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Senegal, Gambia & The Bijagos Archipelago Of Guinea-Bissau
Group Tour
Overview
Join us on an adventure of quite staggering diversity, crossing three countries where each day provides an opportunity to experience a dazzling array of climatic and human environments. Following a somewhat fluid border, both on land and on water, we will cross savannahs and forests, meander through mangrove swamps and across the open waters of the Atlantic. It is a journey filled with natural beauty, colonial ghosts and vibrant animist traditions.
Beginning in Dakar, the Senegalese capital, ...
Join us on an adventure of quite staggering diversity, crossing three countries where each day provides an opportunity to experience a dazzling array of climatic and human environments. Following a somewhat fluid border, both on land and on water, we will cross savannahs and forests, meander through mangrove swamps and across the open waters of the Atlantic. It is a journey filled with natural beauty, colonial ghosts and vibrant animist traditions.
Beginning in Dakar, the Senegalese capital, we travel first north to the charming town of Saint Louis before then heading south towards the breathtaking archipelago of islands that lie off the western coast of Guinea-Bissau. Utilising a variety of transport, from 4WD vehicles to traditional pirogues, we will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, meet with members of Africa's largest nomadic community and witness the unique celebrations of people whose age-old cultures and ceremonies have been preserved for generations.
Contrasting the darker colonial histories of these region, with the vibrant traditions that have endured amongst its peoples, this tour explores past and present West African history and culture, set against majestic backdrops of the varied natural environments this part of the continent has to offer.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
Minibuses, 4WDs, ferries and motor boats
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
12 nights x Standard
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience. This can obviously vary greatly across both countries and tours. On this particular trip we will be in hotels, eco-lodges and a tented desert camp. Please note on this tour Wi-Fi will be limited and cannot be guaranteed in any destination. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Dakar (Senegal)
Day 1 Tour starts in Dakar (Senegal)
Rooms will be available in Dakar from this afternoon. Those arriving on the group flights will arrive in the early hours of tomorrow morning. The Senegalese capital of Dakar is the starting point for this remarkable journey. The country’s largest city situated on the Cap-Vert peninsula, and the westernmost point of mainland Africa, Dakar was colonised by the Portuguese in the early part of the 15th century. Today it plays host to a population of some 2.4 million people, as well as a rich mix of cultural traditions that reflect its European and African antecedents.
Day 2 Dakar – Gorée Island: Black Civilisations
Day 2 Dakar – Gorée Island: Black Civilisations
Once the cultural and intellectual capital of France’s former West Africa colony, Dakar provides us with a vibrant introduction to this fascinating region, beginning with a visit to the Musée des Civilisations Noirs (Museum of Black Civilisations). Following an exploration of the Neo-Sudanese style Cathédral Notre Dame, we then take a ferry across to Gorée Island. Steeped in the dark history of the Atlantic slave trade, the island’s architecture is characterised by the stark contrast between the grim slave-quarters and the elegant houses of the slave traders that still pepper the narrow streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the day-trippers have left, we'll overnight on the island.
Day 3 Gorée Island - Dakar - Lac Rose: House of Slaves & the Pink Lake
Day 3 Gorée Island - Dakar - Lac Rose: House of Slaves & the Pink Lake
We have the morning to explore Gorée’s historic stone-paved alleyways and colonial-era buildings before the arrival of the crowds from the mainland. Included in the tour will be a visit to island’s most infamous building called the ‘House of Slaves’. Taking the ferry back across to Dakar, we then continue by road on to Lac Retba (known locally as Lac Rose, or Pink Lake), a shallow saltwater lake surrounded by dunes, where we’ll speak with a local salt collector about the gruelling industry of artisanal salt collection.
Day 4 Lac Retba – Lompoul Desert: Artisanal Fishing
Day 4 Lac Retba – Lompoul Desert: Artisanal Fishing
Driving across miles of sandy beaches in 4WDs (tides permitting) we discover some of the largest fishing villages in Senegal, where hundreds of colourfully painted wooden pirogues deliver their catch to the local markets every day. Then it is on to the Lampoul Desert, where we spend the night in deluxe tents.
