Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
16 peopleMaximum group size
16 - 79 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Starts
Dakar, Senegal
Ends
Saly, Senegal
Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount
Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour
Do you need help from our trip consultants?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Our travel experts are ready to help.
Why Book with Bookmundi
Earn USD 116+ in travel credits.
Best price guaranteed.
No credit card or booking fees.
100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.
Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.
25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Senegal and The Gambia
4.7Based on
Carbon neutral
CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
4.67/5
Excellent based on 817 customer reviews from
RJ
Booking was simple and intuitive. Customer Service contacted us upon our initial inquiry and offered their assistance with any additional travel arrangements we may require.
1 week ago
Tour Availability
Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot
Loading availability...
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
Valentine'sSuper Sales
Valentine'sSuper Sales
Customer Reviews
Read what other travelers have to say about Senegal and The Gambia
4.7
based on 31 reviews
22
9
0
0
0
Good to Know
Cancellation
Payment
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information
Similar Tours You Might Like
Discover our top tours similar to Senegal and The Gambia that you might like.
Looking to uncover Senegal’s treasures in just a week? The "Discover Senegal in 7 Days" tour is a vibrant exploration designed for experienced travelers and families eager to delve into West Africa’s cultural and natural highlights. From bustling Dakar and the pastel-hued streets of St Louis to the rare beauty of Pink Lake and the feathered wonders of Djoudj National Bird Park, each day offers a new facet of Senegal.
Take a ferry to the evocative Goree Island, browse lively craft markets, and perhaps attend a mesmerizing Sunday mass at Abbaye de Keur Moussa, where African instruments blend with spiritual tradition. With guided sightseeing, comfortable stays, and seamless transport, this trip offers an enriching, family-friendly introduction to Senegal’s heritage.
The USP? A thoughtfully curated itinerary that blends iconic sights with authentic local experiences, ensuring every traveler leaves with lasting memories of Senegal’s warmth and diversity.
From Dakar’s lively streets to the serene beaches of Cap Skirring, the Senegal & The Gambia Adventure is a 12-day easy-paced tour that’s perfect for travelers eager to dive into West Africa’s rich tapestry of culture and nature. Spot rare birds at Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, explore the lush wetlands of Abuko Nature Reserve, and unwind in the jazz-infused ambiance of St. Louis.
This journey isn’t just about the scenery—delve into the poignant history of Goree Island and engage with the traditions of the Jola people in Djenbereng. Visit vibrant markets, stroll through colonial towns, and relax on golden sands. The tour package expertly balances adventure and leisure, with carefully selected accommodations and seamless transport letting you enjoy each moment to the fullest.
The USP? A thoughtfully curated itinerary that connects you with the natural wonders and diverse cultural heritage of Senegal and The Gambia, making it an eye-opening trip for those who want more than just a typical holiday.
12 days
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel Keparanga (or similar) (2 nights)Hotel Madou (or similar) (1 night)Hotel Sindone (or similar) (2 nights)Le Relais de Kaolack (or similar) (1 night)Laminkoto Camp (or similar) (1 night)Gambia Motorcruiser (or similar) (1 night)AbCa's Creek Lodge (or similar) (1 night)Senegambia Beach Hotel (or similar) (1 night)Keur Saloum Hotel (or similar) (1 night)Le Pelican Hotel (or similar) (1 night)
Meals
12 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 8 Dinners
Transport
Driver(s)Bus4WDBoat
Guide
Explore Tour LeaderBoat CrewLocal Guide(s)
What's Excluded
Monthly Price Comparison
3 other people are considering this tour right now.
Itinerary
West Africa’s rhythm pulses through every moment of the Senegal and The Gambia trip. Over 13 days, experienced travelers will uncover Dakar’s vibrant music scene, colonial towns, and the stunning birdlife along the Gambia River. Sleep aboard a boat, glide through the Saloum Delta’s mangroves by traditional pirogue, and spot herons and pelicans at Djoudj Sanctuary. This easy-paced adventure’s unique allure? Up-close encounters with wildlife and West Africa’s living culture—delivered through immersive activities and expert local guidance.
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.
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.
Our joining hotel features a swimming pool set in landscaped gardens and well-appointed, modern rooms, there is a restaurant, a bar and room service. Should you wish to head to the beach in Saly a taxi costs around 2,500 West African francs (CFA) around £3/$4 USD and takes less than ten minutes.
