GUINEA-BISSAU + SENEGAL + GAMBIA

February 14 - 27, 2026
Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Gambia
Tour to Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Gambia

Dates: February 14 – 27, 2026

Duration: 14 days/13 nights

Number of participants: 6 – 12

Cost per person:

• 3 690 EUR subject to 12 participants,
• 3 850 EUR subject to 10 – 11 participants,
• 4 190 EUR subject to 8 – 9 participants
• 4 490 EUR subject to 6 – 7 participants.

* 10% early booking discount (in case you book before September 14, 2025)

Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Bissau and back from Dakar,
- international medical insurance,
- lunches and dinners,
- DOUBLE ENTRY visa of Senegal (to be obtained at the consulate in your country, or to be arranged by our partners in Senegal before arrival at 250 EUR. The cost may change),
- visa of Gambia (to be obtained while overland crossing of the border at 100 EUR or in the consulate in your country. The cost may change),
- visa of Guinea-Bissau (to be obtained at the consulate in your country at some 110 EUR, or to be arranged by our partners in Guinea Bissau before arrival at 250 EUR. The cost may change).

Estimated cost of the flight Moscow – Bissau and Dakar – Moscow: 1100 – 1400 EUR
Estimated cost of the flight Istanbul – Bissau and Dakar – Istanbul: from 850 EUR
Estimated cost of the flight Paris – Bissau and Dakar – Paris: from 600 EUR
Estimated cost of the flight Lisbon – Bissau and Dakar – Lisbon: from 550 EUR (usually purchased on your own. We advise on purchasing tickets)

Single supplement: 420 EUR (provided throughout the entire itinerary)



TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Guinea-Bissau Senegal Gambia

Day 1. February 14, 2026 (Saturday). BISSAU (GUINEA-BISSAU) – BUBAQUE ISLAND (BIJAGOS ARCHIPELAGO) – BIJANTE (1 hr by boat)

Early morning arrival in the airport of Bissau, capital of Guinea-Bissau. Meeting by the guide, assistance on entry procedures, and immediate transfer to the sea port to catch the speedy boat to Bubaque Island on the Bijagos archipelago. We drive to the Ponte Cais for departure to Bubaque.
Arrival to Bubaque Island, transfer to the hotel Cajou Lodge, check-in and rest.
For those who are ready to explore right away, we go for the city tour of Bubaque Island.
After lunch departure to Bijante Parrish to attend the “Baca Bruto – Holly Cow” dance performance.
Back to the hotel in the evening. Overnight at the Cajou Lodge or similar.

Meals included: no
Accommodation included: Cajou Lodge or similar


* Recommended flights to Bissau:
— Royal Air Maroc, departs from Casablanca at 10.50 pm on February 13, arrival in Bissau at 4:20 am on February 14, or
— any flight with arrival in Bissau no later than at 6:00 am on February 14.


Day 2. February 15, 2026 (Sunday). BUBAQUE – ORANGO ISLAND – CARNIVAL DEFILE IN BUBAQUE (1 hr by boat)

Today we start exploring Bijagos archipelago, a group of about 88 islands and islets located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Guinea-Bissau. The archipelago was formed from the ancient delta of Geba and Grande de Buba rivers and spans an area of 13000 square km. Twenty of its islands are populated year-round, including the most populated island, Bubaque.
The archipelago was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1996 because of the large numbers of non-breeding and wintering waterbirds.
After breakfast, sail to the Orango Island to visit the tomb of the queen Okinka Pampa and the royal family. Upon arrival we get the tuktuk to the village.
Sail back to Bubaque. Arrival at the Cajou Lodge for lunch
In the afternoon we head for the Defilé in the course of Annual Carnival.
Overnight at the Cajou Lodge.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Cajou Lodge or similar


Day 3. February 16, 2026 (Monday). BUBAQUE – CANHABAQUE ISLAND – BUBAQUE – BISSAU. CARNIVAL DEFILE (80 km, 1 hr by boat)

