Fitness Off the Beaten Track Culture History Wildlife

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1 Tour Notes Guinea Bissau, Gambia, and Senegal Explorer Tour Duration 14 Days Tour Rating Fitness Off the Beaten Track Culture History Wildlife Tour Pace Busy Tour Highlights Exceptional cultural experiences An introduction to animistic traditions, tribal kings and other ethnic groups Experience ever changing landscapes from the edge of the Sahara to the Bijagos archipelago Prolific birdlife in Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary Explore the charming old town of Saint Louis in Senegal See traditional African architecture in the Diola Kingdom Navigate through the islands of the Bijagos Archipelago

2 Tour Map Guinea Bissau, Gambia and Senegal Explorer Tour Essentials Accommodation: Mix of comfortable hotel accommodation, 1 night in a permanent tented camp, and 1 night in simple grass huts. Included Meals: Daily breakfast (B), plus lunches (L) and dinners (D) as shown in the itinerary Group Size: Maximum group size 16. (you may be joined by travellers from companies other than Undiscovered Destinations). Start Point: Dakar End Point: Bissau Transport: Minibus, 4x4 Vehicles, Calash, local taxi, ferry, ship, local motorised canoe. Countries: Guinea Bissau, the Gambia and Senegal

3 Guinea Bissau, Gambia and Senegal Explorer An intriguing journey touching the edge of the Western Sahara and down to the Bijagos Archipelago. We begin by travelling north through Senegal, reaching the border with Mauritania and the Djoudj National Park, a natural oasis composed of hundreds of miles of partially flooded land. We cross the Gambian estuary by ferry to Banjul and continue to our hotel, where the grounds are home to over 100 species of birds, and monkeys roam free. We continue our exploration of Senegal with visits to nomadic tribes and sacred towns before crossing into Guinea-Bissau. This is one of the smallest, and least visited, countries in Africa. Few western travellers make it to this former Portuguese colony, but those that do return full of incredible experiences and memories of a stunning part of the continent. Depending on the date of your tour, in Guinea-Bissau you will either experience turtle nesting, tribal carnivals or the wild bull mask dancing. Vaca Bruto Mask Departures 13 th April 2019 Saltwater Hippos and Turtles 2 nd November 2019, 21 December 2019 Tour itinerary notes While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day itinerary as printed below, a degree of flexibility is built in. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested and on occasions alternative accommodation, of a similar standard to that named below, will be used. Tour Guide Our guides are a key strength, chosen for their knowledge of and passion for the areas in which they work. All of our guides are carefully hand-picked, and are not just passing through these countries, but are usually locally born. Unlike some companies it should be noted we do not send a guide or tour leader from Undiscovered Destinations in the UK as we have every confidence in our locally appointed representative who is responsible for operating the tour on our behalf. Where possible you will have the same guide throughout your trip but on occasions it may be necessary to change the guide at one or more points during the tour. Group Size Important Information The maximum group size for this tour is 16. The group will be led by an experienced local guide and dedicated transport will be provided. As tourism facilities in West Africa are limited and some tours including those that include a festival can be popular, it should be noted that on occasions other tour groups will be travelling in the region and may be following the same or a similar itinerary. They may also be staying at the same hotels. Itinerary Day 1- Arrival in Dakar Arrive in Dakar and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Djoloff or similar.

