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Let’s explore Senegal — from the wild landscapes of Lake Retba to a safari in Bandia, local villages, and the ocean. Feel the Teranga spirit, the African blues, and an adventure that’ll change you — bonfires, nature, and new friends included.

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Party and nightlife
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Itinerary

This is a trip for true explorers! The journey is created based on the discovery of the Teranga people, “the people of welcome,” and to leave you speechless in front of wild landscapes and fascinating traditions from afar! We’ll have an incredible experience that will take us in 10 days to explore one of the pearls of unexplored Africa: Senegal, and discover all its most beautiful corners.

Get ready for all sorts of adventures: dinner around a bonfire on the shores of Lake Retba, a day in the Bandia Reserve to see the savanna animals, an immersion in the Sine Saloum Biosphere Reserve, where we’ll have an incredible experience surrounded by the lush nature of this area. We’ll visit local villages and help a non-profit volunteer organization that welcomes street children in Senegal! Not to mention the African sunsets that will leave us speechless! And of course, some well-deserved relaxation is a must: a few days by the sea. We’ll return home refreshed, with a backpack full of memories and just that little bit of 'Africa blues' that affects everyone, but new friends will be there to ease this nostalgia.

A map showing a travel itinerary that starts and ends in Dakar City, with the route marked by connected points.
A colorful boat with the Senegalese flag on its bow floats in calm water.

Check-in: our adventure kicks off in Dakar

Flights to and from the destination aren't included in the package, so you can decide where to fly from, at what time, and with the airline you prefer. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice.

Our adventure kicks off in the capital of Senegal: Dakar! After all the entry formalities, we'll head to the hotel and use these first few hours on Senegalese soil to get acquainted with this new country we're sure to fall in love with soon!

An aerial view of a small island with red-roofed buildings, a harbor with boats, and a stone fort in the blue sea.

A dive into the past

Our adventure on African soil officially begins: after a good breakfast, we meet our guide and set off. We hop on the ferry that will take us to the small island of Gorée, a historical and natural wonder. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it's known for the poignant Maison des Esclaves, the House of Slaves. The island was indeed both a primary trading post for commerce between Africa and the Americas, and an important hub for the slave trade from the Senegal and Gambia region to the plantations of the Caribbean and the United States.

Today Gorée is a vibrant artistic centre for artisans, symbols of its cultural rebirth. We take a stroll to discover its most hidden corners and are left speechless by its immaculate beauty: the cobbled streets, the pastel-coloured colonial houses, and the bougainvillea create a picturesque atmosphere, contrasting with the island's painful history. The cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the small beaches bring peace and tranquility. We enjoy a delicious lunch by the sea before continuing our journey.

The Monument of Rebirth

We head back to Dakar and start making our way to the famous Lake Retba, where some relaxation and a spectacular sunset await us. But first, a must-see stop at the Monument of the African Renaissance, a colossal 49-meter-high bronze statue inaugurated in 2010. Depicting a man, a woman, and a child pointing towards the horizon, it symbolizes the redemption and rebirth of Africa after centuries of oppression and colonialism. Designed by Senegalese sculptor Pierre Goudiaby Atepa, the monument was built on a hill offering a panoramic view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

A view from the water of a tropical coastline with a sandy beach, palm trees, and buildings under a clear blue sky.

Let's start breathing in the Teranga

This morning, breakfast is local: caffè touba, tapalapa, or thiakry… there’s something for everyone’s taste, and it’s a 100% dive into Senegalese culture! After that, we’re ready for our day on Ngor Island, which starts with a short pirogue trip from the coast of Dakar. The crossing, amidst crystal-clear waters and colorful pirogues, sets the mood for the island’s relaxed vibe. Once we arrive, you’ll be greeted by picturesque alleys and brightly colored houses. As we wander, we’ll discover art galleries and local artisan workshops, where you can admire Senegalese art and chat with the artists.

