After breakfast, begin the city tour of Dakar and its vicinity. From Independence Place, the heart of the city, you will pass by the presidential palace and the main cathedral before continuing by the seafront drive towards Soumbedioune market and the mosque de la revelation. The tour of Dakar will show you the contrasts between upscale residential areas and other popular neighborhoods. You will also visit popular hotspots such as Kermel or Tilem market. Next visit the Renaissance Monument, a 164-foot-high monument, overlooking Dakar that is taller than the Statue of Liberty. The once-controversial bronze statue is a popular attraction among locals as well as visitors. Continue to visit the Museum of Black Civilization, Africa’s most modern and complete museum covering 4 floors of historical artifacts from all over Africa. Next, we visit the Dak‘Art exhibitions and displays. Dinner will be at your hotel. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Ndiambour or Similar

After breakfast, we depart to Goree Island, a now tranquil UNESCO World Heritage Site Explore the usually quiet streets lined with pastel-colored colonial-era buildings. Among the most famous buildings here is the House of Slaves which records the history of Goree’s past. Observe the “Door of No Return” through which millions passed on the way to slavery. The curator will take you through the history of Goree. There is time to visit the Town Square, the Historical Museum, and the tranquil streets lined with pastel-colored houses. After lunch returns to Dakar and visits the Dak’Art exhibitions and displays. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Ndiambour or Similar

After breakfast, depart for the drive to Saint Louis. En route, a stopover for lunch at Thies. This city is known for beautiful baskets handwoven by local artisans. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to purchase baskets, hats, and other items at bargain prices. Continue to Saint Louis for a late afternoon arrival. Check into your hotel, have dinner, and prepare for this evening’s exciting Jazz Festival. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Mermoz or Similar

After breakfast departs for Lac Guiers. We will travel through typical Senegalese villages. We will stop at Keur Momar Sarr, where there is a lively weekly market on Saturdays. Spend time in the bustling market to get a taste of daily life in Senegal. Continue to lake guiers, the main source of water for Dakar. We next visit a Fulani village. Note the colorful dress, headgear, jewelry, and unique customs. We continue to Richard Toll, known for animal farming and fishing but most famous for sugar cane plantation and sugar-making factory which produces most of the sugar consumed in Senegal. In the late afternoon return to Saint Louis where you can refresh, relax and have dinner before this evening’s Saint Louis Jazz Festival activities. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Mermoz or Similar

After a sumptuous buffet breakfast at your hotel, we depart to Rao. We will travel through small villages before reaching large red dunes. You will be awed by this natural spectacle. Continue towards Rao and visit the local market and observe the various ethnic groups. We will visit a selected village and learn about the village activities including farming and other income-generating activities. In the late afternoon return to Saint Louis where you can refresh, relax and have dinner before this evening's main Saint Louis Jazz Festival activities. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Mermoz or Similar

Today leave St Louis and head to Touba, the Holy city of the Mouridi Brotherhood. Get to know the only city in West Africa that is autonomous of the central government, the residents pay no taxes. Touba is regularly compared to the Vatican in its autonomous administration. Visit the main facilities and hear about the history of Mouridism and its founder. After Touba, we continue to Dakar with a stop in Pink Lake. Pink Lake is a rare natural phenomenon caused by a unique combination of microorganisms and a high concentration of salt which gives the lake its pink color. Nowadays, the color is not often pink because of high salt production. Interact with the women harvesting salt. Continue to Dakar, check into the hotel and prepare for dinner before evening activities. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Ndiambour or Similar

Today is at leisure for individual activities. At the right time, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. OR EXTEND YOUR STAY Meal(s) Included: Breakfast