Senegal and Guinea Bissau Explorer

Duration
15 days
Group Size
12 people
Price
From £4615
Region
Africa
Image link

Overview

A great opportunity to see the best of Senegal and Guinea Bissau in our Senegal Tour. We start our adventure in the Senegalese capital Dakar and explore this bustling city before immersing ourselves in the slave history at Goree Island. Then we head to northern Senegal, reaching the border with Mauritania and the Djoudj National Park, a natural oasis composed of hundreds of miles of partially flooded land. Our next stop is the holy city of Touba where we visit its Grand Mosque. Our adventure continues as we explore the Saloum Delta by canoe and visit some villages of the Sérère ethnic group.

After travelling back to Dakar, we continue by air on an afternoon flight to Bissau, capital of tiny Guinea Bissau – one of West Africa’s truly ‘undiscovered’ destinations. 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. From Bissau, we travel by boat to the magnificent Bijagos Islands – a group of islands where traditional culture is at its strongest and ancient customs still hold sway. We visit local communities to learn about their lifestyles, some of the most traditional on the continent. The joy of this trip is the fact that you will be visiting an almost untouched corner of Africa; expect truly genuine encounters with local people and feel privileged to be one of the very few to have travelled here.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
One-way economy class flight from Dakar to Bissau including 20k baggage allowance
All accommodation
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
International flights (contact us for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes (except from Dakar to Bissau)
Travel Insurance
Visa – To be obtained in advance
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 4/5
Culture: 5/5
History: 3/5
Wildlife: 2/5
Tour-pace: 4/5
Image link

Map and Tour Itinerary

This immersive 15-day journey explores the vibrant cultures and natural wonders of Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. Discover Dakar’s bustling streets, historic Goree Island, and the pink waters of Retba Lake. Continue to colonial Saint Louis and bird-rich Djoudj Park before heading to the sacred city of Touba and the serene Saloum Delta. Cross by canoe to the traditional island of Mar Lodj, then explore Joal-Fadiouth’s shell island. Fly to Guinea-Bissau to uncover the untouched Bijagos Archipelago, home to rare wildlife, saltwater hippos, and rich cultural traditions. Visit remote villages, sacred sites, and pristine beaches before returning to Bissau for departure.

Itinerary Highlights
Goree Island, Senegal

Visit this tranquil UNESCO-listed island, once a key site in the Atlantic slave trade, with preserved colonial architecture and the moving House of Slaves museum.

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

Explore a vast wetland ecosystem in northern Senegal, home to over 1.5 million birds, including pelicans, flamingos, and cormorants—ideal for wildlife and bird enthusiasts.

Bijagos Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau

Cruise through these remote, biodiverse islands, rich in marine life, sacred traditions, and home to the rare saltwater hippo and vibrant Bijago communities.

Joal-Fadiouth Shell Island

Stroll through an island entirely made of seashells, featuring white shell paths, a unique cemetery shared by Muslims and Christians, and scenic coastal village life.

Pink Lake (Retba)

Marvel at the vivid pink waters caused by salt-loving algae, and see how locals harvest salt by hand—set between dunes and the Atlantic, it’s one of West Africa’s natural wonders.

Day 1: Dakar (62km, approx. 1hr10m)

Arrive in Dakar and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Ibis Dakar or similar (D) 

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 City Tour – Goree Island – Pink Lake – Langue de Barbarie (25min Ferry + 275km, approx. 5hr50m)

This morning we take a city tour of Dakar. Highlights include the Presidential Palace, Republic Square and Soweto Square to see the National Assembly. We then drive to the Cathedral du Souvenir Africain and the train station, with its elegant and inspiring façade, and is the region´s oldest major transit hub. Visit the Museum of Black Civilizations, the museum is dedicated to African civilizations, a place of civilizational encounter and dialogue between cultures before we catch a ferry to Goree Island. On arrival we visit the house of slaves, a living testimony of the times of slavery, where you see the ‘door of no return’ where slaves were allegedly sent through to board boats. Continue to visit the town square and Catholic Church before stopping at the historical museum.

