AFRICAN WEST COAST - SENEGAL, GAMBIA, GUINEA BISSAU
14 Days
  • Senegal - Gambia - Guinea Bissau

An amazing itinerary crossing three countries “north to south” to experience a continuous change of climatic ecosystems and human environments.

We move across spectacular variety of natural environments such desert dunes, savanna, estuaries, forest, mangrove swamps,  to end with a ocean navigation to discover and enjoy the Bijagos Archipelago. North to south is also the route of migratory birds, a constant presence along the whole journey. Djoudj in Senegal is between the three main migratory birds sanctuary on earth and Gambia is a well-known birding destination, just in the large park of Senegambia hotel is possible to spot 70% of the different bird species of the country.

We will discover historical sites as Goré ancient slave-trade island, Saint Louis – the first colonial capital of “French West Africa” and Bolama the Portuguese Guinea capital to day forgotten in the forest of a remote island. We will experience the contact with “Timeless” people as Nomadic herders, and remote villages and discover a prehistoric sites, with thousand  mysterious stone craved monoliths.

ART, CULTURE & MUSIC - nomadic herders, largest religious and peaceful brotherhood that practices an African form of Islam, animistic traditional religions, tribal kings, dancing masks and remote tribes who still worshiping ancestor statues; 

Unique events coinciding with the different departure dates:

Saltwater hippos & Turtle nesting – departures: Nov 2nd; Dec 21st  Salt water Hippos and Turtle Nesting in the Bijagos archipelago the largest protected animal in Orango National is the rare “saltwater hippo” living in the mangrove and sometimes going for a swim in the ocean! Poilao is uninhabited island and the main nesting site for Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Midas) in West Africa. After dark, in silence on the beach, we await for the magic moment when a female emerges from the ocean to dig a deep hole in the sand and lay an hundred or more eggs. With a bit of luck we will be able to witness the hatching! … 

Vaca Bruto mask dances – coinciding departures Apr 13th. In Bijagos Archipelago life is still ruled by the “cycle of seasons”.The most spectacular Bijago mask is called Vaca Bruto (wild bull) and is a wooden helmet with eyes of frosted glass, real horns, leather ears and a rope through the nostril. During the Vaca Bruto Festival dancers embody the spirit of the mask with great realism: they bow and face the ground, just like a real untamed animal would do. The mask represents a man in full possession of his physical strength but with still an immature behavior since he has not yet undergone the final initiations. All the villagers attend this fascinating ceremony.

tour dates by request
PRICE FROM
3845 EURO + FLIGHTS

Information


Turtle Nesting in the Bijagos archipelago. Poilao is uninhabited island and the main nesting site for Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Midas) in West Africa. After dark, in silence on the beach, we await for the magic moment when a female emerges from the ocean to dig a deep hole in the sand and lay an hundred or more eggs. With a bit of luck we will be able to witness the hatching! … Tiny turtles emerge from the sand to join the ocean and start a long journey that will bring them back to this same island 30 years after, when they will reach sexual maturity. 
Turtle nesting – coinciding departure Dec 23rd   

 Vaca Bruto mask dance. In Bijagos Archipelago life is still ruled by the “cycle of seasons”. During the long dry season, when harvest is over, the main ceremonies take place. The most spectacular Bijago mask is called Vaca Bruto (wild bull) and is a wooden helmet with eyes of frosted glass, real horns, leather ears and a rope through the nostril. During the Vaca Bruto Festival dancers embody the spirit of the mask with great realism: they bow and face the ground, just like a real untamed animal would do. The mask represents a man in full possession of his physical strength but with still an immature behavior since he has not yet undergone the final initiations. All the villagers attend this fascinating ceremony. 
Vaca Bruto mask dances – coinciding departure May 6
 

Tour program:

  • Dakar SENEGAL Day 1

    Arrival in Dakar - Senegal capital

    Arrival in Dakar (Senegal) and transfer to the hotel.   
    Meals         Free
    Overnight     Hotel Djoloff, hotel de charme with fine traditional architecture and comfort, or similar (Air conditioned, en-suite rooms)
     

  • Dakar SENEGAL Day 2

    Dakar contemporary art metropolis- (town drives)

    Dakar became the center of political, artistic and intellectual “renouveau” from independence time. Visit of the “Plateau” district, the Governor Palace and some interesting markets as Kermel built in pure colonial style. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Afternoon dedicated to the “Village des Arts” composed by fifty-two artist studios (ateliers). All disciplines of the visual arts are represented (painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, installation, etc.). The Village has a large gallery, which receives exhibitions year round. The Village is “the place” to meet the best artist and young talents of the Senegalese vibrant artistic scene.. Arrival at the port of Dakar to board a ferry and spend a night in Gore Island. Mini night tour of Goré 

    Meals    Lunch and Dinner in a restaurant 
    Overnight     Hotel Municipal, “hotel de charme”  in a full restored stone building, or similar (air conditioned, en-suite rooms).
     

