INCLUDED
Hotel Accommodations
2 Nights at Axil Hotel (or similar)
1 Night at Ecolodge of Lompoul (or similar)
1 Night Cap Saint Louis Hotel (or similar)
1 Night Relais de Kaolack Hotel (or similar)
1 Night at Camping Sabita Lodge (or similar)
3 Night Ocean Bay Hotel & Spa (or similar)
1 Night Tamala Beach Resort (or similar)
1 Night Pelican de Saloum Hotel (or similar)
Arrival and departure transfers
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
Admission for Tours and Activities as Listed
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide

NOT INCLUDED - OPTIONAL ADD ON
Gratuities for Guides/Drivers/Planned Meals - $15 per person per day - recommended
Estimated Airfare $1600 (adjusted when ticketed)

NOT INCLUDED
Travel Insurance
Travel Vaccines
All Beverages
Incidentals
Laundry
Passport Fees
Senegal & Gambia VISA Fees
Additional Gratuities (bellman. porters, services personally obtained)

The offer is valid for the remaining balance of the Land Package only, after any other discounts or promotions have been applied.
The discount does not apply to the Booking Fee, Add-On Purchases, or Donations.
The rebate will be refunded to the original form of payment used for the Travel Experience purchase. Please allow 14 business days for processing.

Axil Hotel is located in the heart of Dakar. It has a location that allows easy access to the city centre for your appointments and other activities: 3 minutes walk from the Dakar Station and the Port, 5 minutes from Independence Square or close to the Museum of Black Civilizations.Adapted to your comfort and wellness needs, all our 80 rooms are equipped with a Queen Size Bed, air-conditioned with free WIFI.

Situated in the midst of the desert and at the bottom of this amazing and fantastic dunes scenery. The new tents, which were designed to provide optimum comfort and spaciousness, are in perfect harmony with the natural beauty of the site. They are dispersed over three communities in order to maintain the peace of mind of those who live there. The second tent, which is adjacent, serves as a private shower and w-c, preserving the intimacy. It is around 45 m2 of space that has been set up to allow you to experience the wonder of the desert in any comfort. The thrill of evasion can be combined with a dromedary ride through the sand dunes, an evening spent around a fire or even a trip to the beach.

Dinners are prepared using couscous, pottery cooking pots, or grills and served in numerous tents for greater closeness.
Possibility of organizing beach lunches-grills based on fish and shellfish.

Beach hotel with a business center and a poolside bar Along with an outdoor pool, this smoke-free hotel has a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free valet parking are also provided. Other amenities include a poolside bar, a business center, and a meeting room. Housekeeping is not available. Cap Saint Louis offers 45 air-conditioned accommodations with complimentary toiletries and blackout drapes/curtains. Televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include showers. This St. Louis hotel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily. Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.

Camping Sitaba Lodge is located in Janjangbureh by the riverside. It's a historical village brought together by two brothers and known for festivals and tours of ancestral/slave dwellings. While very modest, the lodge has fully equipped rooms, each with its own on-site shower room, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour power. All rooms come with room service and are cleaned throughout your stay.

Located on the shore of the Saloum River, close to the city center, offering 48 bungalow rooms (air conditioning, hot water, satellite TV, telephone, wireless internet connection, telephone), and two suites. Two air-conditioned conference rooms, a restaurant, a panoramic restaurant and a lounge bar by the river.

Adventurous travelers, who are ready to substitute the busy tourist destination with the less popular coastline of Senegal, will not regret their decision. 40 km from Dakar, this resort is a true oasis complete with blue waters, lush greenery and traditional thatched-roof bungalows. Guests can spend the whole day in the on-site pool and surrounding area, or go on a guided tour arranged with the assistance of the helpful staff. To truly immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions, they can try authentic dishes and drinks prepared in front of their eyes in the nearby restaurants and bars.

