ỤZỌ  

Bespoke African Group Trips For African, Caribbean And Adventurers Of Blended Heritage

 
ABOUT
Ụzọ (noun): Derived from the Igbo language, spoken primarily in southeastern Nigeria. The word generally means "road," "way," or "path," though it is often used metaphorically."

Our definition of Ụzọ represents journeying through Africa as an act of self-discovery and reconnection with ancestral lands, using travel to unite Africans all over the world."

At Ụzọ we unite people of African, Caribbean & or mixed heritage with African or Caribbean roots from around the world for unforgettable African adventures. Founded by Vanessa, a London-born traveller of Nigerian (Igbo) and Beninese heritage, our company was inspired by her deep love for Africa's landscapes, people, and culture. With extensive travel experience across the continent, Vanessa aims to share Africa's beauty in a safe and intimate setting. We connect like-minded travellers to explore Africa off the beaten path, avoiding crowded tourist traps, and respectfully immerse in local culture, while collaborating with indigenous businesses at every opportunity. Join us to discover Africa and make lifelong friendships.
02:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Welcome to Senegal! Nanga Def?
Location: Dakar

On the first day of our adventure, take some time to relax and settle into your beautiful hotel. After freshening up from your journey, we'll come together in the evening for a delightful welcome dinner just a short drive away. This is the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and start soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Dakar.

09:30 AM - 12:00 AM
This is Dakar
Location: Dakar

We’ll start with a short drive to the awe-inspiring Monument de la Renaissance, Africa’s tallest monument. Prepare for an adventure as we climb 197 steps to the base of this majestic bronze statue, where you’ll be rewarded with breath taking panoramic views of the vibrant city below. Inside, we'll tour the statue and explore African art exhibits.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Next, we'll take a scenic drive to the north-eastern part of Dakar to visit Africa’s only pink salt lake, Lake Retba. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lake, perfect for capturing stunning photos.
Then, it's time for some adrenaline-pumping action! Race up and down the sand dunes and speed through the Casuarina forest on ATVs or sand buggies—your choice. Keep an eye out for camels as you ride across the same dunes that hosted the famous Paris-Dakar and Africa Eco Races.
Afterward, we’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch just a short walk from the dunes, savoring a set menu of fresh, authentic cuisine.
With the day’s excitement behind us, we’ll return to the hotel for some well-deserved relaxation. Take a dip in one of the hotel’s two swimming pools or unwind at the private beach.




12:00 PM - 03:00 PM

We’ll conclude the evening with dinner at a sophisticated resort on the Cape Verde Peninsula, in the elegant Corniche neighborhood. Enjoy a delightful meal overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by great company.
See you tomorrow for more adventures!

09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Terre de la Terranga
Location: Dakar

In the morning, we’ll kick start our day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a short drive to Dakar’s bustling Sandaga Market. This vibrant hub of local culture is a sensory feast, where you’ll find everything from tailor-made dresses to handcrafted jewelry. Practice your haggling skills, soak up the lively atmosphere, and maybe even pick up a few words of Wolof along the way.
A quick coffee break will have us refreshed with Café Touba, Senegal’s signature spiced coffee. Its bold flavor will keep you energized as we continue our adventure.

12:00 PM - 01:45 PM

Next, it’s time for a safari at Bandia Wildlife Reserve. Hop into a 4x4 for a close encounter with Africa’s most majestic creatures. Guided by an expert, you’ll experience the thrill of seeing giraffes, rhinos, and more in their natural habitat—a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. We’ll top off the adventure with lunch at the highly recommended Safari Restaurant.

02:00 PM - 04:15 PM

Tonight, we’ll dive into Dakar's vibrant food culture with an unforgettable dinner at a Bantyii—an informal, lively outdoor grill where seasoned lamb sizzles over open flames. This is more than just a meal; it's a true taste of Senegalese tradition. As the smoky aroma fills the air, we'll mingle with locals, savoring the flavors that make these spots a cornerstone of Dakar's nightlife.
After dinner, the rhythm of Dakar takes over. We’ll head to the best spot for live music, where the night pulses with the sounds of West Africa. Dance, sway, and let the music carry you away as we celebrate under the stars, knowing there's nowhere else we’d rather be.
Finally, we’ll head back to the hotel for some well-deserved relaxation, giving you time to rest and recharge before another exciting evening in Dakar.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sleepy St. Louis
Location: St. Louis

Get ready for an early start! We’ll take the scenic route to St. Louis, the historic former capital of Senegal and the birthplace of the national dish, thieboudienne. Our day kicks off with brunch at the only Black female-owned hotel in St. Louis, where we’ll be warmly welcomed amidst vibrant local art and colorful boutique buildings.

12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

Next, we’ll explore the artsy charm of St. Louis with a horse carriage tour, passing by the beautifully preserved, colorful colonial-era buildings. Known as an African art lover's paradise, this city is a haven for photographers, with its numerous museums and year-round music festivals.
For lunch, we'll indulge in authentic Senegalese cuisine at the city's top spot. Don't miss the chance to savor thieboudienne Senegals national dish —though the choice is yours!

02:00 PM - 03:00 PM

As the day winds down, we'll head to the Lompoul Desert, arriving just in time to witness the sun setting in a breathtaking display of orange, pink, and purple hues. We’ll gather around a campfire for a traditional djembe session under the starry night sky, followed by a delicious meal in eco-friendly Bedouin-style tents.
After this packed day of adventure, we'll return to Dakar to rest and recharge!





01:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lets Surf & Chill!
Location: Dakar


After an action-packed week, today is all about relaxation and adventure at your own pace. Our day begins at 1 PM, giving you the chance to enjoy a leisurely morning.
We’ll depart for the indigenous-owned Surf Village, just a short drive away. Here, you can choose to stay back and unwind at the hotel with a full-body massage, a dip in one of the luxury pools, or lounging at the private spa.
If you’re up for more excitement, join us at the Surf Village for an hour-long surf lesson with some of Dakar’s best instructors, and catch waves in the Atlantic Ocean. If surfing isn’t your style, relax with traditional drinks and food at the beach restaurant or take a peaceful nap on Virage Beach.


08:00 PM - 09:00 PM

The evening wraps up with dinner at the Phar des Mamelles restaurant, perched atop the Les Mamelles Lighthouse—the highest point in Dakar. Enjoy panoramic city views, savor mouth-watering dishes, and dance the night away to live music at the hottest Friday night spot in town.



09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Goree Island

We will take a short ferry ride to Gorée Island, a place with deep historical significance. Originally established by the Dutch as a hub for the warehousing and eventual transportation of Africans to the Americas, Gorée bears witness to a tragic past. During our visit, we'll embark on a guided tour, tracing the steps of our ancestors and reflecting on their experiences. Despite the island’s harrowing history and ongoing challenges, the resilient local communities have carved out a safe and vibrant space. We'll have the opportunity to join them, enjoy a lunch together, and then return to the mainland of Dakar.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Upon arrival in Dakar, we'll kick off our adventure at the Marché Artisanal de Soumbédioune, perfect for grabbing local souvenirs and any last-minute essentials. Next, we'll hop over to N’Gor Island, where you can dive into activities like kayaking, pedal boating, or swimming—or simply unwind with local snacks and cocktails. For those curious, a stroll through the charming alleyways will reveal the island's hidden beauty. Afterward, we'll return to the hotel to freshen up before heading out to dance the night away in the vibrant heart of the city. Let’s go!





11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Jerrejeff Senegal

On our final day, we'll immerse ourselves in a traditional Senegalese cooking class, starting with a trip to the local market to gather ingredients. Together, we'll prepare and enjoy a communal meal, eating in the traditional Senegalese style—sharing one plate on the floor with our hands.

06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Afterward, we'll participate in a Djembe drumming lesson, embracing the rhythms of Senegal. We'll then return to the hotel to pack, pick up any last-minute items, and prepare for departure on Monday, ending our trip with an epic surprise.

Dakar Standard Package

£2000
  • Shared Occupancy (2 Single beds)
  • Monthly instalments with deposit
  • Deposit is non - refundable
  • Any refunds request for payments excluding the deposit will be honoured as long as request is made on or before 4 MARCH 2025
  • *Hotel details available two months before departure*

Dakar Standard Package

£2600
  • Single Occupancy
  • Monthly instalments with deposit
  • Deposit is non - refundable
  • Any refunds request for payments excluding the deposit will be honoured as long as a request is made on or before 4 MARCH 2025
  • *Hotel details available two months before departure*
  • London, UK

Of course you can! Ụzọ was created with solo travellers specifically in mind, so we strongly encourage solo travellers to join our trips.
Our trips are thoughtfully curated to cater to people of African, Caribbean, and mixed heritage (with African or Caribbean roots). One of our core missions is to create experiences where participants feel a deep sense of safety, connection, and belonging within a supportive community.
While our primary focus remains on these communities, we may explore the possibility of welcoming allies of the African diaspora on future trips to ensure a broader, yet respectful, engagement with our cultural experiences.

Senegal is one of the safest and most stable countries in West Africa, making it an ideal destination for tourists. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has rated Senegal as a Level 1 Precaution, meaning travelers are advised to exercise normal precautions. With its welcoming culture, vibrant cities, and scenic landscapes, Senegal offers a safe and enriching experience for visitors from around the world. ​https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/senegal-travel-advisory.html​​​
You DO NOT require a visa to travel to Senegal if you're from the following countries: 
  • A European Union country
  • UK
  • Benin
  • Brazil
  • Burkina Faso
  • Canada
  • Cabo Verde
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • China
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Ivory Coast
  • Djibouti
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • India
  • Japan
  • Liberia
  • Malaysia
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Morocco
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Togo
  • Tunisia
  • United States
  • Vatican City
This trip is geared towards participants aged 25+.
Each trip will have a maximum of 10 participants. 
To enter Senegal, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.

Transmission risk countries: 
Angola
Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad*
Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia*
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Côte d’Ivoire
(Ivory Coast)
Kenya*
Liberia
Mali*
Mauritania*
Niger*
Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Sudan*
Togo
Uganda
Argentina*
Bolivia*
Brazil*
Colombia*
Ecuador*
French Guiana
Guyana
Panama*
Paraguay*
Peru*
Suriname
Trinidad and Tobago*
Venezuela*
Yes! You have the option to pay for your trip in full or in monthly instalments.
Our trips are thoughtfully curated to cater to people of African, Caribbean, and mixed heritage (with African or Caribbean roots). One of our core missions is to create experiences where participants feel a deep sense of safety, connection, and belonging within a supportive community.
While our primary focus remains on these communities, we may explore the possibility of welcoming allies of the African diaspora on future trips to ensure a broader, yet respectful, engagement with our cultural experiences.