  • Goré Lac Rose SENEGAL Day 3

    Gorè, Lac Rose and fisherman villages. (170 Km 4 h)

    Waking up in Goré before the crowd arrives is a pleasure, as strolling in the tiny stone paved alleys of this historical settlement. In Goré slaves used to be crammed and then shipped to the Americas. The town is totally restored to bear witness of those ancient times, however thanks to the nice breeze, the ancient architecture, the many restaurants and boutiques; Goré today has become a very pleasant and trendy location. Ferry to Dakar and drive to Lac Rose, a shallow saltwater lake surrounded by dunes, also known as Lac Retba. The water is ten times saltier than in the ocean and thanks to the high concentration the lake often shimmers into pink. More than 600 workers here collect salt in the traditional way. Along the coast we discover the largest fisherman village in Senegal, more than 4500 wooden painted pirogues came to the shore with the catch of the day… We will live our vehicles for a less intrusive, but fun, donkey chariot to approach the fisherman selling to the local market women, to meet the artisans craving the large pirogues, the painters decorating them with bright colors and if  we are lucky the “local saint” for final blessing before sailing…
    At the edge of Lampoul Desert, some 4WD vehicles will be waiting to cross the dunes and take us at our fix camp. 

    Meals        included in a restaurant and at the camp.
    Overnight     Permanent tented camp (comfortable tents with beds and en suite)

  • Saint Louis SENEGAL Day 4

    Saint Louis (150 km – 2 hrs)

    Saint Louis is a charming old town which was the first capital of West Africa French colonies (AOF). Has been the former base of the “Aeropostale” airmail pioneer operation between Europe, Africa and South America. Saint Exupéry  the famous writer author of “The Little Prince” was one of Aeropostale pilotes following this route. The best way to visit the narrow lanes of Saint Louis is by calash, just as locals do, and walk in the fisherman quarters. Time to stroll in the tiny avenues and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this old town.  
    We will spend the night at the historic hotel of the town - built in 1895 and now fully renovated - it was here that all Aeropostale pilots use to stay.

    Meals        Lunch in a restaurant, dinner a charming restaurant facing Senegal river.
    Overnight     Hotel de la Poste or similar (Air conditioned, en-suite rooms).
     

  • Djoudj Park, Ferlo Desert SENEGAL Day 5

    Bird sanctuary & Nomadic tribes (250 km – 5 hrs)

    Early in the morning departure northwards to discover Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj), a natural oasis formed by hundreds of miles of partially flooded lands which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This “humid paradise” - the best habitat and nesting site for over a million of migratory and resident birds - lies on the southeastern bank of the Senegal River and offers a range of wetland habitats that are very popular with migrating birds, many of which get here after crossing the Sahara. Out of over 400 species, pelicans and flamingos are the most common, whereas aquatic warblers are a bit less conspicuous - migrating here from Europe, this park is their single most important wintering site yet discovered. Apart from birds there is also a wide range of wildlife has warthog and crocodiles. Motor boat excursion leaded by a local guide-ornithologist
    In the afternoon continuation to the Ferlo Desert to discover the arid region where nomadic Fulani tribes herds large droves of zebu. The Fulani (also called Peul) are the largest tribe roaming West African savannahs, living in a vast area from Senegal to Chad. Their origins are still covered with mystery but they all share a common and aristocratic cult for beauty and elegance. In the afternoon a local guide will join us for a visit to the neighboring villages and shelters. When the herds come back, we might even be invited to witness the milking process. 

    Meals        included in a local restaurant  and at the camp restaurant.
    Overnight     Camp made up of simple grass huts, managed by a local entrepreneur (all rooms with beds, mosquito nets are en-suite).
     

