On beautiful Wednesday morning from Kololi the Gambia we set off on a thrill to exploit the marvels of both Senegal and the Gambia well off history, culture and natural treasures. Overwhelmed with excitement for a long-anticipated trip cruising in our Mitsubishi Pajero which we fondly nicknamed "the Titanic" a well-suited car for off the beaten track adventures. Driving through several small settlements our first stop was the Giboro border where we went through frontier protocols. We then drove further to the border village of Sility in Senegal's territory of Cassamance there we got our passports stamped marking the beginning of our journey in Senegal. The Language rythm changes all we could then hear spoken was French or the language of the local folks who often speak, Jola, Wolof, Mandinka and Fulani. These local languages are also widely spoken in the Gambia.

From Sility border post we motored deep into the Southern part of Senegal Cassamance, an exquisite region. Enthusiastic to discover what this stunning province has to offer; thus, we did not just head straight to Ziguinchor the regional capital but rather chose to go off road and remote stopping at Abene a laid-back village known for its Rastafarian-influenced Baye Fall community, Abené offers a tranquil atmosphere with eco-lodges like Little Baobab, set amidst lush greenery. It's a great place to experience local hospitality and culture. We further cruised to Diembéring a coastal village built on sand dunes renowned for its traditional Jola architecture and vibrant beaches. It serves as the administrative center for the Diembéring rural district. 

From Diembéring we had a peaceful stopped before reaching to Ziguinchor at a fishing village on the Casamance River, Elinkine provided us with a glimpse into traditional life with its bustling fish markets and local crafts. These villages provide a rich tapestry of Casamance's cultural and natural beauty, making them worthwhile stops on your journey to Ziguinchor. And finally, we arrived at Ziguinchor and stayed overnight at the friendly Casa motel. The next day we went into downtown of the city exploring its rich history, culture and natural treasures, boat riding into the Casamance river and also visiting the king of Ossouye. Ending the day back to Casa motel for another night as we look further tripping to the South-east.

The next morning, we set off to Kolda driving through several local villages and hamlets at Kolda, we spent the night at Hotel de Relais a modern 3-star hotel featuring 50 air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar. its super clean, comfortable, and friendly staff. Prices start around 25,000 CFA per night. The next day we headed to Niokoloba, spanning over 2 million hectares, it is one of West Africa's most significant protected areas, renowned for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems. We absorbed ourselves into various ecotourism activities, including nature walks, boat tours for birdwatching, and wildlife safaris. Exploring the park's diverse ecosystems and observing its abundant wildlife. From Niokolokoba we then navigated to Dindeferlo water falls hiking to the waterfall cascades about 100 meters down a cliff face, creating a picturesque scene surrounded by lush greenery and rocky terrain.

There we stayed at  Campement Africa Cascade, a modest yet welcoming campement run by Djibril Diallo, offering seven rooms, five of which have private bathrooms. There we enjoyed traditional Fulani cuisine prepared by his wife. From Dindeferlo we drove to Pay Bassari and Bedik County a culturally rich and ecologically diverse region, home to the Bassari, Bedik, and Fula peoples. These communities have developed a way of life in harmony with the natural environment using sustainable agriculture, complex social systems, and spiritual traditions.The Baasari and Bedik maintain strong initiation ceremonies, elaborate dress, music, and dance that define community identity.

Traveling from The Gambia to Southeastern Senegal can be an adventurous and scenic journey.!!

Posted 24 days ago by Saidou Bah