Accommodation:Hotel Keparanga (or similar)
day 2 - Drive into Dakar, ferry to Goree. Explore the historic Goree Island
After breakfast 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 and gives us the chance to see the scale of Dakar's busy port, once of the largest trading hubs in West Africa. On arrival, we'll head for lunch at a local restaurant next to the jetty, overlooking the bay surrounded by brightly coloured houses, whilst our luggage is taken to our hotel.
A busy trading centre during the 18th and 19th centuries, the island of Goree is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is compact and easy to walk around, with 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 explore the island's streets. After lunch, we'll take a walking tour of the island accompanied by a local guide. We start with a moving visit to the old Slave House, originally built in 1786, the house represents a very dark chapter in the island's history. We'll also visit the Le Castel fortification, on a rocky outcrop at the southern tip of the island, where we'll get panoramic views and can check out local art workshops filled with pieces by local artists.
This evening is free to relax at our hotel on the island, take a stroll around the streets and head out for dinner.
Meals:Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation:Hotel Madou (or similar)
day 3 - Drive to the old French capital of West Africa, St. Louis
This morning, we'll catch the 8am ferry back to the mainland and drive north for around five hours to St. Louis, on the border of Senegal and Mauritania, stopping 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, our base 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. The town is split into three distinct areas, the mainland and two islands connected by the Faidherbe bridge, with the furthest island home to a thriving fishing community.
Dinner is included tonight. We'll eat at our hotel in a restaurant overlooking the estuary.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:Hotel Sindone (or similar)
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.
After driving northeast, following the border of Mauritania, we'll disembark our bus and travel by motorised boat along the complex network of channels which lead off the Senegal River. The bird count here reaches millions and some species such as pelicans are prevalent (there are as many as 15,000 in the park). We might see them performing a synchronized dive as they try to catch fish - we'll also try to spot a breeding colony. Around three million birds, made up of 400 different species, pass through the park every year, 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.
Heading back to St Louis for a late lunch, this afternoon we'll visit the Langue de Barbarie National Park, located on a thin sandspit to the south, in the estuary of the Senegal River. The park is home to water birds such as flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets and ducks. From November to April, it also welcomes more migratory birds from Europe.
We plan to be back at our hotel around 7pm and the rest of the evening is free to explore the town. You might like to try the local dish, Thieboudienne, a mix of fish, tomato, rice and vegetables.
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation:Hotel Sindone (or similar)
day 5 - Drive to Kaolack, visiting the majestic mosque in Touba
Early this morning, we'll begin our long drive south.
We'll break up the first leg of the journey with a visit to the Great Mosque of Touba, the sacred focus of the Mouride Islamic Brotherhood constructed in 1963. Their founder Amadou Bamba, Senegal's most famous and influential 'marabout' (holy man), is buried here and pilgrims visit the town all year round. The Great Mosque of Touba is kept immaculate, in contrast to the surrounding town, and we'll be able to enter the richly decorated prayer areas that surround the central structure. Until recently, it was the largest mosque in Africa with seven elaborate minarets and three large domes. We'll be accompanied by a local guide who can also provide garments needed to enter the mosque.
Continuing to Kaolack, Senegal's second largest city, we'll pay a visit to its thriving local market. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax at our hotel which overlooks the expansive Saloum River. The hotel also has a large swimming pool, bar and restaurant to make use of.
Our total driving time today is around six hours.
Meals:Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation:Le Relais de Kaolack (or similar)
day 6 - Travel to Janjanbureh (Gambia), visit the Wassau Stone Circles
Today we have a 90-minute drive to the Senegal-Gambia border. After completing border formalities, we head east, following the route of the river towards Janjanbureh (also known as 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 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 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 arriving in Janjanbureh, 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 rondavels with very 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.
Meals:Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation:Laminkoto Camp (or similar)
day 7 - Full day cruising along the Gambia River looking out for wildlife
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 2,000 BC. The pace of the trip slows down significantly from this point, as we spend the next day and a half 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.
Boarding our boat directly from Laminkoto Camp, we'll have breakfast onboard. As we make our way slowly downstream, our local leader will point out sights of interest. Towards the end of the day, we reach Kuntaur where we'll make a shore excursion for a stroll around the rice paddy fields.
