SAINT LOUIS JAZZ FESTIVAL PLUS GAMBIA – 11 DAYS (MAY 23 TO JUNE 2ND, 2023)

This morning go on the tour of the Capital City including: the African Renaissance Monument. Overlooking Dakar, the statue is built on a hill over hundred meters high, and taller than the Statue of Liberty. This once controversial bronze statue is a popular attraction among locals as well as visitors. It is a huge, colossal shining bronze of 20 thousand tons and is the largest statue of Africa.

Next visit the colorful markets including Tilen Market, famous for a variety of medicinal herbs and traditional healers and the Soumbedioune market. Stop by the Presidential Palace and the Artisans Market

Then get to the Museum of Black Civilization. This massive four story complex which N’Diambour

fulfilled the dream of Senegal’s first president Leopold Sedar Senghor. The museum retraces the oldest and first civilizations from Africa to the rest of the world. The architect is inspired by the impluvium huts in Casamance. After visit, return to the hotel and relax.

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, drive to the port and then get to famous Goree Island after a 20mn ferry cruise. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our visit will start at the famous slaves’ house, built 1776 by the Portuguese. Ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, its architecture is characterized by the contrast between the grim slave-quarters and the elegant houses of the slave traders. Today it continues to serve as a reminder of human exploitation and as a sanctuary for reconciliation.

Listen to the lecture by the curator to understand the history of slavery in West Africa in general and in Goree in particular and to know about the captive’s life. Then after visit the house with its different compartments. Observe the “Door of No Return” through which, millions of Africans, passed on the way to slavery.
After visit, have lunch at one of the restaurant at the beach side where you may taste Senegalese dish with Ginger, Hibiscus (Bisap) or Baobab fruit juice.

Return to Dakar with the afternoon ferry complete city tour and rest.

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at N’Diambour

Today, we drive to Pink Lake, a rare natural phenomenon caused by a unique combination of microorganism and high concentration of salts which gives the lake its unique pink color. Nowadays, the colour is not as pink as in previous years because of nonstop high salt production. Swimming is floating here if you want to experience it.

After visit Continue to Saint Louis. Check in on arrival and relax before attending the Spectacular Jazz Festival. Enjoy your evening and return to Hotel at the end.

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Residence

In this morning, we will have a boat riding through the Senegal River to visit the National Bird’s Park of Langue de Barbarie. This reserve has a rich and varied ecosystem. It is a unique combination of mangroves, sand dunes, of swamps, between the river and the ocean
Many different species thrive in this wonderful place for nature lovers, photographers and birdwatchers.
Return to Saint Louis for a free afternoon to recharge, relax then dine before the big and the last night of the Saint Louis Jazz Festival festivities.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Residence

After breakfast, go on city tour of “the colonial capital” in a horse drowned carriage. Explore the narrow streets flanked by houses with carved wooden balconies and verandas while touring and learning the history of St Louis. Stop by the vibrant fishing village of Guet Ndar before arriving back at your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After visit, rest at the hotel or wander around. Have dinner and attend the last Jazz Festival Show.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight at Residence

Drive to Touba, a religious place for Senegalese and center of the Mouride brotherhood, a Muslim sect founded in Senegal. It is also an autonomous town with its own lows. Here women must wear long dress and head covered. Visit the mosque that is one of the biggest in West Africa; learn the history of the founder Check Amadou Bamba.
Then continue to the South next to the Gambia border.
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Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Keur Saloum

This morning after going through immigration, we will take the way for Albreda city and by boat reach Kunta Kinteh Island located in the middle of the Gambia River. This area is best known for the preservation of its colonial structures and its appearance in Alex Haley’s celebrated novel Roots
Historically, this area was a popular route for slaves being traded to the British and the Dutch. You will have the chance to visit the slave dungeons for both male and female slaves
Alex Haley’s Roots, also make this St James or Kunta Kinteh Island, famous. This sobering experience will offer you a look into the history of the transatlantic slave trade in West Africa as you explore this island that played an essential role in the region’s slave economy.
Back on the main land and drive to Bara where we will embark into our ferry to Banjul after 45 min through the Gambia river

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Senegambia

After breakfast, we will start our city tour for a better know of this country well known as the smiling coast of west africa
You will stop at Arch 22, which commemorates a 1994 coup d’etat and remains one of the tallest structures in the Gambia. You will also visit the Albert Market, the best place to learn about clay and calabash work among the local people.
We will have a stop at the crocodile pool, where you can touch those animals which most people fear. The local guides will give to us a briefed explanation of the existence of the pool and explain how local people benefits from it spiritually
After this authentic experience, you will settle in your comfortable accommodation for dinner and good night’s rest.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Senegambia

After breakfast, we will check out from Gambia and reach the border the custom’s formalities
Once back in Senegal we will drive to discover other rural area. Visit Serrere and Fula villages.
We will discover in Fadial village, the millenary baobab tree (1500 years old), then continue to Joal, a portuguese settlement in the 16th centuries and the native place of the first president of Senegal

Continue to Fadiouth also known as the shells island. Walking tour of the village and the mix cemetery where Christians and Muslims are buried side by side, symbol of religious tolerance

Meals included: Breakfast and Diner
Overnight at Palm Beach

After breakfast, we will have a free day lazing around the pool hotel, or at the craft market before heading to the airport.

Meals included: Breakfast