Travel Advice
Duration
8 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
13 Ports
7 April
Setting sail from Dakar
The busy, dusty streets of Senegal's capital Dakar are filled with life and colour, noises, smells and local music. The city extends over the Cap Vert peninsula - as the name suggests, it is a former French colony, and the distinctive atmosphere still has traces of the French influence. You can get a great view of the flat peninsula and ocean beyond from Les Mamelles (The Breasts), two small and appropriately shaped hills. The people here are friendly and helpful, so expect a warm welcome - but watch out for the usual hustles and scams of a busy city.
Don't miss
If you have time, take the ferry across to Île de Gorée – at first sight, a beautiful historic town, which will help bring alive the terrible history of three hundred years of slave trading.
8 April
Guinea-Bissau: Maio
9 April
Guinea-Bissau: Carache Island (Bijagos)
The Bijagos Archipelago is seldom visited by tourists, but those who make it here will find palm-fringed beaches, mangroves and wildlife including crocodiles, turtles and monkeys. The islands are also home to the unique matriarchal society of the Bidyogo people, whose way of life has barely changed in thousands of years.
9 April
Guinea-Bissau: Kere Island, Bijagós
10 April
Guinea-Bissau: Orango Island (Bijagos)
Fringed by a beautiful beach, Orango Island is best known for its resident population of rare saltwater hippos, which can be spotted bathing in the Anôr Lagoon. The terrain is swampy in places, so make sure you bring some shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
11 April
Guinea-Bissau: Bijagos Archipelago
11 April
Guinea-Bissau: Orango Island (Bijagos)
Fringed by a beautiful beach, Orango Island is best known for its resident population of rare saltwater hippos, which can be spotted bathing in the Anôr Lagoon. The terrain is swampy in places, so make sure you bring some shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
12-14 April
Guinea-Bissau: João Vieira (Bijagos), Bijagos Archipelago, Bolama, Bijagos Archipelago, Caravela Island (Bijagos)
15 April
Arriving in Dakar
Our tip
For a brief respite from the heat and bustle, go to the Institut Francais in the centre of town. We find it a bit of a haven; lovely gardens to enjoy over a coffee.
Your home from home
Sleek and stylish, Le Boréal, Le Soléal, L'Austral and Le Lyrial are wonderful small ships that blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
What we love
These chic sisters are amongst the most stylish ships at sea, with muted natural tones, minimalist interiors and playful splashes of colour. The accommodation is flexible, with the option to combine staterooms and create expansive suites, while the restaurants deliver the sort of outstanding gastronomic experience that you would expect from a French flag cruise line.
| Capacity | 264 Guests (Le Boréal, Le Soléal & L'Austral) / 244 Guests (Le Lyrial) |
|---|---|
| Crew | 140 Staff |
| Style | Refined with a wonderful mix of a modern super yacht and nautical tradition, all with a French flair. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Dakar
The comfortable Radisson Blu is probably the best choice.
Sightseeing in Senegal
Outside Dakar lies the beautiful Pink Lake – Lake Retba. Its high salt content attracts a bacteria which creates the colour.
