Journey Through Senegal and the Gambia

Rivers of West Africa

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The deltas of Senegal and The Gambia are an ethereal melding of river and sea, with mangrove-lined canals, majestic groves of baobabs, bird-rich islands, and ancient river villages. Aboard the 34-guest yacht Callisto, we navigate the labyrinthine waterways of the Gambia and Saloum rivers, discovering the natural wonders as well as an array of West African peoples. Highlights include the haunting Ile de Gorée, with its legacy of the Atlantic slave trade, and Kiang West National Park, a tropical reserve for baboons, monkeys, and a wealth of birdlife. Throughout our journey, we enjoy the knowledge and insights of our naturalist guides, Lynn Mair and Sandra Fowkes, experts on the ecology of West Africa.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
Depart from US / Dakar, Senegal / Ile de Gorée

In Dakar, Senegal’s capital, we visit markets famed for their traditional healers, then roam the Coeur des Orfèvres, the silversmiths’ quarter. On tiny Ile de Gorée, we visit the notorious Slave Castle where African captives were held before being sent to the Americas from the 15th to 19th centuries.

Days 4-5
Thies / Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

The Grand Côte, the long, palm-fringed coast, leads us to the old French garrison town of Thies, one of Senegal’s weaving and crafts centers. The next day we board pirogues to explore Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, an oasis at the southern edge of the Sahara, keeping an eye out for purple heron, African spoonbill, flamingos, and pelicans.

Days 6-7
St. Louis Island / Embark / Saloum River / The Gambia

After exploring St. Louis Island, Senegal’s colonial capital, with its legacy of crumbling 18th and 19th century mansions from the French era, we embark on the Callisto. We journey up the meandering Saloum River through a maze of islands and mangrove creeks interspersed with welcoming villages. We call at Fadiout, a fishing village on an island composed entirely of shells. Cruising further up the River Gambia, we reach the village of Tendaba, 55 miles upriver.

Days 8-9
Kiang West National Park / River Gambia / Kuntaur

We look for baboons, colobus monkeys, and roan antelope in Kiang West National Park and cruise into Baobolong Wetland Reserve, a noted bird sanctuary in a towering mangrove forest. Deeper into the River Gambia, we look for the hippos that live on this curving river. In Kuntaur, set on a beautiful bend of the river, we visit the colorful weekly market where many tribes gather.

Days 10-12
River Gambia National Park / Banjul

After exploring the Baboon Islands of River Gambia National Park by pirogue, we continue to the 19th century town of Janjanbureh for a walk along the leafy riverfront, then sail down river to Banjul, capital of The Gambia. Here we visit Abuko Nature Reserve, with its red colobus and callithrix monkeys, and the privately owned Makasutu Culture Forest on a tributary of the Gambia River.

Days 13-14
Dakar / Disembark

Disembark at Dakar and depart on the evening of Day 13

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Tour Costs Per person from: TBA Prices are based on double occupancy and depend on cabin type *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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