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Senegal & The Gambia 2026

November 9-17, 2026
Senegal & The Gambia 2026 image
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Download the My Trips app on the App Store or Google Play to view the itinerary on your phone.

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

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Ask us how to book your own custom trip if these dates don't align with your schedule.

Overview

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Overview

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Map

1. Dakar

Dakar, Senegal

2. Fathala Wildlife Reserve

Fathala Wildlife Reserve Karang, 24020, Senegal

3. Banjul

Banjul, The Gambia

4. Saly

Saly, Senegal

Day 1 Arrival

November 9
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Welcome to Senegal!

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Itinerary will be finalized at least 60 days prior to departure

🛏️ Hotel: TBD
📍 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.

Day 2 Historical Tour

November 10
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Monuments, Museums & Music

🛏️ Hotel: TBD
📍 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.

Day 3 Goree Island

November 11
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Gorée Island & Slave Dungeon Tour

🛏️ Hotel: TBD
📍 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.

Day 4 Safari

November 12
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Fathala Wildlife Safari

🛏️ Hotel: TBD
📍 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.

Day 5 Welcome to The Gambia!

November 13
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Kunta Kinteh Village

🛏️ Hotel: TBD
📍 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.

Day 6 Market Shopping

November 14
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Markets & Marine Views

🛏️ Hotel: TBD
📍 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.

Day 7 Beach Day

November 15
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Leisure in Saly

🛏️ Hotel: TBD
📍 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.

Day 8 Lac Rose

November 16
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Pink Lake Wonders

🛏️ Hotel: TBD
📍 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.

Day 9 Departure

November 17
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Check Out & Depart

🍽 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.

Trip Details

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Payment Details

  • Pay in Full: $3,599

  • Payment Plan: $3,799

  • Deposit: $199

Flight Info

Arrive Dakar International Airport (DSS) by 5PM on November 9, 2026

Depart Banjul International Airport (BJL) on November 17, 2026

Room Occupancy

Trip price is based on double occupancy and priced per person. Individuals who purchase double occupancy and traveling without a roommate, will be paired with a roommate if available on a first come first serve basis. If a roommate is not available, you will be required to purchase the single occupancy supplement.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covering all applicable dates of any travel with Jelani Travel is required. We strongly recommend that you purchase an additional comprehensive “cancel for any reason” insurance to the extent that such insurance is available under the laws governing your state.

Cancellation Policy

This trip is non-refundable and non-transferable

Payment Plan Policy

1. Three consecutive failures to pay scheduled installments will be subject to late fees up to $200, trip cancellation and loss of 100% of trip package price. 

2. Total balance must be paid at least 90 days prior to the trip start date, or be subject to late fees up to $200. 

3. If total balance is not received at least 60 days prior to the trip start date, the trip will be subject to cancellation and loss of 100% of trip package price.  

What's Included

4 Star Hotel

Airport Transportation

Local Expert Guides

Ground Transportation

Meals as indicated on the itinerary

Excursion Entry Fees

Jelani Travel Welcome Gift

Know Before You Go Zoom call

FAQ document

Suggested Packing List

Passport, Visa, and Vaccination support (as applicable)

What's Not Included

❌ Travel Insurance

❌ International flight to Senegal

❌ Some Beverages

❌ Gratuities

❌ Visa Fees

How To Book

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1. Choose your package

Please note all packages are based on double occupancy and priced per person. If you want to lodge by yourself, you will need to first choose your package and then add the Single Occupancy Supplement. 

2. Create an account 

When checking out, you should check the box next to "Create an account to manage your booking online." This will allow you to edit, adjust your trip, and select additional options at a later date.

3. Processing fees 

When proceeding to payment, please note that there is no processing fee if you pay by ACH using your banking information. There is a processing fee if you choose to pay by credit or debit card.

4. Payment Plan

Each payment plan is set up for automatic payments on specific dates. You can call or email us after you register to adjust your payment dates in a way that works best for you. 

5. Questionnaire

Answer the short questionnaire required for every participant.

6. Confirmation email 

You will receive a confirmation email with your receipt, payment plan information, and the option to purchase travel insurance for this trip. We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance to protect your investment.

7. Store your account info and password

You can go back to your account any time to check your balance, pay it off, or add additional options.

Required for Entry

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  • 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. Confirm validity at travel.state.gov

  • 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

Contact Us

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☎️ (202) 915-9508

📧 [email protected]

🌐 gojelanitravel.com

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram & join our Facebook group for visual examples of how we curate for the culture.

Thank you for choosing Jelani Travel!