Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Embark on a meaningful journey through Senegal, where students engage with culture, community, and conservation. From eco-projects in Saint-Louis and mangrove restoration in the Saloum Delta to exploring Dakar’s vibrant history and the powerful legacy of Gorée Island, students take part in hands-on learning while gaining a deeper understanding of West African culture, environment, and resilience.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Senegal (Dakar)
Day 2
Arrive in Dakar
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Travel to Lac Rose
Health & safety programme orientation
Participate in an orientation session covering health, safety, and programme expectations.
Day 3
Lac Rose sand dunes visit
Lac Rose gets its name from the distinct rose-tinted hue created by Dunaliella salina bacteria, which thrive in the lake’s high salt content. In some areas, salt levels reach up to 40 percent, second only to the Dead Sea. Along the shoreline, pink samphire bushes grow among the sandbanks and terracotta-coloured dunes.
Lac Rose salt collecting eco-project
Assist local salt collectors by bagging salt or transporting it from the lake to shore by boat. Learn how seasonal conditions affect the lake’s vivid colour, which is most striking during the dry season when sunlight reflects directly off the water.
Travel to Saint-Louis
Known locally as Ndar, Saint-Louis served as the capital of the French Colony of Senegal from 1673 to 1902 and also functioned as the capital of neighboring Mauritania.
Saint-Louis school eco-project
Take part in a community-led sustainability project alongside local students. Work together on tree planting and care, join hands-on ecological workshops, and participate in cooking classes that highlight local traditions and environmental stewardship.
Day 4
Bird sanctuary visit and boat tour
Senegal is home to around 160 bird species, making it a prime destination for bird study. Visit either Langue de Barbarie National Park or Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, depending on the season. A guided boat tour offers close observation of migratory and native birds, including pelicans, flamingos, herons, terns, cormorants, and ibis.
Eco-project visit: Transforming waste, empowering women
Visit a women-led eco initiative that transforms discarded plastic into practical items like furniture and building materials. Learn how recycled waste supports environmental sustainability and economic empowerment, help collect plastic, and observe how community-driven innovation turns everyday trash into opportunity.
Continue Saint-Louis school eco-project
Day 5
Continue Saint-Louis school eco-project
Travel to Saly
Day 6
Saloum Delta excursion
Explore the Saloum Delta, a vast network of islands, mangrove forests, and coastal ecosystems shaped by centuries of human settlement. Discover shellfish mounds and burial sites that offer insight into West Africa’s cultural history. In the afternoon, take part in a mangrove replanting project, helping restore vital habitats that support fisheries, birdlife, eco-tourism, and local livelihoods.
Day 7
Travel to Dakar
Dakar city walk
Explore Dakar on a guided city walk through the historic Médina quarter, home to the iconic Grande Mosquée de Dakar. Visit the Musée Théodore Monod to examine cultural artifacts such as clothing, instruments, carvings, and tools, and gain insight into Senegal’s history, traditions, and vibrant urban culture.
Goree Island excursion
Visit Gorée Island to study its powerful history as a centre of the transatlantic slave trade. Explore preserved forts and former slave houses, including a visit to La Maison des Esclaves, where cells and the Door of No Return offer critical historical context. The experience also includes hands-on lessons in djembe drumming and local dance, connecting history with living culture.
Day 8
Dakar Tour Director-led sightseeing tour
Explore Dakar with Tour Director–led sightseeing focused on the city’s history, culture, and modern identity. Visit the African Renaissance Monument to discuss its symbolism, scale, and the debates surrounding its construction. Walk through Marché Kermel to experience local street markets filled with traditional textiles, baskets, and jewelry, and view the Deux Mamelles, the twin hills overlooking the city that frame Dakar’s coastal landscape.
Sand panting cultural activity
Participate in sand painting, an artistic practice that uses coloured sand and natural pigments to create intricate designs. Learn about the global cultural traditions of sand painting, including its role in ceremonial, religious, and healing practices, and why many works are intentionally temporary.
Day 9
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions.
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Community-based projects
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Language-intensive classes (details in itinerary)
Scenes from Senegal
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.
