On this journey through Senegal and The Gambia we discover the stunning birdlife and the natural beauties of two of West Africa’s most fascinating destinations. A large number of nature reserves, national parks and river landscapes offer optimal conditions for viewing local species of antelopes and primates, as well as mammals introduced from other parts of Africa. Senegal’s outstanding Djoudj Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places for birdwatching in the world. As for the countries’ history, it is no less interesting. We’ll learn more about the history of the slave trade visiting the Island of Gorée and Juffureh, the birthplace of the famous “Roots” character Kunta Kinteh. Walking around Saint-Louis we’ll be taken back to the old days of the French colonies. Beyond that, enjoy the serene beaches of the Grande Côte and the Petite Côte, relax on the shores of the colourful Pink Lake and watch the sun go down behind the baobab trees of the West African savanna!

Day 8: Tendaba - Banjul After breakfast, you will continue to the tranquil and picturesque fishing village of Tanji. Here you will find the largest fish market in the country right on the beach. Hundreds of small fishing boats are crowded together in the shallow water. There is a lively hustle and bustle on the beach: the freshly caught fish is directly cooled or processed. Fishermen, traders and buyers haggle over the best prices, seabirds circle above the scenery, waiting for a favorable moment to secure themselves a few morsels. We will spend the afternoon on a site-seeing tour of Banjul, the country's economic and administrative centre formerly called Bathurst. This small capital of only 60.000 inhabitants lies on a peninsula. We’ll explore the central market and the fish market as well as the craft center, a good opportunity to buy some Gambian souvenirs. A wide range of locally-produced crafts are available, including leather goods, puppets, woodcarvings, gold and silver jewelry. We‘ll also visit the National Museum and have a photo stop at the Arch 22, a Triumphal Arch, built to commemorate the coup of July 22, 1994.(approx. 150 km). (B/D), overnight at Banjul Day 9: Banjul - James Island - Toubacouta Today we cross the river once more to Barra and later take a boat ride to James Island, 30 km from the river mouth. We’ll visit the ruins of Fort James, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003 and explore the history of Kunta Kinteh, famous character in the novel Roots, born in the Mandinka village of Juffureh only 4 km north of the island which was renamed to Kunta Kinteh Island in 2011. This afternoon we cross the border into Senegal heading for Toubacouta, The rest of the day will be at your leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset. (approx. 110 km) (B/D), overnight in Toubacouta Day 10: Toubacouta: Boat ride in Saloum Delta NP In the morning you can experience a special adventure in Fathala: lions live in the private park and you can walk with them (optional). Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to explore the small village of Toubacouta or relax by the pool of your hotel. In the afternoon, we will take a pirogue excursion on the Saloum River. Sine Saloum National Park, Senegal's second largest national park, was established in 1976 and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. We enter into river arms, the so called bolongs, with dense mangrove groves growing on their banks. From the boat we can observe numerous water birds. On a shell island we marvel at a huge sacred baobab. Finally, we see a small island where numerous bird species gather depending on the season. (B/D), overnight at Toubacouta Day 11: Toubacouta - Ndangane This morning we continue to the northern part of the Sine Saloum delta, to the small village of Ndangane. Here you can relax by the hotel pool, explore the town by horse-drawn carriage or take a boat trip to Ile de Mar Lodj or Bolong de Palmarin (optional). (B/D), overnight at Ndangane Day 12: Ndangane - Saly Portudal This morning, we’ll drive through Senegal’s biggest palm grove to Joal Fadiouth, birthplace of the country’s first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor. On the way we see the largest baobab in the country with a diameter of 27 m! Joal is an important center of the Senegalese fishing industry. Here we’ll visit the unique village of Fadiouth, entirely built on an island artificially made of oyster and clam shells. The village can only be reached by a solid wooden bridge. Another bridge leads to an unusual cemetery, where both Muslims and Christians are buried in the same place. The granaries for millet and groundnuts built on stilts in the water are also worth a visit. In the afternoon another highlight is waiting for you: we will drive to the private Bandia Reserve. You will go on an exciting game drive in search of different animals like monkeys, gazelles, buffalos, giraffes, antelopes and rhinos. The German forester Christian Dehring founded the park in 1997 with the aim of restoring the original savannah landscape. Some animal species were introduced from South Africa such as impalas, zebras, ostriches, and giraffes. The reserve is about 3.500 ha. and offers very good chances to spot the animals. Huge baobabs and the thorn bush savannah give authentic safari feeling. From a terrace you can see very well crocodiles and different bird species, sometimes also warthogs, antelopes, different primates come to the pool. Afterwards we continue to Saly Portudal, where wonderful sandy beaches are waiting for us. (approx. 80 km). (B/D), overnight in Saly Portudal Day 13: Saly Portudal Day at leisure. You may relax on the beautiful beach,of the Petite Coast. In the evening transfer to the airport. (B), day use rooms Please note that from time to time our itineraries may be amended.

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