A West Africa Adventure: Senegal, The Gambia & Sierra Leone
People, Culture & Connection
11TH TO 21st October 2026
When it comes to wildlife, you can’t beat Tanzania
This is not a highlights reel of West Africa, it’s an invitation to step into daily life, stories, and rhythms that most travellers never reach.
From the energy of Dakar to the calm of the Saloum Delta, you’ll move slowly and intentionally: learning mbalakh dance steps, drifting through mangroves by pirogue, sharing meals cooked over wood fires, and crossing borders the local way. You’ll explore coastal communities, markets, villages, and islands where history isn’t trapped in museums, it’s still lived, spoken, and remembered.
The journey deepens in Sierra Leone, where resilience, creativity, and warmth shape everyday life. From Bunce Island and Tasso to Tacugama Sanctuary and Freetown’s streets, this part of the trip offers perspective, connection, and moments that stay with you long after you return home.
This is West Africa, up close, vibrant, welcoming, and unforgettable.
overview
Welcome to West Africa.
On arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport, you’ll be met by our local team and transferred into the heart of Dakar. After checking in at Casa Mara Dakar, you’ll have time to freshen up, shake off the journey, or simply sit back and take in the sounds of the city beginning to unfold around you.
This first night is deliberately unhurried. Dakar has a rhythm all of its own, and tonight is about letting that settle in: the warmth of the air, the hum of street life, and the feeling of being somewhere very different from home. There’s no pressure to do or see anything yet; this is a gentle landing into West Africa and into the pace of the journey ahead.
In the evening, we come together for a relaxed welcome dinner, your first taste of Senegalese flavours and a chance to meet your fellow travellers properly. This isn’t a briefing-heavy first night; it’s about sharing food, stories, and setting the tone for the days ahead.
Overnight in Dakar.
Casa Mara Dakar or similar.
Meals Included: Dinner.
Day 1: Arrival in Dakar & Welcome Dinner
After breakfast, we set out to explore Dakar, a city shaped by history, creativity, and constant movement. With a local guide, you’ll visit key neighbourhoods and landmarks, including bustling markets, the Corniche, and the Plateau district, gaining insight into the city’s past, present, and cultural identity. There will be time to pause, observe, and ask questions, rather than rushing from sight to sight.
We stop for lunch in the city before leaving Dakar behind and heading south along the coast toward Saly. The scenery gradually softens as urban life gives way to palm-lined roads and ocean air.
On arrival in Saly, check in to your hotel and enjoy a slower afternoon. This is your chance to unwind after a full morning. Take a walk along the beach, dip your feet in the Atlantic, or simply relax with a cold drink as the sun begins to dip. The evening is free to enjoy at your own pace.
Overnight in Saly.
Accommodation: Keur Palmier Saly or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 2: Dakar City Tour & Journey to the Coast
Today is about slowing down and connecting with Senegal’s coastal environment. After breakfast, we travel to the Somone Lagoon, a peaceful natural reserve where land, sea, and mangroves meet. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll enjoy a gentle nature boat ride through the lagoon, learning about the ecosystem and spotting a variety of birdlife that makes this area so special.
For those who feel curious and adventurous, there is the option to try a surf initiation, a fun, accessible introduction to riding Atlantic waves with experienced instructors. Others may prefer to stay on shore, take photographs, or simply enjoy the coastal setting.
Lunch is enjoyed by the sea, followed by a relaxed afternoon with time to swim, rest, or wander along the beach. There’s no fixed agenda this afternoon, just space to enjoy where you are and how you feel before we rejoin for a beachfront meal this evening.
Overnight in Saly.
Accommodation: Keur Palmier Saly or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner included
Day 3: Lagoon Landscapes & Coastal Lifes
After breakfast, the morning begins with an introduction to Senegalese rhythm and movement during a traditional mbalakh dance class. This is a joyful, high-energy experience led by local dancers, offering insight into how music and movement are woven into everyday life and celebration.
We then travel south to Joal-Fadiouth, one of Senegal’s most unique communities. After lunch, you’ll explore the famous shell island on foot, learning about its cultural and religious significance, before returning by canoe, a gentle crossing that offers a different perspective on village life.
In the afternoon, we continue on to Ndagane, the gateway to the Saloum Delta. Here, the pace slows noticeably. After checking into your lodge, the rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the natural surroundings, and take in the quiet beauty of this extraordinary region.
