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Senegal and The Gambia

Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia
Senegal and The Gambia


(10 reviews)

From:

CAD $3,940 Was CAD $4,520

13 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Easy

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 26 Oct 2025

Experience Overview

Our two-week tour of Senegal and The Gambia uncovers the region's unique culture, awash with vibrant music, fascinating history and wildlife. From the sabar beats of Dakar to the golden beaches of the Gambian coast via the rich birdlife of the Gambia River, this trip explores two great West African countries. In our journey through Senegal we will also experience its slow-paced colonial towns as well as visiting into the region's national parks to experience a world of lakes, marshes and rivers that attracts hundreds of thousands of birds.

Vibrant culture - Visit Dakar and and Banjul where ancient traditions and bustling markets sit side by side with a thriving modern capital city.
Gambia River - Sleep aboard a boat on the mighty Gambia River and sail through tropical forest, bamboo groves and rice paddies.
Djoudj and Saloum Delta - Explore the river delta by traditional pirogue boat, passing through mangroves, looking for a range of aquatic birds.

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

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 20316

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: Bus4WDBoat

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Tour OperatorTour Operator: Explore Worldwide

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: SE

StartStarts: Senegal

FinishFinishes: Senegal

DurationDuration: 13 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical Rating: Easy

Includes

  • Explore Tour Leader
  • Boat Crew
  • Driver(s)
  • Local Guide(s)

Accommodation

  • Hotel Keparanga
  • Hotel Madou
  • Hotel Sindone
  • Le Relais de Kaolack
  • Laminkoto Camp
  • Gambia Motorcruiser
  • AbCa's Creek Lodge
  • Senegambia Beach Hotel
  • Keur Saloum Hotel
  • Le Pelican Hotel

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,940 ($303 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1-Join trip in Saly, south of Dakar

Our tour starts today in Saly, located on the coast south of the capital Dakar, the gateway to the country. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Senegal at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), which is around a 40 minute drive from the hotel. Our welcome meeting will take place on the morning of day two at 8.30am. The hotel features a swimming pool and gardens as well as well appointed modern rooms.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - Hotel Keparanga
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - No
  • Breakfast Provided - No
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - No
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: None

2
Day 2-Drive into Dakar, ferry to Goree. Explore the historic Goree Island

After breakfast this morning, we'll meet with our tour leader for a welcome meeting. Then, we'll head north to Dakar, the capital of Senegal, to catch the ferry to Isle de Goree, a small peaceful, traffic-free island. The crossing takes around 30 minutes. On arrival, we'll drop off our luggage and head out for a walking tour. A busy trading centre during the 18th and 19th centuries, the island of Goree is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its charming colonial-style houses, wrought iron balconies and narrow streets filled with brightly coloured bougainvillaea, you could kid yourself you've been transported back in time as we wander the islands streets and explore. Lunch is included today at a local restaurant. After lunch we'll continue our tour of the island including a visit to Le Castel, a castle situated on a rocky plateau as well as the old Slave House, originally built in 1786. This evening is free to relax at our hotel on the island.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - Hotel Madou
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - Yes
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

3
Day 3-Drive to the old French capital of West Africa, St. Louis

This morning, we'll catch the ferry back to the mainland and then have a short tour of the capital by bus before continuing north for around five hours to St. Louis. We will stop of a picnic lunch enroute. Once the French capital of West Africa, St Louis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - it's a colourful, charming city, moving to the rhythm of the local jazz musicians. The streets of St. Louis are narrow, dusty and easy to navigate, lined with crumbling old French-style villas. After checking into our hotel for the next two nights we'll explore this marvellous old town by calesh (horse-drawn carriage) with a local guide. Full of 19th-century French colonial buildings, this was the first French settlement in Africa and the Headquarters of Senegambia (the term used to describe the whole region). By the late 18th century, St Louis was a busy port and trading centre and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. For dinner, you might like to try the local dish, Thieboudienne, a mix of fish, tomato, rice and vegetable.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - Hotel Sindone
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - Yes
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

4
Day 4-Visit Djoudj bird reserve and Langue de Barbarie National Park by motorised pirogue

This morning, we'll have an early start to visit Djoudj National Park, regarded as one of the most important wetland bird reserves in West Africa. This national park provides the first major water source for migratory birds after their long and gruelling flight over the Sahara Desert. We'll travel by motorised boat along the complex network of channels which lead off the Senegal River. The bird count reaches millions, some species are prevalent such as pelicans - there are as many as 15,000 in the park. We might see them performing an amazing display of synchronised diving for fish and will see a breeding colony. Around three million birds pass through the park annually which includes 400 different species - including herons, white-breasted cormorants, spoonbills, jacanas, Egyptian geese, West African fish eagles and flamingos to name but a few. You might also spot crocodiles, wild hogs, monitor lizards and water pythons. This afternoon we'll 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 April, the park also fills with many more migratory birds from Europe. We should get back to our hotel around 7pm, dinner is included at our hotel tonight.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - Hotel Sindone
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - Yes
  • Lunch Provided - No
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

