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Peregrine Travel Centre

Senegal & The Gambia Adventure

Senegal & The Gambia Adventure

From $ 4,770 AUD

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Description

Explore Senegal and The Gambia on this 12-day journey, where adventure and relaxation seamlessly blend. Discover the rich biodiversity and birdlife of Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and explore the wetlands of Abuko Nature Reserve. Immerse yourself in the jazz culture of St. Louis and unwind on Cap Skirring’s golden beaches. Get to know the two countries deeper by learning about the history of the slave trade on Goree Island and engaging with the Jola people in Djenbereng. This is a trip that will open your eyes to the natural beauty and cultural richness of West Africa.

Trip Name
Senegal & The Gambia Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary – one of the world’s most important bird-watching spots. Travel by pirogue through wetlands teeming with over 250 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans, and observe the diverse wildlife.
  • Experience Saint Louis’ jazz culture, where the rhythms and melodies of this UNESCO-listed city resonate through its lively streets and music venues.
  • Walk through Abuko Nature Reserve and look out for the variety of wildlife that lives here, including Nile crocodiles and exotic birds, as well as its diverse vegetation.
  • Unwind on the golden, palm-fringed beaches of Cap Skirring while experiencing the vibrant local life of the Casamance region.
  • Visit the village of Djenbereng to learn about the Jola people’s rich culture and traditions. Gain insights into their communal rice farming, sacred forests and cultural practices, deepening your understanding of this community.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure.

