EXPLORE the gAMBIA AND SENEGAL
BANJUL | GUNJUR | WASSU | KUNTA KINTEH ISLAND | TOUBAKOUTA | KAOLACK | TOUBA | LOMPOUL DESERT | PINK LAKE | DAKAR
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With a $500 Deposit
January 5 - 16, 2024
9 Nights
Senegal and The Gambia are closely connected West African countries in which Islam is the faith of 96-97% of the respective populations. Contact with Muslim traders from North Africa introduced Islam to the area beginning in the 8th century, with more significant local adoption of the faith by rulers, elites and the populace from the 11th century onwards. Along with nearby Mali and Ghana, this region came to develop a unique Muslim culture and civilization over the centuries, with an indigenous scholarly and spiritual tradition. We will visit a number of important heritage sites from the medieval period and into the early modern era, ranging from the pilgrimage city of Touba where the inspiring anti-colonial figure Ahmadou Bamba is buried, the environs of Kunta Kinteh Island and Gorée Island that factored in the horrendous trans-Atlantic slave trade, and natural environments ranging from rivers, lakes, deserts, and coastal areas. We will encounter the remarkable people of these lands, meet with leaders and scholars, appreciate the local cuisines and handicrafts, and be enchanted by the stunning natural beauty of this region.
faculty guide
shaykh adeyinka mendes
Imam Adeyinka Mendes is the founder of the Nibras Foundation, Bilal Spiritual Center for Peace and the Arts, and co-founder of the African-American Healing, Ancestry, and Development (AHAD) Collective, all founded for establishing a holistic, spiritual, peaceful, and joyous practice of Islam dedicated to sacred service and justice for all. He is an international speaker, spiritual activist, educator, author, translator of sacred literature, and teacher of Arabic and Islamic Sciences.
ITINERARY IN the gambia and senegaL
Bayan has been offering faculty-led tours to world heritage destinations since 2017, with recurring tours to Southern Spain, Malaysia & Singapore, Uzbekistan, Jerusalem & Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Bosnia-Herzegovina, with exciting new destinations being planned for the coming years.
WHY JOIN A BAYAN TOUR?
Tours offered by Bayan cater to the diverse interests and needs of families, while offering an exceptional educational and cultural program. Each tour is led by one or more faculty members who provide daily background lectures and insights about the historical and contemporary contexts. Local guides are utilized as well at various points in time. The itinerary is crafted by experienced personnel to maximize your enjoyment and satisfaction. While the scheduled program is robust, ample time is provided to explore on your own, shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, and enjoy some leisure activities. Bayan’s tour group size is typically up to 35 participants.
Tour highlights
The Gambia
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Capital city of Banjul
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Masjid Abu Bakr, one of Banjul's oldest mosques
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Historic Dobson Street Mosque
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Albert Market
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Coastal town of Bakau
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Sand Dunes Mosque, Gungur
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River Gambia cruise
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Kunta Kinteh Island
Senegal
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Toubakouta and Saloum Delta
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Kaolack, Tijaniyyah tariqah
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Great Mosque of Medina Baye, and scholars
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Historic city of Touba
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Great Masjid of Touba
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Resting place of Ahmadou Bamba
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Lompoul Desert
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Pink Lake
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Tour of the capital city of Dakar
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Ferry to Gorée Island
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Dakar Central Market
Along with visiting these sites, we will encounter the people and make friendships, sample various Senegambian cuisines, appreciate cultural programs, and enjoy the natural landscapes that we pass through.
Hotels
Our tour group will stay in the following cities:
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Banjul (4 nights)
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Kaolack (1 night)
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Touba (1 night)
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Lompoul Desert (1 night)
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Dakar (2 nights)
Tour information
TOUR PRICING - LAND PACKAGE ONLY
All pricing is double-occupancy, airfare is not included.
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ADULT: $2,695
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ADDITIONAL ADULT: $2,495
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MINOR: $2,395
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SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $500
LAND PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
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9 nights hotel (4 star)
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Ground transportation by private A/C coach
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Airport transfers
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Breakfast included
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Private boat trip on the Gambia River including lunch
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Bayan scholar providing daily talks and guidance
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Local English-speaking professional guides
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Entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
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General assistance and porterage
EXCLUSIONS
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International airfare arriving to Banjul and departing from Dakar (multi-city flights)
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Gambia Tourist visa (on arrival, approx. $110 USD)
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Most lunches and dinners
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Gratuities for driver(s) and guide(s)
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Personal items
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Hotel incidental charges and other individualized services
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Covid-19 testing, treatment and/or quarantine costs (if applicable)
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Urgent care, medical treatment and testing, related expenses
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Travel insurance (recommended)
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Arriving to The Gambia
Several airlines provide service to The Gambia and Senegal. Participants should book "multi-city" flights to Banjul (BJL), and arrive from midday onwards on Saturday, January 6. The tour program officially begins on the morning of Sunday, January 7 with a group orientation meeting after breakfast, followed by a city tour of the capital. For travelers from the US, this would mean departing from your city of origin on Friday, January 5 (or earlier depending on connecting flights and cities). Based on your arrival time in Banjul, a transfer will be arranged for your party from the airport to the hotel, only on January 6 (if you arrive earlier, you will need to make your own transfer arrangements and hotel reservations for any extra nights).
Departing from Senegal
Participants departing from Dakar (DSS) on January 15 will be provided a transfer to the airport several hours before their flight departure time. Those who wish to remain longer in Senegal after the tour concludes can make their own lodging arrangements for the night of January 15 and beyond, and arrange their own transfer to the airport on their departure date.
Booking Your Flights
Once you've paid your deposit to Bayan Tours, you should research and book your flights as soon as possible to try and obtain well-priced airfare with suitable flight timings and layovers. We will provide some sample flight itineraries on various airlines to help you determine the same or similar itineraries based on your origin point. You can use your own travel agent, check airline websites, or use other booking sites to select the flight legs that are best for you. We recommend that you choose routes with layovers of not less than 90 minutes.
