Kola Nut Travel - Senegal & The Gambia

Senegal remains one of our most popular tour packages. Only seven hours from New York City, a combination tour of Senegal-Gambia provides great value for the budget-minded, and for those with limited time. If you are planning your first trip to Africa, the choice of Senegal is certain to generate lasting memories. You land in Dakar, a cosmopolitan city with an unmistakable stamp of French influence. From sun-drenched beaches to tropical rain forests, Senegal plays host both to vacationing Europeans and ever increasing numbers of Americans.

In addition to the sun and sightseeing, they come to explore the ancient fort and dungeons of one of Africa’s most notorious slave depots - at Gorée Island, a World Heritage Site. An estimated 13% of all slaves shipped off to the Americas were once held prisoner in this fort. In contrast to the misery and suffering that occurred there, the daily life of the Senegalese is reflected in joyous traditions of music, dance and the visual arts. Journey to villages to see the rural way of life and marvel at exotic landscapes of baobab trees and even a Pink Lake!

The two-day excursion to neighboring Gambia provides an opportunity to discover your own “Roots”. You journey to Juffure, the small village made famous by Alex Haley in the search for his ancestors. There you meet descendents of the Kinte family and spend time on the beach.

The Gambia is a narrow strip of land wedged tightly between the northern and southern halves of Senegal. Its main geographic feature is the River Gambia. While many of those who visit Senegal also make a brief visit to the Gambia, this small country has many features that make it an interesting destination all on its own. The Gambia is home to Juffure, the riverside village that is now famous - due in large part to the novel "Roots", written by Alex Haley in his legendary search for his ancestors. As the birthplace of boy slave Kunte Kinte, it has inspired the annual Roots Homecoming Festival held each June.

During the rest of the year, the Gambia is worshipped for its miles of powdered sand beaches and a warm tropical climate that draws Europeans and Americans alike to its Atlantic shore. The country is also home to wetlands and several of the world's most important bird sanctuaries.

The capitol Banjul features typical African markets and guilds of craftsmen who turn out masks, carvings and beads both for tourists and for trade across the African continent. Here, time marches to a different drummer, a land small in size, but big on tradition and hospitality. When shopping takes its toll, it's time to relax by the pool - or take a solitary stroll along the beach to watch fishermen returning with the daily catch. The Gambia offers the holiday-goer the full spectrum: from hectic bargaining, throbbing nightlife, and wonderful cuisine, to simple relaxation and the passing of a quiet vacation without a care in the world.

You will be treated to cultural performances in both countries. Hear the talking drums, see traditional dances, savor the local foods and record it all with your camera to relive your African memories and share them with family and friends. And you will find many chances for shopping – from custom-tailored clothing to exotic carvings and textiles.

TOP