Senegal and The Gambia

13 days
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Small Group Tour
Discover tropical Anglo-influenced Gambia and exotic Francophile Senegal, and compare the colonial imprints in this beautiful region on this West African adventure. Walk through slow-paced French colonial towns, see prolific birdlife and explore some of the region's finest national parks. Djoudj - Visit one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world...
21%
$3,629
From$2,880
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Discover West Africa's fantastic bird and wildlife in Senegal and The Gambia
    • Cruise the waterways of the great Gambia River and stay at a tranquil river lodge
    • Experience old Senegal and immersive yourself in its rich colonial heritage

What's this trip about?

    Discover tropical Anglo-influenced Gambia and exotic Francophile Senegal, and compare the colonial imprints in this beautiful region on this West African adventure. Walk through slow-paced French colonial towns, see prolific birdlife and explore some of the region's finest national parks. Djoudj - Visit one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world Gambia River - Sleep aboard a boat on the mighty Gambia River and sail through tropical forest, bamboo groves, rice paddies and mangroves Saloum Delta - Explore the river delta by traditional pirogue boat passing through mangroves looking for a range of aquatic birds

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityDakar
End CityDakar

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Attractions

  • Bar
  • Georgetown
  • St. Louis

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Dakar (Senegal)

Arrive in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. Dakar is one of the main sea ports on the west African coast, and it's thought the name derives from Wolof word for the tamarind tree. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6...

Day 2 Ferry to the Island of Goree; Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site

After a relaxed breakfast our leader will complete the welcome meeting before we will drive to the ferry terminal to take a ferry to Isle de Goree, a small and peaceful island without any traffic. The ferry crossing takes around 30 minutes, and on arrival we'll drop o...

Day 3 Visit to the Pink Lake followed by an afternoon drive to the old French Capital of West Africa; St. Louis

This morning we return to the mainland by ferry and drive to Lac Rose - the Pink Lake. This large shallow lagoon is extremely salty and is also renowned for its pink tinge, caused by the high concentrations of minerals in the water. We'll have a 30 minute walk around ...

Day 4 Djoudj bird reserve and St Louis. Visit a charming french colonial town

An early start to visit Djoudj National Park, regarded as one of the most important bird reserves in the world. This national park provides the first major water source for migratory birds after their long and gruelling flight over the Sahara desert. We travel by moto...

Day 5 Explore the Langue de Barbarie by motorised pirogue

Today we'll start early for our visit the Langue de Barbarie National Park, located on a thin sandspit in the estuary of the Senegal River, and home to water birds such as flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets and ducks. During the months from November to Ap...

Day 6 Drive to Georgetown (Gambia) via Touba Mosque

Early this morning we begin our journey to The Gambia and much of the day will be spent in the bus travelling. We will break up the first leg of this journey with a visit to an astounding mosque in Touba, the sacred focus of the Mouride Islamic brotherhood. Their foun...

Day 7 Cruise along the Gambia River and visit an archaeological mystery, the Wassau Stone Circles

The Gambia River flows along the entire length of the country for 300 miles from east to west into the Atlantic Ocean. The banks of the river have been inhabited since 2000 BC and slave ships once travelled along its course exporting slaves. We spend the next two days...

Day 8 Bird and wildlife spotting as we continue to cruise down the Gambia river; late afternoon drive to Bintang Bolong

This morning we continue our gentle cruise downstream, with time to take in the flora and wildlife along the river banks. The crew will put together lunch on the boat before arriving in the small settlement of Tendaba on the Gambia's south bank in the late afternoon. ...

Day 9 Full day in the Bintang Bolong river basin

We spend a full day in the river basin around Bintang Bolong. The lodge is located in the middle of a mangrove forest which offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, in particular for those with a keen interest in birdwatching. The rich habitat supports a huge ...