After breakfast, sail to the Island of Canhabaque – the Bijagos most traditional island.
The population of archipelago is estimated at 30000 and the ethnic group Bissago predominates. Due to difficulties of communication with mainland Guinea-Bissau that persist to this day, the population has a considerable degree of authonomy and has shielded its ancestral culture from outside influence. The Bijago language is spoken along with Portugese and creole.
Today we visit the Queen and attend to the “Kundere” women’s dance and “Kabaro” boys’ dance performance. In Guinea Bissau these ceremonial traditional dances are reserved for the festival time of Annual Carnivals. We will witness the dance at Inoré’s Beach followed by the visit of the Queen Tia Inácia and exchange with the community.
Some authors argue that Bijago culture tends to be matriarchal, with women managing the household, the economy, law, as well as initiating courtship (women choose their husbands and terminate the matrimony). Other sources dispute this and suggest that closer examination has revealed a fundamentally patriarchal society where women, in spite of their substantial participation in material production and important roles in social, political, and religious matter, remain essentially unequal to men. A 2016 study suggested that female status in Bijagos society was diminished during the slave era (likely due to Portuguese influence) but has become more valued again in more recent times.
Sail back to Bissau to see the National Defile in the course of Carnival, then transfer to the hotel for lunch.
Afternoon, departure for the Avenida dos Combatentes da Liberdade da Patria to watch the defile and ceremony again.
Back to the city for diner at the restaurant A Padeira Africana and overnight at the Hotel Hala & Aqua Park 5* or similar.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Hala & Aqua Park 5* or similar


Day 4. February 17, 2026 (Tuesday). BISSAU – QUINHAMEL – BISSAU. CARNIVAL DEFILE (90 km, 2 hrs)

After breakfast, departure to Quinhamel to discover the Papel ethnic group.
Arrival and visit sugar cane distillery, the village of the Reino de Tor, to discover the Cansaré, holly place of Papel, meet the Papel weavers in action, conceiving the Bissau-Guinea Panu di Pinti, so appreciated material of this country.
After lunch at Quinhamel, head back to to Bissau for the carnival defile. Arrival to Avenida dos Combatentes da Liberdade da Patria, installation and enjoy the last day of carnival.
Back to the city for dinner at the Kalliste restaurant.
Bissau city tour in the evening: the fish market at Sacor – Alto Bandim, to see the commerce and exchange between women and pirogue sailors, followed by the Praça do Império, cine UDIB, post Office, the Cathedral (Sé Catedral) Porto de Pindjiguiti, Mon di Timba, Bissau Velho, Praça Ernesto Che Guevara. Return to the Hotel Hala & Aqua Park 5* for overnight.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Hala & Aqua Park 5* or similar


Day 5. February 18, 2026 (Wednesday). BISSAU – SAO DOMINGOS – ZIGUINCHOR (SENEGAL) – KOLDA (320 km, 6 – 7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Kolda in Senegal, via Ziguinchor.
Upon arrival at the border with Senegal, pass formalities, change the car and drive to Ziguinchor.
After lunch, city tour in Ziguinchor: the Saint-Maurice market which remains very lively, the Saint-Antoine de Padoue cathedral, historical center, colonial houses and colorful markets like that of St Maur-des-Fossés.
Then departure to Kolda. Arrival in the evening and overnight at Hotel le Relais de Kolda 3* or similar.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel le Relais de Kolda 3* or similar


Day 6. February 19, 2026 (Thursday). KOLDA – TAMBACOUNDA – KEDOUGOU (445 km, 6 – 8 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Tamba. Arrival and visit the artisanal village of Tambacounda where we will find handicrafts made by local artisans.
After lunch continue to Kedougou, stop to visit the Kourou Ngingou Ngingou Stone, a stone that defies the law of gravity.
Overnight at Le Bedik hotel or similar in Kedougou.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Le Bedik hotel or similar


Day 7. February 20, 2026 (Friday). KEDOUGOU – IWOL VILLAGE AND/OR AGATHE VILLAGE OF BEDIK TRIBE. INITIATION RITE OF BEDIK – WASSADOU CAMP (80 km, 2.5 hrs)

