West Africa: History, Traditions and the Vaca Bruto Ceremony in the Bijagosh Archipelago

14
days
10.05.2025
5 230 USD

Senegal - Gambia - Guinea Bissau

May 10 - 23, 2025

14 days/13 nights

The real Africa, which cannot be seen anywhere else on the continent. The trip harmoniously combines history (forts, slave trade, colonial architecture), nature (a huge number of unique birds) and traditions (masks, tribes, rituals).

Participation in the Vaca Bruto ceremony in the Bijagosh archipelago, as well as the Kumpo forest mask in Senegal. 
And also the real masks of Senegal, the unique country of Gambia, the Bijagozh Archipelago as a unique place for travelers.

Route map: Wave
We are waiting: Wave
Kumpo mask in Senegal
Balamo city
Pillars of Senegambia
Bijagosh Archipelago
Vaca Bruto ceremony
Tour program: Wave

Arrive in Dakar and transfer to the hotel.


From Dakar to Gorée (city transfers and ferry ride)

Dakar, situated at the tip of the Cape Verde Peninsula, marks the westernmost point of Africa and is home to approximately 2.4 million residents. Once the intellectual and cultural hub of French West Africa, Dakar is now a dynamic, bustling African city. As Senegal's capital, it serves as a focal point for contemporary art, music, and various forms of creative expression.


Our journey includes a visit to the Musée des Civilisations Noires, which opened in December 2018. This museum brings to life the vision of Senegal's first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, a Nobel laureate and poet. It showcases both the historical and modern cultures, art, and spirit of Black people, a concept Senghor referred to as "Negritude."

We will also explore the Cathédrale Notre Dame, whose construction began in 1910 to honor African soldiers. The cathedral, completed in 1936, features a Neo-Sudanese design, inspired by the adobe mosque architecture found in the Sahara and Sub-Saharan regions.

Afterwards, we'll head to Dakar port to catch a ferry to Gorée Island, where slaves were once held before being shipped to the Americas. Many restored buildings still stand as poignant reminders of that era.


The Portuguese first arrived on Gorée in 1450 and built a small stone chapel. Once the slave trade from Senegal began to decline in the late 18th century, the island evolved into a key port for trading peanuts, gum arabic, ivory, and other goods. Today, Gorée is a charming and fashionable destination, with its cool breezes, cafes, and shops. In the late afternoon, as the crowds disperse, we will experience the unique atmosphere of this historical island.


From Gorée to Lac Retba (ferry and a 30 km drive – approximately 1 hour driving time)

Starting the day early in Gorée before the usual crowds arrive offers a peaceful experience, allowing us to wander through the quaint, stone-paved alleys of this historical site. Afterward, we take the ferry back to Dakar and drive to Lac Retba, also known as Lac Rose due to its distinctive pink hue, a shallow saltwater lake surrounded by sand dunes.


The adventure continues with an exhilarating 4x4 drive along the beach (depending on tides), leading us to some of Senegal’s largest fishing villages. Over 4,500 brightly painted wooden pirogues land here daily, bringing in the fresh catch. On the shore, fishermen sell their fish to market women, while artisans carve and paint the vibrant pirogues with intricate designs.


From Lac Retba to Saint Louis (210 km – approximately 4 hours driving time)

Saint Louis, also known locally as Ndar, is a charming town that was under French control from 1673 to 1895 and served as the capital of French West Africa until 1902, when the seat of government was moved to Dakar. From 1920 to 1957, it also served as the capital of Mauritania.


The town played a key role in the pioneering days of airmail, serving as a base for "Aeropostale" flights connecting Europe, Africa, and South America. The renowned author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, best known for his book The Little Prince, was one of the pilots who flew along this route.


Situated on two islands between the Senegal River and the Atlantic Ocean, Saint Louis has a rich history spanning over three centuries. The town, located at the southern edge of the Sahara, forms a cultural and geographical bridge between the savanna, desert, river, and ocean. It represents a unique blend of tradition and modernity, Christianity and Islam, and European and African influences.


Saint Louis is beloved for its distinctive character, and its residents proudly proclaim that no one visits without falling in love with it. They also consider the city to be the birthplace of Senegalese Teranga, the Wolof word for hospitality.

Exploring the town's narrow streets by calash, as the locals do, provides a wonderful way to experience its unique atmosphere, particularly in the fisherman’s quarters. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the small avenues of this old town, soaking in its charm. We’ll spend the night at a historic hotel, originally built in 1895 and now fully renovated, where Aeropostale pilots once stayed.


