Dakar - Passports Overloaded

June 8, 2025 – June 8, 2025

Enjoy charming São Vicente and the amazing landscape here and on nearby Santo Antão. Stroll through town past vibrant markets and the replica of Lisbon’s Belem Tower. Visit the stark but lovely lunar-like beach at Catfish Bay. On Santo Antão see lush and rugged landscapes and picturesque villages.

See the world from atop a volcano, discover arid but productive valleys and walk white sands nestled against black lava cliffs on this panoramic coach tour. Ascend to the top of volcanic Monte Verde, the highest point on São Vicente, for sweeping vistas of the entire island. You’ll see lovely Mindelo and the eastern-shore beaches from your vantage point and appreciate the plant life and garden crops such as corn, sweet potatoes and bananas. Descend to Baja das Gatas, or Catfish Bay, and its sheltered lagoon created by volcanic eruptions spanning centuries. At Praia Grande beach, notice the stark contrast of the white sand against the backdrop of black lava mountains as you enjoy a pontche, a traditional island cocktail made with sugarcane molasses and grogue, the national liqueur of Cape Verde. Passing through an agricultural valley, find the stream that provides the island with much-needed irrigation. You’ll learn that despite São Vicente’s discovery in 1462, it wasn’t developed until the 19th century because of its arid nature and lack of substantial water sources, adding to your understanding of this enthralling island.

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Mindelo

June 6, 2025 – June 6, 2025

After three centuries of French rule, Dakar can’t help but exude a certain French flair, especially architecturally. Senegalese attire tends to be rather formal and conservative, but the city is full of life. Art galleries are plentiful, the beaches inviting, and the views fantastic from the Les Mamelles Lighthouse.

Treasure an overview of Senegal’s capital and its culture during an illuminating tour of traditional attractions and more contemporary landmarks. Travel to the bustling Kermel Market and pause at the majestic Presidential Palace for photos before passing signature sites such as the Senegalese National Assembly, Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, the Médina district and the Dakar Grand Mosque, which was designed by French and Moroccan architects. You’ll make another photo stop at the striking Gate of the Third Millennium, built in 2000 to symbolize the opening of the African continent to the next thousand years, and arrive at the famed Soumbedioune Market to browse local handicrafts and art. Glimpse the lifestyle of Dakar’s more affluent residents during a drive through the Fann Corniche district and observe Senegalese college life at the University of Dakar library, an outstanding example of International Style architecture. In the Mamelles area, the Cape Verde Peninsula’s highest point, you’ll take in expansive views of the city and then admire how Senegal’s colorful sands are imaginatively used in original paintings at the Sand Painting Gallery. Relish time for shopping at this unique venue for a keepsake as marvelous as beguiling Dakar.

If you would like to see where and what we are while visiting Dakar

Alphabetic Links of Where We’ve Been

Category: Dakar

Mindelo (Sao Vicente), Cape Verde

Dakar, Senegal