Explore Senegal and The Gambia to embrace the local cultures through food, history and more.
Visit the famous Renaissance Monument
Pay homage to our ancestors on Goree Island
Black Civilizations Museum
Relax and rejuvenate on the beach
Kunta Kinteh Village Tour
Safari
🛏️ Hotel: Boma Hotel
📍 Location: Dakar, Senegal
⏰ Check in: 3:00 pm
Upon arrival in Dakar International Airport (DSS), you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day settling in, relaxing, and recovering from your journey.
✨ Travel Tip: Change a small amount of cash at the airport for tipping and incidental purchases—Senegal primarily uses the West African CFA franc.
🛏️ Hotel: Boma Hotel
📍 Location: Dakar, Senegal
🍽 Included Meal: Breakfast
African Renaissance Monument:
Standing at 160 feet tall, this bronze statue is the tallest in Africa and symbolizes Africa’s emergence from centuries of hardship. Perched atop one of Dakar’s twin hills, the monument offers sweeping views of the Atlantic and a powerful visual tribute to unity, pride, and hope for the continent’s future.
Museum of Black Civilizations:
This groundbreaking museum showcases the richness of Black cultures across Africa and the global diaspora. With exhibitions on everything from ancient Nubian civilizations to contemporary art and music, it’s a must-visit space for re-centering African narratives and achievements through a Pan-African lens.
Drum Circle Experience:
Feel the rhythm of Senegal as you join a lively, interactive drum circle led by local percussionists. This high-energy session is more than a musical experience—it’s a celebration of community, cultural expression, and ancestral connection through the beat of the djembe and sabar drums.
✨ Travel Tip: Wear breathable clothing and comfortable shoes—the monument climb and museum tour can be warm and lengthy.
🛏️ Hotel: Boma Hotel
📍 Location: Dakar, Senegal
🍽 Included Meal: Breakfast
Step back into history with a deeply moving visit to Gorée Island, one of West Africa’s most significant and solemn sites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gorée was a key transit point during the transatlantic slave trade. You'll walk through the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves)—its narrow corridors, rusted shackles, and infamous “Door of No Return” offer a haunting, firsthand account of the horrors endured by millions.
✨Travel Tip: Bring cash in small bills for souvenirs. Vendors may not have change for large denominations or accept credit cards.
🛏️ Hotel: Fathala Wildlife Reserve
📍 Location: Fathala, Senegal
🍽 Included Meal: Breakfast
Venture into the untamed beauty of Senegal’s wilderness at Fathala Wildlife Reserve. This West African sanctuary is home to majestic creatures like giraffes, rhinos, antelope, and zebras—all roaming freely in a protected environment. Your expert guide will lead you through the reserve in an open-top vehicle in search of animals in their natural environment.
✨Travel Tip: Wear neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright whites or reds) to blend in better with the surroundings and improve your chances of spotting wildlife up close. Also, pack a light jacket for the cooler evening.
🛏️ Hotel: Tamala Hotel
📍 Location: Banjul, The Gambia
🍽 Included Meal: Breakfast
Cross the border into The Gambia via a 30-45 minute ferry ride. Journey to the heart of Gambian heritage with a visit to Kunta Kinteh Village, formerly known as Juffureh. This powerful experience connects you to the legacy of Kunta Kinteh, the enslaved Mandinka warrior immortalized in Alex Haley’s Roots. As you walk through the village, you’ll meet descendants of Kunta Kinteh’s family and visit the local museum that documents the region’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. You’ll also learn about daily life in modern-day Gambia, with opportunities to interact with villagers and witness cultural traditions that have been passed down for generations.
✨Travel Tip: Keep your passport handy and be prepared for a slower-paced border crossing experience.
🛏️ Hotel: Tamala Hotel
📍 Location: Banjul, The Gambia
🍽 Included Meal: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the colorful energy of the market in The Gambia. Wander through narrow lanes overflowing with handmade crafts, bold textiles, aromatic spices, and fresh produce. After a morning of exploring, head to the beach for a laid-back afternoon. Sink your toes into the sand, take a dip in the warm Atlantic waters, or simply relax under the shade of a palm tree with a cold drink in hand.
✨Travel Tip: Don’t be afraid to negotiate while shopping—it’s part of the culture. Keep small denominations of cash on hand, and carry a tote bag for any unique finds you may pick up along the way.
🛏️ Hotel: Casa Louka
📍 Location: Saly, Senegal
🍽 Included Meal: Breakfast
Check in to your beachfront haven in Saly, a charming seaside town known for its relaxed vibe and golden shores. Today is all about renewal—whether you’re lounging poolside, soaking up the sun on the beach, or indulging in a spa treatment, this is your moment to unwind.
✨ Travel Tip: Book any spa or wellness treatments in advance to secure your preferred time slots.
🛏️ Hotel: Casa Louka
📍 Location: Saly, Senegal
🍽 Included Meal: Breakfast
Lac Rose (Lake Retba) is famous for its bubblegum-pink waters caused by high salt content and unique algae. Watch salt harvesters at work, learn about their techniques, and, if you're feeling adventurous, float effortlessly in the lake’s buoyant waters.
✨ Travel Tip: Bring a swimsuit, water shoes, towel, and a change of clothes if you plan to get in the lake—its salty water can leave a residue on your skin and clothing.
🍽 Included Meal(s): Breakfast
⏰ Check out time: 12:00 pm
Check out and transfer to Banjul International Airport (BJL) for your return flight home, carrying memories of music, history, wildlife, and sun-soaked days along Africa’s western coast.