For lunch, we’ll settle into a beachfront restaurant. Fresh fish, grilled and served with the typical thieboudienne, is the star of a simple yet delicious meal, accompanied by ocean views and the gentle sound of the waves. How about some water sports? Surfing enthusiasts can catch the waves the island is famous for, while those seeking relaxation can try snorkeling or SUP, or simply chill on the beach… the choice is yours! As the sun sets, it’s time to head back to the mainland and get ready for our dinner by the famous Pink Lake, where we’ll spend the night in our bungalow!

A WeRoad group trip riding quad bikes on sand dunes along a beach with the ocean in the background.

Quads and adrenaline

Let's kick off the day with a good dose of adrenaline in lunar-like landscapes! Our quad bike excursion will take us along the shores of the famous lake, through picturesque villages, to the coast via sand dunes and the endless beaches of the Senegalese coast! And with a nice dip in the sea to cool off together and a BBQ lunch by the sea, we wrap the morning in the best way.

After lunch, we'll head to Toubab Dialaw, located on the Atlantic coast of Senegal. It's a picturesque fishing village famous for its enchanting beaches and artistic vibe.

Pink Hills Trekking

These hills get their name from the pinkish hues of the clay rocks. We'll cover about 5-7km in this fascinating setting that blends nature, breathtaking views, and an immersion into local culture. And we'll do it just before sunset, when the hills' colors intensify and the atmosphere becomes magical.

A hut with a thatched roof stands next to two large baobab trees on a sandy riverbank under a bright blue sky.

A special morning

We're in for a truly special morning. We'll be guests at the Maison Des Enfants, a reception and volunteer Onlus center focused on street children in Senegal, commonly known as “Talibè Children”. We’ll bring gifts and receive smiles and joy from these amazing kids!

Everyone on the saddle in the Niassam Hills

For lunch, we'll roll south towards a place of enchanting beauty. The day continues with a horseback ride through the hills of Niassam, across a boundless landscape dotted with majestic centuries-old baobabs standing like giants in the sky. After the ride, we'll continue with a visit to the splendid colored salt pools and observe the women working there using traditional methods, but only after enjoying a gourmet lunch with this spectacular view.

After this intense day, some well-deserved relaxation, we'll arrive towards evening in the Sine Saloum Reserve, enjoy the sunset, and dinner.

A WeRoad group trip paddles in kayaks on a calm river, navigating through a dense mangrove forest.

Kayak in the Reserve

Today we'll soak up the peace of this quiet and wild place. We'll explore the area with a relaxing kayak excursion, to discover one of the richest and most fascinating ecosystems in Senegal: between mangroves, the calm river water and the singing of birds, we'll immerse ourselves in the tranquility of this enchanting place.

The magic of Joal Fadiouth

After lunch, we head back north and continue towards Joal Fadiouth, a fascinating village on an island made of shells, known for its harmonious coexistence between Christians and Muslims… a truly unique place in the world! Before reaching our hotel, we’ll make a rather special stop: the Sacred Baobab, an imposing ancient tree that houses a colony of bats inside its hollow trunk, a symbol of spirituality and legend for the local populatio. You can even go inside - who will be the bravest?

Once we reach our hotel in Mbour, on the Petite Cote, we’ll get ready for a special dinner - we’ll be guests in a typical local village, where we’ll be welcomed by the energy of the children and, amidst traditional dances and food, we’ll truly understand what Teranga! means.

A WeRoad group trip and a local community with many children pose together for a photo in a village.

Market visit

What awaits us is a truly local morning. We'll start with a visit to the Mbour market, a melting pot of sounds, colors, and flavors that perfectly represents Senegalese daily life. And we'll dive into the hustle and bustle to buy some gifts (rice, potatoes, onions, etc.) for our upcoming visits!

Lunch in the village and a relaxed dinner!

