For those choosing to travel 15-days in Senegal AND The Gambia or 7-Days in Senegal:

Arrange your roundtrip flight to arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, Senegal on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

Arrival in Dakar & Hotel Check-In
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to our hotel, Hotel L’Adresse Dakar, where you’ll check in and enjoy breakfast. Take some time to refresh after your flight and settle into your surroundings.

🌸 Afternoon Excursion: Pink Lake

This afternoon, we head out to one of Senegal’s most iconic natural wonders — Lac Rose (Pink Lake). Known for its striking pink hues caused by natural minerals, this experience blends beauty, culture, and fun.

Choose your adventure at the lake:

• Camel ride or ATV ride

📸 Expect stunning photo opportunities and unforgettable moments.

🍽️ Evening: Welcome Dinner & Cultural Experience

We’ll close out our first full day with a Welcome Dinner at the hotel, featuring music, dancing, and vibrant Senegalese energy — the perfect introduction to the culture and to your fellow travelers.

Overnight Lodging: Hotel in Dakar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

🗿 Monument of Black Civilization

We begin the day with a visit to the Monument of Black Civilization, a powerful symbol celebrating African heritage, resilience, and global impact.

🚤 Gorée Island Excursion

Next, we travel to Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant historical landmarks in Senegal.

Experience Includes:

• Pre-Gorée preparation and orientation

• Private guided tour of the Slave House (Door of No Return)

• Exploration of preserved colonial homes and museums

• Time for reflection and learning

This visit offers a deeply moving and educational experience, honoring the history, strength, and legacy of the African diaspora.

After our powerful morning and early afternoon on Gorée Island, the day continues with time to process, connect, and experience Dakar more intimately.

🍽️ Lunch on Gorée Island

Enjoy lunch on Gorée Island, with free time to explore at your own pace. Wander the colorful streets, shop for local art, or simply sit by the water and reflect on the experience.

🚤 Return to Dakar

We’ll take the ferry back to Dakar, offering scenic views and a moment to unwind after a meaningful day.

Overnight Lodging: Hotel in Dakar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

🗿 Monument of African Renaissance Museum

This morning we visit the Monument of the African Renaissance Museum, a powerful symbol of Africa’s strength, resilience, and forward-looking vision. The museum highlights the story behind one of Africa’s most iconic monuments and its role in shaping national pride and identity.

🍽️ Lunch & Conversation: Business + Moving to Africa

We’ll enjoy lunch at ILEA’s Café with Ellie Diop, featuring an engaging discussion around business opportunities, entrepreneurship, and what it truly means to live or relocate to Africa. This session blends practical insight with lived experience.

🥁 Cultural Immersion at Yoff Beach

In the late afternoon, we head to Yoff Beach for hands-on cultural activities, including:

• Traditional drumming class

• African dance class

This experience is interactive, joyful, and rooted in community — no experience required, just an open heart.

🍹 Dinner & Happy Hour

Dinner and happy hour at Lighthouse, where great food, ocean views, and good energy bring the day to a perfect close.

Overnight Lodging: Hotel in Dakar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Lodging: Hotel in Yenne
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today marks a transition point in the journey, as some travelers head home while others continue onward for the full 15-day Afro Discoveries experience.

🧳 Packing & Preparation

Guests continuing to The Gambia should pack accordingly, while 7-day travelers prepare for departure.

🔹 For 7-Day Trip Guests

We’ll gather for breakfast and lunch in Yenne as a group, followed by a free afternoon to explore, unwind, or relax however you choose.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Not Included Meals: Dinner (On your Own)

🔹 For 15-Day Trip Guests

Today we transition, marking the start of the next phase of our Afro Discoveries journey — one rooted in nature, adventure, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

🚐 Journey to Fathala Wildlife Reserve

We begin the day with breakfast and Lunch in Yenne, then depart promptly after for Fathala Wildlife Reserve

🦁 Arrival at Fathala Wildlife Reserve

Upon arrival at Fathala, guests will enjoy a meal and a drink (lunch or dinner, depending on arrival time) before settling in.

🌿 Explore & Unwind

Spend the afternoon exploring the reserve at your own pace. Take in the natural surroundings, relax on the grounds, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this unique wildlife sanctuary.

