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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.