✨Travel Tip: Confirm your flight details the night before. Keep souvenirs, travel documents, and extra snacks easily accessible for your journey home.
Remember to exchange any currency you don't want to keep before leaving the airport.
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Ensure at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. Only passports with M or F sex marker are accepted.
Senegal Visa: Obtainable upon arrival, no charge
Gambia Visa: The fee for this visa on arrival is currently $108 but is subject to change.
Required Vaccination: Yellow Fever
✅ Itinerary Notes: Itinerary is subject to change. Drinks are not included.
✅ Mobile App: Download the My Trips app on the App Store or Google Play to keep all your travel details at your fingertips. The itinerary will be updated with times and more details as we get closer to departure.
✅ Travel Insurance: Include medical coverage and trip protection in case of delays or emergencies.
✅ Copy of Documents: Bring printed and digital copies of your passport, itinerary, and insurance.
✅ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: It's a good idea to register at STEP so the U.S. State Department can accurately and quickly contact you in case of an emergency.
✅ Global Entry: For a faster reentry process back into the U.S., use Global Entry or download the Mobile Passport Control app.
✅ WhatsApp Group: Join the group for real-time updates and communication during the trip. Link will be shared prior to departure.
✅ Local Currency:
Senegal: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
The Gambia: Gambian Dalasi (GMD)
Exchange a small amount at the airport or withdraw from ATMs in major cities. Use a currency converter app to track live rates.
✅ Cash & Cards: Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels, but cash is preferred for taxis, small shops, and street vendors. Notify your bank of international travel to prevent card holds.
✅ Mobile Phone Plan: Check with your provider for an international plan, or download an app like Airalo to purchase an eSIM for data access.
✅ Free Wi-Fi: Available at most hotels and restaurants. Speeds may vary, especially in safari camps or remote areas.
✅ Universal Adapter: Bring a Type C or Type E/F adapter for charging your devices.
✅ Stay Charged: Bring a portable charger to keep your devices powered during excursions.
✅ Medications: Bring enough prescription medications for your stay, along with a copy of the prescription.
✅ Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best. Bring a scarf or shawl for visits to cultural or religious sites. Dress modestly in rural or traditional areas.
✅ Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brim hat, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
✅ Mosquito Repellent: Essential, especially for evening and outdoor activities. A repellent with DEET or picaridin is recommended.
✅ Drinking Water: Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice unless at reputable restaurants.
✅ Cultural Sensitivity: Both countries are culturally conservative. Dress modestly in towns and villages—cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious or historical sites. Remove shoes when entering homes or places of worship.
✅ Learn Basic Phrases: Download a translation app for extra support. Locals appreciate your effort.
Hello (Wolof): Salaam aleekum
Thank you: Jërejëf (Senegal), Baraka (Gambia)
✅ Photography: Always ask before taking someone’s photo, especially elders or children.
✅ Taste Local Cuisine: Try thieboudienne (Senegalese fish and rice), domoda (Gambian peanut stew), and local hibiscus juice (bissap).
✅ Bargaining: Negotiating prices is common at markets. Settle on a price that feels fair and comfortable for you, and remember that your purchase supports the local community.
✅ Tipping Etiquette:
Tour Guides: $5–$10 per day
Drivers: $3–$5 per day
Hotel Staff: $1–$2 per service
✅ Safety & Transportation: Use hotel-arranged transfers if not on a guided tour.
✅ Keep Your ID: Carry a copy of your passport or keep a photo of the biodata page on your phone.
✅ Local Emergency Numbers:
Police (Senegal): 17
Police (Gambia): 117
Medical Emergency: Ask your hotel or guide to assist
U.S. Embassy Dakar: +221 33 879 4000
U.S. Embassy Banjul: +220 439 2856
Backpack
passport (and visa as applicable)
copy of passport (screenshot of biodata page)
flight itinerary
travel insurance docs
ink pen
cash and credit card
phone and charger
universal adapter
power bank
ear plugs/headphones
small pillow
jacket (according to local weather)
reusable water bottle
non-refrigerated snacks/gum
hand wipes/hand sanitizer
travel size tissues
toothbrush and travel size toothpaste
glasses/contact lenses
2 pairs of underwear and socks
1 simple outfit
hand fan (hot weather destinations)
book/journal/magazine or tablet
prescription medications (epi pen, inhaler)
basic medications (dramamine, pain relief, upset stomach, etc.)
Suitcase
7-9 shirts/maxi dresses (comfortable clothing)
7-9 pants/shorts
large scarf (can serve multiple purposes)
underwear
socks
pajamas
swimwear
1 pair-tennis shoes/comfortable sandals/flats
small toiletries (lotion, soap, face wash, deodorant, etc)
shaving items
eye drops/contact lens solution
limited hair products
feminine care products
sunglasses
sunscreen
basic first aid (band aids, antibiotic ointment, etc)
mosquito repellent
waterproof phone case
foldable bag to make room for souvenirs you will want to bring back
The purpose of the toothbrush, extra clothes and medications in your backpack is to have in the event you are separated from your checked luggage for longer than expected.
It is recommended that you email copies of your passport, flight itinerary and travel insurance documents to yourself and/or take photos of them to keep on your phone.
Please remember to pack according to the weather in the destination(s) during your visit.
The benefit of packing light is having room for the souvenirs and specialty items you may purchase. Also, the weight restrictions for checked luggage may be different for flights that are included in your itinerary.
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