Driving time: Approx. 3 hrs
Day 5 Lompoul Desert - Saint Louis: Former Capital & Museum Archipelago
Day 5 Lompoul Desert - Saint Louis: Former Capital & Museum Archipelago
Continuing to follow the Atlantic coast northwards, a two-hour drive this morning brings us to Saint Louis, near the mouth of the Senegal River, believed by locals to be the birthplace of Senegalese Teranga, the Wolof word for hospitality. Once the capital of French Senegal, this charmingly historic town is known locally as Ndar and is located across two islands at the southern edge of the Sahara. Its distinctive atmosphere is best enjoyed wandering along its small avenues and taking in the distinctive architecture of its old town, which we will do via calash (local horse-drawn carriages) this afternoon. We’ll also have the chance to explore one or two of the collection of museums housed in colonial-era houses known as the Museum Archipelago.
Day 6 Saint Louis: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary & a Local Lunch
Day 6 Saint Louis: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary & a Local Lunch
Leaving early this morning we take the road northeast towards the natural oasis of the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by hundreds of miles of partially flooded lands. Sandwiched between the Sahara and the Ferlo Desert, this rich landscape provides a habitat and nesting grounds for over a million migratory and resident birds including pelicans, flamingoes, aquatic warblers and representatives of some 400 other species. Returning to Saint Louis later in the day, we’ll stop at the home of a Saint-Louisien family for a taste of the Senegalese national dish of Thieboudienne. After a hearty lunch and traditional tea, we have an afternoon at leisure to enjoy some independent exploration of the city.
Driving time: Approx. 4 hrs
Day 7 Saint Louis – Kaolack: Nomadic Fulani Tribe & the Touba Brotherhood
Day 7 Saint Louis – Kaolack: Nomadic Fulani Tribe & the Touba Brotherhood
Just below the Sahara, the arid landscapes of the Ferlo Desert expand across much of northern Senegal. These lands are home to the Fulani or Peul people, the largest of the nomadic tribes roaming the West African savannahs. On our way southward, we’ll stop at a Fulani village to meet the community, learning a little more about their mysterious origins and nomadic way of life. Later, we’ll continue south towards the religious city of Touba, home of the Mouride Brotherhood, whose distinctly African vision of Islam has had a significant social and economic impact on Senegal. We’ll be led on a tour around the Great Mosque of Touba by a Baye Fall, a member of a devout subgroup of the brotherhood. Heading further south still, our culturally comprehensive day then ends in the town of Kaolack where we will spend the evening.
Driving time: Approx. 6 hrs
Day 8 Kaolack - Kassagne (Gambia): Ancient Stone Circles
Day 8 Kaolack - Kassagne (Gambia): Ancient Stone Circles
This morning we’ll journey across the Sine-Saloum Delta to reach the enigmatic Senegambian stone circles at Sine Ngayene. These megalithic stone circles dating back over a thousand years make up part of the UNESCO inscribed Stone Circles of Senegambia, the largest collection of its kind anywhere on earth. We’ll then cross into neighbouring Gambia and over the Gambia River via the Senegambia Bridge, completing our day’s journey at a remote inland lodge which will be our base for the next two nights.
Driving time: Approx. 6 hrs
Day 9 Kassagne: Home-cooking & Mangroves Boat Trip
Day 9 Kassagne: Home-cooking & Mangroves Boat Trip
With over 550 species of birds and the chance to spot a range of wildlife from monkeys to lizards, we'll stretch our legs after breakfast this morning with a short nature walk around the peaceful landscapes here. Next, we'll head to the nearby market to discover the secrets of Gambian cuisine and shop for fresh ingredients at the lively women-run stalls. A local family will then welcome us into their community where we can learn about life in the village as we help prepare a traditional dish before sharing the meal together in an authentic, hands-on way. The afternoon has been set aside for some time on the water as we head off from the lodge in a traditional motor-free vessel, enjoying the serene scenery as we glide through mangroves quietly observing any birds, primates, and other wildlife that might be around.
Day 10 Kassagne – Ziguinchor (Senegal): the Casamance Region and Kumpo Masks
Day 10 Kassagne – Ziguinchor (Senegal): the Casamance Region and Kumpo Masks
Today we cross back into Senegal and drive through the majestic splendour of the Casamance region. Mainly populated by the minority Jola (Diola) and Bainuk peoples, the area is rich in scenic and religious diversity, with Islam, Christianity and traditional African religions all sharing space amongst the largely tropical savannah climate. After crossing the border, we’ll stop by a Diola community for a homemade lunch followed by a unique dance ceremony, where participants wearing palm leaf masks, spin in ever-rapid circular movements in order to cleanse the bad energies of all present. Bidding farewell to our hosts, our final destination for today is Ziguinchor at the mouth of the Casamance River.