This Trip Is Non-Refundable

Cancellations must be received by email.  Cancellation made 60 days prior to the date of departure, a travel credit will be issued to the individual traveler. Cancellation fees will apply: initial deposit, booking fees, donations, late fees, reinstatement and any additional fees as stated on the specific registration. Other nonrefundable fees may be incurred from, and not limited to, the Hotel, Airline, Ground Transportation, and other service providers which override TBOG Travel's cancellation policy and can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking, regardless of whether travel has commenced. Cancellations made within 61 days of the departure date are non-refundable and not eligible to obtain a travel credit.

If a reservation is cancelled by TBOG Travel prior to commencement of the trip, TBOG Travel shall have no responsibility beyond the issuance of credit for the monies paid related to the trip that was canceled by TBOG Travel without offset for cancellation fees imposed by TBOG Travel or third-party vendors.  Example:  Reservations in arrears 91 days will cancel automatically for non-payment.  Any monies paid will be forfeited and not refunded.  Where TBOG Travel incurs any liability for a cancellation fee or charge for any booking which you cancel, you agree to indemnify us for that fee or charge.

Travel Credits can be used to purchase other specific TBOG Tour the World Travel Experiences.
Travel credits issued from travel booked:
     For 2024 travel will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2025
     For 2025 travel, will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2026.
If you choose a TBOG Tour the World Travel Experience that is more than your travel credit, you are responsible for any additional cost. If the new Travel Experience is less than the travel credit, a future travel credit will be issued for the difference.

TBOG Travel reserves the right to restrict any changes to a reservation. All changes are subject to availability. Please note that changes made to overall party size, date, or location may result in a change to the rate. For your peace of mind, we recommend the purchase of travel insurance, we have partnered with Travel Guard to offer travel insurance protection. Travel Guard insurance policies are underwritten by AIG.

Please note: These policies are subject to change at any time.

Be prepared with travel insurance coverage through Travel Guard. Plans can include coverage for medical expenses, trip interruption and more and include emergency travel services so you can be sure that Travel Guard has an insurance plan that meets your traveling needs. Travel Guard is available to assist 24 hours a day.  

Travel Guard's Trip Insurance Plans provide valuable coverage at an affordable price and includes an early purchase benefit of a waiver of Pre-existing Medical Condition Exclusion and Cancel for Any Reason option,  if purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment.

Your travel insurance will need to cover medical expenses that could arise while traveling abroad. In the case of a Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll need to make sure that it covers you for medical evacuation too.

Unexpected injuries and doctor visits need to be covered, and emergency evacuation expenses should you need to be airlifted off the mountain. Those situations are rare, but they do occur and you need the proper insurance.

When purchasing travel insurance it is important you understand exactly what it does, and doesn’t cover. Most basic plans will offer basic protection for trip cancellation, lost bags, and delayed flights.

However, if you need coverage beyond that (medical expenses, evacuation, etc.) then you’ll likely have to purchase a higher-tier policy.

It’s important that whatever policy you choose also covers high altitude activities. That isn’t the case with every insurance plan, so be sure to ask for it specifically.

For climbing Kilimanjaro, please note, you are not taking part in technical mountaineering, but that you are high altitude trekking up to 6,000m.

We highly recommend you add the Adventure Sports Bundle to your insurance package if you are running a marathon, climbing a mountain, scuba diving, etc.  Add the adventure sports bundle to ensure you are covered. 

PASSPORT - To enter The Gambia, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

VISA - The Government of The Gambia requires visitors to obtain a visa prior to or upon entering the country. The fee for a Gambian visa issued through the Gambian Embassy in the United States is currently $200 but is subject to change. Alternatively, tourists can apply for a visa upon arrival in The Gambia.

Vaccines and Medicines

The official currency in Senegal is the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes; travellers should avoid exchanging large quantities of CFA francs for foreign currency anywhere other than reputable exchange bureaus. There are ATMs in Dakar, but banking facilities are limited in the rest of the country. Credit cards are only accepted by major establishments catering to the tourist trade, with American Express being the most widely accepted; commission is charged.

