Gambia/Senegal
A West Africa Voyage: Wildlife, National Parks & Human History
Program No. 25256RJ
Set sail on the M/Y Harmony V for a voyage along the Gambia River to discover the ecosystems, national parks and villages of West Africa.
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11 days
10 nights
26 meals
9B 8L 9D
At a Glance
From the coast of Senegal to the winding Gambia River, set sail to explore a sampling of the national parks, ecosystems and local life of western Africa. Your voyage begins in the vibrant city of Dakar, where you’ll experience Senegal’s capital firsthand before boarding your vessel. From there, sail south along the coastline with daily stops to delve into history and daily life, including visits to villages and the peaceful Bakau Botanical Gardens. Follow the Gambia River east to Kiang West National Park and Gambia National Park, where you’ll have regular opportunities to view astounding wildlife. Stop at Kunta Kinteh Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Your voyage circles back to Dakar, where you’ll have the chance to visit Lac Rose, a lake famous for its pink color caused by algae, before your journey concludes.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to three miles per day; uneven, muddy, dusty and inclined terrain including hills, stairs without railings . Getting on/off bus and climbing in/out of rustic pirogues. Restrooms not readily available during Field Trips. Transportation on pirogues and buses used during the program are rustic and basic, with some vehicles being open-air. There is limited infrastructure in West Africa.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience multiple outstanding wildlife viewings as you journey up the Gambia River.
- Explore the stone circles of Wassu, a megalithic site believed to be a burial ground that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Spend two nights in Dakar, Senegal’s capital city, and explore nearby Lac Rose, famous for its pink color.
Suggested Reading List
(8 books)
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You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A West Africa Voyage: Wildlife, National Parks & Human History
Program Number: 25256
Folktales from Africa
South African and award-winning Author, Dianne Steward, retells folktales from the African Continent.
The Abandoned Baobab: The Autobiography of a Senegalese Woman
Chosen by QBR Black Book Review as one of Africa’s 100 best books of the twentieth century. Abandoned by her mother and sent to live with relatives in Dakar, the author tells of being educated in the French colonial school system, where she comes gradually to feel alienated from her family and Muslim upbringing, growing enamored with the West.
Lonely Planet West Africa (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet West Africa is the most comprehensive guide to the most relevant, up to date advice on what hidden discoveries await you.
Roots: The Saga of an American Family
Based off of the bestselling author's family history, this novel tells the story of Kunta Kinte, who is sold into slavery in the United States where he and his descendants live through major historic events.
Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears: A West African Tale
A retelling of a traditional West African tale that explains how the mosquito developed its habit of buzzing in people's ears.
Dakar, Senegal Travel Guide 2024 Edition
Discover the best way to visit Dakar and get the most out of this beautiful travel destination from a Local Point of View.
With insider tips and essential travel information, you'll feel like a seasoned explorer as you navigate Dakar's streets with confidence
The Fortunes of Africa, A 5000-Year History of Wealth, Greed and Endeavor
Covering the epic story of colonialism in Africa, Meredith’s magisterial history depicts empire-hungry kings, missionaries, tribal warlords, mining barons -- even modern multinational corporations. An expansive but entertaining read.
Africa Is Not a Country: Notes on a Bright Continent
A Literary Hub Most Anticipated Book of 2022. An exuberant, opinionated, stereotype-busting portrait of contemporary Africa in all its splendid diversity, by one of its leading new writers.In this bold and insightful book, Dipo Faloyin offers a much-needed corrective, weaving a vibrant tapestry of stories that bring to life Africa’s rich diversity, communities, and histories.