Overnight in the Saloum Delta.
Accommodation: Souimanga Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Culture, Rhythm & the Saloum Delta
Today is dedicated entirely to experiencing the Saloum Delta, a vast, tranquil network of mangroves, waterways, and island communities best explored by boat. After breakfast, we set out by pirogue, gliding quietly through the mangroves as your guide explains the delicate ecosystem and the way life here is shaped by the tides.
We visit Mar Lodj and nearby islands, spending time walking through the village, meeting locals, and gaining a deeper understanding of daily life in this unique environment. Birdlife is abundant, and there are plenty of moments to pause, observe, and simply enjoy the stillness.
Lunch is a relaxed picnic with your feet in the water, followed by time to kayak or unwind by the river’s edge. In the afternoon, we return to the lodge for rest and reflection, letting the calm of the delta fully sink in.
Overnight in the Saloum Delta.
Accommodation: Souimanga Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Life on the Water in the Saloum Delta
After breakfast, we begin our journey west toward The Gambia, travelling by road and experiencing the landscape gradually shift as we approach the border. Today is about movement and transition, not just between countries, but between cultures, rhythms, and ways of life.
One of the highlights of the day is the local ferry crossing from Barra to Banjul. This is a shared public crossing, offering a glimpse into everyday Gambian life as people, vehicles, and goods move across the river together.
On arrival, we continue to the coast and check into our hotel. Lunch is included, followed by a free afternoon to relax after the journey. Whether you choose to rest by the pool, take a gentle walk, or simply watch the world go by, this is a chance to slow the pace once again.
Overnight in The Gambia.
Accommodation: Harmony Boutique Resort Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 6: Crossing Borders into The Gambia
After breakfast, today invites you into the heart of Gambian home life through food. We begin with a visit to a local market, where colours, aromas, and daily routines offer a vivid snapshot of everyday life. Here, you’ll learn about the ingredients that form the backbone of regional cuisine and how food connects people across families and generations.
From the market, we head to a local home to take part in a traditional cooking experience. Together, you’ll prepare Thiéboudienne over a wood fire, from washing and chopping to stirring, seasoning, and waiting as flavours slowly come together. This is hands-on, unpolished, and wonderfully human.
Lunch is shared as a group, enjoying the meal you’ve helped create and the conversations that naturally unfold around it. The afternoon is free to relax back at the hotel, swim, or reflect on the week so far. Dinner is on your own this evening, with space to choose how you’d like to spend your final night in The Gambia.
Overnight in The Gambia.
Accommodation: Harmony Boutique Resort Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 7: Cooking, Community & Shared Stories
An early start this morning as we transfer to the airport for the final leg of the journey, flying onward to Sierra Leone. Please note you are responsible for booking your own flight.
The shift in atmosphere is immediate, Sierra Leone has a distinct energy, shaped by resilience, creativity, and an unmistakable warmth.
On arrival, we cross from Lungi to Freetown by water taxi, offering a striking first view of the coastline and city as it rises from the Atlantic. From here, we continue by road to our hotel and check in.
After time to rest and refresh, there’s the option to take a short walk to the site of the devastating landslide, a moment for quiet reflection and context around Sierra Leone’s recent history.
We end the day immersed in sound and movement, with drumming, dancing, and traditional food, marking the beginning of this next chapter of the journey together.
Overnight in Freetown.
Accommodation: Stafford Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 8: Arrival in Sierra Leone & First Impressions
Today offers a deeper introduction to Freetown, exploring both its layered history and its living present. After breakfast, we begin with a guided city tour, moving through neighbourhoods, markets, and key historical sites that reveal how the city has been shaped by colonialism, freedom, conflict, and resilience.
We visit the Peace and Cultural Museum, offering valuable context on Sierra Leone’s past and the path it has taken since, before continuing to the historic slave steps, a powerful reminder of the country’s role in Atlantic history and the lives that passed through these shores. Along the way, there is time to observe daily life unfolding around us, from street trading to informal conversations.
In the afternoon, we travel just outside the city to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a conservation project dedicated to the rescue and protection of chimpanzees. This visit offers a hopeful counterpoint to the morning’s history, highlighting grassroots efforts to protect both wildlife and future generations.
Overnight in Freetown.
