2025 Chatfield Senegal Explorer Program
| Travel Dates: |
June 10, 2025 -
June 19, 2025
Dates are tentative
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,690 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $1,500 |
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: $3,690
Pay in Full
$3,690.00
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:
$398.75
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
Senegal
Viva o’ Senegal! Situated on the western extreme of the African continent, Senegal is a country pulsing with life. The destination offers a beautiful and fascinating overlap of cultures and languages, an abiding love for soccer and wrestling, and a tolerant, colorful and expressive brand of Islam. Dakar, the capital city, is a sprawling metropolis on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean which is known for it’s world-class music and gorgeous beaches, and deep history. Whether you’re wondering through a market in the city, enjoying a safari across the savannah or sitting for tea in the home of a local family, Senegal is bound to leave you wanting more.
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!
Improve your French speaking with locals
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
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 | The adventure begins! Board your overnight flight headed to Dakar, Senegal. | Airplane |
| 2 | Dakar | After arriving to Diass Blaise Diagne International Airport this afternoon, we will transfer to our hotel in Dakar and check in. We'll have an orientation meeting and discuss what to expect on our upcoming adventure together before our welcome dinner. | Dakar Hotel |
| 3 | Dakar | This morning we will take a guided city tour of Dakar, visiting the Place de l'Indépendance, the city center and the African Renaissance Monument. We'll also stop at Soumbédioune Market and have lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon we will visit Ngor Island, Dakar's most relaxing and beautiful places just a short boat ride from the coast. We'll have time to relax on the beach and give surfing a try. | Daar Hotel |
| 4 | Dakar - Gorée Island | We will spend most of this day touring Goree Island; just a few miles from the city, this was the departure point for millions of Africans during the centuries-long slave trade. This can be very sobering, but is vitally important to try and understand. We'll explore the island with a local guide and, visit the castle for a panoramic view of the island. We'll stay the night on the island and enjoy a Senegalese dinner together. | Gorée Island Hotel |
| 5 | Gorée Island - Lac Rose | The day begins with breakfast, followed by a departure for Lac Rose. We'll travel via the Noflaye turtle village, a special botanical reserve showcasing medicinal plants. World-famous for its beauty, Lake Retba turns a stunning pink when the sun reaches its zenith. Separated from the Atlantic Ocean by sand dunes, the lake's high salt content makes everything buoyant. In a specially adapted vehicle, we will witness the traditional salt extraction methods used by the local people. The afternoon offers a thrilling quad bike ride through the Pink Lake dunes. Weather permitting, witness a magnificent sunset from the dunes. | Lac Rose Hotel |
| 6 | Lac Rose - Lompoul Desert Lodge | Today we depart for the Lompoul Desert Lodge, where students will have the chance to explore this region of orange sands, ride camels and camp beneath the stars. 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 even carpeting. This evening, we will gather around a campfire and enjoy some first-class stargazing, good food and mint tea. | Lompoul Desert Lodge |
| 7 | Lompoul - Somone | After breakfast, depart for the Petite Côte. This charming coastline is dominated in some areas by Senegal's emblematic tree, the majestic baobab. We'll have time to browse the local crafts in Mekhe, a town renowned for its shoemaking, or Lalane, famous for its beautiful basketry. Enjoy lunch on the route before continuing to La Somone. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax or embark on a walk through the Somone lagoon. This nature reserve shelters a diverse bird population throughout the year. Join a guided tour of the mangrove swamps to witness pelicans, herons, egrets, and even pink flamingos. You'll also see the lagoon itself and the iconic baobab forest. | La Somone Hotel |
| 8 | Somone - Mbour | Depart the hotel and head straight for a breathtaking baobab forest arriving to Bandia Reserve. Here, you can observe the unique flora of the Sahel region and immerse yourself in Serer culture. Witness a variety of mammals roaming freely, including buffalo, monkeys, giraffes, gazelles, rhinos, ostriches, and more. The birdlife here is equally impressive. Embark on an off-road safari with a knowledgeable reserve guide to get the most out of your wildlife viewing experience. In the late afternoon, head to Mbour, a vibrant fishing port located near the town's bustling market. Take a stroll along the harbor, witnessing the day's catch being unloaded and the lively atmosphere fueled by fishing activities. | La Somone Hotel |
| 9 | Mbour | Our final day in Senegal will be spent relaxing poolside at our hotel and taking advantage of our final chance to shop for souvenirs. We'll have a farewell dinner together where we will discuss our favorite memories of the trip. | La Somone Hotel |
| 10 | Dakar - USA | Fly back to the USA | Your own bed, eventually! |
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.