2022 Meadows School Senegal Conservation Expedition
| Travel Dates: | June 1, 2022 - June 11, 2022 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,490 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $1,750 |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free monthly installment plan. Follow whichever option works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.
Program Tuition: $3,490
Pay in Full
$3,490.00
due today
Payment Plan
Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:
$119.60
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
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.
Cultural Journeys
Cultural Journeys allow travelers to gain insights into the heritage, history and modern realities of their destination by offering a broad diversity of experience. We rely on the expertise of our local staff to plan itineraries which not only explore the prominent sites but also make time for the lesser-known local gems and are intentional about regular interaction with local people.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Ride camels, camp and enjoy a campfire under the stars in Senegal's Lompoul Desert
Volunteer with local scientists to assist in critical conservation efforts
Visit Goree Island, the departure point of millions during slave trade
Swim on the Atlantic Coast in Mbour
Go on Safari to view elephants, giraffes, hippos, and more!
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teachers that we must flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA - Dakar, Senegal | The adventure begins! Today the group will fly from the US to Dakar, Senegal. | Airplane |
| 2 | 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 to have an orientation meeting, visit a bank to exchange money and possibly visit with the Peace Corps office. | Hotel Calao |
| 3 | Dakar | We will spend most of this day touring Goree Island which was the departure point for millions of Africans during the centuries-long slave trade and sits 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 |
| 4 | Dakar - Lompoul | Today we depart for the Lompoul Desert Lodge, where students will have the chance to ride camels and camp in the desert. The lodge is located about three hours from Dakar, but feels like it's on another planet. Students will camp along the sand dunes in very comfortable tents with running water, mattresses and carpeting. This evening, we will gather around a campfire and enjoy some awesome star-gazigng, good food and mint tea. | Desert Lodge |
| 5 | Lompoul - Joal Fadiouth | After a relaxing morning at camp, we will leave the desert lodge and make our way to the costal town of Joal Fadiouth, which is about a four hour drive. We will get settled into our hotel and meet with staff members from the African Aquatic Conservation Fund who will give us a brief introduction on what grassroot conservation efforts look like in Senegal. They will be accompanying us during the next few days to teach us all about wildlife conservation in West Africa. We will share dinner together and also do a Global Sustainability Activity facilitated by your program leader. | Joal Fadiouth Hotel |
| 6 | Joal Fadiouth | Today we will be visiting with the African Chelonian Institute in Ngazobil who will give us an overview of their research programs currently underway. We will visit the captive breeding facility to see the live turtles with descriptions of the different species of turtles, where they live in Africa, and how we return them to the wild in through conservation programs. There could be up to 10 different species of turtles present at any time. Students will be able to help researchers measure turtles and participate in the day's research activities alongside biologists. | Joal Fadiouth Hotel |
| 7 | Joal Fadiouth | Today we will continue with our conservation work with African Chelonian Institute in Ngazobil. More details about the conservation activites we will be participatin on will be communicated closer to the program dates. If time permits we will also make a visit to a small family-fun farm to learn about organic farming in Senegal. | Joal Fadiouth Hotel |
| 8 | Joal Fadiouth | We will embark on a boat trip out on the Joal-Fadiouth Marine protected area to look for sea turtles and manatees. This could include using underwater drone to survey below the water. We will tour both mangrove and nearshore coastal habitats, and we would see water birds such as pelicans, egrets, herons, etc. We would lead discussion about the different habitats and wildlife. Students will also be able to visit the local market in Joal Fadiouth and embark on a scavenger hunt in small groups. | Joal Fadiouth Hotel |
| 9 | Joal Fadiouth | We will start the day with a morning discussing ocean pollution followed by a beach clean up with a local school. This would include a chance for the students to talk about their perspectives on conservation with Senegalese students. We will have another opportunity this afternoon to complete a few Global Sustainability Activities lead by your Program Leader. | Joal Fadiouth Hotel |
| 10 | Joal Fadiouth - Mbour | The group will depart Joal Fadiouth and make their way north to the popular costal town of 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 |
| 11 | Mbour - Bandia National Park - Dakar | Today the group will embark on a safari in one of Senegal’s best game parks! We'll tour a large swath of savannah in a jeep with our English-speaking tour guide and marvel at a wide range of impressive animals. This evening we will head back to Dakar and enjoy our last evening together in the country. | Pierre de Lisse |
| 12 | Dakar - USA | Travel back to USA | Your Own Bed |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
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.
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.
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
Estimated Airfare
In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel.
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
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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.