The Gambia's currency is the dalasi (GMD), which is divided into 100 bututs. Dalasi are difficult to obtain outside of The Gambia but there is a bureau de change at the airport. Currency can also be exchanged at banks in the capital, Banjul, and at some hotels and tourist resorts. The Gambia is a cash-based economy where credit cards aren't widely accepted, though an increasing number of hotels and restaurants accept Visa debit cards. There are several ATMs in the tourist area of Senegambia and in other locations, but the machines can be unreliable.

XE-perience currencies on the go. 
The XE Currency app - Everything you need for international currencies.

Senegal travel adapters

You will need to consider what to pack, to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely whilst abroad. This normally includes the use of a travel adapter, which is a device that simply allows you to plug any UK electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.

For Senegal there are four associated plug types, types C, D, E and K.

• Plug is the plug which has two round pins
• Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern
• Plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin
• Plug type K is the plug which has two round parallel pins and a grounding pin.

Electricity in Gambia

In Gambia the power plug sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Power plug adapter needed in Gambia?

Voltage converter needed in Gambia?

In Gambia the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

• You can’t use your electric appliances in Gambia without a voltage converter, because the standard voltage in Gambia (230 V) is higher than in the United States of America (120 V).

You can seriously damage your appliances. You need a voltage converter in Gambia! You can find voltage converters at Amazon. Because you also need a power plug adapter, you should consider a combined plug adapter/voltage converter.

Also the frequency in Gambia (50 Hz) differs from the frequency in the United States of America (60 Hz). You should use a voltage converter which also changes the frequency, but these are hard to find. If your converter can’t change the frequency, be warned! Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time related appliances like clocks, shavers and electric fan heaters.

To be sure, check the label on the appliance. Some appliances never need a converter. If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ the appliance can be used in all countries in the world. This is common for chargers of tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when visiting these countries.  Most visits to Senegal are trouble-free, but street crime and pick-pocketing, especially in Dakar, are common. Visitors are advised to conceal valuables from the public eye.   It is wise not to carry valuables or large sums of money, or to display them in public, and valuables left in hotels should be kept in safes whenever possible.

The Gambia is generally asafe destination for travelers, but as with any foreign country, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when visiting these countries. 

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
• Keep your valuables in a safe place and don't carry large sums of cash.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid leaving your belongings unattended in public places.
• Only use licensed taxis and negotiate the fare before getting in.
• Avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings, as they can sometimes turn violent.

Though crimes involving tourists are rare and safety is not a major concern, robberies involving travelers are on the rise, particularly the stealing of passports and valuables from hotel rooms. It is wise not to carry valuables or large sums of money, or to display them in public, and valuables left in hotels should be kept in safes whenever possible.

Travelers should be wary of young men known locally as 'bumsters', who approach male and female tourists, particularly on beaches, and offer to help or act as local guides. Visitors should be polite but firm in refusing unwanted help or attempts at conversation.

We recommend visiting Stephanie Parker's Big World Small Pockets Senegal and Big World Small Pockets Gambia for what to wear in Senegal & Gambia.

Traditional values still prevail in Senegal and Gambia, and showing excess flesh is not appreciated.

• Opt for casual lightweight clothing on the whole – leave your designer labels and jewellery at home
  
  Clothing not recommended nor appropriate includes: short shorts, short skirts, tops with spaghetti straps, tight fitting clothing, skin-revealing clothing, or clothes with holes.

• Shorts (baggy and knee length) are appropriate for recreational activities only
• Wear plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat, and remember your insect repellent.  If you want to avoid the toxic chemicals in insect repellents, we highly recommend using Lemongrass Whipped Shea Butter by Mine Botanicals. 
•  If you choose to bring a jacket, a lightweight option would be most suitable.

Shoes to pack for

• Comfortable walking shoes are a must – we love XERO shoes, as they are incredibly light and comfortable.
• Ladies, leave your high heels at home and bring a pair of dressy flat sandals..

• Just make sure your t-shirts or tops are long enough to cover your stomach.
• A skirt or loose-fitting trousers are good in the heat and will protect you from the sun.
• We recommend packing one or two smart casual outfit for nightlife activities – try a wrap or scarf which can add ‘polish' to anything.
• Remember some well-chosen costume jewellery can dress up any outfit too.

