DAY 1
Arrival in Diass
We depart from Madrid, arrive in Dakar, and then transfer to Saly, with accommodation in a hotel on the Petite Côte. Overnight stay.
DAY 2
Mbour – Saly
We will take part in the different projects that KASSUMAY ONGD has launched. KASSUMAY dedicates its efforts to the empowerment of women and their children.
DAY 3
Petite Côte – Ziguinchor
Departure from Saly and arrival in Ziguinchor, in the Casamance region. We’ll travel to Gambia across the new Senegambia bridge, which replaces a ferry crossing over the Gambia River. Arriving in Ziguinchor, we’ll take a tour of the city before stopping at the Saint Maure des Fosses market, a unique place full of vibrant colours and rich aromas. Lodging will be at the Kadiandoumagne hotel or a similar type of hotel.
DAY 4
Diola Villages – Cap Skirring
On Day 4 we’ll begin the Diola route to Cap Skirring (south of the country), situated on the Atlantic Ocean, about 10 km from the border with Guinea Bissau. The first leg involves a traditional boat ride to Eloubaline. We'll pass through a rich landscape of mangrove flora before reaching the picturesque island with its “impluvium cabins”, beautiful circular Diola houses made of adobe mudbrick, with rooms that open out onto an inner courtyard. On the way back, we'll have lunch in the village of Oussouye – where the king is always dressed in red – and visit the town square. We’ll then walk to Edioungou (optional: bicycles) and see its animist altars. There, we'll meet one of Casamance's famous potters, Evelyne. In her workshop, she'll talk us through the entire manufacturing process, from clay collection in the bolongs to its subsequent firing, which is carried out using mangrove branches. If we have time, we may also be able to cycle to Senghalene to see the cashew nut processing factory. Dinner and lodging will be in Cap Skirring, at the Hibiscus hotel or a similar type of hotel.
DAY 5
Djimbering – Kachouane – Cap Skirring
On foot, we’ll head for the neighbouring village of Djimbering. Famous for its ceiba tree forest and its unspoilt beach, the village is one of the most traditional in the area. In each of its neighbourhoods, there’s the “Bombolong" tam-tam telephone made from tree trunks. We'll stop at the Sangawatt Museum to learn about Diola culture, before visiting the ECO-PARK reserve to find out about the different tree, flora and fauna species in danger of extinction. This forest area was threatened by land speculation, grazing and poaching, illegal logging for charcoal, and land clearing for rice production. It’s now used as a space to value, raise awareness of and protect the environment.
https://www.ecofund.org/fr/projet/casamance-ecoparc-ii.html
Lunch will be at the unbeatable location of Kachouane Island, on the banks of the Casamance River. We’ll then return to Cap Skirring to stroll through the centre and the village of Kabrousse. Lodging will be in Cap Skirring at the Hibiscus hotel.
DAY 6
Carabane Island – Mlomp – Cap Skirring
First, we’ll head to the fishing village of Elinkine. We’ll then travel by dugout canoe to Djiboma, where, depending on the season, you can try the palm wine made by the only family in the area. After, we'll visit Carabane Island and stroll through its village of the same name. The village was the first capital of Casamance. We’ll stop at the island's health centre, where you can donate medicine, and meet the friendly locals while wandering along the beach – a truly unforgettable moment. Lunch, which will be free, will be taken at a former Catholic mission now converted into a hotel. We’ll then return to land. On the way back to Cap, we’ll stop in Mlomp, known for its ancient traditions, gigantic ceiba trees and two-storey houses. The Hutendoukay, an eco-museum located close by, is a traditional museum whose exhibits reveal the unique secrets of rural Diola life. Dinner and lodging will be at the Hibiscus hotel or a similar type of hotel.
DAY 7
Enampore – Djilapao – Ziguinchor
Day 7 begins with a car journey to the Ziguinchor fishing port. There, we'll board one of the colourful dugout canoes and take a gentle trip along the Casamance River with its lush vegetation of mangroves and islands. We’ll stop at the bird island, where waders, pelicans, cormorants, kingfishers and a dozen other species live together in harmony. On the way to Djilapao, a village located in the middle of the Casamance forest, you’ll be able to see the night fishermen's floating camps. The Djilapao peninsula is home to a unique and artistic house that’s been transformed into a museum where you can learn about the daily life of its inhabitants. We’ll enjoy a lunch of local specialities in Affiniam, before returning to Ziguinchor. We’ll then transfer to the Kadiandoumagne hotel, or similar, for dinner and lodging.
DAY 8
Ziguinchor – Saloum Islands
Breakfast and early departure back to the north – never forgetting the beauty of the natural region, anchored in its animist beliefs but always open to the outside world. After border formalities, there will be another crossing of the new Senegambia bridge over the Gambia River. We’ll then continue our journey on to the natural region of Saloum. After arrival and check-in, we’ll have dinner and an overnight stay at the L’Ecolodge de or similar. Optional: return to Diass by plane and transfer to Simal.
DAY 9
Saloum Islands
Breakfast and transfer to Ndangane. By dugout canoe, the local means of transport, we'll travel through the bolong of the Saloum Delta. Declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site, we'll be able to see a whole range of birds in an area that’s made up of 200 islands and islets, as well as beautiful mangrove flora. We’ll then head to Mar Lodji island. After seeing the village, we’ll go to a restaurant run by local women. After preparing and sharing the food with them, we’ll learn the local dance – the best way to aid digestion. We’ll also have time to chat with the women who process local food products (local products, cereals, dyes) before returning to the Ecolodge, where we'll have dinner and spend the night.
DAY 10
Joal Fadiouth – Dakar / Gorée
Travelling towards the capital, we'll visit Sereres villages and perhaps come across a local market, where shepherds, farmers and more exchange their produce. We'll then take our car to the famous Joal Fadiouth village, birthplace of Senegal's first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor. Afterwards, we'll visit Fadiouth Shell Island with its unique artificial cemetery made of seashells and shared by both Christians and Muslims. Continuing on to the Port of Dakar, we'll take the ferry to the mythical Gorée Island. There, we’ll get settled into our hotel and enjoy a free lunch in an island restaurant. Declared a World Heritage Site, Gorée is a true historical monument, and we’ll visit the House of Slaves while there to learn about the slave trade. We’ll then walk through its narrow streets and get to see its beautiful colonial houses. Dinner and accommodation.
DAY 11
Gorée Island – Dakar – Departure
Breakfast will be at the hotel. We’ll then return to Dakar and stroll through its various landmarks. If time permits, we’ll stop in the Medina area to chat with the local artists to gain an insight into their beautiful imaginations. At the scheduled time, we’ll head to the airport to take the flight back to Madrid.
SERVICES INCLUDED
Inbound and Outbound travel
Stays in hotels or camps, Half Board and Full Board, except on arrival and departure days
Air-conditioned vehicle for the entire trip
All visits described in the programme
All activities mentioned on the route
Gambian border crossing
Spanish speaking guide
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
Drinks and personal expenses
Tips
Ziguinchor – Diass domestic flight
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