  • Tuba SENEGAL Day 6

    Tuba Brotherhood (160 km – 4 hrs)

    The rarely visited the holly town of Tuba (Touba) is the right place to appreciate the hospitality of an African brotherhood. Tuba inhabitants follow Mouridism and the town itself is a sort of theocratic “state within the state”, ruled by a Caliph. The founder of Mouridi brotherhood was a Sufi named Amhadou Bàmba Mbake and still today the Mouridi have a large social and economical impact in Senegal: thanks to their peaceful (and African) vision of Islam, Mouridism has become the bastion that protects Senegal from radical Islam. During the annual festival the town is visited by four million pilgrims. Mouridi welcome any interest for their traditions yet since Tuba is a sacred town, all visitors should show respect for traditional rules, therefore we must apply a considerate dress code, not smoke, not drink alcohol and not listen to music during the visit. If we follow these simple rules, you will be welcomed. Baye Fall, a member of a colorful branch of Mouridism, will accompany us during the visit.
    Meals        included in a local restaurant and at the hotel.
    Overnight     Le Relais de Kaolak,  or similar (Air conditioned, en-suite rooms).
     

  • Sine Ngayene, Banjul , Senegambia SENEGAL, GAMBIA Day 7

    STONE CERCLES – (5 h , 220 Km )

    Early departure, we will live the main road to discover the unique megalithic site of Sine Ngayene composed by 52 circles of erected stones, including a double circle. With a total of 1102 carved stones this unique site has been recognized by the UNESCO. After Gambia border formalities we will drive to the northern banks of Gambia estuary where we will join a ferry with a colourful crowd to cross this large river. We will shore at Banjul and arrival to Senegambia hotel the first hotel that has open the country to tourism located in a large and lush park where is easy to encounter birds and monkeys that roams freely often also in the reception. It will be Friday evening, lunch in a restaurant before roaming from club to club to enjoy vibrant music and African style of enjoy.

    Meals        B-L-D
    Overnight     Atlantic hotel, separate buildings in a tropical forest vegetation, private beach facing the ocean.
     

  • GAMBIA-SENEGAL Day 8

    GAMBIAN BIRDS– (4h 170 Km)

    Senegambia gardens are a real African experience, in is large park is possible to spot 70 % of the bird species that can be seen in the whole country. With an ornithological guide providing us binoculars we will discover different species of African birds in their habitat. Join the interesting National museum focused on different aspect of the country: from archaeology to recent history, to art, music and photography. Lunch and afternoon drive to the southern border whit Casamance region of Senegal. Evening arrival to our comfortable hotel on the banks of Casamance River where we will stay two nights.

    Meals        included in a local restaurants.
    Overnight     Kadiandoumange Hotel on the banks of the river or similar (air conditioned en suite rooms)
     

  • Ziguinchor SENEGAL Day 9

    Sacred kings (100 km – 3 hrs)

    We will live the main road to visit an adobe-fortified building still inhabited by a large patriarchal Diola family, a very interesting example of traditional African “sculptural architecture”. These large clay and wooden fortified houses, where light comes from a central hole in the roof, are known as “impluvium houses” and had the function to protect its dwellers from outside attacks. We will be received by the king of a Diola Kingdom. After the protocol salutations the king, that is also the high priest holding both political and mystical power, will answer our question on the traditional rules in Diola society.
     In the afternoon we follow an isolated path to a tiny village and … masks leave the sacred forest (where only initiated are admitted) to dance for an enthusiastic local crowd. Mask are part of the animistic Diola culture and Malinka traditions - people fear and respect masks, consider them spirits who play an important role in solving conflicts between villagers. Evening return to Ziguinchor

    Meals        included, lunch in a local restaurant and dinner at the hotel.
    Overnight     Kadiandoumange Hotel on the banks of the river or similar (air conditioned en suite rooms)
     

  • SENEGAL - GUINEA BISSAU Day 10

    Ancestors’ cult

    Early departure for a long but interesting day. After crossing the border with Guinea Bissau our day will be dedicated to exploring the region inhabited by the Manjaco. This ethnic group calls their traditions “Gendiman” and keeps them still very much alive. We visit tiny villages hidden in the forest to discover sculptured wooden poles called “Pecab” representing the spirits of their ancestors; they are kept in sanctuaries known as “Cab Balugun”. With the permission of the elders, we will have the opportunity to admire sacred wooden sculptures varying in age and styles. It is indeed a unique opportunity to enjoy tribal art in its original cultural context: the village. 
    Arrival in Bissau

    Meals        B – L - D    
    Overnight     Hotel Azalai or similar (air conditioned en suite rooms)


     

  • GUINEA BISSAU Day 11

    From the ghost capital to the Bijagos Archipelago

    Aboard a speedboat, we start our sailing to discover the Bijagos Archipelago with its remote islands and isolated human settlements. The Bijagos Archipelago is located approximately 40 miles off-shore and, with its 88 islands (of which only 21 are permanently inhabited), is the largest archipelago in Africa. With its wild and pristine landscapes, its genuine tribal culture and its unique fauna, Bijagos is a “geographical jewel”. 
    Due to the remoteness of the destination, the lack of transportation and the deep attachment to the local traditions, the Bijagos inhabitants have been little influenced by the external world: during ceremonies women still wear the saiya - a traditional skirt made of straw - and the rhythm of life in villages is given by initiations and secret ceremonies – for example young men have to go through a seven-year initiation rite during which they live in a “convent” without any contact with women..