Day 1 - Dakar, Senegal
Salaa maalikum! Welcome to Senegal. Your adventure begins in Dakar with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe check out Sagada market for some local produce and souvenirs or relax on Ngor beach. Perhaps get to know your group a little better over an optional dinner tonight, where you can sample some Senegalese cuisine, like yassa (meat marinated in lemon, onions and mustard) or mafe (peanut based stew).
Day 2 - Dakar, Senegal
Get to know the city today with a guided tour of Dakar, travelling on foot and public transport for an authentic local experience. Call into Tilem Market, known for its medicinal herbs and traditional healers. Learn about the healing practices rooted in Senegalese culture before heading to the Soumbedioune Market and Artisans Market for fresh fish and homemade goods. Visit the Presidential Palace, formerly the home of foreign governors. Then, travel by ferry to Goree Island – a UNESCO World Heritage site with a haunting history. Once a major slave trading post, the island is now a place of remembrance. Visit the Slave House, one of the last remaining buildings of its kind, where you’ll see the infamous ‘Door of No Return’ – a poignant reminder of the countless lives torn apart by the slave trade. Return to Dakar in the late afternoon and drive along the scenic Corniche, with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Finish your day at the giant African Renaissance Monument – the largest statue in Africa.
Day 3 - St Louis, Senegal
Drive to Pink Lake this morning – a body of water famous for its rare pink colour, which is a unique phenomenon caused by a combination of microorganisms and high salt concentrations. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake and, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in the salty waters. In the afternoon, head to Saint Louis – this city once served as the French capital of West Africa. Known for its deep-rooted jazz traditions, Saint Louis is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The evening is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe stroll through the streets, listen to live jazz or try thieboudienne (fish and rice in tomato sauce) – a Saint Louis speciality – for dinner.
Day 4 - St Louis, Senegal
Start your day with an adventure on the Senegal River. Board a traditional pirogue (dugout canoe) and set off to explore the Birds of Djoudj National Park – one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the world. With almost 300 species of birds, including flamingos and pelicans, this vast wetland is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. In the afternoon, consider an optional visit by pirogue to Guet N’Dar – a lively fishing village on the Langue de Barbarie National Park, a thin sandbar where the Senegal River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Watch as dozens of pirogues return from sea, their catches ready to be gutted and smoked along the shore, and get a glimpse into the importance of fishing in Senegalese life.
Day 5 - Kaolack, Senegal
Journey to Touba today – a sacred city for Senegalese Muslims and the spiritual heart of the Mouride brotherhood, a powerful Islamic sect founded in Senegal. This autonomous city operates under its own set of rules, and out of respect for local customs, women are required to wear long dresses and headscarves. Visit the Touba Mosque – one of the largest mosques in West Africa – and learn about Cheikh Amadou Bamba, the Mouride founder. Continue to Kaolack, known for its peanut industry and busy markets, and unwind for the evening.
Day 6 - Ziguinchor, Senegal
You’ll drive through The Gambia into Senegal’s Casamance region this morning – an area shaped by the winding Casamance River. Learn about the cultural heritage of the Diola people, known for their strong sense of community, communal rice farming and reverence for sacred forests. When you arrive in Ziguinchor, the largest city in southern Senegal, you’ll have time to relax and check out the streets lined with old houses and tropical mangroves.
Day 7 - Cap Skirring, Senegal
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Ziguinchor before driving to Cap Skirring, home to the best beaches in West Africa. Check in at your beach hotel and unwind in this idyllic setting. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the sandy shores or take advantage of optional activities like kayaking and cycling. Maybe try some freshly grilled seafood for dinner since you're on the coast!
Day 8 - Cap Skirring, Senegal
Get an insight into the culture and history of the Jola people during a daytrip to Djenbereng. You’ll learn about their traditional customs, lifestyle and community practices, enriching your understanding of the village's heritage. Then, return to Cap Skirring, where you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon or to explore at your own pace on a bike or kayak.
Day 9 - Banjul, The Gambia
Cross the border into The Gambia and head to Abuko Nature Reserve, known for its rich diversity of vegetation and wildlife. Enjoy birdwatching in this premier spot, with up to 250 bird species. The reserve is also home to a variety of reptiles, including Nile crocodiles and spitting cobras – so keep your eyes peeled! Then, continue to Banjul, the capital of The Gambia. As the least-populated capital city on the African mainland, Banjul offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Feel free to ask your leader for restaurant and activity recommendations that match your mood this evening.
Day 10 - Banjul, The Gambia
This morning, visit the Saint Joseph Adult Education and Skill Centre – a historic Portuguese building where disadvantaged women are empowered through sewing, crafts and tie-dye skills. Learn about their efforts to enhance knowledge and advocate for children’s and women’s rights. Then, head back to Banjul so you can explore Albert Market – a busy street with stalls selling fabrics, souvenirs and fresh produce. This afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. Maybe visit the National Museum via Arch 22 – the tallest structure in The Gambia. At the National Museum you can gain a better understanding of The Gambia’s colonial history, as well as the 1994 coup d’etat.
Day 11 - Saly, Senegal
Wake up early and take the ferry across the Gambia River. Navigate the unpaved roads to the small village of Jeffereh – the birthplace of Kunta Kinte, the central figure in the novel ‘Roots’. Explore this historical area that serves as a poignant reminder of the transatlantic slave trade. After, cross the border into Senegal and continue to Saly, where you can check in at your beach hotel and relax. As this is the final night of your trip, consider getting the group together for one final dinner.
Day 12 - Saly, Senegal
Join a group of Senegalese women at a local market today and pick out the freshest produce. Then, head to one of their homes to prepare your own lunch with their guidance. Enjoy the meal with your hosts and learn about their daily life in Senegal. Your adventure ends after lunch. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore more of Senegal, additional accommodation can be pre-booked – just speak to your booking agent in advance.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-03-202519-03-2025AUD $ 4,770-
29-03-202509-04-2025AUD $ 4,770-
19-04-202530-04-2025AUD $ 4,770-
01-11-202512-11-2025AUD $ 4,770-
06-12-202517-12-2025AUD $ 4,770-
07-03-202618-03-2026AUD $ 5,010-
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $ 5,010-
18-04-202629-04-2026AUD $ 5,010-
31-10-202611-11-2026AUD $ 5,010-
05-12-202616-12-2026AUD $ 5,010-

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle,Public Bus

Map

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