Senegal in Western Africa
Come and experience the spirit, the vibrancy and the hospitality
that are the soul of Senegal. Discover the lifestyle, the customs
and the rich culture of Senegal on this fully-escorted tour.
On the first part of the trip, you will discover the country
through its stunning landscape, the history of the slave trade
and by shopping on the colorful and vibrant markets.
On the second half of the tour, you will have a chance to interact
with Senegalese women, visit a school, learn some local dances
and be part of their culture. 1% of the trip price is given to a local association dedicated to improve children's education
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Day 1: Arrival in the capital: Dakar
Welcome to Senegal, the land of the beautiful baobab trees.
We will pick you up at the Dakar airport. Upon your arrival at
the hotel, you can relax by the pool, on the beach or enjoy a
good night sleep, depending of your time of arrival. |
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Day 2: Markets in Dakar and Goree island known as the "Slave
Island"
Morning: We will take a tour of Dakar, the western most
point on the African continent. Dakar is a dynamic and modern
urban center with a strong French colonial flavour.
Dakar is also known for its vibrant markets where you can find
all sort of crafts.
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Afternnon: We will take a short ferry ride to an island,
the World Heritage site (UNESCO) of Goree.
Goree is infamous for being one of the main gathering and embarkation
points for millions of enslaved Africans who were crammed into
ships and sent to the Americas.
We will visit the chilling House of Slaves where captives were
chained in tiny cells waiting to be shipped overseas.
Since there are no cars on the island, it is a beautiful place
to unwind and wander among the historical buildings. Goree is
also a paradise for photographers, painters and shoppers: colorful
houses and exquisite crafts can be found everywhere. If you are
not a shopper, you will also have the opportunity to visit the
"Women's museum".
Back to the hotel. |
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Day 3: The pink lake and the breathtaking sand dunes
Morning: Pink Lake
We will drive up the coast to the North. On the way to the beach,
you will discover one of nature's miracles: a completely pink lake.
It is shallow, warm and surrounded by white foam. Everything floats
on it, even you, because of its very high salinity.
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Afternoon: Jeep ride in the sand dunes
We will go on a jeep ride on the sand dunes around the lake to
meet the salt workers.
During the week, men and mostly
women are busy crushing the bottom of the lake, which consists
of a thick crust of salt that they gather to sell. Sand dunes,
a baobab forest and traditional villages with thatch-roofed huts
surround the lake.
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Evening and night: Breathtaking desert
of Lompoul
We will then be heading to the biggest and most beautiful desert
in Senegal: the dunes of Lompol (up to 150 ft high). You will be mystified
by the beauty and serenity of the desert. You will have time to take
a walk or to "camel back ride".
We will enjoy a tasty couscous in the middle of nowhere, followed
by evening stories and drum rhythm. Sleeping in the tent surrounded
by silence will be an unforgettable experience.
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Day 4: Visit to one of the biggest mosques in Africa
After a relaxing night, we will head out South East to the Holy
town of Touba. A major annual pilgrimage, called the Grand Magal,
attracts between one and two million people from all over Senegal
and beyond from as far away as Europe and America.
At the heart of the Mouride holy city lies its Great Mosque,
purported to be one of the largest in Africa. Since its completion
in 1963 it has been continuously enlarged and embellished. The
mosque has five minarets and three large domes and is the place
where the founder of the Mouride brotherhood lies buried. The
285 ft mosque's high central minaret is one of Senegal's most
famous monuments.
After lunch, we will be heading out to our second hotel, home
base for the rest of the tour.
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This second part of the trip is designed to give you an authentic
flavor of the Senegalese culture, especially through the eyes of Senegalese
women.
Nadine, a French woman who married
a Senegalese man, will welcome us at her charming hotel where we will
stay for the rest of our trip.
For four days, we will interact with Senegalese women, learn about their
day-to-day lives, shop on the market with them, preapre a meal, dance,
etc...Or, if you prefer, you can just relax and enjoy your stay by the
pool.
Day 5: Visit to a school and cooking session with Senegalese women
Morning: Interaction with
children at school
Every morning, there will be an optional "Senegalese
Yoga" session to waken your body and mind.
