Day 1: DAKAR, THE CAPITAL    Senegal
Arrival in Dakar and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: DAKAR, CONTEMPORARY ART & GOREE ISLAND     Senegal
Dakar became the center of political, artistic, and intellectual “renouveau” Of the independence time. Visit the “Plateau” district, the Governor Palace, and some interesting markets such as Kermel built in pure colonial style. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Afternoon dedicated to the “Village des Arts” composed of fifty-two artist’s studios (ateliers). All disciplines of the visual arts are represented (painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, installation, etc.). The Village has a large gallery, which hosts exhibitions all year round. The Village is “the place” to meet the best artists and young talents of the Senegalese vibrant artistic scene. Arrival at Dakar harbor to board a ferry and spend a night on Goréè Island. Brief night tour of the island.

Day 3: GOREE, PINK LAKE, AND FISHERMEN’S VILLAGES    Senegal
Waking up in Gorée before the crowd arrives is a pleasure, as strolling in the tiny stone-paved alleys of this historical settlement. In Gorée, slaves used to be crammed and then shipped to the Americas. The town is totally restored to witness those times, however, thanks to the nice breeze, the ancient architecture, and the many restaurants, and boutiques; Gorée 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 the ocean water and thanks to this high concentration the lake often shimmers pink. Workers here collect salt in a traditional way. Along the coast we discover the largest fisherman village in Senegal, more than 4,500 wooden painted pirogues come to the shore with the catch of the day.

Day 4: SAINT LOUIS    Senegal Saint Louis is a charming old town that was the first capital of West African French colonies (AOF). It has been the former base of the “Aeropostale” airmail pioneer operation between Europe, Africa, and South America. Saint Exupéry, the famous author of “The Little Prince”, was one of Aeropostale’s pilots 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 fishermen’s quarters. Time to stroll in the tiny avenues and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this old town.

Day 5: BIRDS ‘SANCTUARY & NOMADIC PEOPLE    Senegal Early morning departure to discover Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a natural oasis formed by hundreds of miles of partially flooded lands that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This “humid paradise” is the best habitat and nesting site for over a million migratory and resident birds. Of the more than 400 species, pelicans and flamingos are the most common. Motorboat excursion led by a local guide-ornithologist. Continuation to the Ferlo Desert to discover the arid region where nomadic Fulani tribes herd 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.
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.

Day 6: TUBA BROTHERHOOD    Senegal
The rarely visited holy town of Tuba is the right place to appreciate the hospitality of the 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 the Mouridi brotherhood was a Sufi named Amhadou Bàmba Mbake and still today the Mouridi have a large social and economic impact in Senegal: thanks to their peaceful (and African) vision of Islam, Mouridism has become the bastion that protects Senegal from radical Islam. Baye Fall, a member of a colorful branch of Mouridism, will accompany us during the visit.

Day 7: STONE CIRCLES    Senegal / The Gambia
Early departure, we will leave the main road to discover the unique megalithic site of Sine Ngayene composed of 52 circles of erected stones, including a double circle. UNESCO has included the 1102 carved stones in its program. After Gambia border formalities, we will drive to the northern banks of the Gambia estuary where we will join a ferry with a colorful crowd to cross this large river.

Day 8: BIRDS    The Gambia / Senegal
With an ornithological guide, we will discover different species of African birds in their habitat. Visit the National museum focused on a different aspect of the country: from archeology to recent history, to art, music, and photography. Lunch and in the afternoon drive to the southern border whit the Casamance region of Senegal. Evening arrival at our comfortable hotel on the banks of Casamance River where we will stay for two nights.

Day 9: SACRED KINGS    Senegal
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 dwellers from outside attacks. We will be received by the king of a Diola Kingdom. 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. Masks are part of the animistic Diola culture and Malinké traditions: people fear and respect masks, and consider them spirits who play an important role in solving conflicts between villagers.

Day 10: BACK TO DAKAR    Senegal
Transfer to the airport to board a spectacular flight to Dakar over river estuaries and the Atlantic coast. Arrival in Dakar and time for the last shopping. In the evening transfer to the airport for the flight out.