Clothing tips for men

• Lightweight shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear is recommended.  
• Linen pants are a great go to for that smart casual outfit
• Refrain from bringing your white sneakers as it is very dry dirty/dusty

The following is a typical list for travel. If you are not traveling in a private car, then be certain to pack light.

Bags

• Soft hold-all bag for excursions
• Smaller travel/overnight bag or day pack for traveling
• Lightweight backpack if traveling via public transit

Clothing

White clothing is not recommended because it is impossible to keep clean. Ghana is a very dusty place.

• Smart-casual outfit - 1 set
• Outdoor summer clothing in natural fibres - 3 sets
• Light-weight cotton long pants - 2 pair: For cool evenings or to use as sun screen.
• Comfortable walking shoes / sandals - 1 pair each
• Undershirt / singlet - Not to keep you warm, but to keep the sweat from showing so much.
• Underwear - 4 to 6 sets
• Swimwear: Only wear this at beach or poolside.
• Sarong or multi-purpose cotton wrap-around: Useful also as sun screen or dust cover for cameras.
• Towel / face cloth / bandana / handkerchief
• Hat in neutral tones
• Sunglasses

Hardware

• Camera with hard camera case
• Extra battery, battery pack/power bank or solar charger for phone

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant (not antiperspirant), shaver, brush & comb, moisturizing cream, decongestant, anti-fungal.
• Sunscreen lotion/sun block, lip-aid and floss: These are particularly difficult to obtain in Ghana.
• Prescription drugs/small private medical kit (pain killers, plasters, anti-septic spray) / contraceptives / tampons
• Contact lenses / lens fluid / spare glasses
• Malaria tablets
• Insect repellent

Papers

• Passport / visas / travel documents
• Pen / notebook / travel diary
• Cash in West African Frank for Benin and in Cedis in Ghana for personal expenses, tips & gratuities. Travelers’ cheques and credit cards are not widely accepted

Optional

• Neck pillow for long drives
• Duct tape - highly versatile!
• Plastic raincoat or poncho
• Items for bartering at markets or tips for good service
  • Bandanas, hats, anything with a logo
  • T/shirts, clothing or stationery
  • Smartphones, micro-SD or flash drives
• One Extra Bag of supplies to donate to the local school or village

Almost everywhere you travel you should be very careful with taking pictures of the local people. It is not appreciated at all when you take a spontaneous picture of somebody. Taking pictures of children is normally not a problem at all. They normally love to be in front of the camera, especially when you can show them the picture with a digital camera. 

If you want to photograph an adult though, you should at least ask it before you do so, and even then you should be prepared on receiving "No" as an answer or being asked for money for a picture. Permission should always be sought before photographing military installations, government buildings or airports.

The international dialling code for Senegal is +221. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Travellers can purchase prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; cafes, restaurants and hotels profide WiFi.

The international access code for The Gambia is +220. Most Gambians access the internet through their phone data and visitors should purchase local SIM cards for their phones to do the same.

The Black Onyx Group Travel stands firmly committed to social responsibility and sustainability. The places we visit are more than just tourist attractions. They are homes to vibrant communities with rich traditions and cultures. We take it as our duty to respect and support these communities, ensuring that our travel choices positively impact them.

Our unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and social responsibility reflects our deep care for the world we share. We passionately engage with residents and communities in the places we visit, valuing their input in shaping the course of tourism in their region. Deliberately selected local suppliers in our destinations have received comprehensive training in sustainable tourism practices. By fostering strong partnerships with local businesses, we enable them to thrive through tourism while safeguarding against exploitation. This approach effectively preserves their culture, traditions, and way of life, thereby honoring and uplifting their community.

At The Black Onyx Group Travel, we understand the crucial role of education, especially in rural areas where resources can be limited. As part of our mission, we work with our clients, business associates, partners, and donors to provide financial and essential resources such as books and clothes for children in remote areas, investing in their education and the future of their communities. Your support is vital in this effort.

