Tour Overview
This 14-day comprehensive journey takes you through the most culturally rich and visually stunning regions of Southern Senegal and the remote eastern areas around Kédougou. This meticulously crafted expedition offers an unparalleled immersion into the diverse cultural tapestry of Senegal's Casamance region and the fascinating Bedik and Bassari communities in the east. You'll experience everything from lush mangrove forests and pristine beaches in Casamance to the dramatic mountainous landscapes of Bassari Country, with opportunities to interact with local communities whose traditions have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The journey begins in The Gambia and moves systematically through the cultural heartland of Casamance, known for its distinct traditions, vibrant markets, and complex history, before venturing into the wildlife-rich areas of Tambacounda and the Niokolo Koba National Park. The final leg explores the remote cultural enclaves of the Bedik and Bassari people, offering rare insights into their unique ways of life. This itinerary balances structured activities with free time, ensuring you can absorb the experiences at a comfortable pace while covering significant ground efficiently.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Diola, Bedik, and Bassari cultures
- Experience Casamance beaches and colonial heritage
- Explore remote islands and mangroves
- Safari in Niokolo-Koba National Park
- Visit historic gold mines and multi-story traditional huts
- Trek to Dindéfélo Waterfall in Eastern Senegal
- Interact with local artisans, musicians, and village leaders
Day-by-Day Itinerary
This carefully paced overland circuit links two of Senegal’s most contrasting regions: the tropical, watery world of Casamance (southwest Senegal) and the rugged, sacred plateaus of eastern Senegal around Kédougou. You’ll travel by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English/French-speaking guide, cross mangrove channels by canoe, step into living Diola and Bassari culture at village museums and sacred groves, sleep a night on a remote island in the mangrove, and explore Niokolo-Koba’s wildlife by safari vehicle and by river. In the east, Bedik communities reveal centuries-old animist customs, hilltop villages and the dramatic Dindéfélo waterfall. The route is immersive and varied: markets and artisans, potters and cashew workshops, colonial ruins on Carabane, canoe rides, a hippo & bird boat safari on the River Gambia, park game drives, and several gentle to moderate walks. The entire program is designed for travelers who value culture, nature, and off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Day 01 :
Arrival in The Gambia
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Banjul International Airport where you'll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the Kololi area. Depending on your arrival time, you may have opportunity to settle in and relax after your journey.
- Evening: Enjoy a leisurely evening acclimating to the West African climate. Your guide will provide a comprehensive briefing about the adventure ahead over dinner (on your own account).
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Kololi area
- Meals: None included this day
Day 02 :
Journey to Ziguinchor, Capital of Casamance
- 7:00 AM: Early departure from Kololi after breakfast. We begin our journey south toward the Gambia-Casamance border crossing.
- Late Morning: Complete border formalities at the Trans-Gambian crossing point before continuing into the Casamance region, noticeably greener and more tropical than northern Senegal.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Ziguinchor, the cultural and administrative capital of Casamance. Check into the Kadiandoumagne Hotel, known for its comfortable rooms and beautiful riverside location 3.
- 3:00 PM: After lunch, embark on a guided city tour including the vibrant Saint-Maur market where you can observe daily commerce and local specialties 3. Visit the artisans' market to see traditional crafts.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at the hotel's restaurant, which offers excellent seafood dishes and a relaxing atmosphere by the Casamance River 3.
- Travel Time: Approximately 6-7 hours including border crossing
- Accommodation: Kadiandoumagne Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03 :
Oussouye and the Sacred Kingdoms
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Oussouye, a town known for its traditional Jola culture and spiritual significance.
- Mid-Morning: Take a canoe journey through mangrove channels to Eloubaline Island, a traditional village with strong animist traditions where you'll learn about Diola community life.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch followed by a visit to a potters' village to witness demonstrations of ancient pottery techniques passed down through generations.
