Culture, Safari & Sea

Your Senegal story begins at Blaise Diagne International Airport, where the group will be warmly welcomed and transferred into Dakar. After arrival formalities, step straight into the colour and movement of the capital with a guided city experience through the historic Plateau district, passing the railway station, city hall, Independence Square, the presidential palace, and the scenic corniche overlooking Gorée Island.

The day continues with visits to the Mosque of the Divinity and the African Renaissance Monument before lunch at your own cost and hotel check-in. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, refresh, or enjoy the pool before the group gathers for a welcome dinner and overnight stay in Dakar.

The morning takes you across the Atlantic by ferry to Gorée Island, one of Senegal’s most powerful cultural landmarks. Walk through its colourful alleys, take in panoramic views from the Castel, visit the House of Slaves, and discover the church of Saint Charles as your guide brings the island’s layered history to life.

Lunch is at your own cost on the island before the experience shifts into creativity with a visit to a local sand painting workshop, where artists use natural sands from across Senegal to create beautiful handmade works. Return to Dakar for a free afternoon, with the evening open for dinner at your own cost at the scenic Mamelles Lighthouse.

Today, Dakar gives way to Senegal’s wild landscapes as the group heads to Bandia Reserve, a protected 2,000-hectare sanctuary set among baobabs and open savannah. With an approved park guide, explore the reserve in search of giraffes, white rhinos, kudus, oryx, impalas, buffaloes, jackals, crocodiles, hyenas, green monkeys, and impressive birdlife including hornbills, herons, African eagles, and other savannah species.

From the reserve, continue north to Saint-Louis, a historic colonial city often regarded as one of the first European towns in West Africa. Arrive, check in, settle into the city’s slower rhythm, and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Saint-Louis.

This day begins with one of Senegal’s most beautiful nature experiences. Travel by canoe through ponds and waterways as the group takes in the peaceful wetlands, nesting areas, and spectacular bird activity that make Djoudj one of the country’s great natural treasures.

Back in Saint-Louis, enjoy a special lunch with a Senegalese family and taste Thiéboudienne, Senegal’s beloved national dish, in a warm local setting. The afternoon continues with a guided Saint-Louis city experience, including the Faidherbe Bridge, the cathedral, colonial streets, and the fishermen’s district of Guet Ndar, where multicoloured canoes line the coast before returning to the hotel for dinner.

The journey continues toward Touba, Senegal’s sacred city and the spiritual heart of the Mouride brotherhood. Built around its grand mosque and impressive minaret, Touba offers a respectful look into Senegal’s faith, architecture, tradition, and spiritual identity.

From Touba, we travel onward to Toubacouta, a peaceful destination near the Saloum Delta. Arrive, check in, relax into the natural surroundings, and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Toubacouta.

Adventure takes centre stage today with a visit to Fathala Reserve, where the group will enjoy one of the most exciting wildlife experiences of the trip. The visit includes Fathala’s signature lion encounter, subject to reserve operations and safety rules, followed by a 4x4 safari with a ranger and guide, with chances to see Derby elands, warthogs, antelopes, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, buffaloes, lions, and a wide range of birdlife.

After lunch and a short break at the hotel, the day shifts from savannah to water with a motorised canoe cruise along the Saloum River. Glide through the narrow waterways known as bolongs, learn about the area’s flora and fauna, encounter the Niominka fishing communities, and end the day at a bird resting island for a beautiful sunset before returning to the hotel for dinner.

The final full day brings the group to Saly, one of West Africa’s most loved seaside resort areas. After days of city discovery, island history, safari adventure, sacred spaces, family dining, river cruising, and wildlife encounters, this coastal stop offers the perfect chance to slow down.

Enjoy a free afternoon by the beach or pool. Spend the day relaxing, taking final photos, sharing favourite memories, and enjoying the softer rhythm of Senegal before dinner and an overnight stay in Saly.

Your final morning in Saly is yours to enjoy at an easy pace, whether that means one last walk, a relaxed moment at the hotel, final shopping, or simply taking in the memories of the past week. By now, the group has experienced Dakar’s colour, Gorée’s emotion, Bandia’s wildlife, Saint-Louis’ charm, Touba’s sacred beauty, Djoudj’s bird-filled waters, Fathala’s adventure, the Saloum sunset, and Saly’s coastal calm.

At the indicated time, transfer to the airport with assistance from the team for your return flight. The journey ends, but the story stays with you.