    Our first stop will be Bolama Island, the former capital of Portuguese Guinea from 1871 to 1941, before it was moved to Bissau. When the Portuguese left, native people came to live in the town which is now falling apart and is partly invaded by tropical vegetation. It was originally built following the plans of a «Castrum Romanum» (roman citadel) so today we can witness its large sunny lethargic avenues, its empty squares, its dry fountains, its bush-like gardens and its charming administrative buildings in neo Palladian style. In the Governor’s Palace we can still admire columns in the classic style … where now goats graze! Bolama, although inhabited, is plunged in the fairy-tale atmosphere of a ghost town.

    Arrival on Rubane Island where we will stay at the most beautiful lodge of the Bijagos Archipelago.

    Meals         B – L - D
    Overnight     Hotel Ponta Anchaca or similar (ocean front comfortable bungalows en-suite with air conditioning, private wild beach, sea water swimming pool, spectacular bar and gastronomic restaurant on stilts).  
     

  • GUINEA BISSAU Day 12

    Dancing masks or turtles’ nesting

    the itinerary will be modified to participate to the visit of Turtle nesting, 
    or to participate to the “Vaca Bruto” mask dances.


    Meals         B – L – D

    In case of Vaca Bruto dancing masks:
    Overnight     Lodge Ponta Anchaca or similar. Large and comfortable ocean front air-conditioned bungalows. Swimming pool, private beach. Gastronomic restaurant on stilts, French and international cuisine, specialized in the catch of the day, different menus available.   

    Or

    In case of Turtle nesting:
    Overnight     in tents, basic
     

  • GUINEA BISSAU Day 13

    Islander life

    Day of relax to enjoy the archipelago way of life: relax at the wild beach, swimming pool, or walking to explore villages and luxuriant vegetation.
    Optional included: excursion to Soga bay and Bubaque, the largest village in the archipelago and the only one connected to the continent, by an old ferry once a week. In Bubaque we will find unpaved alleys, a tiny colorful market, local bars and traders. Quite interesting the small ethnographic museum dedicated to the Bijagos culture. Return to our comfortable base at Rubane Island for lunch.
    Optional not included: game fishing. 
    Meals        included, at a restaurant, at the hotel.
    Overnight     Lodge Ponta Anchaca or similar. Large and comfortable ocean front air-conditioned bungalows. Swimming pool, private beach. Gastronomic restaurant on stilts, French and international cuisine, specialized in the catch of the day, different menus available. 
     

  • BISSAU Day 14

    To Bissau

    Arrival by speedboat in Bissau, the actual capital of the country. Here a vehicle will be waiting to take us on a brief tour of this tiny and intriguing capital which mixes the communist and the Portuguese time

    We will stroll around Bissau-Vehlo: the lively old quarter with its sleepy streets and alleys. Here we will be amazed by the interesting Portuguese architecture which gives Bissau an atmosphere that reminds us of Portugal back in the days. Old wooden café where to drink Portuguese wine and watch Portuguese news. Or an open-air restaurant where to drink the best mojito in town…

    In the evening transfer to the airport for the flight out.

    Meals         B – L 
    Day-use     Rooms in day-use till 18.00 (all rooms en-suite and with air conditioning)

      

    Recommended Extension: 
    At the end of this intense journey, we can recommend a few extra days in the Bijagos Archipelago, a natural paradise. On request, we can arrange for some days in Ponta Anchaca Hotel on Rubane Island, in a comfortable ocean-front bungalow enjoying fine French and tropical cuisine. At the hotel you can relax at the pool, go for walks on the wild beach, discover the island lush vegetation or do some game fishing -  Bijagos Archipelago is a known destination for rich game fishing, ask details. 
     