Day 10 Drive to Saloum Delta (Senegal)

This morning we begin our journey back into Senegal. We'll drive for around three hours to cross over the River Gambie before continuing to the land border to cross into Senegal at Karang. Once we've crossed we'll then continue to Toubakouta, our home for tonight. Tod...

Day 11 Saolum Delta National Park; boat trip through the Delta to Ndagane

This morning we will depart our accommodation and cruise north along the Sine-Saloum Delta by motorised fibre boat for approximately 4-5 hours. We weave our way through the maze of wide channels, past mangroves, open forests, sand islands and villages built on islands...

Day 12 Visit Senegal's giant Baobab tree, explore Fadiout Island and return to Dakar

Today we depart Saloum Delta National Park to begin our journey back to Dakar. Our first stop, just a short time away is to see a giant Baobab tree. Baobab trees are the national symbol of Senegal, some trees dating back 6,000 years and can only be found in a few plac...

Day 13 Trip ends in Dakar

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Dakar. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Dakar at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an a...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,880
Price per day$222
Last Updated: 6/12/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
20 Oct 2024
01 Nov 2024
$3,040
$370
27 Oct 2024
08 Nov 2024
$3,040
$370
03 Nov 2024
15 Nov 2024
$3,040
$370
10 Nov 2024
22 Nov 2024
$3,040
$370
24 Nov 2024
06 Dec 2024
$2,880
$370
18 Dec 2024
30 Dec 2024
$3,040
$370
22 Dec 2024
03 Jan 2025
$3,040
$370
12 Jan 2025
24 Jan 2025
$3,040
$400
28 Jan 2025
09 Feb 2025
$3,040
$400
11 Feb 2025
23 Feb 2025
$2,950
$400

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
7,391
Great
2,460
Average
404
Disappointing
126
Terrible
60
T

Toni

May 2024

Written on

Senegal and The Gambia

This tour is for photographers of water birds. The national parks, Gambia River and Bintang Bolong River Basin provide countless opportunities for brilliant shots. ...

S

Stephen

May 2024

Written on

Senegal and The Gambia

A lot of time on this trip is spent on water looking for birds, of which there are many. Other than that, there are some interesting visits, particularly to Goree is...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Senegal and The Gambia

There was a lot of long distance travelling that did get a little tedious though we understood great distances needed to be covered. The fantastic driver Ousman was ...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, 4WD, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, 4WD, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Senegal: Visas are not required for holders of UK passports. If travelling on a one way ticket you need to have a minimum of 3 months validity on your passport. If you are travelling on a return ticket your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. All other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. A multiple entry visa is required for this trip if a visa is required for your nationality to enter the country. We will need to gain your multiple entry visa prior to arrival in Senegal. In addition, in order to cross the land border between Gambia and Senegal (on day 10) you must have an actual yellow fever certificate/card. Electronic or photocopy versions are not acceptable and you may be fined or refused entry if you do not have one. The Gambia: Visas are not required for UK passport holders when arriving into an international airport or crossing land borders from Senegal to The Gambia. Passport must be valid for the entire duration of your visit. Visas are not required for Canadian, Australian & New Zealand passport holders when arriving into an international airport. Passports must have a minimum validity of 6 months and at least 1 blank page at time of travel. Visas are required by US citizens and should be obtained before departure. When crossing land borders from Senegal to Gambia an entry stamp is required by some nationalities (unless you already have a valid Gambian visa) and maybe chargable at approximately GMD3,000 (£60-65). We advise for all passengers to travel with the entry stamp fee in case this charge becomes applicable to other nationalities at short notice. All other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
Health & Safety
A Yellow Fever vaccination and certificate is required when travelling to Senegal. We recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid, polio and yellow fever. You must travel with your Yellow Fever vaccination card. You may also want to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis. Malaria is present in the region so consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. You must travel with your current vaccinations card/booklet as this will be requested by the Senegalese border authorities. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 12
  • Dinner : 6
  • Lunch : 5
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-SE

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