This exciting 7 days gives us the opportunity to show you further into THE GAMBIA and SENEGAL, with the possibility to see in a genuine African environment how the village people live from day to day, and gives you an insight into the history, beliefs, religion and culture of this region.. Add to this the bird and animal life and you will have memories created that will be everlasting.
Day 1
We leave the hotels around 06:00 and travel via the main vehicle ferry link across the River Gambia with much hustle and bustle at both terminals. From the ferry it is sometimes possible to spot the Dolphins at play in the estuary, often coming close to the boat for some of the crossing.
After The Gambia/Senegal border formalities we continue north, stopping at a couple of villages on the way, arriving at an African Style hotel situated on the edge of the Sine Saloum National Park in time for an early lunch.
After a short relaxation period we continue by pirogue through the waterways along the Western side of the National Park to our overnight stop at "Le Paletuviers". On the way through the mangrove area we can study the many birds of this region along with the Senegalese fisherfolk whose way of life has not changed in hundreds of years. (100km).
Day 2
An early start takes us to KAOLACK, the capital of the Saloum Province of Senegal and continue directly to TAMBAKOUNDA and our overnight stop at Saloum de Tambakounda, taking our picnic lunch on the way, along with stops at some villages to discover the traditional Senegalese lifestyle. Dinner and overnight is at TAMBAKOUNDA. (450km).
Day 3
We head towards NIOKOLOKOBA WILDLIFE PARK, and with an easy drive, stopping at one or two Mandinka villages, we arrive at Hotel SIMENTI, within the park itself, in time for lunch and a relaxing afternoon when some of the exotic birdlife can be experienced from the terrace overlooking the bend of the RIVER GAMBIA where the animals come to drink at dawn and dusk.
Our first Park Safari starts around 4 pm when we further discover the "Nature of the Park". Niokolokoba does not teem with the variety of wildlife found in East Africa but Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards, Jackals, Antelopes, Hippos, Crocodiles, Waterbuck, Monkeys, Baboons, Chimpanzees, and 300 – 350 different species of Birds and many other Mammals, Animals, Snakes, Lizards etc are to found in this 800,000 hectare Wildlife Park. (100km)
We take our time with stops as necessary and spend 2 – 3 hours to obtain the maximum benefit.
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Day 4
A very early breakfast allows us to join our second safari this time at dawn, in a different area of the park to allow sightings of as many varieties of animals and birds as possible. We return to the hotel in time for an early lunch after which we head east along the edge of NIOKOLOKOBA PARK on our way to KEDOUGOU a town in the remote South East extremity of Senegal close to the borders with Mali and Guinea Conakry which is infrequently visited by tourists. This is the BASSARI country and is the least known part of Senegal, ethnically diverse and very different from the surrounding areas.
The ancient BASSARI people, whose origins are lost in the mists of time and who live in hill villages around the FOUTA DJALON mountains, have resisted the Islamic and Christian religions that have attempted to convert them over the centuries. The main occupations are agriculture and hunting with the odd gold panning thrown in for good measure. The BASSARI and BIDEK people are a race apart from their neighbours and whose lifestyle has not changed in literally thousands of years. They live to exist, but are some of the happiest and hospitable people that you may meet. Our overnight is in a simple African style hotel on the bank of the River Gambia. (150 km).
Day 5
We spend the full day exploring this area in 4WD vehicles and visiting a couple of the remote hill villages, where we may be very fortunate enough to witness an unexpected ancient ceremony. Overnight again at KEDOUGOU (100km).
Day 6
We regretfully leave this fascinating area and retrace our steps along the edge of NIOKOLOKOBA PARK, where we may be fortunate enough to once again see some of the many varied animals. Stopping on the way for our picnic lunch we pass through TAMBAKOUNDA and take the GAMBIAN road to the Administrative Regional Capital of JANJANGBUREH stopping at various points of interest on the way.
From the South Bank of the River we travel by ferry to JANJANGBUREH ISLAND and to our overnight camp, which is basic but comfortable and beautifully situated on the River bank. If time allows we will visit WASSAU to explore the area of the mysterious Stone Circles and visit one or two Mandinka villages. After dinner we will be entertained by dancers from Janjangbureh. (290 km).
Day 7
We take an early breakfast after which we will take our 3 – 4 hour river trip around various inlets and islands of this fabulous area of nature where most amazing birds including Kites, Rollers, Geese, Fish Eagles, Hornbills, Parrots, Kingfishers, Buzzards, etc can be seen along with Monkeys and often sightings of Baboons, Crocodiles and Hippos are reported. Very reasonably priced drinks are available from the bar and lunch is served on board, after which, we continue our cruise down river where our transport will waiting to return us to our beach hotels for around 7 pm for Dinner and Overnight (295km).
Please Note: This Tour only operates December through to mid June due to restriction of viewing during the rest of the year at Niokolokoba Wildlife park.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL TOURS COMBINING GAMBIA AND SENEGAL CAN START IN EITHER COUNTRY DEPENDANT ON FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS INTO WEST AFRICA.
West African Tours We show you the very best that Gambia has to offer in adventure, cultural, bird watching, fishing, roots, sports fishing, four wheel drive, safari and day tours. We also offer Senegal, Ghana and Mali tours.
Enjoy Your Gambia Experience With Us!
220 449 5258
watours@qanet.gm
watours@gamtel.gm
watours@gmail.com
www.westafricantours.com/
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