Senegal Tours and Holidays

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I enjoyed the tour , the bird life was prolific other sightings included Hippos , Crocodiles and dolphins. I found the House of Slaves , on the island of Goree , fascinating . Trying the local food was interesting. The standard of hotels was pretty good , some better than others , I always had a decent bed , rooms clean & tidy , decent shower, hot water could be a bit erratic but you have to remember where you are. Breakfasts I thought were always good. We were blessed with probably the best tour guide I have ever had - Mr Assan Saine. He always ensured and went out of his way to make everyone's trip a positive experience. Assan is also a very good birdwatcher. the driver - Serin - also deserves a shout out, driving over 3000 km very skilfully and carefully. I changed about 200 Euros and still had money left over , meals in restaurants were reasonable . If you aren't a birdwatcher or have an interest in birdlife this tour might not be for you, as its very much focused on that. I thought the tour was well organised , transfers to and from the airport were excellent.