2024 Milton Senegal Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | June 10, 2024 - June 21, 2024 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $1,200 |
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: $2,990
Pay in Full
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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!
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Ride camels, camp and enjoy a campfire under the stars in Senegal's Lompoul Desert
Visit Goree Island, the departure point of millions during slave trade
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 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 - Senegal | Today the group will fly from the US to Senegal. | Airplane |
| 2 | Saint Louis | Today the group will arrive to Senegal and immediately transfer to Saint Louis. We will spend the rest of the day relaxing and recuperating after the long journey. We'll also make time to have an orientation meeting, visit a bank to exchange money, and orient ourselves around our neighborhood. | Saint Louis Hotel |
| 3 | Saint Louis | The adventures begin as we explore the city of St. Louis today. We will make sure to check out the local fish market - the busiest in Senegal - and will have the option to visit a bird sanctuary nearby in the afternoon or arrange a volunteer opportunity in town. After a fulfilling day, we will grab dinner and enjoy the comforts of our hotel before setting out for our homestay community tomorrow. | Saint Louis Hotel |
| 4 | Lompoul Desert | 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, matresses and carpeting. This evening, we will gather around a campfire and enjoy some awesome stargazigng, good food and mint tea. | Desert Lodge |
| 5 | Dakar | The group will travel to 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 have an optional activity where we will visit the Peace Corps Office to learn about the work they do in Senegal or visit the Musée des Civilisations Noires. | Hotel Calao |
| 6 | 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 |
| 7 | Dakar - Mbour | The group will 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! | La Pierre de Lisse |
| 8 | 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. | Hotel Calao |
| 9 | Dakar - USA | Today we will make our way back to the airport and travel back to USA. Depending on our flight time, we will either have one last day in the capital or will head straight to the airport in the morning. | Airplane |
| 10 | USA | Arrival | 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
This was a great opportunity for [my daughter]. Thank you for being so professional and for teaching her things we never could. It was awesome to work beside Smithsonian scientists and learn. Travel is such an education that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Kim
Parent of Emily, traveler on 2017 program to Panama
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.