Quick Facts
About Senegal
Senegal is one of West Africa’s most visited countries. It is home to Dakar and
Saint Louis, two culturally dynamic and cosmopolitan cities. Senegal is also known for its wildlife parks including, Parc National du Niokolo-Koba, Parc National aux Oiseaux du Djoudj and Parc National de la Langue de Barbarie.
In Senegal, you will find diverse people with Afro-French characteristics. The country’s coastline boasts of beautiful sandy beaches, modern hotels, and tempting cuisine, such as Tieboudienne (pronounced chey-bou-jen), Senegal’s national dish.
Senegal and Gambia
This tour looks to awaken your senses to the beautiful and multicultural uniqueness of Senegal and Gambia. You will be given the chance to explore cities, villages and a national park. During this tour you will be introduced to the rich culture and history these two countries have to offer.
Visit Goree Island which has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There you will discover the Museum Maison des Eclaves (Slaves’ House), which used to be a slaving station and was one of the first French settlements on the continent. Another highlight of this tour is a visit to a little village in Gambia called Juffure.
Made famous in the 1970s following the television adaptation of the bestselling book, “Roots,” Juffure is the ancestral home of the African-American author Alex Haley, a descendant of Kunta Kinteh.
Saint Louis (Senegal) Jazz Festival
The Saint Louis Jazz Festival is held annually in the French colonial town of Saint Louis, Senegal. Jazz legends from all over the world convene in Saint Louis to play in various venues throughout the town. Past musicians who took part in the festival include Herbie Hancock, Randy Weston, and Joe Zainul.
The festival provides an excellent platform for new jazz groups to perform in-front of an international audience. At least 30 new groups perform each year. While you are in Senegal you can enjoy a cruise down the Senegal River, visit Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary or take a city tour of Saint Louis in a horse drawn carriage.
Eco Adventure in Senegal and Gambia
On our Eco Adventure tour you will arrive at this incredible rose colored body of water known as Pink Lake, (‘Lac Rose’ in French, ‘Retba’ in Wolof). Take some time to swim in its shallow, warm waters, surrounded by white foam without any fear of drowning. You will float! In fact, due to the very high salinity of its waters, everything floats on this lake.
During the week, men and mostly women are busy crushing the thick crust of salt that forms on its floor. The lake is particularly spectacular at dawn and dusk, when feldspar deposits reflecting sunlight through the salty waters produce its unique and vibrant pink color.
Located just outside of Dakar, the lake is surrounded by sand dunes, a baobab forest and traditional villages with thatch-roofed huts in the middle of Senegal’s “garden belt.” The area produces huge quantities of flowers and vegetables for domestic consumption and export. While men farm the gardens, women control the sale of goods at all levels, except exports.
Senegal
During this tour, you will be given the opportunity to sample Senagal’s rich culture, history, cuisine and nature. You will tour old Goree Island, home to slave houses, museums and architectural buildings that reflect the country’s colonial history.
You will be shown Senegal’s city, village and night life in Dakar and Saint Louis. You will also be given a tour of the Oiseaux du Djoudj National Park, north east of Saint Louis, where you will find a range of wetland habitats well noted for their abundant birdlife. This tour also includes a visit to the mysterious Pink Lake, an incredible rose-colored body of water. Particularly spectacular at dawn and dusk, feldspar deposits reflecting the sunlight through the salty waters produce a unique and vibrant pink color.
