Meet Africa

Meet Africa: 12 days (2015/2016)

This tour will give you the opportunity to live memorable authentic cultural experiences with local people while discovering the wonderful landscape of these regions and enjoying the multiple activities listed on the itinerary. The trip will take you first to Senegal south eastern region where you will visit the World heritage site of Niokolokoba Park, a vast biosphere reserve spanning about 9000sq km. This is Senegal’s major national park. The landscape is relatively flat, with savannah woodland, plains, marshes and a few hills. The highest being Mt Assirik (311m) in the south-east region. Local ethnics groups namely Malinke, Fula, Mandica live nearby.

The Gambia River and its two tributaries, the Niokolokoba and the Koulountou, cross the vast wilderness and are crucial sources of water for the various mammal species and 350 birds’ species that inhabit the park. Continuing the adventure you will discover Senegal’s best kept secret, the mountainous Bassari lands with their steep waterfalls and green hillsides. Bassari country is the only mountainous region of Senegal and fabulous for extended hikes.

On a walk over craggy mountain paths, past steep waterfalls, and through thick forests, the distinctive landscape will impress itself on you, as will the unique cultural make-up of this region. The Bassari, Bediks, Dialonke people continue to follow their traditional ways of life. Their tiny villages, beautiful hamlets of stone and mud huts, are often arranged around an enormous shade-giving kapok tree. Fetishes and amulets tied to its trunk tell of the animist faith of their tribe.

You will continue your trip towards Casamance, a fancy place located at the south west of Senegal. With the river Casamance running across that beautiful region and offering wonderful virgin nature, landscape, beaches and islands. On top of all you will discover some more authentic African cultures.

Suggested Itinerary.

Day 1

Arrival at Dakar International Airport. We meet you and transfer you to Sobobade ecolodge.

Day 2

Check out early in the morning and start at 7: am to drive towards Senegal Eastern-south region. Visit a local village along the way. Arrival in the evening at Wassadou village near Niokolokoba Park. Check in one of Wassadou eco- lodges. Overnight.

Day 3

In the morning you will enjoy a boating tour in the river Gambia and watch the virgin wonderful nature, hippos, crocodiles… In the afternoon you will have some walking tour tovisit nearby villages and interact with local people and walk along the river to watch the hippos bathing and later find the miners search "the" golden nugget that will change their lives. Overnight same lodge.

Day 4

In the morning transfer to Niokolopark for a game drive Safari to watch wild animals like baboons, chimpanzee, antelopes, buffaloes…Transfer in the afternoon to Kedougou the capital city of that region. Overnight at Le Bedik lodge or similar.

Day 5

In the morning continuation to Ndindefelo village with its amazing waterfalls. You will have a walking tour to visit the waterfalls where you can swim in the natural swimming pool formed by the waterfalls and relax at the heart of that virgin nature. You will walk back to the village community lodge to arrive around midday. You will have a chance to interact with local people. In the afternoon you will climb the waterfalls hills to discover the source of the water and the small village located on that secluded area. Overnight at Africa lodge or similar.

Day 6

In the morning you will have some trekking to spot Chimpanzees and some wild life. Around midday you will drive towards Etiolo village to visit the Bassari tribe one of the minorities groups in Senegal. You will visit the village with the assistance of a local guide. Overnight in Etiolo lodge community.

Day 7

Check out in the morning and have some trekking. Visit Salemata Bassari village and transfer to Bedik Land. You will park the vehicle and climb the hill to visit Bedik Iwol village. You will visit these minorities ethnic groups of Senegal who saveguard firmly theirs traditions and cultures. Under the guidance of the local chief you willget some insightful information about their culture. Overnight at Bandafassi Lodge

Day 8

Transfer to Tambacounda.Visit Tambacounda local market. Overnight at The Relais de Tamba lodge or similar.

Day 9

In the morning transfer to the Casamance region and visit Diaobe weekly market, one of the biggest local market in this region. Overnight in a lodge-hotel at Kolda city.

Day 10

Check out in the morning and transfer to Ziguinchor crossing various villages. Overnight at kadiandoumagne hotel or similar.

Day 11

Check out and transfer to Ziguinchor airport and fly back to Dakar. Overnight at hotel le Virage.Bed and breakfast

Day 12

Check out and Transfer to Dakar international airport. End of the trip.

Land package rates:

US $2010/person (per person in room sharing).

Supplement single:

US $350.

Group size:

Maximun : 12 persons Minimun: 2 persons.

NB: These rates include:

• Accommodation on double room in hotels and lodges as per itinerary.
• The tour on half board basis. (Breakfast and dinner included except in Dakar city).
• Entrance fees, tickets museums and local taxes.
• Transportation on air-conditioned vehicle.
• Domestic flight (Ziguinchor-Dakar).
• Professional English speaking guide services.
• Assistance during all the stay.
• All the excursions and activities listed on the program.

Not included:

International flights, personal expenses, tips…

Best period for this tour: From October 1st2015 to June 30th 2016

For more information feel free to contact us.