| Day 1 |
Arrive in Dakar in the morning. Group will be met by local guide after immigration and assisted with baggage collection, then transferred to the Novotel Hotel, located in downtown Dakar, near the business area facing the Atlantic Ocean, a short walk from Independence Square and overlooking historic Gorée Island. After check-in procedures there will be time for relaxation. Afternoon departure on a ½ day city tour of Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Enjoy a tour passing through the picturesque district of Medina and the residential district of Fann. Visit various markets including Kermel, Sandaga, and the handicraft market of Soumbedioune to buy fabric and local souvenirs. The group will stop at Tilen market famous for its medicinal herbs and its traditional healers. Visit of the Great Mosque, stop at the president’s palace and the parliament house, Cheikh Anta Diop University. Return to the hotel late afternoon. The evening is free.
Overnight Dakar at the Novotel Hotel.
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| Day 2 |
Breakfast included at the hotel. Early morning departure to Banjul, The Gambia via motorcoach, passing through the old town of Rufisque, the city of Mbour, and the city of Kaolack. From the village of Barra, group will cross the river Gambia by ferry-boat to arrive in Banjul, the capital of the Gambia. Upon arrival, transfer to the fully renovated, 4-star Sunbeach Hotel & Resort, situated on an unspoiled coastal corner of the Atlantic Ocean and the inlet of the majestic River Gambia. Afternoon departure on a ½ day city tour of Banjul and its environs including the Tourist Market and other places of interest.
Overnight Banjul at the Sun Beach Hotel.
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| Day 3 |
Breakfast included at the hotel. Morning departure to the most well-known trip "up-river" to the land of Alex Haley's Saga "ROOTS". The tour starts with a long lazy cruise directly upriver on a historic journey 200 years back in time to the ancient Trading Station of Albreda, which gained fame in the slaving days with its Flag Pole, which it was once thought would guarantee freedom to any slave who touched it after escaping from James Island, which is close by. Group will then continue to the Museum of Slavery which gives a good insight into slavery in the Gambia. A short walk brings us to the village of Juffere where "Kunta Kinteh" of Roots fame is alleged to hail from. The original home of Alex Haley's great grandfather which stands near to the mosque, is still inhabited by the family. Group will then re-board the boat and take the short river trip to James Island, steeped in slave trade history. Fortress ruins tell the tale of Colonial rivalries and the beads still buried deep in the sands conjure pictures of the hundreds of slaves shackled together awaiting transport to an unknown and uncertain future. After re-boarding, a delicious lunch will be served during the return cruise and the frequent appearance of dolphins in the estuary almost always makes a good ending to a memorable day. Return to the hotel early evening. The evening is free.
Overnight Banjul at the Sun Beach Hotel.
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| Day 4 |
Breakfast included at the Hotel. Morning visit to Banjul National Museum and the Mosque. After, embark on wonderful experience with an off-the-beaten-track adventure which follows the coast but uncovers the Gambian village way of life by traveling through the bush. We make unscheduled stops to observe the varieties of chattering monkeys, hopefully baboons in their treetop playground and many exotic and colorful birds. During the tour, there will be the opportunity to visit some villages, experience the hospitality and meet some of the charming inhabitants of this small country. A visit to one of the village schools, when possible, always proves to be a highlight and contributions of pens, pencils, note pads etc, are always gratefully accepted by the Head Teacher. A BBQ lunch will be provided on one of the unspoiled beaches to the south of the country where you may swim and/or sunbathe. The tour will drive close to the beach on the return, stopping at a fishing village (where the latest catch may include some unusual species). Return to the hotel late afternoon. The evening is free.
Overnight Banjul at the Sun Beach Hotel.
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| Day 5 |
Breakfast included at the hotel. Transfer to Banjul Terminal for Ferry crossing to Barra and depart after border formalities to Dakar by road. Upon arrival in Dakar, transfer once again to the Novotel Hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax, unwind and unpack.
Overnight Dakar at the Novotel Hotel
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| Day 6 |
Breakfast included at the hotel. The entire day is free to pursue individual interests. Participants may wish to walk over to the Teranga Hotel for brunch and African Dance Performance. Explore the city at leisure. From the beautiful women in their multicolored dresses and warm smiles to the cheerful exuberance of the typical African market life to the bustling daily routine in the busy streets, the welcome is always warm.
Overnight Dakar at the Novotel Hotel.
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| Day 7 |
Breakfast included at the hotel. Morning departure for tour to Goreé Island. Less than 2 miles off the coast of Dakar, a brief 20-minute ferry ride, Goreé Island stands as a reminder and memorial to the slave trade. From the 16th century to the 19th century, thousands of men, women and children were gathered on this island, locked up in cells and either died or were shipped off into slavery. Tour will visit the slave house that retains all traces of its terrible past, listen to a lecture delivered by the curator, visit of the auction block, the ethnographic Museum, the fort and have time to interact with the inhabitants and explore the island on your own. Mid-afternoon return to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to pursue individual interests.
Overnight Dakar at the Novotel Hotel.
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| Day 8 |
Breakfast included at the hotel. The day is free to pursue individual interests, shop for last minute souvenirs and say farewell to newfound friends. This evening there will be a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Dress up in your newly made finery and take the pictures with your travel friends and of the tour that will be a part of your cherished memories for a lifetime!
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| Day 9 |
Midnight checkout of hotel and transfer to airport for flight from Dakar to home.
Welcome Home
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