Accommodation: Stafford Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 9: Freetown, History & Conservation
Today takes us out onto the water and deep into Sierra Leone’s Atlantic history. After breakfast, we travel by boat to Bunce Island, home to the ruins of one of the most significant slave trading forts in West Africa. Walking through the remains of the fort, you’ll hear the stories of those who passed through this place and its lasting connection to the transatlantic slave trade. It is a sobering, powerful visit, one that offers space for reflection and understanding rather than spectacle.
From Bunce Island, we continue on to Tasso Island, where the atmosphere shifts noticeably. Here, history meets present-day life, and the welcome is warm and open. We enjoy lunch on the island, sharing food and time within the local community.
Afterwards, there’s time to walk, talk, and take in the setting before returning to Freetown in the afternoon, carrying the weight and meaning of the day with us.
To celebrate our journey, we will head to Lumley Beach for cocktails, sunset and a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Freetown.
Accommodation: Stafford Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 10: Bunce Island & Tasso Island
After breakfast, it’s time to say our goodbyes. For those heading home, we will arrange transfers back to Lungi, including the water taxi crossing, ensuring a smooth and supported departure.
For travellers who aren’t quite ready for the journey to end, this doesn’t have to be goodbye. Sierra Leone offers a meaningful opportunity to stay longer and give back by joining Street Child for the Sierra Leone Marathon, an extraordinary community-led event that supports education and child protection projects across the country. Whether you run, walk, or volunteer, it’s a powerful way to continue your connection with the places and people you’ve come to know.
👉 Find out more about extending your trip with the Sierra Leone Marathon here.
However your journey continues, you’ll leave with more than memories. You'll leave carrying stories, perspective, and connections that stay with you long after you return home
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11: Farewell & Onward Journeys
Set within a quiet residential neighbourhood of Dakar, Casa Mara Dakar is a relaxed, welcoming guesthouse that feels more like a home than a hotel. Surrounded by tropical gardens and shaded terraces, it offers a calm retreat from the city’s energy while still keeping you close to Dakar’s cultural heart. Casa Mara is known for its warm hospitality, artistic touches, and thoughtful design.
casa mara dakar
Peaceful garden setting: Lush greenery, outdoor seating areas, and a pool create space to unwind after travel or a busy day exploring the city.
Comfortable, characterful rooms: Individually styled rooms with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and simple, tasteful décor.
Swimming pool: A welcome escape from the Dakar heat and the perfect spot to relax on arrival.
On-site restaurant & bar: Fresh, flavourful meals using local ingredients, with vegetarian options available.
Warm, personal hospitality: Attentive staff and a friendly atmosphere that sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Key Amenities:
Where will we stay?
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Located just moments from the Atlantic coast, Keur Palmier Saly is a laid-back, palm-filled retreat that perfectly matches the slower rhythm of Senegal’s coastline. This small, characterful hotel blends comfort with a relaxed beach-town atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind after exploring Dakar and the surrounding region. With its warm colours, open spaces, and friendly staff, Keur Palmier feels informal and welcoming, a place where shoes come off quickly and time stretches a little longer.
Keur Palmier, Saly
Beachside atmosphere: Just a short walk from the ocean, with easy access to the beach and coastal paths.
Swimming pool: A central pool surrounded by loungers and palm trees, perfect for cooling off in the afternoon heat.
Comfortable rooms: Air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms, designed for rest and simplicity rather than excess.
On-site restaurant: Serving a mix of Senegalese and international dishes, with fresh seafood often featuring on the menu.
Relaxed communal spaces: Shaded terraces and seating areas ideal for reading, chatting, or enjoying a cold drink.
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Where will we stay?
Key Amenities:
Hidden among mangroves at the edge of the Saloum Delta, Souimanga Lodge is a place where nature sets the pace. Built with natural materials and thoughtfully designed to blend into its surroundings, the lodge offers a peaceful retreat in one of Senegal’s most beautiful and biodiverse regions. Here, the sounds of water, birds, and rustling palms replace traffic and noise, creating an atmosphere that feels deeply grounding and restorative.
souimanga lodge, saloum Delta
Waterfront setting: Positioned directly on the delta, with sweeping views over the mangroves and tidal waterways.
Eco-conscious design: Traditional-style bungalows built from local materials, designed to stay cool and low-impact.