For lunch, we'll be guests in another small village, so get ready for another wave of excitement from the kids who'll run to meet us. And while we play and explore the village, something's cooking! We'll see how the women get busy preparing lunch for everyone, and if we fancy, we can even try to help them! We'll enjoy lunch, just like them, sitting under the big Baobab tree, on the ground and with the village elders… we'll feel right at home! And here too, it's Teranga! And for dinner? A relaxing evening by the sea awaits us, watching the sunset, accompanied by the sound of drums and the warmth of a wonderful bonfire on the beach. We'll dine here with our feet in the sand.

A lioness and a snarling male lion with a thick mane lie on top of a metal cage.

Jeep tour!

It’s time for our jeep tour where we’ll have the chance to spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, rhinos, and many other African species in a protected habitat… just like a safari! After a journey of about two hours in this immense forest, aboard our off-road vehicle, we’ll reach the Africa Ranch, home to the undisputed kings of the savanna: the lions! We'll be the ones in a cage, whilst they're free in their natural environment, as they majestically move among the trees and rest in the shade: a truly incredible experience! 

Ever dreamed of getting up close with lion cubs? Small and fluffy, they’ll be right there for those who want it, ready to play with us! But beware! If you give them a finger, they’ll take the whole arm :)

Chill vibes, beach days, and buzzing nights out.

After our little lunch in the Bandia Reserve, we’re throwing on our swimsuits and grabbing our towels. Time to chill by the sea until evening! After this truly exciting morning, we’ll head to our hotel in Somone, where we’ll be staying for the last three nights to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. What do you say, shall we enjoy our pool for a bit? We can organize a dinner at the hotel or go out and discover the nightlife of this little seaside village.

An aerial view of a coastal resort village with thatched-roof huts along a sandy beach and turquoise ocean.

Fabric Workshop

This morning we're feeling a bit artistic and joining a bogolan workshop, an ancient natural fabric dyeing technique that uses clay, leaves, and other organic materials to create intricate patterns. The workshop is a fascinating place where traditional African art comes to life. Our master will show us all the secrets of the creative process: ready to create your own custom fabric? Each piece will be unique and represent the deep connection we'll take home from this wonderful land!

Word on the street: chill out!

The return is getting closer, so we'll spend the rest of the day totally chilling: what better place than the Somone lagoon? It’s up to us to decide how to spend these last hours: wandering through the markets to buy the last souvenirs? Or maybe a final dip in the sea, or even a surf lesson…

Whatever activity we choose, we'll spend the day here, in a truly stunning location that will also be the chosen spot for our farewell lunch! In the afternoon, however, our canoe tour awaits us to explore the area and look for local wildlife: herons, flamingos, pelicans, and of course, catch another beautiful sunset!

A group of children sitting and playing on a rocky shore, with a wooden pier spanning the water in the background.

It's time to say goodbye

What a journey! With our backpacks full of memories, hearts full of new friends, and eyes full of this gem of Africa, we're heading home! Finally, we'll know what it means to have a 'touch of Africa' too. One thing's for sure, we'll see each other again soon!

What's included

  • 9 nights in a twin or triple or quadruple shared room with private bathroom

  • 9 breakfasts
  • Welcome Dinner at Lake Rose

  • Visit to Gorée and the House of Slaves
  • Transfer by canoe to Ngor Island

  • Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)

What's not included

Round-trip flights to and from the destination
  • Food and beverages when not specified
  • Tips

  • All the extras you'll want to buy and manage to fit in your backpack :)
  • All that is not mentioned in "what's included"

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

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Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Overnight stays will be in shared rooms with the group and will have a private bathroom

  • Local culture

    From February 7, 2027, to March 8, 2027, it's Ramadan. This means the trip might see some changes depending on public venue opening hours. Packed lunches will become our best mate, and we'll be able to eat in private areas during the day. Being a WeRoader also means respecting local traditions like this one – it'll be a chance to get to know them even better!  

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalDakar (DSS)
ReturnDakar (DSS)
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WeRoadX

This is a WeRoadX

A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.

This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

About WeRoad

About Senegal

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