Example trip

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

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Highlights

Boat trips, beach, nature, culture, urban life, local cuisine

Location

Senegal, Gambia

Budget

From € 2.200,- p.p. excl. flight tickets

Discover the warmth and charm of Senegal

Your two weeks begin in the fairytale-like Toubab Dialaw, a small village by the ocean where all the creative types gather. After that, the journey really begins, with trips to riverbeds, islands, and even through Gambia. You’ll reach several accommodations by boat, and with a bit of luck, you’ll pick fresh oysters straight from the water along the way or encounter crocodiles swimming toward you. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the most beautiful sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean and experience the diverse Senegalese traditions and cultures. The trip concludes in Dakar, where art, culture, markets, and museums all blend together. A 20-minute boat ride away lies the island of Gorée, a historically significant site in the slave trade. Visit the African Renaissance Monument to see the Senegalese capital from above.

15 days in Senegal

Day 1

Arrival

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.

Day 2

Dangane

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.

Day 3

Toubacouta

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.

Day 4 - 5

Gunjur (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.

Day 6

Abéné

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.

Day 7 - 8

Ile d’Egueye

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.

Day 9 - 11

Cap Skirring

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.

Day 12

Night ferry

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.

Day 13 - 14

Dakar

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.

Day 15

Going home

All good things must come to an end, and so does this wonderful adventure through Senegal. 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.

Interested in this example trip?

Schedule a free consultation and we will immediately get to work on making your preferred trip completely to your liking. See you soon in Senegal?

What our travellers say about us

     
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 34 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

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    +5
 
 
 
 
 
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   RJ 
 67 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow!! What an amazing trip we took through Kenya with Charlie's Travels. Self-drive, highly recommended, and wonderfully taken care of from start to finish! Thank you so much ❤️🍀

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    +5
 
 
 
 
 
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   GoeVerhaal. 
 74 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

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   Merel Doreleijers 
 89 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I look back with immense pleasure on my pioneering trip to Madagascar with Charlie's Travels. What made this trip so special for me was its off-the-beaten-track nature. We visited places you wouldn't easily get to as an ordinary tourist, saw beautiful nature, and had a lot of contact with the local people. That made the experience very authentic. One of the biggest highlights was driving off-road myself. In addition, there were so many unexpected moments that I won't soon forget: a football match against the locals in the Tsaranoro Valley, unexpectedly finding myself in a local sacrificial ritual, and a canoe trip that went very differently than planned. We thought we were going on a sailboat trip, but it turned out to be a few leaky canoes. In hindsight, it actually became one of the best memories of the trip for me. That is also the charm of a pioneering trip: not everything goes as planned, but it is precisely those unexpected moments that make the adventure complete. I also appreciated the variety of accommodations. From homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to sleeping in a tent under the starry sky. That fit perfectly with the adventurous nature of the trip. I do think, however, that a pioneering journey isn't for everyone. You need to be flexible and be able to accept that plans sometimes change. If you can surrender to that and simply enjoy the journey as it unfolds, that is precisely what yields the most beautiful stories and memories. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the communication before and during the trip was sometimes a bit disorganized. I would also have liked to see more transparency regarding certain costs. In my opinion, those are areas where Charlie's Travels can still improve. Despite that, I look back on a fantastic trip full of special experiences and memories that I won't soon forget. If you are looking for an adventurous, authentic journey off the beaten path and are open to the unexpected, then I can certainly recommend a trip with Charlie's Travels.

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   Martijn van Heest 
 91 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sjoerd from Charlies Travels organized my trip through Morocco, and it was fantastic! Due to limited time, I skipped the big cities and mainly visited the less crowded places in the interior. For a large part of the time, I stayed with families and experienced just how warm the culture of this country is. My 'guides' felt more like friends; they were hospitable, took me to visit family, and managed to strike a perfect balance between 'going on with life' while showing me the most beautiful spots in Morocco. For me, the added value of Charlies lay in selecting these amazing, not always obvious places, and the accompanying partners/guides/families who were willing to give me an inside look. Highly recommended for everyone!

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   Victor Bijlsma 
 161 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a pioneering trip to Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau with Charlie's Travels. It was special to visit such pristine countries without mass tourism. The difference between Senegal & Gambia was already significant – and the trip was very diverse. From beaches and big cities to eco-lodges & local markets. Highly recommended to utilize the expertise of Charlie's team; it saved a lot of hassle :)

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   Jasper M. 
 182 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic pioneering trip with Charlie's through Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau 💯 World-class tour guides and a fun group!

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   Casper Berkhout 
 268 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Uganda and Kenya for almost a month and we did not leave dissapointed! Our goal was to visit "off the beaten track" destinations and experience real local culture and Charlie's did not let us down. In Uganda we saw TONS of wildlife, with the bike safari in Lake Mburo being the undisputable highlight... unforgettable. We spent a day with the Batwa people, which was a unique culturally enriching experience. In Kenya we got to relax at the beach in a luxurious resort and get our tan on! All the tour guides that were organized by Charlie's were both knowledgable and wonderfully enthusiastic. This was the most memorable vaction in years, and we would reccomend booking a trip with Charlie's to anyone (if you are adventurous enough of course ;) ).
  
 
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   Maikel Hurts 
 285 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.

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   Wolfeew 
 285 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

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   Hanneke 
 285 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!

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    +4
 
 
 
 
 
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   Jan 
 286 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic organization, in short. We traveled to Namibia with a group of 7, and CT guided us through the entire process to set it up exactly how we wanted. During the trip, "our" travel coach Nick was also attentive, asked how we were doing, and arranged a few things for us, such as a New Year's breakfast. CT works with local organizations that we felt comfortable with.

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   Tessa Tuk 
 323 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

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   Lisa Snepvangers 
 337 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Kenya for a month with our family of 5, all arranged by Charie's Travels, and it was AMAZING. We wanted a mix of off-the-beaten-path and comfort, a mix of adventure and vacation, and they made it all happen. Everything from planning the trip and airport pick-up to hotel bookings and activity arrangements went smoothly. We really had the most amazing time! (so much so that I'm writing this review years after taking this trip, cause we're still talking about it!) Definitely recommend booking your trip with Charlie's Travels!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Saskia Looijen 
 344 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

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