🍽️ Dinner at Fathala

We’ll gather for dinner at Fathala, surrounded by nature — a calm and grounding end to a day of travel and transition.

Overnight Lodging: Hotel in Southern Senegal
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

✨ For Travelers Continuing the 15-Day Senegal & Gambia Experience

Your journey continues with an unforgettable transition from Senegal into The Gambia, beginning with a thrilling wildlife experience and ending in cultural serenity.

🦒 Fathala Wildlife Reserve Safari

Explore the breathtaking Fathala Wildlife Reserve on a guided safari, where you’ll encounter giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife roaming freely in their natural habitat.

• Included Safari Experience: A guided wildlife tour through the reserve, perfect for photos and up-close encounters with African wildlife.

• Optional Add-On (Traveler-Paid): Lion Encounter
  Walk alongside majestic lions under the supervision of expert handlers for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

🌍 Journey into The Gambia

After the safari, we’ll travel by coach bus into The Gambia, where you’ll settle into the peaceful and inspiring Mama Africa Art Residence.

This unique cultural retreat is operated by a Gambian mother-daughter duo and designed to resemble a traditional village. The property blends vibrant local art, lush nature, and warm hospitality — creating a space that feels both grounding and inspiring. Expect cozy accommodations, fresh garden-to-table meals, and an atmosphere rich in creativity and culture.

Highlights at Mama Africa Art Residence:

• A one-of-a-kind art gallery featuring local masterpieces

• Relax on your private hut-style porch surrounded by nature

• Cool off in the iconic Africa-shaped swimming pool

Overnight Lodging: Mama Africa Art Residence
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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✈️ For Travelers Completing the 7-Day Senegal Experience

For guests traveling the 7-day Senegal-only itinerary, this marks the conclusion of your journey.

Please arrange your round-trip flight to depart from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar, Senegal, on Monday, November 23, 2025.

Farewell, West Africa!
Until our next great adventure, Afro Discoveries wishes you safe travels home — carrying with you unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and the spirit of discovery.

Meals: On Your Own

We begin the day with a relaxed breakfast at Mama Africa, setting the tone for a slower, intentional day.

Today is designed as an “On Your Own” experience, giving you the freedom to choose how you want to engage:

• Unwind with a spa experience

• Enjoy a laid-back beach day

• Participate in a meaningful service project

• Or simply relax and soak in the peaceful energy of Mama Africa

This free day allows you to move at your own pace while still being fully immersed in Gambian culture and hospitality.

Overnight Lodging: Mama Africa Art Residence
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🥭 Breakfast at Mama Africa
Ease into the day with a nourishing breakfast surrounded by vibrant art, lush gardens, and the calming rhythms of Gambian life.

🛍️ Local Market Shopping Experience
Late morning, we head out to explore local craft markets filled with handmade goods, unique souvenirs, and locally made treasures. We’ll also make a quick stop to pick up any personal snacks you may want for the days ahead.

🍽️ Lunch at Mama Africa
Return to Mama Africa for a freshly prepared, home-style lunch enjoyed together as a group.

🤝 Community Session Planning
In the afternoon, we gather as a group to prepare for our upcoming community engagement experience — aligning intentions, organizing materials, and connecting with purpose.

🍛 Dinner at Mama Africa
As the sun sets, enjoy a warm communal dinner, sharing stories and settling deeper into the Mama Africa experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

🌍 Evening Highlight: Cultural Dance Night (For All)

As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of The Gambia during an unforgettable Cultural Dance Night at Mama Africa.

Feel the powerful rhythms of live djembe drumming as skilled performers bring traditional dances to life, embodying the vibrant spirit, storytelling, and heritage of the region. This electrifying evening offers a deep cultural connection and a joyful celebration of West African artistry — all within the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Mama Africa.

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✈️ For Travelers Beginning the Gambia-Only Experience (8 Days)

Please arrange your round-trip flight to arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL) on Wednesday, November 25, 2026.

Complimentary airport pickup will be provided to Mama Africa Art Residence.

Overnight Lodging: Mama Africa Art Residence
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🍳 Breakfast

📍 Mama Africa
Start the morning with a nourishing breakfast at Mama Africa, our home base and cultural hub for the day.

🤲🏾 Roots of Giving Back – Morning Briefing

📍 Mama Africa
Gather with the group to review the day’s service-focused experiences and learn about the community impact initiatives we’ll be supporting.