- Late Afternoon: Experience the highlight of the day - an audience with the King of Oussouye in the Sacred Grove. Learn about the spiritual traditions and governance system of the Jola people 9.
- Evening: Continue to Cap Skirring and check into your beachfront hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
- Accommodation: Cap Skirring beach hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04 :
Djembering and Diola Cultural Exploration
- Morning: Visit the picturesque village of Djembering to see its famous cheese garden and learn about the symbolic telephone drums used for communication. Marvel at the giant cheese maker sculpture in the village square.
- Afternoon: Explore the Sangawatt Museum, an open-air museum dedicated to Diola culture. Gain insights into their spiritual practices, initiation rites, and daily traditions.
- Late Afternoon: Witness the return of the fishermen to shore, a dramatic daily event as colorful pirogues arrive with the day's catch.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at your hotel with evening free to relax on the beach or enjoy hotel amenities.
- Accommodation: Cap Skirring beach hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05 :
Cabrousse and Cap Skirring Discovery
- Morning: Visit the village of Cabrousse, birthplace of Aline Sitoé Diatta, the legendary resistance heroine of Casamance. Learn about her courageous stand against colonial oppression.
- Mid-Morning: Explore Cap Skirring proper, discovering how this former fishing village transformed into Senegal's premier beach destination after the establishment of Club Med in the 1960s .
- Afternoon: Visit the Kadiout Museum to further understand the region's history and cultural heritage.
- Evening: Option to dine at your hotel or at a local restaurant specializing in fresh seafood.
- Accommodation: Cap Skirring beach hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06 :
Oussouye's Artisanal Traditions
- Morning: Return to Oussouye to visit the Kalamisso basketball workshop where local artisans craft unique items from recycled materials.
- Mid-Day: Meet with Joseph, a local expert who will explain the significance of the cashew tree to the region's economy and culture, including tasting opportunities.
- Afternoon: Visit the Royal House to deepen your understanding of the area's traditional governance structures.
- Evening: Return to Cap Skirring for dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Cap Skirring beach hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07 :
Island Hopping in the Casamance Delta
- Full Day: Embark on an island-hopping adventure through the intricate waterways of the Casamance Delta:
- Carabane Island: Discover the colonial history, including the remains of the re-education school, the tomb of Captain Protet, and the Portuguese-built church 10.
- Wendaye Island: Meet with a local beekeeper and taste unique baobab honey.
- Lunch on Effrane Island.
- Continue to Egueye Island for an overnight stay in this remote, wild setting known for its wildlife including hyenas, bushbucks, and rare birds.
- Note: Pack a small overnight bag for this adventure as main luggage will remain stored.
- Accommodation: Basic eco-lodge on Egueye Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08 :
Mlomp and Return to Mainland
- Morning: Return to the mainland and visit Elinkine, an important fishing port inhabited by both Catholic Diolas and Muslim Niominkas. Observe the large fish drying sheds where traditional preservation methods are used.
- Afternoon: Journey to Pointe Saint Georges for potential manatee spotting before visiting Mlomp to see its famous multi-story huts built from banco (earth and straw mixture). Explore the Diola Museum with its collection of everyday objects.
- Evening: Return to your hotel in Cap Skirring for dinner and relaxation.
- Accommodation: Cap Skirring beach hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09 :
Transfer to Wassadou and Gambia River Safari
- 5:00 AM: Early departure after breakfast for the long journey to Wassadou (approximately 6-7 hours driving time).
- Afternoon: Arrive at Wassadou Camp, check in, and enjoy lunch. Take a boat trip on the Gambia River to observe wildlife including hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and abundant bird species.
- Evening: Relax at the camp overlooking the river with dinner served onsite.
- Travel Time: Approximately 6-7 hours
- Accommodation: Wassadou Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 :
Niokolo Koba National Park and Transfer to Kédougou
- Early Morning: Safari experience in Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal's largest protected area. Look for wildlife including lions, leopards, wild dogs, chimpanzees, baboons, and numerous antelope species, along with abundant birdlife.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch before continuing the journey to Kédougou, the gateway to Eastern Senegal's cultural regions.