We will then visit a school and participate with the children
in educational activities. Senegalese children are always laughing
and always curious about new culture.
We will find out what are their specific needs and see how we
can contribute in improving their day-to-day lives at school.
For lunch, we will enjoy a meal with the children at the school.
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Afternoon: Cooking session with Senegalese women
The cuisine of Senegal is similar to other cuisines found in
West Africa, but it has its own unique dishes. It has been influenced
by many ethnic groups and various European cultures, especially
the French one. Meat (no pork) and vegetables are typically
stewed or marinated in herbs and then poured over rice or couscous
or simply eaten with bread.
We will help women prepare the "mil," the main cereal
used in Senegalese cuisine. The afternoon is always full of
laughter.
In the evening, we will attend a "tea ceremony" taking place
under the stars.
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Day 6: Markets and women tradition
Mbour market, a colourful and vibrant experience
After an optional session of "Senegalese yoga" session,
those who are interested will meet with a tailor who can design
a perfect outfit for them. You don't have to choose something
as typical as Valerie did (see picture)!
We will then go to the market to buy material for your clothing,
materials for the children we met at the school and any craft
and souvenirs you may want. We will go back to the school to
give them the supplies we bought.
We will also visit the big fish market of Mbour. Hundreds of
fishermen come back from the high sea where they have spent
the night. They bring tons of fish, shrimp and lobsters in their
brightly colored dugout canoes. The beach is alive with buyers,
families, and children. It is a colorful entertainment that
you should not miss.
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Cultural exchange with women
In the evening, we will have an interactive discussion with some Senegalese women who will share with you stories about their lives, their culture and the traditions in Senegal
Day 7: Day dedicated to the discovery of the mystical giants,
the baobabs.
Walk in the baobab forest
We will be heading to the baobab forest. When one of these sentinels of the savannah has reached a certain age, it merits the presence
of a magical spirit. These powerful spirits are consulted for guidance in the ways of life.
Baobab trees also have practical purposes in Senegalese life
and culture. The dried pulp from the baobab fruit is used to
make a tart juice, and its very hard seeds are used as pieces
in the traditional game "Mankala".
We will take a walk in the baobab forest before taking our
lunch by the ocean.
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Afternoon: Visit of a cosmetic factory using the baobab
fruit
We will attend a demonstration of cosmetics made with local
products including the baobab fruit.
Back at the hotel, we will have a show.
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Day 8: Making incense and dancing
After our optional daily class of "Senegalese yoga,"
we will visit a nursery and meet the midwife. She will share
with you how her work is done in Senegal.
We will then attend a workshop to learn how to make incense.
That fun workshop is always "party time" for all of
us.
Back at the hotel, we will dance. Women will teach you the
rhythm and moves of Senegalese dances.
Tonight is a treat: After dinner Nadine will prepare a unique
show of music and dances for us.
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Day 9: Departure
Say goodbye to wonderful Africa. We will be heading off to the
airport, our heart full of memories to share. |
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Accommodations
First two nights in Dakar.
Located close to the airport, this charming hotel offers cosy rooms,
a luxurious pool with a unique view of Ngor Island, and a private
beach. During your stay here, you will have walking access to the
shuttle pirogue leading to Ngor Island.
Second part of the tour: Nadine calls her charming hotel,
the haven of peace. It has 14 huts, each with characteristics corresponding
to different ethnic groups. Each hut is equipped with ventilator,
mosquito nets and private bathrooms. The lovely garden is filled with
indigenous species and also has a swimming pool.
Dates & Rates
Dates: April 21-29, 2010
Rates: US $2,990 (+$350 for single room). 1% is given to a
local association dedicated to improve children's education
Includes
- Dakar airport pick up and drop off
- Accommodations every night
- All breakfasts, all lunches and 5 dinners
- Transportation in a van
- A local chauffeur/guide plus an English speaker/ tour leader
throughout the week
- All described activities
Excludes
- Flights to and from Dakar
- 4 dinners
- Drinks
- Personal expenses and tipping
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