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 students will also enjoy the ride as they improve their French, travel this fascinating nation, and most importantly, spend time volunteering on various projects such as public health, HIV/Aids education, and reforestation.

MEDICAL CONCERNS: Yellow fever vaccine is required for travel to Senegal and other vaccines may be recommended including Hepatitis A, Typhoid, meningococcal vaccine, and/or rabies in addition to medication for malaria. Please consult your local travel clinic for specific advice for your child.

ITINERARIES

SENEGAL EXPLORER PROGRAM Ð 20 DAYS

Our Senegal Explorer Program combines visits to the countryÕs most impressive and beautiful destinations, time living and working in rural communities, the study of local Senegalese dance and music, and afternoons practicing French. Flying in and out of Dakar, we will spend two full weeks working side-by-side with Peace Corps volunteers in the southeast of the country around the city of Kedougou. We will also explore Dakar, tour thriving game parks, and learn about the history of the slave trade from the shores of the infamous Goree Island.

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, art festivals 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

Our time in the community of Kedougou is the heart and soul of our program in Senegal. Because of a unique partnership between Walking Tree and the Peace Corps, our participants
will work with PC volunteers already active in the community 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. Students will live with local families and spend their days 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, weÕll take advantage of our unique placement to study local cuisine, drumming, dancing, and
the French language.