Comfortable en-suite accommodation: Simple, spacious rooms with mosquito nets, private bathrooms, and natural ventilation.
On-site restaurant: Serving fresh, locally inspired meals using seasonal ingredients from the surrounding region.
Peaceful communal areas: Shaded terraces and viewing decks perfect for birdwatching, reading, or watching the tides roll in.
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Where will we stay?
Key Amenities:
Perched above the Atlantic in Brufut Heights, Harmony Resort Boutique Hotel is a small, peaceful retreat with a relaxed coastal feel. With ocean views, open spaces, and a calm, intimate atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to slow down after crossing from Senegal. This is not a large resort, but a boutique hideaway where sea breezes, simplicity, and warm hospitality set the tone.
harmony boutique resort hotel, banjul
Cliff-top ocean views: Open outlooks across the Atlantic, perfect for sunset evenings and slow mornings.
Boutique-style suites: Air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms, private terraces or balconies, and understated décor.
Outdoor swimming pool: Set within the grounds, offering a refreshing escape from the heat.
On-site restaurant & bar: Serving a mix of local and international dishes in a relaxed setting.
Quiet, restful environment: A peaceful base that balances comfort with authenticity, away from busy tourist hubs.
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Where will we stay?
Key Amenities:
Set in a quieter residential area, Stafford Lodge is a warm, welcoming place to stay with a genuine homely, family-run feel. This is the kind of accommodation where you’re greeted by name, looked after with care, and made to feel part of the household rather than just another guest. Simple, comfortable, and relaxed, it offers an authentic base for experiencing Freetown beyond the surface.
Stafford Lodge, Freetown
Homely, family-run atmosphere: Personal service and a welcoming environment that makes it easy to settle in and feel at ease.
Comfortable en-suite rooms: Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, designed for rest after full days out exploring.
On-site restaurant: Freshly prepared meals with local flavours, often enjoyed in a relaxed, communal setting.
Quiet residential location: A calmer area of the city that still allows easy access to key sites and activities.
Communal spaces: Informal shared areas where guests can relax, chat, or unwind at the end of the day.
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Where will we stay?
Key Amenities:
Dates and Pricing
The prices below are based on two sharing and exclude international flights. If travelling solo you will be allocated a roomie. A $300 deposit is required at time of booking to secure your spot.
11th October 2026
Sunday
21sr october 2026
wednesday
early bird offer only £2,400 - use code earlybird300 - offer ends 28th feb
What is not included?
Inclusions and Exclusions
What’s Included?
→ All accommodation and stated
→ All meals as stated
→ Expert English speaking wildlife guide
→ All mentioned activities
→ Transfers to and from the airport for those arriving in line with the itinerary
→ Contributions to local communities
→ Flights
→ VISA
→ Additional drinks or snacks
→ Souvenirs
→ Tips
→ Travel Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Many travellers can enter Senegal and The Gambia visa-free for short stays, while Sierra Leone often requires a visa in advance. We’ll confirm the exact requirements for your passport and guide you through the process after booking.
You’ll fly into Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport and out of Freetown (Lungi International Airport). You’ll also need a short regional flight from Banjul to Freetown, we’ll provide the exact flight details and timings at the time of booking.
There are a number of flight options depending on where you are coming from. Skyscanner or Google Flights is the best bet for working out the best route. We are more than happy to offer guidance and support in finding the best flights for you, but please note that, ultimately, we would not be responsible for your flight connection.
I always recommend reading your government’s advice before travelling to a country, as these highlight potential hazards their citizens might experience.
We take safety very seriously and only work with trusted, long-standing local partners, licensed drivers, and guides who know the regions intimately. Our itineraries are carefully planned, we avoid areas known for issues, and we travel using private transport or carefully selected public services. You’ll receive clear briefings throughout the trip, and there is always local support on the ground. As with travel anywhere in the world, awareness and common sense go a long way, and we’re there to guide you every step of the way.
A mix of private, licensed vehicles suited to each part of the journey, including cars, minibuses and boats, as well as some carefully selected public transport such as ferries: all arranged for comfort and safety.
You’ll enjoy a wonderful mix of traditional West African dishes and more familiar options throughout the trip. Expect fresh fish, rice-based dishes, slow-cooked stews, grilled meats, vegetables, tropical fruit, and plenty of flavour, without everything being spicy. Meals are taken in a mix of local restaurants, lodges, and community settings, including a hands-on cooking experience in The Gambia.
