The ocean breeze of Senegal is lucky. It carries the animated French and Wolof from its people, the vibrant tones of West Africa’s best music, and the exotic aroma of local cuisine. It travels from the pulsing metropolis of Dakar, through beachside palms to French
colonial islands, pink lakes, game parks, and colorful communities. Our participants will also enjoy the ride as they improve their French, travel this fascinating nation, and most importantly, have the opportunity to volunteer on various projects focusing on public health, HIV/Aids education, or reforestation. Our Senegal programs can combine visits to the country’s most impressive and beautiful destinations,time living and working in rural communities, the study of local Senegalese dance and music, and/or afternoons practicing French.

SAMPLE ITINERARIES

DAKAR

Were it possible, Dakar would overflow its urban boundaries and spill out across this West African nation, filling its fields, mountains and beaches with the vibrant life on display here every day. The music, food, traffic, markets, mosques, artfestivals and film seem to have Dakar bursting at her seams. We will take time to meet with American Embassy and Peace Corps officials, relax on a beautiful beach, and spend a day on Goree Island, the departure point for millions of African slaves during three and a half centuries.

NIOKOLO-KABA NATIONAL PARK

Situated along the well-watered banks of the Gambia River, the forests and savannahs of Niokolo-Koba are rich in animal and plant life. Lions, leopards, chimpanzees, herds of elephant and hippopotamus, large antelope, and a wide variety of reptiles and birds make this UNESCO World Heritage site a must see destination. For those interested in photography, the wildlife of the area makes a wonderful subject and promises to open our eyes even further to the beauty and richness of Senegal.

HOST VILLAGE & HOMESTAY

Walking Tree is excited about the opportunity to spend time in local communities throughout Senegal. Because of a unique partnership between Walking Tree and the Peace Corps, our participants can work with PC volunteers already active in various communities for many years. This relationship immediately provides us access to a village that has been a safe and friendly home to volunteers for a long while.

You can live with local families and spend time working hard on a wide range of service projects, including reforestation efforts, HIV/Aids education, and malaria prevention. In addition to the hours of valuable service work, we’ll take advantage of our unique placement to study local cuisine, drumming, dancing, and the French language.

TOUBAB DIALLO

Down the beautiful Atlantic Coast from Dakar sits Toubab Diallo, a one time sleepy fishing village turned vibrant artistic community. Groups can spend mornings taking drumming, dance or language classes and join Toubab’s locals on the beach in the evenings to swim or play soccer. There are great guest houses created by local and European artists with dramatic views of the coast and high perching hammocks to help take it all in.

SAINT-LOUIS

Sitting in the northwest extreme of the country at the mouth of the Senegal River, this idyllic city was the capital of the French colony
in Senegal until the country’s independence in 1960. One of the best cities in Senegal to tour by foot, the fabulous architecture
of pastel colored buildings are guaranteed to keep visitors enchanted and anxious for more. With over three centuries of history and vibrant traditions and culture, this city connects Europe to Africa, Christianity to Islam and a long last past to today’s ever evolving modernity.