From Saint Louis to the Ferlo Desert (150 km – approximately 4 hours driving time)

We begin our day with an early departure, heading north to explore the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast oasis of wetlands, located between the Sahara and the Ferlo Desert, is one of the most important habitats for over a million migratory and resident birds. Nestled on the southeastern bank of the Senegal River, it provides a range of wetland environments where many birds gather after crossing the Sahara.


With more than 400 species of birds, pelicans and flamingos are the most commonly spotted, while the more elusive aquatic warblers make this park their primary wintering ground after migrating from Europe. In addition to birds, the sanctuary is home to other wildlife such as warthogs and crocodiles. A motorboat excursion will be led by a local ornithologist.

Depending on the season, bird migrations, and water levels, the visit to Djoudj may be substituted with a trip to Langue de Barbarie. This thin, sandy peninsula lies along the Atlantic coast near Saint Louis and separates the ocean from the Senegal River. Langue de Barbarie National Park is known for its rich birdlife and is also home to three species of turtles.


In the afternoon, we will journey deeper into the Ferlo Desert, where the nomadic Fulani (also known as Peul) tribes herd large groups of zebu cattle. The Fulani are the largest nomadic tribe in West Africa, spanning from Senegal to Chad, with mysterious origins and a shared appreciation for beauty and elegance. A local guide will accompany us as we visit nearby villages and shelters, and we may even get the chance to witness the milking process when the herds return in the evening.


From Ferlo Desert to Kaolack (240 km – approximately 5 hours driving time)

Arriving in the sacred city of Tuba as a group of Western travelers is quite a rare occasion. Here, we will experience the renowned hospitality of the African fraternities. Tuba is often seen as a "state within a state," founded by Sufi leader Amhadou Bàmba Mbake.


The inhabitants of Tuba follow the Muridi brotherhood, a religious movement that still holds significant social and economic influence in Senegal. During their festival, millions of pilgrims travel to the city. As Tuba is a deeply sacred place, there are a few simple rules we must follow during our visit. Smoking, wearing revealing clothing, drinking alcohol, and listening to music are prohibited. By respecting these customs, we will be warmly welcomed by the Muridi, who are proud of their city and appreciative of our interest in visiting it.


From Kabacoto to Banjul (240 km – approximately 6 hours driving time) – Senegal to The Gambia

We begin our day with an early departure, veering off the main road to explore the remarkable megalithic site of Sine Ngayene, part of the larger Senegambian stone circles. These ancient stone formations are spread across The Gambia and central Senegal.


According to UNESCO, the Senegambian stone circles form "the largest concentration of stone circles anywhere in the world." The site contains over 1,100 stones and related tumuli scattered across an area approximately 100 km wide and 350 km long, primarily along the northern bank of the Gambia River.

After completing border formalities at The Gambia crossing, we’ll head toward the Banjul area.


From Banjul to Ziguinchor (160 km – approximately 4 hours driving time) – The Gambia to Senegal

The Gambia is renowned for its bird-watching opportunities, and with the help of an ornithological guide, we will explore various species of African birds in their natural habitat.


From there, we drive south, crossing the border into Senegal’s Casamance region. Leaving the main route, we’ll visit a remote village for a traditional lunch, prepared by a local family, offering us a taste of Senegalese cuisine while supporting the local economy.


In the afternoon, if we are fortunate, we may witness a rare cultural event where sacred masks emerge from the forest to perform for an eager local audience. These masks are central to the animistic Diola culture, representing revered spirits that are believed to play a crucial role in resolving conflicts within the village.

We will arrive in the evening at our comfortable hotel on the banks of the Casamance River, where we will stay for two days, focusing on exploring the beautiful Casamance region.


Casamance (approximately 150 km – 4 hours driving time) – Senegal

We will venture off the main road to visit an adobe-fortified structure, still home to a large patriarchal Diola family. This fascinating example of traditional African architecture, known as an “impluvium house,” features large clay and wooden walls with a central opening in the roof for light. Historically, these fortified buildings served to protect the inhabitants from external threats.


In a secluded village, we will be welcomed by the king of a Diola Kingdom. After the customary salutations, the king, who holds both political authority and mystical power as the high priest, will answer our questions about the traditional practices and societal rules of Diola culture.

In the late afternoon, we return to Ziguinchor.


From Ziguinchor to Bissau (220 km – approximately 7 hours driving time) – Senegal to Guinea-Bissau

We depart early for a long but fascinating journey, crossing the border into Guinea-Bissau. As we head south, we’ll encounter a unique ecosystem where the sea (Bolon) extends into the land for over a hundred miles, creating a vast area that alternates between flooding and dry land. The boundaries between saltwater, land, and freshwater shift with the tides, and during high tide, 23% of Guinea-Bissau is submerged, emerging again during low tide.