We can cater for dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, and most allergies, just let us know in advance and we’ll make sure this is communicated clearly to our partners on the ground.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Sierra Leone and may be checked when crossing borders during this trip. You will need to carry proof of vaccination with you.
In addition, some other vaccinations are commonly recommended for travel to West Africa, depending on your medical history and previous travel. We strongly recommend visiting a travel clinic or physician well in advance of departure to discuss whether any additional vaccinations or preventative measures are advised for you personally.
This tour is for curious, open-minded travellers who want to experience West Africa beyond the headlines and the highlights.
It’s for people who value connection over comfort, who enjoy slowing down, asking questions, and engaging with local life, whether that’s sharing meals, learning to cook over a wood fire, dancing, listening, or simply being present. You don’t need prior experience in Africa, but you do need a sense of curiosity, flexibility, and respect for cultures that work differently from home.
This trip suits travellers who are happy with small-group travel, understand that plans can evolve, and see value in meaningful moments over polished perfection. It’s ideal for those interested in culture, history, community, and perspective, and for people who believe travel should leave places better, not busier.
If you’re looking for luxury resorts, fast-paced sightseeing, or a neatly packaged experience, this probably isn’t the right trip. But if you want depth, humanity, and stories that stay with you long after you return home, you’ll feel very at home here.
We like our tours to be intimate, and for that reason, there will be no more than 12 guests on this tour.
Absolutely. We can help arrange extra nights, transfers, and activities. If you have time, we highly recommend joining the Sierra Leone Marathon with Street Child, no running required, just impact.
October is warm and tropical, with temperatures typically in the high 20s to low 30s °C. Expect sunshine, humidity, and the occasional short rain shower.
No! Our trips attract predominantly solo travellers, so you will be in good company!
We will allocate rooms based on what we believe will be the best fit; however, once the tour is underway, there are usually very obvious friendships that are formed. Swapping roomies mid trip is never a problem.
And if you would like your own room, then you can always request this at an extra charge at the time of booking.
WiFi is available in most hotels, though it can be slow or intermittent. We recommend buying a local eSIM or SIM card if you need reliable connectivity, we’ll advise on the best option.
YES! I have written many!
For a complete guide to Sierra Leone check out: The Complete Guide to Visiting Sierra Leone: why I love it here!
For more information on Sierra Leone Marathon, check out: Street Child Sierra Leone Marathon: Is this the craziest marathon in the world?
For a sneak preview of things to do in Dakar, check out: 10 Unforgettable Things To Do In Dakar That Will Surprise You
This trip is run in conjunction with Inspired Ventures. Inspired Ventures connects inspirational people, charities, and companies with communities around the world to make a positive impact through travel.
Inspired Ventures handles all the behind-the-scenes operations required to deliver an exceptional trip.
Other Questions
If you have other questions regarding the trip or simply want to chat about it on the phone, please email me at bea@bea-adventurous.com. I love nothing more than talking about travel, and I would be happy to discuss all things Tanzania with you.
Booking Conditions
Please click the following link to view the terms and conditions for booking this trip.
Booking Terms and Conditions
About your host
Hi, nice to meet you, I’m Bea, the founder of Bea Adventurous, and I’m so glad you’re considering joining me on this journey through West Africa.
Sierra Leone was my very first solo trip, and my first time in sub-Saharan Africa. I arrived curious, a little nervous, and completely unprepared for how deeply the country would get under my skin. The warmth, the resilience, the humour, the humanity... it changed how I travel and what I believe travel can be. I’ve returned many times since, both independently and to support Street Child through the Sierra Leone Marathon, and each visit has only strengthened my connection to the place.
Last year, I spent time exploring Senegal and The Gambia too, slowly, intentionally, and with local partners, and it became clear that these three countries belonged together as one journey. Not because they’re easy, but because they tell a richer, more honest story of West Africa when experienced side by side.
For me, travel isn’t about ticking places off a list. It’s about connection, context, and leaving with a deeper understanding of the world, and often yourself. On this trip, I’ll be there to support, and hold space, but also to learn alongside you. My hope is that you leave with stories that stay with you, friendships that matter, and a perspective that lingers long after you’re home.
I can’t wait to see you in West Africa!
