Day 1 – Arrival in Dakar

Welcome to Senegal! Upon arrival at Dakar International Airport, you will be transferred to your 4-star hotel Le Virage (or a similar hotel). Overnight stay with breakfast included.

Day 2 – Dakar to Saint-Louis

After breakfast, an early transfer takes you from Dakar to Saint-Louis (approx. 4 hours). Boarding of the Bou El Mogdad riverboat begins with a welcome cocktail and check-in to your cabin. In the afternoon, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic colonial quarter and fishing village of Saint-Louis. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 3 – Saint-Louis to Diama

Sail towards the Diama Dam, marking the border between fresh and salt water. Witness the impressive lock system before continuing along the Diouling Reserve, home to countless bird species. A stop at the Gorom-Bolong entrance leads into the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s top three ornithological reserves. Between November and March, over three million birds rest here. Return to the boat for dinner and overnight on the river.

Day 4 – Tiguet – Diaouar – Richard Toll

Cruise upriver along the Senegalese and Mauritanian banks. Pass Rosso, the bustling border town where ferries and canoes shuttle people, animals, and vehicles across the river. In the evening, arrive in Richard Toll, known as “the Garden of Richard.” Visit the vast sugarcane plantation and factory – a major industry of the region. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 5 – Richard Toll – Dagana – Palm Grove

Discover the closed-to-public French-style castle “La Folie du Baron Roger.” Continue to a mango plantation along the river, where you can enjoy a traditional Senegalese dish, Thieboudienne (fish and rice), for lunch beneath the palms. Visit Dagana, once called the “capital of Walo,” where colonial trading posts and fortress ruins still stand. Explore the vibrant local market before returning to the boat for sunset. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 6 – Palm Grove – Thiangaye

Disembark for a short walk through the Goumel forest and visit a Fulani village, characterized by long thatched huts built by women. Back on board, sail deeper into the Sahel region, into the historic Toucouleur Kingdom. Stop in a traditional Toucouleur village built entirely of clay and dating back to the 13th century. In the evening, enjoy a special méchoui (grilled lamb) dinner by oil lamp. Overnight on board.

Day 7 – Thiangaye – Podor

Morning visit to another Toucouleur village before continuing to Podor, once a key colonial trading post. Stroll along the riverfront, where warehouses once stored gum arabic, ivory, and timber. Visit the restored fortress built under French governor Faidherbe. In the evening, wander the quiet streets or simply watch the sunset over Mauritania. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 8 – Podor – Saint-Louis

Breakfast on board marks the end of your river cruise. Disembark and transfer back to Saint-Louis. Check in at a 3-star hotel. Dinner and overnight included.

Day 9 – Return to Dakar & Gorée Island

Morning transfer to Dakar with a stop at Gorée Island – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its history and charm. Later, check into the 4-star Villa Racine (or similar). In the evening, enjoy Dakar’s nightlife or opt for a live African music show in a local café.

Day 10 – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Dakar International Airport for your onward flight. End of the journey with unforgettable memories of the Senegal River.