SAINT LOUIS & TOUBA

Located 264 km north of the Senegalese capital, the city of Saint-Louis is at the mouth of the Senegal River almost on the border with Mauritania Listed as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO, Saint–Louis was the first capital of Senegal at the same time as it was the capital of French West Africa. With its past rich in history, its monuments and houses in colonial style, its ornithological parks, its hinterland rich in typical villages, semi - nomadic camps etc and the possibilities it offers to discover the panoramas of the Senegal River, the city has legendary hospitality and established culinary traditions has a lot to offer in tourism

• DAY 1 : DAKAR/ THIES/ SAINT LOUIS

You will leave Dakar for Saint Louis passing by the renowned Lac Rose (Pink Lake Retba). You will have a chance to visit and take in the beautiful pink hues against white sweeping sand dunes. At the lake, you will meet the traditional salt harvesters and semi-nomadic herders from the Fulani ethnic group living in the surrounding areas. Still in the morning, you will proceed to the town of Thies, the second largest city in Senegal known for its rich tradition of arts and handicrafts. You will visit the Thies Market full of beautiful African fabrics and traditional herbs. You will enjoy lunch in Thies before settng off again for Saint Louis. On our way you will pass through traditional Wolof villages and the lively weekly markets. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at our hotel in Saint Louis, where you will share in a welcome drink. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

 

• DAY 2 : SAINT LOUIS

You will have breakfast in hotel before departure to visit of historic sites in Saint Louis.
The former capital of Senegal and all French West African colonies, this old and charming town is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic colonial style architecture.
During the daylong tour of Saint Louis, you will visit the Governor’s Palace, the old colonial houses with their ironsmithed balconies, the fishermen cemetery, and the picturesque district of Guet Ndar. Parts of the tour of the historic center will be in a horse-drawn carriage. For lunch, if you so wish, you are invited to the home of a local family in Saint Louis to eat, socialize, and interact.
In the afternoon, you will visit to the traditional village of Makhana where a folklore ceremony will be held in your honor to welcome you. You will enjoy a variety of songs, dances, and a traditional Senegalese wrestling match in the community.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

 

• DAY 3 : SAINT LOUIS/TOUBA/DAKAR

Breakfast in hotel before your departure for Touba.
While in Touba, you will be hosted by one of the spiritual leaders of the Mourid brotherhood.
Under his personal guidance you will visit the holy city founded by the revered religious leader Cheick Ahmadou Bamba.
You will take in the sights of the Mosque, the biggest and the most beautiful in West Africa, followed by a visit to the library home to thousands of books written by the saintly man.
You will meet other community leaders before enjoying a friendly lunch together.
After a short rest, you will continue to Dakar in the afternoon. Visit of other traditional villages on the way.