In the south of Senegal and separated from the
other main regions of the country by the Gambia, Casamance is the greenest region of Senegal. Covered by a dense subtroprical forest, the region has at its western part of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Home to some of the most rooted and most traditional ethnic groups in the country (Diola, Mandiak, Mancagne, Floups, Socés, etc.), the region offers many opportunities for cultural and natural discovery: animism, the traditional religion of the ethnic groups who live there is still present in everyday life, initiation rites, rites of passage are regularly practiced there at specific times of the year by the Masters of the Sacred Woods Here there are also many village camps offering possibilities for "integrated tourism" which will provide our guests with unforgettable moments of immersion in the local culture.

DAY 1: DAKAR/KAOLACK/ZIGUINCHOR

You will set off from Dakar to Ziguinchor, the capital city of the renowned southern region of Casamance. Enroute you will pass through the Baobab forest of Sindia, the town of Kaolack with its vibrant market, as well as Fulani villages. Lunch will be provided enroute. You will cross the western side of the Gambia River and the Gambian border. In the late afternoon you will pay a visit to Mandingo villages before you arrive in Ziguinchor. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

DAY 2: ZIGUINCHOR

Breakfast in the hotel before exploring Casamance. Today will be a special day of learning the Casamance customs and traditions. You will meet the traditional chief of the Mandingo ethnic group, King of Oussouye, as well as the masters of initiation ceremonies in the villages. You will have time to interact with members of the Diolas, Bainuks, Mankagne ethnics’ groups. Lunch will be provided enroute. In the afternoon, you will discover the Mandingo architecture style, which is known for its respect to nature, visit the impluvium houses of Enampore, and the one storied-mud houses of Seleti. Dinner and overnight in your hotel in Ziguinchor.

DAY 3: ZIGUINCHOR/KARABANE/ZIGUINCHOR

After breakfast leave for the discovery of the Lower Casamance and the island of Karabane.You will go through the villages of the Diola ethnic group and visit the village fishing port of Elinkine. By motor canoe you will sail from Elinkine to the island of Karabane meandering the Casamance River with its wonderful birds, vegetation, mangrove, oyster banks, and the colorful and picturesque fishermen canoes.

Upon arrival in Karabane you will have lunch at the convent restaurant. Then, you will visit the island to learn its history and testimonies of the slave-trading era in Southern Senegal. Return to Ziguinchor at the end of the day. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

 

DAY 4: ZIGUINCHOR/BANJUL/DAKAR

Breakfast in the hotel before you depart Ziguinchor to Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia. During the day, you will visit the upper Casamance villages and interact with the people. Once in Banjul, you will have a short city tour and lunch before you cross the Gambia River by ferryboat. On our way to Dakar you will pass through the Saloum Region. Arrival in Dakar in the late afternoon.