4 Dakar Located on the Cap Vert peninsula and Africa s westernmost city, Dakar is thriving, colourful, and lively providing the first real experience of urban West Africa on this trip. Brash and often uncompromising, it was once one of the major cities of the French Empire and today is home to over a million people. With busy traffic and street vendors everywhere, Dakar is a world away from the rest of Senegal. Nearby is Gore Island, in contrast a peaceful sanctuary with well-preserved colonial buildings, giving it an almost Mediterranean feel. Gore is best known for its associations with the slave trade, although there is some controversy about how much of a role it actually played. Day 2 Dakar Gore Island Dakar was the centre of political, economic and cultural French West Africa. We have a morning tour of the city including the city hall, Independence square the Presidential Palace and some interesting markets. This afternoon we will visit the Village of Arts, which provides studios for over fifty local artists. In the late afternoon we board a ferry to Gore Island. Overnight at Hotel Municipal or similar (BLD) Day 3 Gore Island Lac Rose (170km, approx. 4 hours) Waking up in Gore and strolling through the tiny stone alleys of this historical settlement is a real pleasure. Gore was a boarding point for slaves waiting to be shipped to the Americas, and some restored buildings remain to bear witness to that dark period. Today its breezy climate, history and ancient architecture, together with restaurants and boutiques, make Gore an interesting and attractive destination for local and foreign visitors. After lunch, we drive to Lac Rose which is a shallow salt lake surrounded by dunes. It is ten times saltier than the ocean, and the high concentration of minerals, lends it a pink colour on occasions. Later a minibus will take us to the Lampoul desert where our 4x4 vehicles will be waiting at the edge of the dunes to transport us to our camp. Overnight in a fixed camp at Lampoul, with spacious tents which include beds, and have their own bathroom. (BLD) Day 4 Saint Louis and the Nomadic Tribes (150km, approx. 2 hours) This morning we drive to Saint Louis, the one- time home of the aviator and author Antoine Saint Exupery, where we explore its narrow lanes by calash in keeping with the locals! Overnight at Hotel de la Poste or similar (BLD) Saint Louis One of West Africa s most charming towns, Saint Louis was the first French settlement in the region and still retains much of its old colonial architecture, contributing to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Divided between an island and a peninsula, most of the old European buildings are concentrated on the island with an old governor s palace, museum, and numerous grand old houses. Day 5 Djoudj National Park (250km, approx. 5 hours) This morning we travel north to discover Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj), a natural oasis composed of hundreds of miles of partially flooded land. This is the habitat and nesting site of over a million migratory and sedentary birds including pelicans and flamingos. Later we continue to the Ferlo desert to discover the dry savannah where the Fulani, a nomadic tribe, herd Zebu cows. The Fulani (Peul) are the largest tribe in West Africa occupying a vast area from Senegal to Chad. They are the main herders of this vast savannah and their origins are still shrouded in mystery. We have dinner and overnight in a basic, but clean, structure of simple grass huts with mosquito nets and private WC and showers, managed by the local community. We will visit the nearby villages and, in the evening, when the herds come back, we may be invited to witness the milking of the herd! (BLD)

5 Day 6 - Touba Brotherhood (160km, approx. 4 hours) Rarely visited, the inhabitants of the sacred town of Touba are followers of Muridism, which offers a peaceful vision of Islam. Touba is a sacred town and visitors must wear conservative clothing, while it is forbidden to smoke, drink alcohol or listen to music. Mourdi appreciate any interest shown by visitors in their traditions and by following these simple rules, we will be made very welcome. Baye Fall, a member of a colourful branch of Mouridism, will accompany us during the visit. Overnight at Le Relais de Kaolak or similar (BLD) Touba Touba is the centre of the Mourids, a strict Islamic sect that started in the 19th century with Sufi associations, and the town is an important centre of pilgrimage within the region. With that in mind, it s forbidden to bring either alcohol or cigarettes into the town and there are no hotels here, for they are seen as dens of iniquity. Each year the town plays host to an annual pilgrimage called the Grand Magal, when 750,000 people descend, raising comparisons with a West African Mecca. The main sight here is Touba s enormous mosque construction began in the 1930s but was not completed until the 1960s, and it is one of the largest on the continent. Day 7 To Banjul and Stone Circles (220km, approx. 5 hours) Early this morning we leave Touba and follow the main road to the unique megalithic site of Sine Ngayene, composed of 52 circles of erect stones, including a double circle. This site has been recognised by UNESCO, with a total of 1102 carved stones. We cross the border into Gambia and drive to the northern banks of the Gambian estuary where we will cross the river by ferry. We moor at Banjul and arrive at Senegambia Hotel, the first hotel to open the countryside to tourism, and located in a large park where it is easy to encounter many birds, and where monkeys roam freely. Overnight at Senegambia Beach Hotel or similar (BLD) Day 8 Gambian Birds Casamance (170km, approx. 4 hours) Senegambia gardens are a real African experience, and it is possible to see 70% of the bird species that are found in the whole country. We spend time with an ornithological guide discovering the different variety of bird species. We visit the National Museum which focuses on different aspects of the country from archaeology to recent history, art, music and photography. After lunch we drive to the southern border and cross back into the Casamance region of Senegal. This evening we will reach Ziguinchor. Overnight at Hotel Kadiandoumange or similar (BLD) Day 9 Sacred Kings (100km, approx. 3 hours) We discover the adobe fortified buildings of the Diola people which are an interesting example of this style of African architecture. We will then be received by the Monarch of one of the oldest Diola Kingdoms and with his permission we may be invited in to the sacred forest to assist in some traditional rituals. This evening we return to Ziguinchor. Overnight at Kadiandoumange Hotel or similar. (BLD) Day 10- Villages of the Flooded Forest Felupes and Baiotes Tribes (150km, approx. 4 hours drive, 3 hours navigation) Today we cross into Guinea Bissau and travel along the Cacheu River to observe the abundant bird life including huge Pelicans, Goliath Herons, Egrets, Storks and Flamingos. We then leave the main river to start navigating through the flooded mangrove forest. Our destination is some isolated villages inhabited by the Felupes and Baiotes, both tribes of the Diula ethnic group. We will witness their complex tribal