Driving time: Approx. 4 hrs
Day 11 Ziguinchor: Eloubaline Island & the Animist King
Day 11 Ziguinchor: Eloubaline Island & the Animist King
This morning we have an audience with a king! A melting pot of all the ethnic groups co-existing in Senegal, Ziguinchor can boast its own animist king, who is the spiritual and religious leader of the Jola community. After visiting him in the sacred forest that is his home, we then board a pirogue for a journey on to the remote communities that inhabit the mangroves and waterways around Eloubaline Island, many of whom still follow traditional animist practices. At the village of Kamoeubel we return to dry land and return to Ziguinchor by road.
Driving time: Approx. 4 hrs
Day 12 Ziguinchor - Bissau (Guinea-Bissau): Colonisation and Revolution
Day 12 Ziguinchor - Bissau (Guinea-Bissau): Colonisation and Revolution
We have another early start as we cross over into Guinea-Bissau this morning; a long but fascinating day that sees us heading down towards the unique eco-systems of the southern edge of the country. Here we find what are known as Bolon (sea arms) which penetrate the land for more than 100 miles, creating a large temporary flood plain. The borders between salt water, land and fresh water are at best uncertain and frequently changing with the tides. Indeed, some 23% of Guinea-Bissau lies under water during high tides. We’ll arrive into the capital, Bissau, in time for lunch. After freshening up at the hotel, there will be time to explore the small capital’s colonial history and rebellion against the Portuguese during a short city tour. Starting with a walk through the atmospheric old Portuguese quarter (Bissau Velho), we then move on to visit the Presidential Palace and the Catholic church, before ending our tour on Che Guevara Square, after which we can enjoy some of the best mojitos in town to celebrate the end of a quite remarkable land journey.
Driving time: Approx. 5 hrs
Day 13 Bissau - Bijagos Archipelago: The Ghost Capital
Day 13 Bissau - Bijagos Archipelago: The Ghost Capital
Located some 40 miles offshore and encompassing some 88 islands, the Bijagos Archipelago is the largest in Africa. These wild beaches and forests, with their unique fauna and authentic tribal cultures, provide the backdrop for our next three days in the archipelago. Our first stop will be Bolama Island, the former capital of Portuguese Guinea, where its once classical neo-Palladian buildings have been take over by the surrounding vegetation and grazing goats, turning it into a crumbling ghost town. Continuing on to Rubane Island, we then head to our base for the next two nights at Ponta Anchaca.
*Please note that due to tides, our tour of Bolama may need to be postponed to day 15.
Day 14 Bijagos Archipelago: Vaca Bruto Mask Ceremony
Day 14 Bijagos Archipelago: Vaca Bruto Mask Ceremony
After at morning at leisure, this afternoon we'll head over to the island of Bubaque, the largest on the archipelago, by boat. From there, a local cart 'taxi' will take us inland to one of the island's remote villages, where we'll witness the unique Vaca Bruto mask ceremony in action. Celebrating the passage from youth to adulthood, the dance traditionally precedes a circumcision ceremony undertaken by the boys of the village. The ritual additionally serves as a means to gather and bond the community around their culture and customs.
Day 15 Rubane - Bissau: Crafts in the Capital
Day 15 Rubane - Bissau: Crafts in the Capital
With a morning at leisure, we can enjoy some final down time and lunch on the paradisical island before transferring back to Bissau. Famed for their prized native species of African mahogany and ebony, we'll have the chance to see Bissau-Guineans woodworking and sculpting traditions in action, and hopefully pick up some last-minute souvenirs, at the city's main crafts market, before those on the suggested group tour flights aim for an early night in preparation for a very early morning transfer to the airport.
Day 16 Tour ends Bissau
Day 16 Tour ends Bissau
The tour ends today where those on the suggested group tour flights will have an airport transfer arranged for the early hours of this morning. Those taking alternative flights have use of the hotel rooms until check-out this morning.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Le Djoloff, Dakar
The boutique Le Djoloff hotel is set within a quaint building, inspired by the architecture of colonial Saint Louis, near modern Dakar’s coastal Corniche. Rooms are found on three floors surrounding the central inner courtyard, stylishly finished in a distinctly African style. While rooms here aren’t huge, they provide a comfortable stay with plenty of character. The hotel’s stand-out feature is undoubtedly its rooftop terrace looking out to the Atlantic, where breakfast lunch and dinner are served at the restaurant every day. Hidden away below the central courtyard is a subterranean space which has hosted international jazz musicians, adding to the property’s cool charm.