Return to Dakar for the second part of the city tour, visit of the Great Mosque Massalikoul Djinaan, University “Cheikh Anta Diop”, the monument of the African Renaissance, the divinity Mosque on the West Corniche, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the “Village des Arts” composed of fifty-two artist’s studios (ateliers).

Next depart to Retba Lake, also nicknamed Pink, nestled between white sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. Tour of the lake and see how women harvest the salt from the depth of the lake. Lunch at a local restaurant and continue to Ocean et Savane Lodge located in Langue de Barbarie National Park in front of the river. Enjoy a beautiful sunset in front the river. Dinner and overnight in Ocean et Savane Lodge or similar (BLD)

Day 3: Langue de Barbarie – Saint Louis (35Km / approx. 1h)

Spend the morning at leisure. After lunch we head to St. Louis, Senegal’s first capital, and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch at a local restaurant, before enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city. Visit the fisherman’s district, the lively fishing community of Guet N’Dar in the “Langue de Barbarie”, a magical place with dozens of pirogues used for local fishing as well as the Cathedral, situated next to the Governor’s Palace, an 1828 building. with a neoclassical facade and one of the oldest churches in Senegal. Dinner and overnight at Hotel La Residence or similar (BD)

Day 4: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

Today visit Djoudj National Park, the third largest bird reserve in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A living sanctuary, situated in the Senegal River Delta, with a wetland of 16,000 hectares and 1, 5 million migratory birds. It is a lush setting with wetlands comprising lakes, streams, valleys, and pieces of sand. Bird watching in a pirogue, with particular emphasis on the white pelican, cormorants, Gambian geese, ospreys, crocodiles, among other species. Return to St. Louis for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Hotel La Residence or similar (BLD)

Day 5: Saint Louis – Touba – Palmarin (340Km / approx. 6h30m)

Depart to Saloum Delta. Along the slopes, you will have chance to meet the Peuhls breeders at the time of the regrouping of the zebus herds for the milking of animals. Then visit the holy city of Touba and its famous mosque. After lunch we continue our journey on the Saloum Delta in Senegal. Dinner and overnight at the eco-lodge of Palmarin or similar (BD)

Day 6: Palmarin – Mar Lodj (30Km / approx. 45min + 30min boat trip)

We take a canoe to cross to the picturesque island of Mar Lodj, just opposite Ndangane. Visit the villages of Mar Lodj and Marfafaco, home of the Sérère ethnic group. Lunch at the Essamaye camp on the edge of the lagoon before returning to Palmarin in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Ecolodge of Palmarin or similar (BD)

Day 7: Palmarin to Joal Fadiouth to Dakar

Approximate distance is 80 km, approximate driving time is 2 hours today

This morning, depart for Joal Fadiouth travelling through palm and baobab groves. Stop at Fadial to view one of Senegal’s largest baobab trees, then continue through traditional Serer villages and the Samba Dia forest. On arrival, explore Fadiouth Shell Island on foot, visiting the interfaith cemetery, local market and church. Wander the shell lined alleys before lunch at La Taverne du Pêcheur in Joal. After lunch, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Ibis Dakar or Lodge des Almadies Hotel or similar (B)

Day 8: Dakar – Bissau

Transfer to Dakar’s international airport for a late afternoon flight to Bissau, the capital of little visited Guinea Bissau. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight Dunia Hotel or similar, Bissau (BD)

Please note that you will travel unaccompanied, without a guide, on the short one hour flight from Dakar to Bissau.

📍 Bissau
Guinea Bissau’s capital is a small and fairly unassuming place with old colonial buildings and a relaxed pace, although this changes during the annual carnival. It is a pleasant place for wandering and observing everyday life rather than traditional sightseeing, offering an approachable slice of urban Africa. Traditional crafts found here are particularly impressive.

