From the Bush to the Beach

Reception at Dakar airport, then immediate departure towards the Lake Rose (Lac Retba), known for its violet-coloured waters and high salt content.

Accommodation at Chez Salim (or similar depending on availability), in the heart of the dunes and by a swimming pool.

Lunch is planned at a bamboo restaurant, set on a shell mound that offers a view of the lake.

After lunch, you head towards Kayar, presented as the largest artisanal fishing center.

On site, our village guide accompanies you to observe the arrival of fishermen, the unloading of buckets, the removal of pirogues from the water, negotiations on the sand, the loading of carts, as well as the stages of salting, smoking, drying of non-saleable species and the sale of the finest catches under the hall.

You then continue your journey to Saint-Louis, where you settle in at the hotel. Dinner and night by the ocean.

This day takes you first to Gandiolais, a market gardening region, then to the Langue de Barbarie National Park. You board a pirogue to sail down the river along the bird island, where many species come to nest such as terns, gulls and pelicans.

You then set foot on the sandy tongue of land, between river and ocean, a territory frequented by sea turtles that come to lay their eggs. Navigation continues to the historic mouth of the Sénégal River, with perhaps the possibility of observing pink flamingos.

Lunch is planned at a lodge on the riverbank, followed by a moment of relaxation and swimming, at the pool, in the river or in the ocean.

In the afternoon, you take to the road to reach the Lompoul Desert. A 4x4 is necessary to cross the dunes and reach this Saharan setting.

Upon arrival, you settle into a charming bivouac, located in the heart of an oasis in the middle of the dunes.

You then enjoy your first camel ride, in a landscape overlooking the desert and the coast. At the bivouac, a welcome cocktail awaits you before a traditional meal consisting of kid goat couscous with vegetables accompanied by Moroccan wine, to the sound of djembes and local dances, followed by Sénégal tea.

The night takes place under khaïmas, traditional Moorish tents equipped with full bedding and a private bathroom.

After breakfast, you depart by 4x4 vehicle towards the village using cart tracks that wind around the dunes, in a Sahelian landscape dotted with acacias. Along the way, your guide will present you with the agricultural techniques used to produce vegetables in the hollows of the dunes, as well as the workings of traditional goat and sheep herding.

You then pass through Mékhé, known as the shoe capital, with a stop to visit a few shops.

We continue along a road offering an exceptional panorama of the baobab forest of Sindia.

Lunch at Somone, at Rasta's, in a convivial atmosphere, with discovery of local flavors.

We then arrive at your hotel, the Yuma Lodge or similar establishment, depending on availability.

Free afternoon: relaxation, beach, swimming pool or optional excursions.

Dinner, entertainment and overnight stay at the hotel.

You leave your hotel in the morning to head towards Dakar.

Upon your arrival at the port, you board the Gorée shuttle boat.

The approach to the Gorée Island reveals beautiful views of the cliffs, colonial houses and flower-lined streets. Upon arrival, you will be dazzled by this island with colonial charm.

The visit begins on the island of Gorée with a visit to the House of Slaves, commented by the curator. A well-documented exhibition there recalls the history of slavery. You then continue with a stroll through the flower-lined streets of the historic city, before discovering the church.

Lunch is planned on the island of Gorée.

Early in the afternoon, you travel to Dakar by boat to discover several places in the city: Independence Square, former colonial buildings, the train station, the cathedral, the presidential palace and Kermel market. From the corniche, you enjoy a panorama of the Madeleine Islands at sunset. The route also passes through the Ouakam mosque and then the African Renaissance monument.

The day ends with a final dinner according to your flight schedule in a restaurant in Dakar.