Municipal Hotel, Goree Island
With very few hotel options on the island, the Municipal Hotel provides the best mid-range option for a stay on Goree. Set on a quaint street off the island’s main square, a short walk from the ferry arrival port, the building is part of the island’s history which can be seen throughout the hotel, from its dark-wood furniture and décor to the bright pink bougainvillea that pours in over the building’s tall stone walls. Rooms are spread across both floors of the two-storey property, which has a number of understated courtyards and communal terraces. Rooms are simple but come with air-conditioning, and most offer ample space. Having been the island’s main accommodation for many years, Municipal Hotel feels well lived-in, immersing you with the island’s history and character throughout your entire stay.
*Please note that due to the protected status of the island, hotels are few and a shortage in room availability can sometimes mean that the group will be split into two different hotels a short walk from each other.
Hotel Le Trarza, Lake Retba
One of the better accommodation options in the region, Hotel Le Trarza is a relaxed lakeside hotel set right on the shores of the Pink Lake. For those that dare to, it’s possible to take a dip in the salty lake’s rose-coloured waters, or simply enjoy them from the wide terrace, bar and restaurant overlooking it. As well as its location, Trarza offers two scenic pools and a shop selling local handcrafts. The hotel features around 30 simple rooms with humble furnishings, equipped with mosquito nets and air conditioning. Despite its simple accommodation, Trarza's lakeside location at just a short walk from the village is hard to beat, and the views can even be enjoyed from some of the rooms.
OKAÏ, Lompoul Desert
OKAÏ combines comfort and adventure through a range of deluxe accommodation options, set amongst the wild sand dunes of the small Lompoul Desert in northwestern Senegal. Lodging options include elevated tented rooms, air-conditioned bungalows, glass domes and luxury tents with private pools. Despite the remote setting, modern amenities such as ensuite bathrooms and hot water can be enjoyed, while facilities at the camp include a large lagoon-style swimming pool, a restaurant and bar with panoramic desert views, and a wellness spa offering hammam and massage treatments. As well as having a low environmental impact in its construction, OKAÏ’s eco-conscious efforts include being powered by solar energy. In addition to offering a unique setting to relax and unwind, a wide array of activities such as quad biking, camel trekking and archery can be arranged.
Hotel de la Residence, Saint Louis
A beautiful boutique hotel set in an historic building in Senegal’s old capital, La Residence is our preferred option for a stay in Saint Louis. Modern and vintage artwork dots the hotel and its 24 rooms, serving as reminders of the city’s postal heyday and colonial history. The life of the hotel is the restaurant, bar and lounge areas which take up most of the ground floor, while the simple-yet-stylish rooms can be found in the quieter areas of the building on the floors above. On the very top floor is the rooftop terrace offering fantastic panoramic views over the UNESCO island-city. La Residence offers one of the most comfortable stays in the city with a great location, a short walk to the historic postal office and the older Hotel de La Poste, where a visit or a drink at the bar is recommended in your free time.
Relais de Kaolack, Kaolack
On the outskirts of the dusty, bustling town of Kaolack, the Le Relais de Kaolack is a relaxed hotel with a scenic location on the banks of the Saloum River. Rooms, scattered across the property’s low-rise buildings and bungalows, are simple but offer a comfortable amount of space and amenities including a mini-fridge, kettle and air-con. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, bar, well-sized pool and ample terrace space all overlooking the river. Cleverly designed, the beautiful communal areas and rooms are kept naturally cool and shaded, providing wonderful respite from the heat of one of the country’s hottest regions.
Hotel Kadiandoumagne, Ziguinchor
Perfectly encapsulating the energy of the lush Casamance region, Hotel Kadiandoumagne is a pretty riverside property set within a tropical garden on the banks of the Casamance River. Offering a calm, laid-back atmosphere during the day, perfect for lounging by the outdoor pool, things then liven up a bit at the open terrace, waterfront restaurant during dinner. The hotel has around 45 comfortable rooms spread over its two floors, all brimming with character. The rustic wooden furniture is made with quality local wood and the over-bed mosquito nets are hung up by rowing oars – a cultural nod to navigating the region’s mangroves and waterways.
