Itinerary
- Day 1
Dakar to Lac Rose
You'll get picked up from your hotel and spend the morning on a city tour of Dakar, checking out the cultural and historical sites. After that, you're transferred to Lac Rose where you'll check in at the eco lodge. By evening, you'll have dinner to settle in after your journey.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Comprehensive city tour of Dakar exploring cultural and historical facets
- Transfer to Lac Rose
Landmarks/POIs Lac Rose - Day 2
Lac Rose to Saint Louis
Starting early, you'll head out on a 4x4 drive along the beach to reach Senegal's largest fishing village. There you can watch fishermen pull in their catch and see artisans working on wooden pirogues. You might get a blessing from the local saint before heading to Saint Louis for the evening. Once you arrive in this old town and former French West African capital, you'll catch performances at the Jazz Festival.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- 4x4 beach drive to largest fisherman village in Senegal
- Witness fishermen bringing in daily catch and market transactions
- Encounters with skilled artisans carving and painting wooden pirogues
- Potential blessing from local saint before sailing
- Attend main event of Jazz Festival in Saint Louis
Landmarks/POIs Saint Louis Jazz Festival - Saint Louis - Days 3 - 4
Saint Louis
You'll take a calash ride through Saint Louis's narrow streets to see the town's history and architecture firsthand. Later, you walk through the fisherman's quarters to learn how people live and work there. During the day and evening, you'll attend more Jazz Festival events where music and local culture come together throughout the town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Charming calash ride through narrow lanes of Saint Louis
- Exploration of fisherman's quarters
- Attend main events of Jazz Festival in Saint Louis
Landmarks/POIs Saint Louis Jazz Festival - Saint Louis - Day 5
Saint Louis to Ferlo Desert
Early morning, you head to Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a motorboat trip with a local bird expert. You'll see various bird species and wildlife up close. Depending on water levels, you might go to Langue de Barbarie National Park instead. After that, you travel to the Ferlo Desert to meet Fulani nomads and their herds, visit nearby villages, and possibly see traditional milking practices.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Motorboat excursion at Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary with local ornithologist guide
- Encounter with diverse bird species and wildlife
- Exploration of Ferlo Desert
- Meetings with nomadic Fulani tribes and their zebu herds
- Exploration of neighboring villages and shelters
- Possible witnessing of traditional milking process
Optional Activities
- Alternative exploration of Langue de Barbarie National Park (depending on season and water levels)
Landmarks/POIs Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary Langue de Barbarie National Park Ferlo Desert - Day 6
Ferlo Desert to Tuba
You'll travel to Tuba, a sacred town and key center of Mouridism, a Sufi tradition in Senegal. A Baye Fall member guides you through the spiritual teachings and welcomes you into the community. During your time there, you'll learn about this African brotherhood's history and experience the genuine hospitality of local people.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Pilgrimage to sacred town of Tuba
- Exploration of Mouridism history, significance, teachings and traditions
- Participation in warm hospitality of brotherhood members
- Accompaniment by Baye Fall member providing insights into Mouridism
Landmarks/POIs Tuba - Day 7
Dakar
You'll visit the 15th Dakar Biennale to see contemporary art and check out the city's blend of history and modern life. You'll spend time at the Musée des Civilisations Noirs learning about Black history and cultures. Later, you take a ferry to Goree Island, an important site in the slave trade's history. There you'll walk through restored buildings and reflect on this difficult past and the strength of those who lived through it.
Included Activities
- Participation in 15th edition of Dakar Biennale exploring contemporary art
- Visit to Musée des Civilisations Noirs
- Ferry journey to Goréé Island
- Exploration of Goréé Island's restored buildings related to transatlantic slave trade
Optional Activities
- Attendance at specific Biennale events
Landmarks/POIs Dakar Biennale Musée des Civilisations Noirs Goréé Island - Day 8
Dakar
You'll continue exploring the Dakar Biennale's art events showing contemporary work. You also see the Presidential Palace, which shows the city's political importance and architectural style. Throughout the day, you'll experience Dakar's energy and local culture, a former hub of French West African thought. By evening, you'll head to the airport for your departure.
Included Activities
- Continuation of Dakar Biennale exploration with diverse artistic events
- Viewing of Presidential Palace and its architectural magnificence
- Engagement with local culture and Dakar's vibrant atmosphere
Optional Activities
- Attendance at specific Biennale events
Landmarks/POIs Presidential Palace - Dakar Dakar Biennale