6 technology and how they manage to desalinate the land for crop cultivation and we will hope to see their ceremonies and distinctive adobe huts. Overnight at Hotel Mar Azul or similar (BLD) Day 11- Bijagos Archipelago (4 hours boat) This morning we leave for a four-day journey across the Bijagos Archipelago to discover its remote islands and isolated human settlements. The Bijagos Archipelago is located 40 miles off shore and is the largest in Africa with 88 islands of which only 21 are permanently inhabited. With its wild and idyllic landscapes, unique fauna and a genuine tribal culture, the Bijagos Archipelago is a geographical treasure. During this tour we will have the opportunity to witness the Wild Bulls Mask Festival which will be widely attended by all the villagers. Overnight at Parque Hotel. (BLD) The itinerary during these four days may be slightly modified to accommodate the Vaca Bruto mask dances or saltwater hippos. Day 12- Queens Island (approx. 2 hours 30 hours boat) This morning we will take a 30-minute walk to the sacred village of Okinka Pampa, the site of the graves of the Queens. The society is semi matriarchal so this is a place of great significance. We will meet with the local king who can relate the history of the island. From here we will leave Orango and arrive to Ruibane Island which will be out base for the last 2 nights. Overnight at Hotel Ponta Anchaca or similar (BLD) Vaca Bruto Masks 13 April 2019 Saltwater Hippos and Turtle Nesting 2 November 2019, 21 December 2019 Day 13- Island life (approx. 2 hours boat) Take a boat excursion to Bubaque passing Soga Bay with its large colony of pink flamingos. This is the largest village in the archipelago with unpaved alleys, and a tiny colourful market, with a small museum dedicated to the culture of the Bijagos. In the afternoon we will return to Rubane Island and the rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Ponta Anchaca or similar (BLD) Day 14- Bolama Island - Bissau (approx. 5 hours boat) Early this morning we leave for Bolama, the former capital of Portuguese Guinea from 1871 to When the Portuguese left, the native people came to live in the town but it is now falling apart and partly invaded by tropical vegetation. The town has large, sunny avenues, empty squares, dry fountains, bush-like gardens and the Governors Palace around which goats wander peacefully. This afternoon we arrive in Bissau in time to attend the carnival with its colourful parades; they continue for hours, an unforgettable cultural experience combining Portuguese influence with the cheerful African spirit. There will be rooms available for day use until 6pm before you transfer to the airport for your flight home. (BL) Tour inclusions/exclusions Inclusions: Arrival and departure transfers provided on a shared or private basis depending on location. On occasions the transfer will be operated by a hotel shuttle bus (*please see notes below) Arrival and departure transfers

7 All accommodation Transport as described Services of English speaking guide / tour leader Meals as listed (B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner) Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary Excluded: International flights in to Dakar and back from Bissau Any airport taxes Travel Insurance Visas Drinks Tips (discretionary) Items of a personal nature * Please note that airport transfers will be provided on the advertised start and end dates of the tour. In addition, arrival and/or departure transfers will be provided in conjunction with any pre and/or post tour accommodation that has been booked and paid for through Undiscovered Destinations. In all other cases charges may apply for airport transfers. Important Information Foreign Office Travel Warnings We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing the FCO has no travel warnings in place for Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or if would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident. It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government. Accommodation and Meals Hotel Check-in Times As a general rule most hotels will allow guests to check-in from 2pm. Please note that the price of your tour does not include guaranteed early check-in. Therefore please advise us if you would like to ensure that your room is available for an earlier arrival. This is particularly relevant on the first day of the tour and for early morning arrivals. One option is to pre-book and pay for an extra night at the beginning of your tour which will guarantee your accommodation is available irrespective of what time you arrive. Please contact us for information and costs. It should also be noted that on many of our tours we have set-aside Day 1 of the itinerary as an arrival day. For this reason and because tour participants are likely to be arriving at different times, and often from different countries, guided sightseeing or other activities are not included. If you are arriving early or before

