Study History in Western Africa

Your adventure has begun as you travel abroad to Dakar, Senegal. As your flight descends, keep an eye out for the country’s magnificent coastline and the rolling foothills criss-crossing 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, a great opportunity to get to know your travel mates and your guide, who will be with you throughout your travel abroad.

For your first full-day tour, you will experience the wildlife of Senegal at the Bandia Conservation Park. On your photo safari, see a variety of African animals, including rhinos, crocodiles, giraffes, lions, and zebras. Following this, you will enjoy authentic cuisine at a local restaurant. Next is a boat ride to the Samone Lagoon to view wildlife in the mangrove forest. Keep a lookout for monkeys, tortoises, crocodiles, and more! After, you’ll head back to your resort for dinner.

Lac Rose is a pink lake in Dakar, and the country’s most popular attraction. Today, you will head via jeep to Noflaye village where the park’s guide will educate you regarding the endangered tortoise species. Following this, you’ll proceed to Lac Rose. The lake gets its pink color due to a rare algae in the water. Take a dip in Senegal’s wonder, then enjoy a game drive on dunes to visit a Fulani village and cruise along pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy lunch at Lac Rose Restaurant before heading back to your resort.

Today is all about getting a better understanding of the culture of Senegal’s people. You will begin with a tour of Dakar, visiting its main attractions, including Independent Place, the Presidential Palace, the Soumbedioune Market, and the Mosque de la Revelation. An engaging guide will be educating you every step of the way. 

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 where no cars are allowed. 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 as they had their freedom stolen from them. Take a moment to appreciate the freedom you enjoy today. In the evening, you’ll be transferred 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 tiny streets and wooden balconies. It’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time. Following this, you’ll be transferred to the desert of Lompoul to enjoy a camel ride up and down sand dunes. Enjoy the magnificent views of Senegal’s coastline as you ride, then spend the night camping like nomads under the stars. There are few experiences that compare.

Enjoy the colorful desert sunrise on your final full day in Senegal. After breakfast, you’ll head to the nearby town of Kaolack for one last adventure. Prepare yourself! You will first immerse yourself into the culture of the area by visiting the village’s beauty market and taking a boat ride on the Saloum River. You’ll then enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk with lions as afternoon approaches. Only six countries in the world offer this service, so try to work up the courage to do so. Of course, measures will be put in place and attentive guides are with you every step of the way as your safety is the number one concern. But what a way to end your East African tour!

Time has flown by, and you have reached your final day in Senegal. Enjoy an early breakfast with your group and guides to reflect on your favorite moments of the trip, as well as what knowledge you will bring home with you. Following this, you’ll be transported to the local airport to head back to your country.