2026 SMA Senegal Explorers Program
| Travel Dates: | June 9, 2026 - June 19, 2026 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$4,190 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $2,390 |
| Deadline(s): | Enrollment deadline is October 20th. Payments will be made to SMA. Please note the tuition includes travel insurance. |
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: $4,190
Pay in Full
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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.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Improve your French by speaking with locals
Explore Dakar, West Africa's most vibrant city
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Marvel at the night sky during dinner in the desert
Visit Goree Island, the departure point of millions during slave trade
Swim on the Atlantic Coast in Mbour
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 9 | USA - Senegal | The adventure begins! Board your overnight flight headed to Dakar, Senegal. | Airplane |
| June 10 | Dakar | After arriving to Diass Blaise Diagne International Airport this afternoon, we will transfer to our hotel in Dakar and check in. After some rest and food, we'll have an orientation meeting to discuss our adventure in more detail. Welcome dinner tonight! | Dakar Hotel |
| June 11 | 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. | Dakar Hotel |
| June 12 | 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 |
| June 13 | 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. 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 anything buoyant. In a specially adapted vehicle, we will witness the traditional salt extraction methods used by the local people. This afternoon we will participate in a service project, which will be decided on by local community members at a later date. Weather permitting, we will head out to witness a magnificent sunset from the sand dunes that surround Lac Rose. | Lac Rose Hotel |
| June 14 | Lac Rose - Lompoul Desert Lodge | Today we depart for the Lompoul Desert Lodge, where travelers 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! We'll camp along the sand dunes in 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 delicious mint tea. | Lompoul Desert Lodge |
| June 15 | 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 artisinal works, or Lalane, famous for its beautiful basket weaving. Enjoy lunch on the route before continuing to La Somone. Depending on our arrival time, we 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 spot pelicans, herons, egrets, and even pink flamingos. Dinner at the hotel tonight. | La Somone Hotel |
| June 16 | 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 learn more about 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 the fishing economy. Dinner at the hotel tonight. | Mbour Hotel |
| June 17 | Mbour | Our final day in Senegal will be spent relaxing poolside at our hotel, walking along the beach and taking advantage of our final chance to shop for souvenirs. We'll have a farewell dinner tonight to celebrate our time together! | Mbour Hotel |
| June 18 | Dakar - USA | Transfer to the airport for your flight home. | 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.
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.
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 FUNDING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
With a previous outfitter [I worked with], the experience was more “touring” and no hands-on contributions and work. Walking Tree surrounds the travelers with amazing professionals who are dedicated to their sciences, travels, and countries. Travelers’ experiences are first-hand, authentic and memorable!
Shelley
Alumni Group Organizer on programs to Costa Rica and 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.
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.