- Evening: Check into Le Bédik Hotel with dinner onsite.
- Accommodation: Le Bédik Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 :
Gold Panning and Bedik Village Experience
- Morning: Visit the Bantaco gold mining site to witness traditional gold panning techniques, an ancestral practice that continues despite modern industrial mining operations.
- Afternoon: Travel to Bandafassi in the heart of Bedik Country. Check into the Chez Leontine Campsite before visiting Iwol, a traditional Bedik village perched dramatically on hillsides.
- Evening: Enjoy authentic dinner and cultural exchange with the local community.
- Accommodation: Chez Leontine Campsite
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 :
Bedik and Bassari Cultural Immersion
- Morning: Visit additional Bedik villages including Angel Village. The Bedik are a minority Catholic-animist ethnic group who fled Islamization and maintained their traditional practices in isolated hill settlements. Observe women wearing distinctive nose sticks made from porcupine quills.
- Afternoon: Enter Bassari Country and visit Ethiolo Village to meet Balingo, the living memory of the Bassari people. Learn about their unique culture and traditions over lunch.
- Evening: Continue to Dindéfélo for dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Dindéfélo lodge or camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 :
Fulani Village and Historic Cave Exploration
- Morning: Visit the Fulani village of Dandé, spectacularly perched atop a mountain. Explore the historic cave of Dandé with its impressive geological formations, once used as refuge by Bedik and Bassari people escaping Islamization.
- Afternoon: Additional cultural interactions and exploration of the surrounding landscape.
- Evening: Return to Dindéfélo or Dandé for dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Dindéfélo or Dandé lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 :
Dindéfélo Waterfall and Return to Kololi
- 7:00 AM: Early departure after breakfast for the long return journey to Kololi in The Gambia.
- Morning: Stop to visit the magnificent Dindéfélo Waterfall, requiring a 30-40 minute walk through lush forest.
- Mid-Day: Enjoy farewell lunch in Dindéfélo village.
- Afternoon: Continue the journey with a stop in Kédougou to explore its vibrant market, particularly known for fabrics imported from Guinea Conakry and Mali.
- 5:00 PM: Approximate arrival in Kololi, The Gambia, where you'll be dropped at your hotel or the airport depending on your arrangements.
- Travel Time: Approximately 10 hours with stops
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included / included
Includes / What’s included
- Transportation: All transfers in air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary, including border crossing fees
- Accommodation: Is optional either Half Board or full Board for 13 nights in hotels, campsites, and eco-lodges as specified
- Water
- Activities & Entrances: All entrance fees to museums, parks, and reserves mentioned; canoe and 4x4 rides as specified
- Guiding Services: Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Cultural Experiences: All arranged cultural interactions, village visits, and demonstrations
Excluded / What’s not included
- International flights to Banjul International Airport
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Visa fees for The Gambia or Senegal if applicable
- Drinks and beverages not specified
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)
- Items not specifically mentioned as included
Trip info — practical tips & packing
- Documents: Passport, any visa (check national rules), vaccination card (yellow fever recommended/proof may be required), travel insurance.
- Clothing: Lightweight breathable clothing for coastal/mangrove days, a warm layer for nights in the highlands, sturdy walking shoes for hikes and Dindéfelo waterfall, hat and rain jacket in wet season.
- Health & safety: Carry insect repellent and malaria prophylaxis as advised by your health provider. Bring a small first-aid kit and personal meds. For river and island days, wear non-slip water shoes.
- Money: Local cash (CFA for Senegal; Gambian dalasi while in The Gambia). Credit cards accepted in larger hotels but not in villages.
- Connectivity & power: Rural areas have sporadic power and signal. Bring power bank & plug adaptors.
- Cultural: Dress modestly in villages; always ask before photographing people, and modest tips or purchases at artisan stalls are appreciated.