After breakfast, quick visit to Kedougou and drive to Bassari country to see the Bedik tribesmen. The Bassari Country and its Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes, located in the southeast of Senegal, is a well-preserved multicultural landscape which emerged from the interaction of human activities and the natural environment. It aggregates three geographical areas: the Bassari-Salemata area, the Bedik-Bandafassi area and the Fula-Dindefello area, each one with its specific morphological characteristics. In 2012, the Bassari Country with its Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Further on, we follow our local guide deep into Bedik area to discover the village of Iwol (or Agathe), where the chief proudly invites us to discover the rich and captivating history of his ethnic group, the Bedik. This ethnic minority with Mandingo origins, came from Mali. This people has endured hardships that have shaped their unique identity. Their migration to Senegal was motivated by the conflicts between Saint-Maur and Sundiatia Keyta, forcing them to leave their homeland to seek refuge in these regions. Iwol with its 500 people of population could be considered the Bédik capital. There live 4 families: the Keitas who are the chief of the village, the Camaras and the Saouras who organize the festivities, and the Sadiakus who keep the traditions.
After lunch, we continue visiting Agathe village to meet local people and we will organize local traditional dance with Bedik tribesmen, as well as the initiation rite.
The initiation rite in Bassari country, Senegal, is an ancestral tradition deeply rooted in the culture of this animist people. This rite of passage, which marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, is a major community event, often shrouded in mystery and respect. For Bedik, initiation is more than just a rite of passage; it is an essential process that prepares young people for their future responsibilities within society. Initiation is seen as a spiritual and social transformation, during which young people acquire the knowledge, skills, and values ​​necessary to become respected and integrated members of the community. Preparations for the initiation rite begin well before the ceremony itself. Young boys and girls, often between the ages of 12 and 15, are selected and prepared by village elders and previous initiates. This preparation period can last several weeks and include lessons on traditions, stories, survival techniques, and social responsibilities.
Come back to hotel and overnight at Wassadou Campement or similar.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Wassadou Campement or similar


Day 8. February 21, 2026 (Saturday). WASSADOU CAMP – RIVER GAMBIA NP (GAMBIA) – JANJANBUREH KANKURANG FESTIVAL (260 km, 4 hrs)

After breakfast, we will have a boat trip to see some part of the River Gambia National Park with chance of seeing some hippos.
Continue for Janjanbureh in the Gambia where will have great chance to participate in Janjanbureh Kankurang – annual masquerade festival held in the Gambian town of Janjanbureh in the Central River region, known for its rich and biggest in Gambia annual masquerade. It is a part of the traditional and ritual practices of the Mandinka people, marking the initiation into “manhood” and largely the traditions of community life.
Overnight in Janjanbureh at Bird Safari Camp or similar.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Bird Safari Camp or similar


Day 9. February 22, 2026 (Sunday). JANJANBUREH – WASSU – JOLA MASQUERADE IN FONI – BIJILO (300 km, 5 – 6 hrs)

Breakfast, and we will continue our exploration with a visit on mysterious Wassu Stone Circle of the Gambia belief to be an ancient burial site.
Continue to Foni. Arrival and lunch at the restaurant. Then we attend the Kumpoo masquerade mask dance of Jola tribe in Foni.
Unlike most ethnic groups of the Senegambian region, the Jola do not have a caste system, their communities are rather based on extended clan settlements. Their high adaptation to nature and the environment allowed them to be able to create a civilization centered on music and natural medicine.
The traditional religion of the Jola is animism, which is practiced through fetishistic rituals and ceremonies. However, the Jola populations living in well-connected areas have become Islamized due to the influence of the nearby Mandinka people. Traditional animist rituals are overseen by elders, who have an important role in Jola society. For Jola boys to attain manhood, they must take part in the initiation festival known as futamp, which takes place every 15 to 20 years in every Jola village.
Continue to Bijilo. In the evening, arrival at our hotel in Bijilo, situated on the beachfront.
Overnight at Lemon Creek Hotel Resort 3* or similar.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Creek Hotel Resort 3* or similar


Day 10. February 23, 2026 (Monday). BIJILO – BANJUL – SALY PORTUDAL (SENEGAL) (240 km, 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Banjul, capital of Gambia. Stop to visit the famous Katchically Sacred Crocodile pool to meet with most friendly crocodile in the Gambia and shake hands if dare to do so. We will stop at the main craft market for shopping before driving to Banjul for our last site visit at the National Museum of the Gambia. Finally, off to ferry and then to the Gambia/Senegal border for immigration formalities.
Arrival in Saly Portudal in the afternoon, check-in and enjoy this beautiful seaside resort. Saly Portudal is famous Senegalese resort town on the very beautiful Atlantic coast.
Overnight at the Hotel Neptune 5* or similar.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Neptune 5* or similar


