Discover Senegal plus Jazz – DSJ

With its unique blend of local and international talent, the Saint Louis Jazz Festival has become a renowned platform for music enthusiasts, artists, and travellers. The festival features an exciting lineup of both local and international artists, showcasing their talents o, creating a lively atmosphere that captivates music lovers from around the world.

Our exploration of Senegal ecommences with the historic town of Saint Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its amazing and rich history and vibrant arts scene. Experience the unique Senegal cuisine and culture.

Commences and concludes Dakar.

Itinerary

Day 1 Tuesday: Arrival Dakar

On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation. This evening your knowledgeable cultural tour guide will advise you on our planned activities and what to look forward to during your stay in Senegal. Overnight at Ndiambour Hotel.

Day 2 Wednesday: Historical Dakar

After breakfast, begin your city tour of Dakar and its surrounds. You will travel by the presidential palace and the main church before continuing along the seafront route to Soumbedioune craft market, and the mosque de la revelation. The journey to Dakar will emphasize the distinctions between rich residential areas and other popular neighborhoods. You will also visit important locations such as Kermel and Sanfaga markets. The Renaissance Monument, which looms above Dakar and is taller than the Statue of Liberty, is the next stop. The once-contentious bronze statue is now a popular attraction for both locals and visitors.

Continue at the city centre to the Museum of Black Civilization, Africa’s most contemporary and comprehensive museum, with historical objects from across the continent. Dinner will be served in a special restaurant before driving back to the hotel for overnight. Overnight at Ndiambour Hotel or similar.

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Day 3 Thursday: Dakar – Gorée Island

We will travel after breakfast to Gorée Island with a twenty-minute ferry ride, a now peaceful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the often-calm lanes adorned with pastel-colored colonial-era structures. The House of Slaves, which recounts Goree’s history, is one of the most notable buildings here. Examine the “Door of No Return,” which millions of people went through on their journey to slavery. The curator will walk you through Goree’s life in the past.

After lunch on this site, there will be time to explore the Town Square, the Historical Museum, and the quiet lanes dotted with pastel-colored cottages. Return to Dakar. Today’s dinner will be held in another place to better feel Dakar by night. Overnight at Ndiambour Hotel or similar.

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Day 4 Friday: Dakar – Pink Lake – Thies – St Louis

After breakfast, begin your journey to Saint Louis. On the way to the North, our first stop will be at Pink Lake. Retba Lake, from its original appellation, is a unique natural phenomenon caused by an uncommon combination of microorganisms and a high salt concentration, which results in the lake’s pink color. The color is no longer often pink due to increasing salt production.

Interact with the women harvesting salt, visit a village and then continue to Thies for lunch. Thies is well known as the city of crafts, with its beautiful baskets woven by local artists. You will be able to purchase hats and other products at reduced prices. Continue to Saint Louis, where you will arrive late in the afternoon. Check into your accommodation, have dinner, and get ready for the spectacular Jazz Festival this evening. Overnight at Residence Hotel or similar.

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Day 5 Saturday: St Louis – City Tour

Following a well-deserved breakfast, we embark on a tour by horse-drawn carriage to explore the narrow streets of this area and the Kingdom of the Signars, founded in the middle of the 17th century. The Signars are mixed-race women who descended from African mothers and European fathers. Stop at the Governor’s Palace, a fortress built in the 18th century.

We will visit the Nguet Ndar area, the famous fishing village situated between the river and the Atlantic Ocean. After lunch, let’s cross the bridge again to visit the main open-air market of St Louis.

We will get ready for dinner and the spectacular Jazz Festival this evening. Overnight at Residence Hotel or similar.

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Day 6 Sunday: St Louis – Langue de Barbarie

This morning, we will take a boat ride along the Senegal River to visit the National Bird Park of Langue de Barbarie. This reserve has a rich and varied ecosystem. It is a unique combination of mangroves, sand dunes and swamps situated between the river and the ocean. Many different species thrive in this wonderful place for nature lovers, photographers and birdwatchers.

Return to Saint Louis for a free afternoon to recharge and relax, then dine before the final night of the Saint Louis Jazz Festival festivities. Overnight at Residence Hotel or similar.

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Day 7 Monday: St Louis – Touba – Saly Beach

Depart from St. Louis today for Touba, the Holy City of the Mouride Brotherhood. Discover West Africa’s sole city that is independent of the central government, where people pay no taxes. Touba’s independent rule has been compared to the Vatican.

With appropriate attire, we will visit the main facilities, including the main mosque, which is one of the most magnificent in Africa, and learn about the history of the founder of Mouridism. We will drive from Touba to Saly Beach Resort. Enjoy our included farewell dinner with a folkloric ballet. Overnight at Royam Saly.

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Day 8 Tuesday: Departure

Today is at leisure for individual activities. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

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