We'll spend tonight onboard a motor cruiser. Facilities are very simple with a western-style toilet, a small kitchen and a bar. The food is freshly prepared by our chef with a choice of wholesome local dishes. Drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks) are available for purchase onboard, too. 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. Whilst the facilities are basic, it's a wonderful way to explore a part of Gambia that very few tourists get to see.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:Gambia Motorcruiser (or similar)
day 8 - Bird and wildlife spotting as we continue to cruise down the Gambia River; mid afternoon drive to Bintang Bolong
This morning, we'll continue our leisurely 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 midafternoon.
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 accommodation. The setting of our lodge is spectacular, amongst the mangrove channels, rich with wildlife. It's a great chance to explore the natural surroundings spotting the resident birdlife from the restaurant terrace or in one of the comfortable observation decks dotted around the grounds of the lodge. 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.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:AbCa's Creek Lodge (or similar)
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. The Senegambia beach hotel is situated in a lively part of town with extensive landscaped grounds, a choice of two swimming pools and a private beach. Dinner is included tonight, there are several bars within a very short distance of the hotel should you wish to head out after dinner.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:Senegambia Beach Hotel (or similar)
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 including the iconic Arch 22 that commemorates the 1994 military coup and offers panoramic views of the city and river from the top of the tallest building in Banjul. There is a moving small museum which charts the history of the former regime. Note there are around 100 stairs to climb to the top of the building, there is a mid level platform where you can stop, should you wish. As part of our tour we will also have a batik demonstration and if time permits make a stop at the natural history museum. Lunch is included today and is taken at a local beachfront restaurant.
It's a short drive to the ferry port on the south bank of the river, which serves at the main crossing point between the capital, Banjul and Senegal to the north. The ferry crossing is an experience, with traders and locals commuting using the service on a daily basis. The crossing takes around thirty minutes and provides a wonderful glimpse into everyday Gambian life.
We arrive into Barra on the North Bank of the river Gambia, a sleepy town compared to Banjul, where we are reunited with our bus and driver. It's around twenty minutes to the Karang border post, where we bid farewell to The Gambia and cross back into Senegal. The drive to Toubacouta is less than an hour and we aim to arrive at our lodge around 4pm.
Our accommodation tonight is arguably the best on the trip. Accommodation is in recently refurbished rondavels set within the grounds of the lodge on the riverbank. The views from the deck are wonderful, overlooking the delta, it is the perfect spot for a sundowner watching the sun set over the waters of the Saolum delta. Just outside the lodge there are a small number of craft shops.
The lodge offers a swimming pool and restaurant, dinner is included tonight. Around 5pm there is the opportunity to join other guests on an optional boat excursion, see the budgeting section for details.
Meals:Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation:Keur Saloum Hotel (or similar)
day 11 - Saolum Delta National Park; boat trip through the Delta to Ndagane
We have a bus-free day today, cruising along the Sine-Saloum Delta by motorised fibre boat for approximately four to five hours to reach our next destination.
We'll weave our way through a maze of channels, past mangroves, open forests and villages built on islands constructed with oyster shells. Along the way, we might be lucky enough to spot pelicans and flamingos - it's a wonderful way to get an up-close view of the delta. Note, that if the wind picks up the waters in the delta can be a little choppy, so it's worth packing a lightweight waterproof.
We'll arrive in Ndangane, our destination for tonight and disembark directy from the boat into our hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free. Ndangane is a sleepy small fishing village often used as a base along the Delta, lined with traditional pirogues.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:Le Pelican Hotel (or similar)
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 drive away is a giant Baobab tree. Baobab trees are the national symbol of Senegal, some trees dating back 6,000 years, and can be found in 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 of 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, we'll continue our return journey to Saly, arriving in time for lunch. The rest of the day is free.
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation:Hotel Keparanga (or similar)
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 Saly 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 drive from the hotel.
Meals:Breakfast
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
P
PatriciaVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
Our Explore leader, Assan, was one of the best tour leaders I have ever had and I have been on over 40 Explore trips. He was so helpful and considerate and his knowledge of Senegal and the Gambia was excellent. He also was exceptionally good at identifying all the different birds we saw. He worked very hard to ensure we had a great time which ofcourse we all did.
C
CurtisVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
An interesting trip with an emphasis on birds. Had a fantastic tour leader in Assan, he made a solid trip into an excellent one.
P
PeterVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
Fantastic 5* experienceAmazing 5* tour leaderWonderful 5* driver
N
NormanVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
Assane was a fantastic leader, very knowledgeable and organised and always with our best interests at heart. He helped us understand not only the wildlife we were seeing but provided great insight into the culture of Senegal and the Gambia and what living there was like.
