Senegal 14-Day Calabash Festival & Casamance Discovery

Points of Interest : Dakar
Today you are welcomed upon arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Diass. After immigration and baggage claim, a private transfer takes you to your hotel in Dakar, where you can settle in and relax after your journey.

• Meals included : None
• Accommodation : Casa Mara (Dakar)

Points of Interest : Île de Ngor, Dakar
In Dakar you visit the modern Museum of Black Civilisations, which offers a broad insight into African history and the story of humankind as a whole. Afterwards you travel by boat to Gorée Island, known for its role in the transatlantic slave trade and its well-preserved colonial architecture.
Later you take part in a dance and drumming workshop, where you are introduced to the infectious joie de vivre and rhythms of Senegalese culture.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Casa Mara (Dakar)

Points of Interest : Sindia, Joal-Fadiout, Mbour, Somone
After breakfast you visit the impressive “Monument de la Renaissance Africaine”, a monumental statue overlooking Dakar and the Atlantic. You then continue towards the south, stopping in Rufisque to visit a turtle breeding station and learn more about local conservation efforts.
From here, the journey leads you into the Saloum Delta region, where you check in at your ecolodge in Palmarin, surrounded by mangroves and coastal landscapes.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Ecolodge de Palmarin (Palmarin)

Points of Interest : Falia, Palmarin
Today you set off by traditional pirogue through the winding waterways of the Saloum Delta towards Falia Island. As you glide past mangroves and sandbanks, you can observe birds and the unique river landscape. On the island you enjoy a picnic in the open air.
A special highlight of the day is the chance to see hyenas in their natural environment before you return to your ecolodge in Palmarin.

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch (picnic), dinner
• Accommodation : Ecolodge de Palmarin (Palmarin)

Points of Interest : Sangako, Toubakouta, Palmarin, Sokone
From Palmarin you travel further south to the village of Sokone. Here you meet a local artist and a women’s agricultural cooperative, who introduce you to their work and community projects. You are encouraged to exchange directly with the villagers to better understand their daily lives and initiatives.
Later you continue to the village of Sangako, where a cooperative is committed to protecting the mangrove forests. In the evening you reach Toubakouta, where you spend the night on the edge of the Saloum Delta.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Keur Saloum (Toubakouta)

Points of Interest : Toubakouta
Today you explore the islands of the Saloum Delta by boat. You visit the islands of Sipo and Bambouck, stop at a bird resting area and discover a shell island made up of countless seashells.
During the day you also take part in another dance and drumming workshop, deepening your connection with Senegalese music and traditions before returning to Toubakouta.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Keur Saloum (Toubakouta)

Points of Interest : Koubalan, Djimandé, Toubakouta
You leave Toubakouta, cross the border into Gambia and continue south into the lush Casamance region of Senegal. Along the way you pass through changing landscapes of rivers, rice fields and forests.
In Casamance you visit the villages of Djimande and Coubalang, where the Diola people maintain their traditional way of life. You are warmly welcomed by the villagers, and in Coubalang you watch a traditional mask dance, an important part of local cultural expression. You spend the night in the village camp in Coubalang for an authentic experience of rural Casamance life.

• Meals included : Breakfast, dinner
• Accommodation : Dorfcamp Coubalang (Koubalan)

Points of Interest : Koubalan, Ziguinchor
In the morning you meet local tailors for costume fittings in preparation for the street carnival of the Calabash Festival. Afterwards you enjoy a city tour of Ziguinchor, discovering its markets and colonial-era architecture.
Later you drive to Enampore to visit an impluvium house, a traditional circular building whose roof collects rainwater into a central courtyard. Back in Ziguinchor, a dance and drumming workshop allows you to immerse yourself once again in Senegalese culture.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Le Flamboyant (Ziguinchor)

Points of Interest : Ziguinchor
In the morning you visit the villages of Oussouye and Mlomp, where traditional Diola architecture and customs are still alive. You also explore the open-air museum Sangawatt, which showcases local history and culture in a natural setting.
In the evening you take part in the colourful and energetic activities of the Calabash Festival, enjoying performances, music and celebrations with the local community.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Le Flamboyant (Ziguinchor)

Points of Interest : Ziguinchor
The morning is free for you to spend as you wish in Ziguinchor, whether strolling through town or relaxing at your accommodation. In the afternoon you receive your costumes for the upcoming street carnival and prepare for this lively spectacle.
Later you attend the official opening of the Calabash Festival, followed by a visit to exhibitions and evening concerts featuring regional artists and performers.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Le Flamboyant (Ziguinchor)

Points of Interest : Ziguinchor
Today you spend the day at the festival grounds, meeting local artisans and artists who work creatively with calabashes. They demonstrate different processing techniques and uses of this emblematic gourd in everyday life and art.
During the street carnival you encounter various ethnic groups from the region, each presenting their own costumes, dances and music. In the evening you can relax and celebrate at one of the festival concerts.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Le Flamboyant (Ziguinchor)

Points of Interest : Ziguinchor
Today you take a boat trip along the Casamance River to Djilapao Island, enjoying the tranquil river scenery and rich birdlife along the way. On the island you have time to explore and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
You then participate in the festival’s fashion show, where creative costumes and garments inspired by local culture and the calabash are presented on the runway.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Le Flamboyant (Ziguinchor)

Points of Interest : Somone
Today you leave Casamance and cross back into Gambia, using the new bridge at Farafenni that spans the Gambia River and links the southern and northern parts of Senegal. This modern connection facilitates exchange between regions and supports local development.
On the way north you visit the shell island of Joal-Fadiouth, whose ground is made up almost entirely of seashells, and then continue to the bustling fish market in Mbour, where colourful wooden boats unload the day’s catch. In the evening you arrive in Somone on the Petite Côte and check into your seaside hotel.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Le Phénix (Somone)

Points of Interest : Dakar, Gorée, Somone
You spend the final hours of your journey relaxing on the beach or by the pool in Somone, enjoying the Atlantic breeze and reflecting on your experiences in Senegal.
After a farewell dinner, a transfer takes you to the airport in time for your return flight home.

• Meals included : Breakfast, dinner
• Last day : Transfer to the airport for your return flight