🎨🌿 Guided Tour of Mama Africa

📍 Mama Africa

Enjoy an immersive, guided experience at Mama Africa, where culture, history, and community come together.

You’ll experience:

• 🤝 Meet the owners and learn their inspiring story

• 🖼️ Explore the gallery filled with cultural art from across Africa

• 🌱 Walk through the lush garden featuring herbs, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants

🍽️ Leave for Lunch

📍 Kafe Zola

Enjoy lunch at Kafe Zola, a family-owned café in The Gambia founded by an African American family who relocated to the continent.

Kafe Zola’s mission is to create a welcoming space that honors heritage, fosters community, and builds bridges across cultures.

🤲🏾 Roots of Giving Back – Community Engagement

📍 Location TBD

Spend the afternoon participating in a meaningful Roots of Giving Back experience focused on connection, service, and cultural exchange.

Activities may include:

• Community support initiatives

• Educational engagement

• Collaborative service projects

Final activity and location will be confirmed prior to departure.

🍽️ Dinner

📍 Mama Africa
Close out the day with dinner and reflection after a purpose-filled Day of Giving.

Overnight Lodging: Mama Africa Art Residence
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of The Gambia with a guided tour of Mama Africa, where you’ll explore a gallery filled with captivating cultural art from across Africa. Wander through the lush garden, brimming with herbs, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, offering a deep connection to the land's natural resources.

Next, dive into Gambian cuisine with a hands-on cooking class. Begin with a trip to the local Tanji fishing market to gather fresh ingredients, then return to Mama Africa to cook the traditional way, over an open fire. After preparing the meal, enjoy a communal lunch bursting with local flavors.

Activities Include:

• Guided Tour of Mama Africa
• Cooking time with Mama Africa
• Dinner at Local Restaurant

Overnight Lodging: Mama Africa Art Residence
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Delve into the rich heritage of African vegan cuisine, guided by knowledgeable local experts who will share insights on how plant-based dishes contribute to overall wellness. Learn about the profound impact of these traditional recipes on health, particularly for people of African descent.

Afterward, unwind with a serene sunset tour among the mangroves. Choose from a single or double kayak for a peaceful paddle, either solo, with a partner, or accompanied by a guide. If kayaking isn’t your style, relax in a traditional pirogue—a straight-line canoe that seats up to six, offering a calm ride with an experienced guide navigating the waters.

Activities Include:

• Attend A Vegan Journey Workshop: Discover the benefits of plant-based recipes for health
• Kayak to Baboon Island

Overnight Lodging: Mama Africa Art Residence
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with a shopping adventure at local markets in The Gambia, where you can explore vibrant stalls filled with handmade crafts, colorful fabrics, and unique treasures. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, barter with friendly vendors, and bring home a piece of African culture.

Next, enjoy a heartwarming lunch at Kafe Zola, a cozy café founded by an African American family. Relish delicious food in a welcoming space that celebrates heritage and fosters cultural connections.

As the sun sets, dive into the vibrant nightlife of Senegambia! Dance to Afrobeat, reggae, and global hits in lively clubs lit by colorful lights. Sip local cocktails and join a diverse crowd for an electrifying evening of rhythm, celebration, and unforgettable memories.

Activities Include:

• Local craft market shopping
• Lunch at Kafe Zola
• Experience Nightlife in Senegambia

Overnight Lodging: Mama Africa Art Residence
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

For those choosing to travel 15-days in Senegal AND The Gambia:

Arrange your roundtrip flight to depart from the Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, Senegal on Tuesday, December 1st, 2026.

Farewell, Senegal and The Gambia Travelers! As our time in Senegal comes to an end, we bid you goodbye with hearts full of gratitude. Afro Discoveries wishes you safe travels as you journey onward, carrying with you unforgettable memories from your time in West Africa.

Meals: On Your Own

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For those choosing to travel 8-days in The Gambia:

Arrange your roundtrip flight to depart from the Banjul International Airport in Banjul, Gambia on Tuesday, December 1st, 2026.

Farewell, Gambia Travelers! Until we meet again on the next great adventure, Afro Discoveries wishes all travelers a safe trip home, filled with cherished memories of our time together.

Meals: On Your Own