Day 1 – Arrival in Dakar

Arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) with a warm welcome from our team. Short transfer to Dakar for check-in at your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a light evening city walk or simply relax. Dinner included.

Overnight: Hotel in Dakar

Day 2 – Dakar City Tour & Gorée Island

Discover the highlights of Dakar: the African Renaissance Monument, Mosque of Divinity, and vibrant markets like Sandaga and Soumbédioune. Lunch at the colorful Marché Kermel. In the afternoon, take the ferry to Gorée Island (UNESCO), explore the colonial streets and visit the Maison des Esclaves. Return to Dakar in the evening for dinner.

Overnight: Hotel in Dakar

Day 3 – Pink Lake & Lompoul Desert

Morning drive to the Pink Lake (Lac Retba) to see the salt workers and the shimmering pink waters. Optional camel ride at the lake. Continue by road (approx. 4 hrs) to the Lompoul Desert, where golden dunes await. Enjoy a traditional Senegalese dinner, drumming circle, and campfire.

Highlight: Sunset camel ride across the dunes

Overnight: Nomad-style desert camp

Day 4 – Saint-Louis Walking Tour

Drive north to Saint-Louis (approx. 2 hrs). Walking tour through the UNESCO-listed colonial island, with its ochre-colored houses, wooden balconies, and jazz heritage. Experience a horse-drawn carriage ride (calèche) through the old town and across the famous Faidherbe Bridge. Visit the fishermen’s quarter of Guet Ndar, local galleries and museums. Dinner in town.

Overnight: Hotel La Résidence or La Poste, Saint-Louis

Day 5 – Djoudj National Park

Excursion to Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (seasonal Nov–Apr), one of the world’s most important wetlands. Boat trip through lagoons and mangroves to see pelicans, flamingos, herons, cormorants, and more. If not in season, an alternative excursion to Langue de Barbarie Reserve with boat ride and coastal landscapes.

Overnight: Saint-Louis

Day 6 – Drive towards Kaolack

Head south across Senegal’s rural heartlands. Stop in small villages to experience local life, peanut fields, and traditional markets. Lunch on the way. Dinner and overnight in Kaolack, known for its large central market and as a historic trading hub.

Overnight: Hotel in Kaolack

Day 7 – Cross Border to The Gambia, Drive to Banjul

Travel further south and cross into The Gambia (border formalities handled by our team). Drive to Banjul, the Gambian capital. Orientation tour with sights such as Arch 22, Albert Market, and the riverside. Dinner included.

Overnight: Beach hotel in Banjul or Kololi

Day 8 – Boat Trip on the Gambia River

Morning boat excursion on the Gambia River. Sail past mangroves, spot birdlife, and enjoy the tranquil pace of river life. Depending on the season, you may see monkeys, hippos or crocodiles along the riverbanks. Picnic or lunch by the river. Afternoon return to your hotel for relaxation.

Overnight: Same hotel in Banjul/Kololi

Day 9 – Market Visits & Cultural Encounters

Immerse yourself in Gambian culture with guided visits to Albert Market (Banjul) and Serrekunda Market, famous for fabrics, wood carvings, and everyday life. Opportunities to meet artisans, taste local snacks, and engage in cultural exchanges. Afternoon at leisure for beach relaxation or personal exploration.

Overnight: Same hotel in Banjul/Kololi

Day 10 – Return to Dakar

After breakfast, depart The Gambia and drive back to Dakar. Along the way enjoy scenic stops and a final Senegalese lunch. Evening transfer to Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) for departure.