolack (1 night) Hotel
  • Banjul (2 nights) Hotel
  • Cap Skirring (2 nights) Hotel
  • Ziguinchor (1 night) Hotel
  • Saly (1 night) Beach hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 11 nights, mostly in hotels
  • Meals 11 breakfasts
  • Transport private vehicles, ferries to Gorée Island and across the Gambia River, and local public transport in Dakar
  • Guided visits Dakar city and market tours, Gorée Island, Pink Lake, Djoudj pirogue trip, Touba Mosque, Juffureh and Kunta Kinteh Island
  • Banjul's Albert Market and tie-dye centre, the King of Oussouye, a Jola village, Djenbereng and its sacred forest
  • Leader throughout

Not included

  • International flights to Dakar and home from Senegal
  • Visas for Senegal and The Gambia, if required
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Optional activities, such as the Banjul National Museum
  • Single supplement, travel insurance and personal spending
A ferry crossing the Gambia River, The Gambia

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want flights included — international flights are not included
  • You need reliable hot water, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi
  • You dislike long road journeys — distances take much longer than they look
  • You want most meals included — breakfast only

Good to know

FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Senegal · UK FCDO travel advice for The Gambia
The Grand Mosque of Touba, Senegal

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £2,895 per person, twin share, tour only. 21 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Are flights included?

No. International flights to Dakar and home from Senegal are not included. All transport during the trip is included, including ferries and a pirogue trip.

Are there border crossings?

Yes. You cross from Senegal into The Gambia on Day 6, and on Day 11 you pass through The Gambia back into northern Senegal. Check the visa rules for both countries before you travel.

What is the accommodation like?

Mostly hotels, with some simple properties. Some areas have scheduled power cuts, hot water and air-conditioning can be unreliable, and Wi-Fi is limited.

What should I wear in Touba?

Women must wear long dresses and headscarves in Touba, out of respect for local customs. Modest clothing is a good idea throughout.

Can I swim on this trip?

Yes. There is a chance to swim in the Pink Lake on Day 3, and free time on the beaches of Cap Skirring and Saly.

Can solo travellers share a room?

Yes. Solo travellers can share with another traveller of the same sex at no extra cost, or pay a single supplement for their own room, subject to availability.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

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