8 the start date of the tour and would like to organise some extra arrangements on a private basis please contact us. Accommodation Rating The majority of this tour stays in comfortable mid-range accommodation. There is one night basic camping in simple grass huts and you can expect to have private bathrooms throughout. In general you will find that hotels have a restaurant and/or bar. We welcome solo travellers and single rooms will be allocated subject to the applicable tour supplement. Please note that on occasions you may not always be allocated a double or twin room, as some hotels have designated single rooms. These may be smaller in size. However, the supplement payable takes this into consideration. Food & Drinks The daily meal basis is shown in the tour itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D). Please note that lunch may be a picnic. Drinks are not included and will be payable locally in cash. Dietary Requirements If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible. Budgeting for your Tour You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry. Food The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more. Drinks The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive. Tipping Guide and Drivers Tipping is common practise throughout the region. If your local guide has been helpful then you could think about tipping. This amount can obviously be left to you. When tipping a driver, a guide or hotel staff a few dollars will always be gratefully received. Foreign Exchange ATM Availability: We do not recommend that you rely on ATM machines where they do exist (rarely) they are often unreliable Credit and Debit Card Acceptance: We do not advise using cards as these will not be accepted in the vast majority of places

9 Local Currency: CFA Recommended Currency for Exchange: Euro Where to Exchange: Your guide will advise you Joining your Tour Flight Information Our advertised prices do not include the cost of international flights. Please contact us if you would like a quotation to book a flight inclusive package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme. Joining Your Tour Abroad Customers booked on the Land Only arrangements will receive a free airport transfer, both on the advertised start and end dates of the tour. In addition arrival and/or departure transfers will be provided in conjunction with any pre and/or post tour accommodation that has been booked through Undiscovered Destinations. In all other cases charges may apply for airport transfers. Please advise the date, time and flight number for your arrival/departure. If we have not been advised of this information at least 2 weeks before travel, then you will be required to make your own way to the hotel on Day 1 of your tour. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday. Visa Information As of 1st May 2015, UK nationals do not need a visa for a short stay in Senegal. Other nationalities should check with their nearest embassy. With the exception of West African states, all nationalities require a visa to enter Guinea-Bissau. The Guinea-Bissau visa will be obtained locally at the consulate in Ziguinchor before crossing the border (available to all nationalities). Regulations can and do change and so we recommend that you check with your nearest embassy or consulate for the most up to date information. For the Gambia, you do not need a visa before travel for visits of less than a month. Passports It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to the UK. We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities. For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country s embassy or consulate. Alternatively UK citizens can visit

10 Vaccinations & Protection As with travel to most parts of the developing world, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. Anti-malaria medication will also be required and the use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended. You will also need to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Guinea-Bissau. Preparing for your tour Climate The best time to visit the region is between October and March outside of this time it can be very hot. Rainfall is rare at this time but cannot be ruled out. From June to September the region experiences most of its rainfall. Clothing When it comes to clothing it is usually recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day and warmer ones at night, although you shouldn t expect it to be cold here. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun. Senegal and Guinea-Bissau are fairly relaxed in terms of clothing but you should bear in mind that these are Muslim countries. There is no dress code and you should also bring a bathing suit. Shorts are generally acceptable for men but not worn by local men. You should make sure that you have sufficient long sleeved tops and trousers for entering any mosques. You may also find a waterproof jacket to be useful for the journeys made by boat in the Bijagos Archipelago. Equipment There is 1 night basic camping on the tour so please bring a light sleeping bag and also a sleeping inner sheet. An inflatable pillow and travel towel is recommended. A torch/flashlight or head torch should also be taken for the camping night and also for any unexpected electricity outages or dimly lit areas. The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit. If you suffer from motion sickness then tablets for this are advisable for the Bijagos Archipelago and for the night on board the ship. If you are bringing a digital camera it is also advisable to bring a spare battery, as there will be occasions when electricity is not available. Footwear Footwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended but also take lighter shoes such as sandals for general travelling Luggage on tour Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). Due to the nature of the itinerary with many boat rides, the maximum weight allowed per luggage per person is 20 kg and we advise you to travel with a soft bag.

11 Electric Supply & Plugs Electrical supply is 220V and plugs usually have two round pins. Tour Itinerary Versions Please ensure that you have an up-to-date copy of these tour notes immediately before you travel, as from time to time our itineraries may be amended, either for operational reasons or in response to feedback from customers. You will be informed of any major changes to your tour but small changes may just be added to these tour notes. These tour notes were updated 24/07/2018