2023-2024
West African Duo
This current itinerary is based on a small group traveling in October & November 2023. Kola Nut Travel is more than willing to provide this same program at another time throughout 2023 and 2024. Contact us for details.
This West African duo is very popular because you get two countries for the price of one. Not only does the participant explore many parts of Senegal, but they also travel by land and water to The Gambia. In Dakar you will visit Goree Island and learn about the historical experiences of Enslaved Africans as they boarded a ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, to never return home again. It is also in Dakar that you will visit the Black Civilizations Museum. As an optional excursion you can also take a day Safari.
itinerary
Today you will depart LAX on your transatlantic flight to Dakar, Senegal. Enjoy all of your inflight meals and services.
O/N Inflight Services
Welcome to Dakar. You will be met by our Kola Nut Travel Representative and taken to your hotel, the Pullman Dakar. Your evening is free.
O/N Pullman Dakar Hotel
Today you will explore and learn about Dakar. The first activity will include a tour of the city including Independence Square, The Presidential Palace, the Statue of the Renaissance, the artisan village of Soubediound, and the New Black Civilization Museum, among other sites of interest. Your evening is open to personal persuits.
O/N Pullman Dakar Hotel B
Plan for a long day, first off to the Pink Lake (Retba Lake). This location is also the last stage of the famous Paris-Dakar Car Rally.. After a canoe ride on the Lake, you will visit a Peul village, and the Monastery of Keur Moussa, then on to Thies, the rairoad city. If time permits, a traditonal horse carriage ride will take you to visit the historical colonial district, the aero-postal museum, and the fishermen's quarter.
O/N Hotel La Residence B/D
Today your journey will take you to the Sine-Saloum Delta, with a stop at the Holy Town of Touba, There will be ample opportunity to learn about and visit the Sengalese in this region.
O/N Hotel Paletuviers BD
Today you will experience the local life. Your Senegalese name and traditional clothing will present you as a new member of the family. Collect water at the well, drive a cart with a donkey, sell vegtables in the market, and even wear a bowl on your head.
This evening you will travel to the village of Dassilame Serere to visit the market gardening program managed by the women of this village.
O/N Hotel Paletuviers BD
After an early breakfast, you will leave for Juffureh and James Island. Juffureh is the small Gambian village famous in the 1970s film and bestselling book by Alex Haley, - Roots, a descendent of Kunte Kente. While there you will enjoy a Picnic lunch. Onward bound to Banjul by ferry.
In the evening take a city tour, and continue to Bakau and the Katchically Crocodile pool. The Crocodile represents fertility in Gambia, attracting women and men to overcome difficulties in conceiving. This tradition dates back 500 years.
O/N Ocean Bay Hotel BLD
After breakfast, you will drive inland to visit locals in the nearby villages. Later you will meet the Jola people on the border of southern Senegal. The Jolas represent 10-15% of the population of Gambia. There will be dancing and lunch on the beach before moving on to the largest fishing village in Gambia. You will later return back to your hotel, for dinner and free time.
O/N Ocean Bay Hotel BLD
This morning by ferry you will travel to Saly. Later in the day, you will arrive at the Lamantin Beach Resort. Enjoy the beach or the pool, the choice is yours.
O/N Lamantin Beach Resort BD
After Breakfast, spend your day at leisure. Check-out is at approximately 11 a.m. Spend the remainder of your day exploring nearby sites or take a safari near the hotel property. At approximately 8:00 pm you will depart to the airport. End of tour.
O/N Lamantin Beach Resort B
Your Flight leaves shortly after midnight. End of Tour.
Au revoir!
