Day 1. Arrival
You are picked up at the airport of Dakar (at 6 hours flying of London) by Jack. After a journey of 1.5 hours, you will arrive in Saly. You are welcomed with a glass of fruit juice made by Awa.
Your breakfast, lunch (warm) and dinner are prepared by Awa, unless otherwise indicated or if you decide to eat elsewhere. All transport in this package will take place in principle in the spacious taxi that you were picked up with at the airport.
Day 2. Popenguine
The first morning we discuss the program. We learn about your special wishes and Awa will serve a delicious breakfast.
Around nine o'clock we go to Popenguine, a place of pilgrimage of the Black Madonna. But also a wonderful coastal city. Only half an hour drive from Saly. We start with a walk on the beach to the cliff, 100 meters high, which seems to rise from the ocean. Then we visit the Church and a nearby bird sanctuary. We eat in a good restaurant, with spectacular view on the ocean and the cliff. Because we did all on foot, we go back to Saly, tired but satisfied. In the evening we take a look at the center of Saly. And we enjoy a delicious Senegalese meal provided by Awa.
Day 3. Joal-Fadiouth and the market of Mbour
After breakfast, we depart at 08.30 h to Joal-Fadiouth, of which it is said to be the most beautiful village of Senegal. It takes about 45 minutes by car to get there.
Fadiouth is an island that is connected with Joal by a wooden bridge of 800 meters long. The island is made up of layers of shells that man has piled up here since the beginning of our era. It is nice to walk in the narrow streets of Fadiouth. There is no motorized traffic except mopeds.
We will discover a cemetery where both Muslims and Catholics are buried, which is unique in Senegal. This place is accessible only by a bridge that connects with Fadiouth. The cemetery glitters in the sun because the hill is made of shells.
We go back to Saly for lunch. Then we go to Mbour, the nearby town of Saly. Mbour is one of the biggest Senegalese cities with a huge market and one of the largest fishing ports. Around five o'clock fishermen return with their huge wooden ships - called "piroques" - filled with their catch. It is spectacular to see how the fish is landed.
At home you will have dinner, served by Awa.
Day 4. Rasta Beach and Mangrove reserve in Somone.
Only 10 km away from Saly, we find a huge nature reserve, located in the delta of the Somone, there where the river ends its course by a lagoon. This lagoon is a beautiful mangrove paradise for birds that nest there. You can see white herons, pelicans, flamingos, gulls and many other species. The lagoon offers abundant natural food. The birds eat oysters, mussels, crabs and fish.
We cross the river and reach Rasta beach. Here, we take a boat that allows us to admire the lagoon and its inhabitants. After the boat trip and a walk on the beach, you will enjoy a big langoustine per person! We can stay on the beach or go back to Saly. In the evening Awa will prepare another Senegalese specialty.
Day 5. The game reserve of Bandia and Lac Rose
All animals that have ever lived in Senegal are walking around freely in this huge reserve. Rhino's, giraffes, monkeys, buffaloes, impala and lots of other animals, including colorful birds. Behind bars, we see crocodiles and hyenas. Bandia is also located near Saly. The means of transport will be a 4 x 4 and a guide will accompany us. He let you get out of the car at a short distance from animals, if he considers it safe, to take pictures. After Bandia we drive to the Pink lake, where you have lunch. Pink Lake is another marvel of nature. The very salt water of the Lake contains a seaweed that oxidizes the iron, which explains the particular color. The color of the Lake is formed over thousands of years, but is less and less pink nowadays. You can see how salt is harvested. No doubt you are tempted to float in this salty Lake. A very special experience, so don't forget your bathing suit! After lunch we take a spectacular ride through a landscape of dunes that was, in the past, the arrival of the Paris-Dakar rally. Back home Awa will serve us yet another delicious meal.
Day 6. A day to relax
After so many impressions it is nice to have a day off! You can enjoy the beach, go shopping or just relax. Saly is the largest resort in Senegal, with more than 30 major hotels. So, there are a lot of things to do. Lunch and dinner are served by Awa.
Dag 7. Dakar and Goree
This last day, we spend in the capital city of Senegal. Dakar has more than 3 million inhabitants and traffic is a real challenge. Fortunately, we have our experienced driver who has been with us since the first day. He brings us to the Presidential Palace with its beautiful presidential guard and the peacocks in the garden. We visit the African Museum and other places of interest. A ferry will carry us in 30 minutes from Dakar to Gorée island, where we have lunch. Gorée is named after the Dutch 'Goeree', an island near Rotterdam. Gorée was the largest center of slave trade from the 15th to the 19th century. The Dutch too, played a doubtful and shameful role. A visit to the House of slaves, directly puts you in the unfortunate story of the slave trade. The island is classified world heritage of humanity by Unesco. Gorée also offers an architectural wealth and you will admire the colours of the houses of Gorée. Finally you can admire the magnificent panorama from the top of the Castle Hill. You will have dinner depending on the time of departure of the aircraft, before you go home, or...