Day 11. February 24, 2026 (Tuesday). SALY PORTUDAL – SHELL ISLAND – FADIOUTH AND JOAL VILLAGES – M’BOUR (80 km, 2 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to visit Shell Island, by canoe and on foot. Here we explore double village of Joal-Fadiouth. While Fadiouth is a Christian village, Joal is Muslim.
The place is famous for its Shell Island located southeast of Dakar at the tip of the Petite-Côte. It is a fascinating place composed of two distinct villages: Joal, the larger one, established on the coast, and Fadiouth, an artificial island formed from piles of shells. These shells serve not only as building material for houses and streets, but also for the island's sacred cemeteries where Christians and Muslims rest together in perfect harmony. A wooden bridge connects Fadiouth to Joal, allowing visitors to discover this unique island where local traditions are deeply rooted.
Visit the millet granaries, the Saint François Xavier church, the cemetery, and stroll through the streets of Fadiouth. Lunch at the Taverne du Pêcheur restaurant, facing Shell Island.
Come back to our resort in Saly Portudal for overnight at the hotel Neptune 5* or similar.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Neptune 5* or similar


Day 12. February 25, 2026 (Wednesday). SALY PORTUDAL – M’BOUR – DAKAR (95 km, 2 hrs)

After breakfast, visit the M’bour market, where we'll meet fishermen unloading their catch. It's a colorful spectacle, with hundreds of sellers and buyers bustling around freshly caught fish. We'll be immersed in a lively and vibrant atmosphere, typical of Senegalese coastal life.
After lunch, we drive to M’bour for attending the traditional dance of Fake Lion.
Then drive to Dakar, arrival and check in at our hotel. Dakar city tour at sunset if possible: we visit to African Renaissance statue.
Overnight at Lodge des Almadies 3* or similar.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Lodge des Almadies 3* or similar


Day 13. February 26, 2026 (Thursday). DAKAR – SAINT-LOUIS (215 km, 3 hrs)

After early breakfast, get to Gore Island, located 3 km off the African coast. Gore Island is a must-see, an UNESCO World Heritage site and bears witness to a difficult past. After two hours, comeback to Dakar and head directly to Saint-Louis, a historical city and former capital of French West Africa. Arrival and lunch at Le Flamingo restaurant, which boasts a breathtaking view of the famous Faidherbe Bridge. Visit the old town, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage and discover the preserved monuments of the colonial city: The Faidherbe Bridge, the colonial houses, the City Hall, the Saint-Louis Cathedral, the Aéropostale Museum, and the Guet Ndar fishing district at sunset.
Then head to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel La Residence 3* or similar

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel La Residence 3* or similar


Day 14. February 27, 2026 (Friday). SAINT-LOUIS – LAC ROSE – DAKAR – RETURN FLIGHT (230 km, 4 hrs)

After breakfast, departure to discover the Lac Rose.
Arrival in the Pink Lake and visit this large lagoon of approximately 3 km², shallow and surrounded by dunes, situated just a few meters from the Atlantic Ocean. Its particularity is quite exceptional, it is pink when the sun is straight, and at dusk, the pink darkens until it takes on nuanced shades of mauve or purple. Its color is due to a cyanobacteria, a microscopic organism which produces, especially in dry windy weather, a red pigment to resist the concentration of salt. This saline concentration allows the women of the surrounding villages to directly extract the salt which settles at the bottom of the lake.
After lunch at the Traza hotel, continue to Dakar. Upon arrival, attend Senegal wrestling, a very popular sport in Senegal. Wrestling was once a rhythmic celebration that took place after a bountiful harvest among the Sere, after a good catch among the Lebou.
Arrival, day use (shower) at Lodge des Almadies 3* and late (after 8 pm) transfer to the airport to catch flight back home.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: day use at Lodge des Almadies 3* or similar

* Recommended flights from Dakar:
— Royal Air Maroc, departs from Dakar at 02.35 am on February 28, arrives in Casablanca at 06:40 pm on February 28, or
— Aero-Tropics Air Service, departs from Dakar at 02.00 am on February 28, arrives in Casablanca at 06:20 am on February 28, or
— any flight which departs from Dakar to any city no earlier than at 23:00 on February 27.