On our way to Bissau, we will stop in Bula to meet a traditional king, known as the Regolo, and gain insights into the culture of his tribe.


From Bissau to Rubane Island (via speedboat) – Guinea-Bissau

We embark on a speedboat for the first of three days exploring the Bijagos Archipelago, a remote collection of islands known for their isolation and distinctive way of life. Located roughly 40 miles off the coast, the archipelago consists of 88 islands, only 21 of which are permanently inhabited, making it the largest archipelago in Africa. With its untouched landscapes, authentic tribal culture, and unique wildlife, Bijagos is considered a “geographical gem.”


Due to its remoteness and limited transportation, the islands have remained largely unaffected by outside influences. The local inhabitants maintain deep ties to their traditions, and during ceremonies, women continue to wear the saiya, a traditional straw skirt. The rhythm of village life is marked by initiations and secret rites, such as the seven-year initiation process for young men, during which they live in isolation from women in a special “convent.”


Our first stop will be Bolama Island, the former capital of Portuguese Guinea from 1871 to 1941, before the capital was moved to Bissau due to a lack of fresh water. After the Portuguese departure, locals took over the town, but it has since fallen into decay, with tropical vegetation overtaking many structures. Originally designed like a Roman citadel, Bolama’s wide avenues, deserted squares, dry fountains, and neo-Palladian administrative buildings now evoke the feel of a forgotten city. Goats now graze amid the columns of the Governor’s Palace. The government of Guinea-Bissau hopes to have Bolama designated as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Although the island is still inhabited, it exudes the atmosphere of a ghost town.

Depending on the tides, the visit to Bolama may be postponed to Day 14.

We will arrive at Rubane or Bubaque Islands, where a comfortable hotel will serve as our base for exploring the Bijagos Archipelago over the next few days.


Vaca Bruto Mask Ceremony

If the tour coincides with the Vaca Bruta mask event, we’ll have a morning to relax or take a walk around Rubane Island, exploring its interior and visiting the small local village.


After lunch, we will head to Bubaque, the largest village in the archipelago, which is connected to the mainland by a weekly ferry. Here, we’ll stroll through unpaved streets, visit a vibrant and colorful market, stop by local bars and shops, and explore the small ethnographic museum that showcases the culture of the Bijagos. Later, we will venture to a more secluded village to witness the Vaca Bruta initiation mask ceremony, an event that draws significant participation from the local villagers.


Today is a day to immerse ourselves in the relaxed island lifestyle of the archipelago. Enjoy the tranquility of the wild beaches, take a walk through the lush vegetation and villages, or embark on an excursion to the nearby Soga Island.


From Rubane to Bissau (Speedboat)

We return to Bissau, the small capital city of Guinea-Bissau.


Our exploration begins in Bissau Velho, the old Portuguese quarter, where the remnants of Portuguese colonial days linger in the air. The area offers a unique blend of African and Portuguese influences, and we’ll have the chance to visit old wooden cafés where we can enjoy Portuguese wines and even catch the latest news from Portugal.


Our tour continues with stops at the Presidential Palace, the Catholic Cathedral, Fortaleza Amura, Independence Monument, and Che Guevara Square. We’ll wrap up the day at a lively open-air bar, known for serving the best mojito in town.


In the evening, we transfer to the airport for our departure flight.


The cost of the tour: Wave
5 230 USD
per person in a double room:
The price of the tour includes:
One bottle of mineral water per person in the vehicle daily during visits.
Transfers and tours using a variety of transportation modes, each adapted to the specific geographical settings to enhance comfort, fun, and local interaction: minibuses/microbuses, 4WD vehicles, private use of local calashes, donkey carts, and a speedboat equipped for ocean crossings to the Bijagos Archipelago.
Tour Leader (languages spoken include English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese as available).
Fees for personal photography and videography.
Entrance fees to parks, concessions, protected areas, cultural landmarks, festivals, and events, as specified in the itinerary.
First Aid kit.
All service charges and applicable taxes.
Assistance with the purchase of a local SIM card and currency exchange.
The price of the tour does NOT include:
International flights to Dakar and from Bissau.
Visa fees.
COVID tests, if required.
Mineral water and beverages at restaurants and hotels.
Portage services.
Personal insurance (mandatory).
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and hotel staff.
Any personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Anything not explicitly mentioned as included.
Our photo report: Wave

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