Day 9: Bissau to Orango National Park to Eticoga Village

After breakfast, depart at 08:00 for Quinhamel where you will board a boat to Orango National Park in the heart of the Bijagós Archipelago, home to over eighty islands. On arrival, check in to the Orango Parque Hotel, nestled in forest surroundings and overlooking a pristine beach, where you will stay for three nights. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the forest to the village of Eticoga where you visit the sanctuary of Queen Okinka Pampa. This sacred site remains an important place of worship and traditional rituals. You will also meet the local women’s association and learn about their artisanal and horticultural work. Overnight Orango Parque Hotel or similar (BLD)

📍 Bijagós Islands
The Bijagós Archipelago comprises around forty islands and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its ecological value and rare species including turtles and the unique saltwater hippo which swims between islands. The remoteness of the islands has preserved traditional culture with most islanders living in a very customary way and speaking Bijago, a language found nowhere else.

Day 10: Orango, Anor Lake Exploration

Today, embark on a scenic beach to beach boat journey accompanied by eco guides. Continue on foot through mangroves and savannah to reach Lake Anor, known for its freshwater pockets and sightings of rare saltwater hippos. A picnic will be enjoyed in the open savannah before returning to the lodge. Overnight Orango Parque Hotel or similar (BLD

Day 11: Sacred Village of Ambuduco

Travel by boat and on foot to reach Ambuduco, one of the oldest and most revered villages in Orango National Park. Surrounded by a vast palm grove, this spiritual centre hosts traditional ceremonies including the Canhocan dance performed by young Bijagós warriors. Return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight Orango Parque Hotel or similar (BLD)

Day 12: Southern Islands of Maio and Canhabaque

Depart for the untouched island of Maio, renowned for its natural beauty, birdlife and secluded beaches. Enjoy a picnic lunch beneath ancient mangroves before continuing to Canhabaque Island and checking into Anchaca Sud Lodge. Known for its twenty two kilometres of unspoilt coastline, Canhabaque is often regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago. The island’s villages, known as tabancas, maintain strong matrilineal traditions. This evening, dine in the panoramic beachfront restaurant where meals are prepared over a traditional wood fire. Overnight Anchaca Lodge or similar (BLD)

Day 13: Inhoda Village and Ponta Anchaca

This morning, travel by motorbike with local drivers to the village of Inhoda where you will meet the village queen, Fanta. The route takes you along beaches and rice fields, offering a vivid glimpse of traditional island life. Continue to Ponta Anchaca for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Overnight Ponta Anchaca Lodge or similar, Canhabaque (BLD)

Day 14: Ponta Anchaca to Bissau by boat

Approximate boat journey is 2 hours

This morning is at leisure. After lunch, take a boat back to Bissau for a panoramic city tour. Overnight Dunia Hotel or similar (BLD)

Day 15: Departure from Bissau

You will be transferred to Bissau’s airport for your departure flight (B)

Download the Information Pack

To download the tour full dossier, which includes a complete day-by-day itinerary breakdown and detailed tour information, fill in the details below.

Dates and Prices


Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing Per person
SGB/020326 Mar 02, 2026

Monday

Mar 15, 2026

Sunday

Guaranteed £4,615.00


Single Room Supplement: £1,055.00
SGB/040526 May 04, 2026

Monday

May 18, 2026

Monday

Guaranteed £4,615.00


Single Room Supplement: £1,055.00
SGB/211226 Dec 21, 2026

Monday

Jan 04, 2027

Monday

Guaranteed £4,835.00


Single Room Supplement: £1,375.00

Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Senegal and Guinea Bissau that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or 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.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, and US nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Senegal. Australiain nationals will require a visa.

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Guinea Bissau. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

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 your country.

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 www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Africa, 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. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

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 (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

Other tours you may like