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  • Desert dunes, savannahs, estuaries, forests, mangrove swamps
  • Nomadic pastoralists, the largest religious and peaceful brotherhood that professes an African form of Islam, animistic traditional religions, tribal Kings, mask dances and distant tribes who still worship ancestral spirits
  • Live music

Countries

SENEGAL, GAMBIA, GUINEA BISSAU

Program cost per person in 1/2 dbl accomodation - double room


Based on 6+ pax         3750 Euro
Based on 2 / 5 pax      4120 Euro

Special rates for departure  Dec 23rd 2020
Per person in half double: rack rate + 100 euro

 

Surcharge for single occupancy


Single supplement      455 Euro

Included


  • Assistance at Dakar airport upon arrival and Bissau airport upon departure
  • Transfers and tour in a great variety of 6 different transports, each fitting the different geographical environment, allowing maximum interaction with the local peoples, comfort and fun: minibuses/microbuses, 4WD vehicles, local calash (private use), local bush taxi called “taxi brousse” (private use), donkey chariot, local motor boat (private use), speedboat fitted for ocean crossing to the Bijagos Archipelago. 
  • Tour Leader (languages spoken: English, French, Italian and Spanish)
  • Tours and visits as per the programme 
  • Accommodation in standard rooms/bungalows/permanent tents as per itinerary
  • All meals as described, from breakfast of day 2 to lunch of day 14. 
  • Mineral water in the bus/car/boat during the visits, up to 1 bottle a day. 
  • Entrance fees to parks, concessions, protected areas and cultural sites, festival and events as in the program.
  • Pass for carnival when applicable
  • First Aid box
  • All service charges and taxes
     

Not included


•    International flights to Dakar and from Bissau
•    Visa fees 
•    Mineral water and drinks at restaurants and hotels.  
•    Portage
•    Fees for personal photos and videos
•    Personal insurance (compulsory). 
•    Tips for drivers, guides and hotel staff
•    Any item of personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
•    Whatever is not mentioned as included
 

Information


  • Due to the limited quantity of available rooms, please book in advance.
  • VISAS: Senegal – not required for EU, USA and Canada citizen (ask complete list).  Gambia: please, cheack; Guinea Bissau - single entry visa required and obtainable during the tour (please advise if we have to arrange for it)
  • VACCINATIONS: Yellow fever – compulsory; malaria prophylaxis - highly recommended; cholera not necessary at the moment but to be checked upon departure
  • MEALS: lunch - restaurants (tourist menus) or cold picnic; dinner - at the hotel restaurant (complete tourist menu).
  • LUGGAGE: max 20 kg and in duffle bags, best if waterproof; when on the speedboat, passengers may get splashed by water or foam, we advise to protect any camera equipment.
  • TRAVEL INSURANCE: Not included. Mandatory for medical assistance, repatriation, material and physical damages. We are not responsible for any material and physical damage during the tour
  • MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION: on roads and tracks by Minibus or 4x4, speed boat on Cacheu River and speedboat fitted for ocean crossing to the Bijagos Archipelago. 
  • TIDES: with each departure, visits could be re-scheduled as per the tides; all will be visited but maybe in a different order. 
  • ACCOMMODATIONS hotels and lodges are always chosen with maximum care, however due to possible lack of availability in some hotels, the Tour Leader may have to replace some hotels during the tour itself with others of similar standard. In some hotels single rooms are not always granted. One hotel we use only has 8 rooms.
  • All our trips are designed to be flexible so that we can adapt to external conditions, and take advantage of opportunities that arise once there.
  • Considering the special nature of the journey, some parts may be modified due to unpredictable factors and are based on unarguable decisions of our Tour Leader. Costs originating from such variations will be sole responsibility of the participants. Of course the Leader will do his/her utmost to adhere to the original program.
  • There are two border-crossing, flexibility is necessary
  • Prices could change in case of major changes in services costs, beyond the organizer’s will

Terms and conditions


PAYMENT POLICY
A deposit of 30% is required at the time of confirmation and the balance is due to TransAfrica not less than 14 days before the arrival of guests at the destination.
If the reservation is made within 30 days of departure, the whole amount must be paid at the time of confirmation. 
Failure of the booking agent to comply with these payment terms will result in automatic cancellation of the reservation and all applicable cancellation fees will be charged. Bookings not secured by the appropriate deposit will be released.
  
CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event of a cancellation until 46 days in advance the deposit will be refunded.  
For any cancellation received after 45 days the following conditions and cancellation fees apply:
45 – 30 days prior to departure        05% of tour cost
29 - 18 days prior to departure        30% of tour cost
17 - 10 days prior to departure        50% of tour cost
09 - 04 days prior to departure        75% of tour cost
03 -  0 days prior to departure        100% of tour cost