Discovery Holiday
8 Days/ 7 Nights
1
Arrival in Dakar
Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
2
Dakar Toubacouta
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel and transfer from Dakar to Toubacouta (260 km). Settling in period and lunch at Keur Niaye.
Afternoon: relaxing boat trip to the lagoon. Followed by a visit and swim at Sipo, which is a village on an island about ½ hour by boat from Toubacouta. Guests will see Birdhouse island in the late afternoon, to observe the birds in the dormitory. Hundreds of birds gather on the island to spend the night in safety. In addition to the pelicans, the dormitory is frequented by many egrets, cormorants and other kingfishers fighting to roost in an indescribable fuss. Guests will see the many colours and splendour of the birds alongside the ornithologists.
3
Toubacouta
Morning- tour of the village ‘Toubacouta’ in the company of Doudou (the guide). Walking from Keur Niaye, you will discover living areas of the village. Including, the nursery which is self-managed by the village women, the maternity hospital and the "picturesque" baker's oven, the mill peanuts, metal workers and the small market in Toubacouta ... this is a ride both enjoyable and informative.
In the afternoon there will be a choice of riding around the village on mountain bikes or kayaking.
Bike riding: A circuit of 2 hours in the classified forest and its natural surroundings. This bike ride will take you through the ‘bissap’ or peanut fields and you can search for (endangered) Colobus monkeys which are more easily visible at the beginning or end of the day. If you prefer kayaking, it will be the opportunity to explore the mangroves on the water and to learn about their important role in the biodiversity of the area. You can discover the passages that are inaccessible to motorized canoes. You'll also find in their habitat fish eagles, herons and other goliath inhabitants of the delta. Visiting the mangroves gives people a full experience of nature by arousing their senses.
4
Hike through the mangroves and Home-stay with a local family
Departure on foot from Keur Niaye accompanied by Doudou (guide). 14 km walk through the mangroves and the bush. You will pass through several small villages along the lagoon. Viewing wildlife (birds, monkeys) and flora and arriving at noon in Missirah, a large fishing village.
Meal with a family of fishermen: This will give total immersion in the Senegalese country. After lunch, you will explore THE cheese which is described as the largest tree of Senegal. This ancient tree is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is a part of the folklore. Guests can make a wish to the tree, according to the local legend, if they would like to. For many, this has been a magical experience. Then we will return to Toubacouta in the dugout.
5
Market Sokone - Dance and djembe:
Morning: The car will depart for the market Sokone (18km away). Every Wednesday, all merchants, farmers and market gardeners of the region come together in Sokone to sell their products. There is an explosion of colours, smells and joyfulness in the ‘bazaar’.
Afternoon: Lunch in Keur Niaye. Including, an introduction to local African dance while practicing the djembe with the local band performances of Toubacouta. This is a great moment of conviviality and amusement that culminates with the celebrated tea ceremony.
6
Pottery and meals in a bush village:
Morning: departure from Keur Naiye in the 4x4 to the bush. In a remote village, you will meet the villagers who make pottery. Where you can learn the many things they do to create pots, canaries, incense containers.
Afternoon: Meals with your hosts for the day. You will take the 4x4 to drive across the bush villages, discover the orchards (mangoes, oranges, grapefruits) and visit the community garden attached to the Keur Niaye Association.
7
Bird Island
Morning: Visit to : Morning departure by boat to the bird island, protected site of Saloum park. You will ride through the Saloum islands and see the magnificent scenery.
When you arrive on the island, the game guard will accompany you and answer all your questions about the thousands of birds (Flemings, pelicans, royal terns, Caspian terns, gulls ...) that come to nest there. It’s an incredible show.
Afternoon: At noon, on the way back; ‘Pape’ who is a local fisherman and river guide will cook you a fish on the grill. It’s delicious!
Visit to a deserted beach, this includes swimming, fishing or a nap before returning to Toubacouta while quietly enjoying the sunset, which one never tires of.
8
Final Day- Back to Dakar:
Free morning in the village: During this time guests can explore, say goodbye to the locals and buy souvenirs.
Afternoon: The departure to Dakar. Guests will be given a packed lunch for the journey. The trip will begin by quests taking a tray across the lagoon through Foundiougne village. The rest of the travel is by 4X4 to Dakar.
*Dinner not included in the price stay