5
Day 5-Drive to Kaolack, visiting the majestic mosque in Touba

Early this morning, we'll begin our journey south. We'll 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 founder Amadou Bamba, Senegal's most famous and influential 'marabout' (holy man), is buried here and pilgrims visit the town all year round, and as we pass through on a Friday, the Mosque will be busy with worshippers. Continuing to Kaolack, Senegal's second largest city, we will make a visit to its thriving local market and salt mining area. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax at our hotel. The total driving time today is around six hours.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - Le Relais de Kaolack
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - No
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast

6
Day 6-Travel to Georgetown (Gambia), visit the Wassau Stone Circles

It's around an hour and a half to the Senegal - Gambia border. After completing border formalities we head east, following the route of the river towards Georgetown which was an important administrative centre during the colonial period. Along the way today, we'll visit the Wassu Stone Circles. There are several circles each consisting of about 10 to 24, reddish-brown stones between 1 and 2.5 metres/3.2 and 8.2 feet high and weighing several tons. These were once burial sites dating back to 500 to 1000 AD, however very little is known about the people who were buried here and the stones still present a mystery to archaeologists. On arrive in Georgetown we'll take a short tour of the historical town which is built on an island in the river. Our accommodation this evening is a simple riverside camp made up of simple rondavels with basic ensuite facilities. There is no mains electricity but we'll have limited power from solar-charged panels. There is also no hot water, however, the fantastic location is well worth the trade-off as we get to fall asleep to the sounds of monkeys and birds in the nature that surrounds us.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Rondavels
  • Accommodation Name - Laminkoto Camp
  • Grade - Simple
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - Yes
  • Lunch Provided - No
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

7
Day 7-Full day cruise along the Gambia River

The Gambia River flows along the entire length of the country for 483 kilometres/300 miles from east to west into the Atlantic Ocean and the banks of the river have been inhabited since 2000 BC. We'll spend the next two days on this mighty waterway, cruising downstream in a converted groundnut boat, passing tropical forest, bamboo groves, rice paddies and mangrove swamps. Amongst the varied fauna present in this area are monkeys, hippos, crocodiles and of course a great number of bird species. We'll spend one overnight on board a motor cruiser. Facilities on board are very simple with a Western-style toilet, a small kitchen and a bar. At night, we'll sleep in a communal setting on the upper deck on mattresses, and the daytime can be spent relaxing on the upper deck in the sun or on the lower deck with seating in the shade.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Boat
  • Accommodation Name - Gambia Motorcruiser
  • Grade - Simple
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - Yes
  • Lunch Provided - Yes
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

This morning, we'll continue our gentle cruise downstream, with time to take in the flora and wildlife along the riverbanks. 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. On arrival, we'll leave our boat and drive to a lodge on the banks of a tributary of the Gambia River at Bintang Bolong and check in to our riverfront accommodation. The setting of our lodge is spectacular, it's a great chance to explore the natural surroundings spotting the resident birdlife from the restaurant terrace. In the evening, apes and vultures inhabit the overwhelming Baobab trees, and after dusk, great colonies of fruit bats can be seen swarming into the night.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Lodge
  • Accommodation Name - AbCa's Creek Lodge
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - Yes
  • Lunch Provided - Yes
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

9
Day 9-Morning in the Bintang Bolong river basin. Travel to the coast.

We'll spend this morning 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 range of birds, including kingfishers, egrets parrots, hornbills, lapwings and herons in abundance. Birdlife is at its most active in the mornings, we'll start the day with an early morning boat trip to spot wildlife on the banks of the river including three species of monkeys, and at low tide, crocodiles and lizards. This afternoon we drive to the Gambia coast for a night on the golden sand beaches of the Atlantic.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - Senegambia Beach Hotel
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - Yes
  • Lunch Provided - Yes
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

10
Day 10-Visit the capital of The Gambia, Banjul. Travel by ferry and bus to Saloum Delta (Senegal)

This morning we have a tour of the laid back capital of The Gambia, Banjul; we'll also have a batik demonstration. After lunch we ferry crossing from Banjul to Barra on the North Bank of the river Gambia, and drive to Toubacouta in Senegal. Our accommodation is rondavels set within the lush grounds of the hotel on the riverbank. This evening, there will be the opportunity to join other guests on an optional boat excursion.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Rondavels
  • Accommodation Name - Keur Saloum Hotel
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - No
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast

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

This morning, we'll cruise north along the Sine-Saloum Delta by motorised fibre boat for approximately four to five hours. We'll weave our way through the maze of wide channels, past mangroves, open forests, sand islands and villages built on islands constructed with oyster shells. Along the way, we might be lucky enough to spot pelicans and flamingos. After a packed lunch onboard, we'll arrive in Ndangane, our destination for tonight where the afternoon will be free to absorb the slower pace of life. Ndangane is a small fishing village often used as a base along the Delta, the beach is lined with traditional pirogues and along the main stretch of road, there is a small number of bars and craft shops.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Rondavels
  • Accommodation Name - Le Pelican Hotel
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - Yes
  • Lunch Provided - Yes
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

Today, we'll 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 places around the world. We'll have a short stop here before we continue. Our next stop will be for a guided walking tour Fadiout Islands. This unusual destination is composed of oysters and clam shells, and the inhabitants are both Muslim and Christian who all live together peacefully. The Christian and Muslim cemeteries are built on a huge ancient shell mound and our guide will take us around to help us understand this very unique community. Later this afternoon, we'll continue our return journey to Saly, arriving in time for dinner.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - Hotel Keparanga
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - No
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast

13
Day 13-Trip ends in Saly

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Saly, close to the airport. There are no activities planned today, so you're 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'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), which is around a 40 minute from the hotel.
Accommodation:

  • Type -
  • Accommodation Name -
  • Grade -
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - No
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast

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Explore Worldwide

A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.

