Explore Senegal & Cape Verde: 10-Day Tour

We meet the Ejder Turizm representative and tour guide at the International Terminal of Istanbul Airport at 11:30. After completing baggage drop-off and check-in, we depart for Dakar at 14:30 on a direct flight with Türk Hava Yolları. After a flight to West Africa lasting approximately 6 hours 45 minutes, we arrive in Dakar at 19:15. As we arrive with a pre-visa, a Senegal visa sticker is placed in our passports at the border. After being met at the airport, we travel to the city centre by private vehicle. We check in at the hotel, rest and have dinner at the hotel. Dinner is included. The direct flight with THY from Istanbul (IST) to Dakar (DSS) departs at 14:30 and arrives at 19:15. We stay at the 4-star Hotel Fleur de Lys Plateau or similar hotels in Dakar.

The day's itinerary includes the 52-metre-tall African Renaissance Monument and the Slave Trade Museum. The Dakar city tour begins after breakfast. Located on Mamelles Hill, the African Renaissance Monument (Le Monument de la Renaissance Africaine) is one of the world's tallest statues at 52 metres. The bronze statue symbolises Africa's awakening and pride. The tour visits the Plateau District, Dakar's business and administrative centre, views the Presidential Palace (Palais Présidentiel) from the outside and visits the local Baobab Market. Around midday, travel by boat to Goree Island. Situated in the Atlantic and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island bears traces of the history of the slave trade. The visit includes the House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves), one of the centres of the Atlantic slave trade during the 15-19th centuries, and the No Return Door (Door of No Return). The island tour explores examples of architecture from the Portuguese, Dutch and French colonial periods. Visits include local artists' workshops on the handicrafts street and the harbour area with its pastel-coloured historic buildings.

After breakfast, visit Lac Rose (Pink Lake), located east of Dakar. The lake appears in deep pink shades as sunlight reflects off the water, especially in the morning. This natural colour comes from the high salt concentration and a species of algae called Dunaliella salina. During the visit, meet local people who extract salt using traditional methods and watch salt being collected from the lake bed using a technique that is hundreds of years old. In villages inhabited by the Peulh and Wolof tribes, learn about the daily lives of Senegal's two major ethnic groups. Guests who wish can join an optional 4x4 mini safari in the dunes. This activity is available at an extra charge. Lunch is served in the area, followed by a return to Dakar in the afternoon. Lunch is included. Accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Fleur de Lys Plateau or similar hotels.

Free time until noon for shopping or rest. At 14:00, transfer to the airport and complete departure formalities for Senegal. The direct regional flight with Air Senegal from Dakar (DSS) to Praia (RAI) departs at 17:15 and arrives at 18:35. Entry to Cape Verde requires a visa on arrival (85 USD) or an e-visa obtained online in advance. On arrival in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, a volcanic island country in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Pérola in Praia. Dinner is included.

After breakfast, depart for the UNESCO World Heritage town of Cidade Velha. The first Portuguese colony in West Africa, it was also the first European settlement established by Europeans in the tropics in the 15th century. The historic sites of Cidade Velha include Royal Street (Rua Banana), the oldest street in Cape Verde, dating back to the 1500s. The Old Cathedral (Sé Catedral) reflects the religious architecture of the colonial period. The Portuguese fortress Fort Real de São Filipe, built in 1587, is one of the island's strategic defensive sites. The Pillory (Pelourinho) is a column symbolizing the slave trade era. In the afternoon, transfer to Tarrafal Beach in the north of the island. The second half of the day is spent on this beach, with its turquoise waters, palm shade and peaceful setting. Accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Pérola or similar hotels. Lunch is included.

Today we get to know Praia in more detail. Sucupira Market, Cape Verde's largest open-air market, offers handicrafts, African fabrics, Creole spices and souvenirs. Colonial-era buildings are concentrated in the historic Plateau district, located in the highest part of Praia. On Art Street and in local galleries, we explore Cape Verde's art scene and painters' studios. We enjoy free time along the walking routes and take seaside breaks at Quebra Canela and Prainha beaches. After free time in the evening, we head to the hotel. Accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Pérola or similar hotels. Dinner is included.

Check out of the hotel at 03:00 and transfer to the airport. Depart directly from Praia (RAI) airport at 05:10 on a regional flight with Air Senegal, arriving at Dakar (DSS) airport at 07:30. Re-entry procedures for Senegal are completed through fast-track processing, as the pre-visa is already active. Then check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free time to rest after the long overnight journey or explore the surrounding area. Accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Fleur de Lys Plateau or similar hotels. Lunch is included.

After breakfast on the safari programme in West Africa, we travel to Bandia Nature Reserve near Dakar. In open 4x4 safari vehicles, we observe giraffes, zebras, impalas and other antelope species, ostriches and various bird species. We also see large baobab trees in the reserve, some of which are over 1.000 years old. After the safari, we visit a local village. The visit introduces traditional Senegalese ways of life and Senegalese culinary culture. We learn about Senegal's national dish, thieboudienne, as well as yassa and mafé. We examine traditional building features such as sand-and-mud houses and thatched roofs, and interact with local residents. Accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Fleur de Lys Plateau or similar hotels. Lunch is included.

On our last day, we take a short boat trip to Ngor Island, off the coast of Dakar. On this small island, we visit fishing villages and learn about traditional Senegalese fishing culture. We explore art galleries and local artists' studios, then relax in peaceful surroundings beside the turquoise waters. In the afternoon, we return to Dakar. There is free time for shopping and rest. At 18:00, we transfer to the airport. Our return flight to Istanbul with Türk Hava Yolları departs at 21:00. The direct flight with THY from Dakar (DSS) to Istanbul (IST) departs at 21:00 and arrives at 06:50 (+1). We spend the night on the plane.

Our 10-day tour of 2 countries in West Africa ends upon arrival at Istanbul Airport at 06:50. Thank you for choosing us for this journey through Dakar's markets, Goree's history, the pink waters of Lac Rose, Cidade Velha's UNESCO-listed colonial heritage, the safari in Bandia and the fishing island of Ngor. We look forward to seeing you on your next Ejder Turizm tour.