2019 DCI Senegal Service Adventure
| Travel Dates: | June 24, 2019 - July 5, 2019 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Deadline(s): | Enrollment deadline is January 11th |
Senegal Service Adventure
The ocean breeze of Senegal is lucky. It carries the animated French, Wolof and Pulaar languages from its people, the rhythmic beats of West Africa’s vibrant music scene, the solemn calls to prayer from towering minarets, and the exotic aroma of local cuisine. The momentum builds in the country’s nerve center of Dakar and then spills out through beachside palms to French colonial islands, pink lakes, thriving game parks, and colorful communities. Senegal is a wonderful option for travelers eager to experience the best of Africa in the only country in the region with an uninterrupted history of peaceful democratic transition. Prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime as you work on vital community service projects, improve your French, and explore a place few will ever be lucky enough to visit.
Service Adventures
Service Adventures can combine rural homestays, adventure travel, and meaningful service projects which are guided by our community partners. Living in these small communities provides the opportunity to engage the language and culture from a uniquely advantageous position.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Volunteer on a local community project
Spend time with local host families
Swim on the Atlantic Coast in Mbour
Go on Safari to view elephants, giraffes, hippos, and more!
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 24 | USA - Dakar, Senegal | Today the group will fly from the USA to Dakar, Senegal. | In Flight |
| June 25 | Dakar | The group lands in the capital city of Dakar and will head to our hotel which sits right on the coast. We'll spend most of this day resting, relaxing and recuperating from our long day of travel. We'll also make time for an orientation meeting, a visit to a bank to exchange money and possibly a visit with the Peace Corps office. If local language classes are of interest, they can be arranged in Dakar upon request. | Hotel Calao |
| June 26 | Dakar | We will spend most of this day touring Goree Island, the departure point for millions of Africans during the centuries-long slave trade, sitting just off the coast of Dakar. We'll explore the island with a local guide and, time allowing, explore some of the bigger artisanal markets in the capital. | Hotel Calao |
| June 27 | Host Community | Today we will depart for our host community, arriving in the afternoon. We will tour the community and place students with their respective families. We may even begin service work this day as well! | Host Family |
| June 28 | Host Community | Our service days in our host community represent the heart and soul of our program. We will volunteer on meaningful service project/s during the day while also enjoying sufficient free time to hang out with host families and fellow travelers, practice language skills and explore the surrounding area. At the end of our time in our host community we'll help organize a going away party to celebrate the time with our new friends and family. | Host Family |
| June 29 | Host Community | We will continue working on our service project and spending time with our host families. | Host Family |
| June 30 | Host Community | We will continue working on our service project and spending time with our host families. | Host Family |
| July 1 | Host Community - Jaibalito | We will continue working on our service project and spending time with our host families. | Host Family |
| July 2 | Host Community | We will continue working on our service project and spending time with our host families. | Host Family |
| July 3 | Host Community - Mbour | We will depart our host community and travel to Mbour on the central Atlantic coast of Senegal. After arriving at a lovely hotel we,ll spend the day resting, relaxing and swimming in the ocean! | Pierre de Lisse |
| July 4 | Mbour - Bandia National Park | Today the group will embark on a safari in one of Senegal’s best game parks! We'll tour a large swath of the savannah in a jeep with our English-speaking tour guide and marvel at a wide range of animals. This evening we will enjoy our last evening together in the country with a celebratory dinner. | Pierre de Lisse |
| July 5 | Mbour - USA | Travel back to USA | Your own bed, eventually! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe. We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.
Hotel Le Calao du Lac Rose
This lovely, family-run property is a short distance from the international airport near an enchanting pink salt lake. The ocean-front hotel is located on beautiful grounds where students stay in individual cabanas surrounded by flower and tree-lined paths. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Homestay
This will be the best part of your trip! Staying with a host family immerses you in the language and culture of the destination, and can lead to deep and lasting relationships with your hosts. Initially intimidating but ultimately unforgettable, there’s no better way to begin to truly understand the place you’re visiting.
La Pierre de Lisse
A small paradise about 45 minutes from Dakar, La Pierre de Lisse is true oasis located on the beach of Toubab Dialaw. Students will stay in private cabanas of stone walls and thatch roofs scattered throughout a large, exotic garden. Internet access throughout in the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
I was comfortable that the trip my daughter was on was safe, educational, interesting and fun. She made life long friends with her host sister. An exceptional life learning experience.
Carolyn
Parent of Alicia, Traveler on 2018 Program to Chile
Your Adventure Includes
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on the itinerary.
Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.
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Learn more here.
Resource Center
Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.