ITINERARIES

DAKAR

Were it possible, Dakar would overflow its urban boundaries and spill out across Senegal, inundating its fields, mountains and beaches with the vibrant life on display in the capital every day. The music, food, traffic, markets, mosques and art festivals appear to have Dakar bursting at her seams. We will take time to meet with American Embassy and Peace Corps officials, shop for gifts in vibrant street markets, dance to live music and enjoy some of the best food the country has to offer. Our time in Dakar promises to be eye-opening while offering a fabulous point of contrast to our time in our host village.

GOREE ISLAND

Our time in the capital will be accentuated by a day long visit to the infamous Goree Island, the departure point for millions of African slaves for three and a half centuries. We will visit quarters where slaves were housed and reflect next to a large statue dedicated to Senegal by the United States for its role in the slave trade. Goree is brought to life by bright French colonial architecture, and students can interact with talented artists who have relocated to this tiny island.

BANDIA NATIONAL PARK

With famous giant baobab trees for as far as the eye can see and situated along the well-watered banks of the Somone River, Bandia National Park boasts an amazingly rich ecosystem filled with animal and plant life. Giraffes, chimpanzees, elephants, hippopotamuses, antelopes, and a wide variety of reptiles and birds make this small park a must see destination. For those interested in photography, the wildlife of the area make a wonderful subject and promise to open our eyes even further to the beauty and splendor of Senegal.

MBOUR

Just two hours south of Dakar lies the lazy town of Mbour, home to some of the most beautiful beaches and pristine coastline in all of West Africa. We’ll stay at a luxurious Hotel and use this splendid setting as the jump off point to visit Bandia National Park. A more ideal setting couldn’t be imagined as we gather our energy and concentrate our focus in the lead up to our arrival in the village.

HOST VILLAGE & HOMESTAY

Our time in the community of Dindefelo is the heart and soul of the program in Senegal, providing a portal into a way of life that is beautiful, inspiring and drastically different from our own. Because of the unique partnership between Walking Tree and Peace Corps Senegal, we have access to this friendly community that has provided safe and welcoming homes to our participants. Working alongside PC volunteers who have been active in Dindefelo for years, our students will focus on efforts to stem the spread of deforestation in the region, slow the malaria infection rate, and educate local groups on important public health issues.
When the group isn’t working hard, students will have ample time to spend with their host families. These hours will prove to be some of the most meaningful as you help your host mother prepare a meal, tag along as your host father tends to a harvest or hike to a nearby waterfall, the tallest in all Senegal, with the whole family. Your housing will be simple; you’re likely to stay in a mud brick hut with no plumbing, running water or electricity. You may room on your own or with a same-sex sibling. Meals will be eaten in the home, almost always from a communal dish. You will use your French and practice Pulaar, the dominant dialect in this part of the country. We’ll also make time for drumming and dancing lessons and hike to watch the sunrise from the beautiful cliffs that are the backdrop to the village. In short, prepare yourself for a life-changing adventure.