from $3,370.00
Check Availability

Dak‘Art & St Louis Jazz Festival – 9 Days (May 15 to 23, 2024)

SENEGAL
Not Rated
Duration

9 days 8 nights

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

The Dakar Biennale (Dak’Art festival) is a major contemporary art exhibition that takes place once every two years in Dakar, Senegal. Join us for this amazing display of talent from across Africa, alongside the world-renowned St. Louis Jazz Festival; with Jazz Musicians from around the world in Saint Louis, Senegal, a town bursting with French colonial charm. Visit Dakar, Senegal’s Capital City, with its vibrant markets, historical museums, the famous Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to ‘The Door of no Return” and the curiously colored Pink Lake.

Highlights

  • Dak’Art
  • Saint Louis Jazz Festival
  • Island of Fadiouth
  • Museum of Black Civilization
  • Goree Island (a now tranquil UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Saint Louis
  • Touba
  • Kermel or Tilem market

Day 1: ARRIVE IN DAKAR, SENEGAL (May 15)

On arrival in Senegal, you will be met, assisted, and transferred to your hotel. Your experienced cultural tour guide will brief you on the scheduled activities and what you can expect during your time in Senegal.

Overnight at Royam Saly or Similar

Day 2: SALY – JOAL FADIOUTH – SALY (May 16)

After breakfast, depart for the island of Fadiouth with a drive through Joal and several traditional villages on the way. At Joal we will learn the history of Leopold Sedar Senghor, the first post-colonial president of Senegal. Next continue to Fadiouth, called Shell Island. See the mix-religion cemetery, a symbol of religious tolerance. On the way back to Saly We will stop to visit the fishing port of Mbour. Arrive back at the hotel in time to relax before this evening’s buffet dinner.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at Royam Saly or Similar

Day 3: SALY – TOUBA – ST LOUIS (May 17)

Today leave Saly 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 Saint Louis. Check in on arrival, have dinner and prepare for this evening’s exciting Jazz Festival.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at Residence or Similar

Day 4: St Louis – City Tour (Saturday May 18)

Following a well-deserving breakfast, we embark on a tour by horse carriage to explore the narrow streets of this area; the Kingdom of the Signars founded in the middle of the 17th century. The Signars are mixed ladies – who are descendants of black African mothers’ slaves and Europeans fathers’ slaves’ masters. Stop at the governor palace, a fortress built in the 18th century. We will visit Nguet Ndar area, the famous fishermen village settled between the river and the Atlantic Ocean. After lunch, let’s cross the bridge again to visit the main and open-air market of St Louis We will get ready for dinner and the spectacular Jazz Festival this evening.

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

Day 5: St Louis – Langue de Barbarie (Sunday May 19)

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 Hotel or Similar

Day 6: SAINT LOUIS – THIES – DAKAR (May 20)

After breakfast, depart for the drive to Dakar. En-route, 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 Dakar for a late afternoon arrival. Check into your hotel.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at Ndiambour Hotel

Day 7: GOREE ISLAND – DAKAR AND VICINITY (May 21)

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 visit the Dak’Art exhibitions and displays.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at Ndiambour Hotel.

Day 8: DAKAR – DAK’ART FESTIVAL (May 22)

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. 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 Hotel

Day 9: DAKAR/DEPART (May 23)

Today is at leisure for individual activities. At the right time you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

TOUR INCLUDES

  • Meeting and assistance upon arrival
  • Roundtrip airport to hotel transfers
  • Assistance with airport departure formalities
  • Hotel accommodation in the properties listed
  • Tours in private vehicle
  • Experienced tour guides
  • Meals indicated
  • Admission to listed sites.
  • VIP Admission to the Jazz Festival
  • Bottled water during the tour

TOUR EXCLUDES

  • Flights to/from Dakar
  • Cost of visa if required.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuity for driver and guide
  • Meals not listed

9 days

English

Tour's Location

SENEGAL

Reviews

0/5
Not Rated
Based on 0 review
Excellent
0
Very Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Showing 1 - 0 of 0 in total

Write a review

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

from $3,370.00

Owner

Gina

Member Since 2021

You might also like