Adventures in Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau

Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau have hot, humid climates that vary very little year round. The intense heat can be very wearing, and it doesn’t cool down much at night. We don’t recommend this trip for people who can’t tolerate hot or humid conditions. Rain is unlikely in the areas we visit but is possible.

Accommodations are chosen for their location and charm. They range from city hotels to basic lodges. Please note that air conditioning in West Africa may not cool your room to the standards you are used to in the US. There may also be occasions where the hotel electricity goes off for a time, including the air conditioning. They are the best available in the places we will be visiting, but all guests must come with a sense of adventure and understanding that this trip is to a very remote region not visited by many western tourists.

Senegalese cuisine has been influenced by the country's many ethnic groups as well as French colonization and Islam. The national dish is thiéboudiène, a one-pot meal made with fish, rice, vegetables, and spices. The national dish of Gambia is domoda, a stew of peanuts with vegetables, often including pumpkin or sweet potatoes. In Guinea-Bissau, the Portuguese influence is still seen in the cuisine, and caldo de mancarra is a popular stew made with chicken or seafood. Grilled or stewed fish, lobster, shrimp, and crab are also popular dishes across Guinea-Bissau.


Note: all travelers must understand that the food will be very simple and monotonous on this trip. Most meals will consist of fish or chicken with rice or fries and limited vegetables. Vegetarians are welcome to join, but should understand their cuisine options will be even more limited. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let our team know as soon as possible to confirm if your dietary needs can be met.

Many days involve long drives and bumpy dirt roads. We try to reduce drive times as much as possible, however, this trip is designed to take you to fascinating and remote regions that may have basic infrastructure. Transportation is by 4WD vehicles with three passengers per vehicle when making long drives on dirt roads. Please note that air-conditioning in our vehicles may not cool to the standards you are used to in the US. We have taken local travel times into account in planning the itinerary, though road conditions can change from week to week. On our road journeys, we make frequent "outdoor bathroom" stops and you have ample opportunity to stroll around villages and markets to see and experience the differences in architecture, dress, and culture among the many tribes in West Africa. About half of the trip we will be traveling by local boats—we choose the best boat options available but they are often simple motorized speedboats. Our vehicles will transport the group’s luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, camera, water bottle, etc.).

Traveling in West Africa is always an adventure! Changes and delays are all part of the experience. We will make every effort to follow the Detailed Itinerary as described, but please note that the daily itinerary may be rearranged due to circumstances beyond our control. In addition, travelers should be aware that there is a scarcity of medical facilities outside of Dakar and the facilities may not be up to international standards. A spirit of adventure and a flexible, cooperative attitude are musts for this trip. Your reward is an unparalleled experience of one of the world’s most intriguing regions and its fascinating wildlife.