Hotel Dunia, Bissau
Hotel Dunia is one of the city’s long-standing hotels, found within a residential area of central Bissau. The colourfully pink single-storey buildings with terracotta tiled roofs are both eye-catching and blend in seamlessly into the West African setting. Spread out across large palm tree-lined grounds with a driveway running from the entrance gate to the large pool area, shops and ATM, restaurant and rooms, the complex feels like a small village within the capital. All of the 100+ rooms are spacious, featuring a separate T.V. and lounge area with seating, as well as an ensuite bathroom and separate bedroom, well-equipped with air conditioning units in both the bedroom and living room. Dunia provides one of the more comfortable accommodation options in the city within a quaint, characterful setting.
Ponta Anchaca, Bijagos Islands
Ponta Anchaca is an eco-luxury retreat set on laid-back Rubane Island, a short boat ride from the archipelago’s main hub on Bubaque Island. Founder-run, the soul of the lodge is a French lady with decades of experience in West African hospitality, bringing the service from her years managing a Club Med property to the laid-back culture and wild, windswept charm of these remote islands. Scattered within the native forest are each of the property’s charmingly rustic, beachfront wooden bungalows offering modern ensuite bathrooms, a separate walk-in closet and storage room, over-bed mosquito netting and air-con, and ample lounging space both within the bungalow and on its private terrace outside. Just as beautiful and conducive to unwinding in the surrounding paradisical setting are the communal areas which include a small outdoor pool and extensive restaurant and bar areas reaching out over the ocean on stilts. A special base from which to explore these unique islands.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Local Guides
In addition to your tour leader, this itinerary makes an effort to hire the help of locals where possible to enhance experiences and financially support as many people as we can in the communities we visit. In some cases these local hosts will have formal training, as is the case of the birding guides at Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, in other instances they will have been picked for their local knowledge, cultural input and passion to work with tourists, such as during our visits to fishing and rural villages.
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| AT 0803 | London Gatwick (LGW) 16:10 | Casablanca Mohamed V (CMN) 20:25 |
| AT 0501 | Casablanca Mohamed V (CMN) 22:45 | Dakar Blaise Diagne (DSS) 01:05 |
| AT 0591 | Bissau Osvaldo Viera (OXB) 05:20 | Casablanca Mohamed V (CMN) 09:45 |
| AT 0802 | Casablanca Mohamed V (CMN) 12:55 | London Gatwick (LGW) 15:10 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Guinea-Bissau only. The visa for Guinea-Bissau can be arranged during the tour and costs approximately 25,000 XOF/40 Euros, which is to be paid in cash at the Guinea-Bissau consulate in Zinguinchor, Senegal while you are on tour.
Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Yellow Fever is present throughout Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate will be required for all travellers for this tour.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
Malaria is present in Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. Please speak with your local health care provider about taking adequate precautions.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
Travelling from the arid deserts in northern Senegal down to the verdant waterways and mangrove swamps in The Gambia, the Casamance region of southern Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, the climate becomes more humid and tropical.
All three countries benefit from a long dry season (roughly from November to May), and warm year-round temperatures. Average temperatures likely to be experienced during the tour are between 25–30°C during the day (15–20°C in the evenings) in northern Senegal and around 30–40°C during the day (20–25°C in the evenings) in The Gambia, southern Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious, but not all Wild Frontiers tours are the same, and it is important that you choose a tour which is suitable for you. To help you decide and ensure you choose a suitable tour, please refer to our helpful guide here. As a minimum, you should make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary and the Key Aspects to Consider sections carefully. Should you still have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour, then please contact us.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind
and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour,
however, please note that West Africa has seen less infrastructural development
than other regions and so those with mobility difficulties should consider
the slightly rougher nature of travel on this tour which includes bumpy roads, carrying
luggage onto ferries, hopping in and out of boats and riding around on local horse-and-cart
transport.
It is important to note that this tour includes some long drives along dirt roads. Please come prepared for some very bumpy and dusty roads. Please see the day-by-day itinerary for approximate driving times per day. A bandanna or large handkerchief is useful to pack to protect you against the dust.
It should be noted that while most toilets found en route (and all the toilets in overnight accommodation) are western style, it may be that on occasions only squat toilets will be available.
Vegetarians should also be aware that options may be slightly
limited and vegetarian dishes cannot always be guaranteed not to have been
cooked alongside meat. Clients with specific dietary requirements might struggle at times on this tour, so this should be discussed with the office before booking. Please be aware that if you suffer from any kind of nut allergy, you must discuss this with the office before booking this tour, as nuts are used extensively in food throughout the West Africa region.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement, then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that during your stay on Gorée Island due to the protected status of the island, hotels are few and a shortage in room availability can sometimes mean that the group will be split into two different hotels a short walk from each other.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 5406 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.