In Business Since 1981

Reviews

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, April 2025

The accommodation can be quite basic on this tour so be prepared but the amazing bird life makes it worth it. Our guide Assan was very knowledgeable and keen to show off his country (Gambia). As well as being a great wildlife spotter, he also taught us a lot about the history and culture of the region.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/20/2025

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, March 2025

This trip to Senegal and The Gambia is excellent. Travel is mainly by boat, allowing great views of birds living along the rivers and waterways. The holiday was fast paced but not too much, allowing a few long days in the tour bus to travel to far flung parts of the country. We went off-piste miles from where tourists usually go, seeing several interesting places every day. Food and accommodation was of reasonable to excellent quality especially given basic conditions in some of the lodges. The tour guide was very helpful, well-organised and interesting.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/10/2025

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, February 2025

An interesting itinerary which took us far away from the more popular tourist areas on the coast. We travelled on boats along rivers and through mangroves, seeing an abundance of bird life. We also had a glimpse of the life and culture of the two countries. Assan, our guide was excellent and helped make the trip so enjoyable - very knowledgeable and very professional.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/10/2025

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, February 2025

Keen birdwatchers will get most out of this trip, but there is plenty for everyone else too, with the old colonial towns and fascinating (if disturbing) history of slavery. The river trips were lovely and relaxing, and even non-birdwatchers couldn't fail to be amazed by the pelicans at Djoudj. Our guide Assan and driver Ousman were excellent. On the downside, the accommodation wasn't great, apart from the Keur Saloum and the better rooms at the Savana. Food was so-so, excellent on the boat trip. Be aware there may not be hot water or wifi even when the trip notes say there is. Be prepared for the cold (seriously!). Nights can be chilly, especially sleeping on the deck of the boat. The five hour boat trip through the Saloum Delta was cold, wet, windy and uncomfortable. Despite the negatives, all in all a good and varied trip to 'off the beaten track' parts of two countries.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/12/2025

 

Stephen   -  Traveled, January 2025

Very interesting and excellent tour throughout. Fantastic tour leader Assan and driver Osman. Hotels and food were generally very good. The only issues were sleeping on the boat and the boat trip in Saloum. This was mostly because of the strong wind which made it very uncomfortable and cold for sleeping. on the boat trip I was soaked with sea water. If better prepared this could have been tolerable, however, it was probably bad luck it was so windy.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/19/2025

 

Steve   -  Traveled, March 2025

Excellent variety in this tour. Tour leader Assan was outstanding in every department. Additional so was Usman, our driver. Great itinerary and loved the fact there were loads of boat trips! Excellent tour especially for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/14/2025

 

Patricia   -  Traveled, January 2025

This trip is an excellent opportunity to explore a little known part of the world, beyond the popular beaches. It is particularly aimed at those who enjoy birdwatching as much of the time is spent on boat trips in wetlands, river systems and a delta, where a huge variety of species are to be seen, often in large numbers. However, there are also opportunities to enjoy French colonial architecture in Ile de Gorée and St Louis, an important mosque and ancient stone circles, all UNESCO World Heritage sites. The accommodation varies from small hotels to African rondavels and a night on a riverboat - all clean and comfortable but you are sometimes without electricity and also without wifi, except in the cities. So prepare to get away from the modern world for a while and experience a very different but colourful and friendly culture.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/10/2025

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, January 2025

Well planned itinerary with a combination of culture and nature. Significant emphasis being on birds of senegambia. Lots of boat trips. Some long drives but despite a full group bus had space to comfortably accommodate us all. As with many explore trips, accommodation not high end and some hotels were quite dated, probably closing, however clean and comfortable. In the gambia the accommodation was much more simple and rustic. Electricity limited, no hot water and no wifi. This was however expected and was fine and easily tolerated. The best thing about this trip was our wonderful, humble tour leader Assan. Fun, friendly, knowledgeable, kind. Shared his own stories, and his equipment. He really cared for the group. The driver Serign was also great and good fun.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/16/2025

 

Cathy   -  Traveled, February 2025

Our tour leader Assan and driver Serign were superb. The trip was an interesting mix of culture and nature across two countries. We covered around 3000km in total, and spotted well over 100 birds, many unique to the area.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/20/2025

 

Christine  -  Traveled, January 2025

Our trip to Senegal and The Gambia was very enjoyable. Our trip down the Gambia River was a high point: both relaxing and we saw many different birds, as well as crocodiles and hippo. Our guide, Assan, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. His warmth and enthusiasm definitely contributed to the holiday.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/17/2025

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