A road trip through culture, mangroves, and magical baobabs in Senegal

All set for your trip to Senegal? Get to the airport on time, pick a good movie for your flight, and get ready for a warm welcome in Toubab Dialaw. This quiet village by the ocean is perfect for unwinding after your flight and starting your journey full of energy.

After a short drive, you’ll unpack your luggage at the pier. The final leg to your accommodation is by speedboat. After half an hour of sightseeing and enjoying a lovely breeze, you’ll arrive at your accommodation. Feel free to step out barefoot and follow the sandy path to your colorful cabin with an open-air shower. Here, there’s only one thing to do: relax. Play table tennis or volleyball, chill in one of the hammocks, or hop into a kayak to explore the water before enjoying the starry sky in complete silence in the evening.

In Toubacouta, everything revolves around the water and the mangroves. You’ll head into the delta by canoe or boat, spot birds like pelicans and flamingos, and glide past small islands where life moves at a slow pace. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a little more peace and quiet before crossing the border into Gambia.

Ready for a border crossing? Today you’re heading to Gambia! About half an hour after you arrive, you’ll cross the water. You can do this on a large (boring, and slow) ferry… OR you can climb onto someone’s shoulders as they toss you into a fishing boat to make the crossing. In Gambia, you can visit the bustling but fun markets with Isatou, a Gambian fashion designer. Afterward, you’ll head to Gunjur, where you’ll find peace and quiet again and enjoy stunning views from the beach thanks to the Sand Mosque, a large mosque that literally sits on the beach among the palm trees.

Back in Senegal, it’s time to get to know the local cuisine. In Abéné, you can stop by Khady’s guesthouse to prepare a delicious Senegalese dish together and learn to play the djembe. If all goes well, you’ll have delicious chicken yassa on the table that evening, and you’ll provide the background music yourselves. Enjoy!

You can also visit the Arbre sacré in the village, a fusion of six trees into one, creating a unique sight. The tree is said to be 1,500 years old and symbolizes Senegal and its various tribes and religions. 

If you picture a paradise island, chances are it looks just like this. A small island with about 10 charming rooms, a spacious restaurant with a souvenir shop that benefits the locals, and nothing but nature beyond that. On the island, you can go for a hike or a walk, paddleboard in the morning to fully enjoy the sunrise, or hop on a boat and explore the mangroves in search of crocodiles. Settle into your own hammock, or find a cozy bench along the shore and enjoy the peace and quiet. 

A nice bonus: the food is delicious, featuring a fresh mix of shrimp, fish, and chicken.

Wide beaches lined with palm trees, warm Atlantic waters, and a laid-back atmosphere: the fun just keeps going. Settle into the sand, take a long walk south along the beach—where you can even cross the border into Guinea-Bissau right on the sand—take a refreshing dip, or explore the lively town center with its restaurants and clubs. 

At 1 p.m., the ferry departs from the port city of Ziguinchor to travel back to Dakar in the north. For the first 4 hours, you’ll still be on the Senegal River, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the dolphins leaping playfully around the ferry. 

As evening approaches, you’ll head out into the Atlantic Ocean, where, surrounded by nothing but water, you’ll quietly get closer and closer to Dakar. Make sure to get some sleep, as you’ll arrive in Dakar early in the morning.

Now that you’ve finally arrived in Dakar, there are plenty of options. Head to Goree Island to learn more about its dark history of slavery, or visit the African Renaissance Monument or one of the other museums on the mainland. Dakar also offers beautiful beaches with charming beach bars and restaurants—the perfect way to wrap up your final days in West Africa. 

Still need souvenirs or want to wander around the city? Then head south to the Dakar Plateau and get lost in the alleys and markets.

All good things must come to an end, and so does this wonderful adventure through Kenya. Fully rested, you pack your bags to catch the flight home. With a lovely healthy glow on your cheeks, you board the plane, and with your eyes closed and your seat reclined, you drift off into a dream, reliving the amazing adventures you’ve experienced. Full of inspiration and with an abundance of wonderful memories, you open the front door. Untouched nature, lush wildlife, an inspiring population, and bustling cities. You now have plenty of stories to share with your family and friends later by the fireplace. Welcome home! One adventure over, but another series of experiences richer.