Animal Science & Conservation in Senegal

Your educational student tour in Senegal has officially begun. As you descend into Dakar, keep an eye out for the country’s magnificent coastline and rolling foothills. This is your new home for the next week! A local guide will wait to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your luxury beach resort.

You have the rest of the afternoon to rest, unpack, and explore. Take a dip in the infinity pool, check out the games room, or grab some coffee in the lobby café. In the evening, you will regroup with your guide to enjoy a buffet dinner. This is a great opportunity to get to know your guide who will be with you throughout your trip.

After a well-rested night, it’s time to venture into the city of Dakar. Begin at its colorful markets where locals sell fruits, nuts, and fish. This is how many of the locals make profits off of their agriculture. Next, view the city’s contemporary buildings and historic colonial homes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the independent square garden and Presidential Palace. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll take a charming ferry to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site on Goree Island. Explore the pastel streets which have no cars. One of the most famous buildings is the House of Slaves, which evidences Goree’s darker past. Walk through the “Doors of No Return” through which millions of slaves walked through as they gave up their freedom. Take a moment to appreciate the freedom you are granted today. In the evening, you’ll be transferred back to your resort. 

While we are sure you appreciate learning about Senegal’s culture and history, it’s time to encounter its spectacular wildlife. That’s right; you’re going on an African safari! Head into the Bandia Animal Reserve and jump on a 4×4 to spot hyaenas, giraffes, warthogs, buffaloes, green and red monkeys, and lions. As you ride, learn about the biology and behavior of these wild animals, as well as the conservation efforts that are put in place to protect against their endangerment. Halfway through the day, stop by the on-site restaurant for lunch before visiting the Baobab cemetery, which was a tree used as a graveyard centuries ago. End the day at the parks Point of Crocodile to encounter these feasting animals.

Wake up for a hearty breakfast before making your way to the sacred site of Mosquée de la Divinité built on the beach of an ancient fishing village. This sublime religious structure features two sky-high minaret and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Marvel in awe of its unique architecture, sheer size, and traditional Islamic designs. After a tour, you will make your way into town for lunch at a local restaurant. Next, you are off to Place du Souvenir African, which is a scenic oceanfront plaza. Stroll along the beach, try your hand at fishing, and take time to independently explore the shoreside’s exhibition space and a spectacular African monument.

Wake up motivated and excited to tour one of Senegal’s most popular attractions: the pink lake of Lac Rose. The lake gets its pink color due to the rare algae that reside in the water. Take a dip in Senegal’s wonder or soak up some rays on the beach. Enjoy lunch at Lac Rose Restaurant before heading via jeep to Fulani village where an expert guide will educate you on the endangered tortoise species that reside here. Be sure to ask what conservation efforts are being put in place to protect against the extinction of these animals. Take time to independently explore the village and encounter the tortoises before heading back to your resort. 

Today is going to be HOT, so be sure to slather on some sunscreen and bring along your sense of adventure. You’ll first depart to St. Louis (Senegal’s capital), to explore the city’s tiny streets and wooden balconies. It’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time. Be sure to drop by the craft market to search for your perfect souvenir. Following this, you’ll be transferred to the desert of Lompoul to enjoy a camel ride up and down never-ending dunes. Learn about the biology and behaviors of these incredibly resilient animals. Enjoy the magnificent views of Senegal’s coastline as you ride. Spend the night camping like nomads under the stars. There are few experiences that compare. 

Rise and shine for an exciting day ahead. You are off to Touba, which is a holy city of the Mourides. The majority of the citizens who live here practice and study Muslim. Visit The Grand Magal of Touba, which is the annual religious pilgrimage that attracts nearly two million people! Marvel in awe of the buildings complex architecture, intricate designs, and religious significance. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring more of the city’s 19th-century streets, historical buildings, and renowned attractions. In the evening, make your way back to your resort in senegal. 

It’s time to immerse yourself into Senegal’s art and culture! Today, you will embark on an art and crafts tour. Start at Senegal’s Sand-Painting Gallery. Marvel in awe of artwork that has been created with 24 colors of sand. This artwork is rare, authentic, and not exported. Following this, visit the largest fabric market in the city. Walk along, stall by stall, to discover hundreds of colorful and handmade fabrics. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before you end the day at the local craft’s market. From wood carvings to leather worked to weaved baskets, this place has it all! Shop for the perfect souvenir. 

It’s your final day in Dakar, and we planned it to be extra memorable. Rise and shine for an early morning departure to the Fathala Nature Reserve. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before entering into the reserve, prepare yourselves! You’ll be provided with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter and walk alongside lions. Learn about the biology, habitat, and behavior of lions, as well as the conservation challenges that are faced in protecting them. Only six countries in the world offer this service, so try to work up the courage to do so. Of course, measures and guides will be put in place as your safety is our number one concern. What a way to end your trip!

It’s hard to believe how quickly time can fly by! Take your last morning in Africa to enjoy a buffet breakfast with your guides and friends. Reflect on your favorite memories of the trip – they will last a lifetime. After eating, you will be transferred to the local airport for your flight home.