At The Black Onyx Group Travel, we recognize that achieving cultural and social sustainability requires cooperation with local communities, travel companies worldwide, and the visitors we welcome. We are committed to preserving local cultures and communities and ensuring visitors have meaningful and authentic experiences around the world. This commitment is a vital part of our mission and something we are deeply passionate about, and we will continue to uphold it in all our endeavors.

At TBOG Travel, we are committed to offering unique travel experiences that foster connections and networks within the Diaspora. Our travel experiences effectively bridge the past and present, offering a responsible alternative to traditional tourism. We believe that responsible tourism is crucial in preserving cultural heritage and avoiding cross-cultural misunderstandings that might be perpetuated by traditional tourism.

Exploring your ancestral history through travel is not just a journey; it's a deeply personal one. It can help your family establish or re-establish a sense of belonging. Meeting and connecting with people in the communities personally not only enriches your understanding but also lays a strong foundation for beginning your travel journey, making you feel included and accepted. Walking in the footsteps of your ancestors and learning their stories can significantly enrich your understanding of your identity.

African diaspora populations include but are not limited to African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Black Canadians – descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America during the Atlantic slave trade.

The impact of the  African Diaspora on global culture and society is undeniably profound and enduring. This impact extends to various industries such as music, food, art, sports, architecture, science, business, and agriculture. As the world becomes more interconnected through the internet, the African Diaspora is becoming more vital and influential, which will further expand their impact on commerce and culture. This is a legacy we can all be proud of and feel connected to.

Genuine comfort comes from letting your feet do what's natural: bending, flexing, moving, feeling. Xero Shoes let them do that.

If you are looking for an all-natural product to use to repel mosquitos, look no further. 

Lemongrass Whipped Shea Butter infused with Peppermint
$9.99

We highly recommend this product from our own personal experience.  When Lisa, TBOG Travel Owner, travels to the Caribbean, the mosquitos use to make he look like she had chickenpox.  Last year, Lisa started using Mine Botanical Whipped Shea Butter with Lemongrass and Peppermint when she traveled over a four month period to Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Jamaica, Australia and New Zealand over the course of 4 months she could count on one hand the number of bites she had.  Shocked is an understatement.    So if it works for Lisa, who the mosquitos love..we hope it will work for you!

MINE BOTANICALS LEMONGRASS INFUSED WITH PEPPERMINT SHEA BUTTER

Lemongrass Whipped Shea Butter With Mint Leaf Extract & Peppermint Oil Anti-Inflammatory, Soothing & Healing  Anti-Inflammatory Wonder Soothing Healing  Soothes and heals inflamed skin, providing relief.

Female Urination Device
Reusable Silicone Female Urinal Foolproof Women Pee Funnel Allows Women to Pee Standing Up,
Women's Urinal with Drawstring Bags is The Perfect Companion for Travel and Outdoor

For any outdoor activity, You can fold the female urinal device into the drawstring bag and carry it around. so easy and convenient, does not take up space.With it, you no longer have to worry about the dirtiness of public toilets.

Highly recommended for all women who travel.  Keep in it a pouch along with Cottonelle Flushable wipes, Wet Ones or Wet Wipes, Travel Soap Sheets, and any other item you may need when using the restrooms.

Amazon Purchase
$12.99

Antibacterial Paper Soap Sheets for Hand Washing - (300 Sheets) Orange, Tea Tree, Lavender Portable Travel Soap Sheets,
Dissolvable Camping Mini Soap, Portable Hand Soap Sheets

AMAZON PURCHASE
$11.99
 

• 𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗦𝗜𝗭𝗘: Light, small, and portable soap sheets for hand washing offer discreet and convenient to use as hiking soap, camping soap, and family travel soap. Alternate to soap bars, these portable mini soap sheets are safe and useful for school trips and are ideal camping toiletries. A perfect paper camping for traveling.
• 𝗙𝗢𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 & 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧: These foaming hand soap refills form a light lather that dissolves quickly and prevents dry hands. Naturally moisturizing portable hand washing soap is gentle on the skin while potent on the toughest of dirt and contaminants.
• 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 & 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚: This mini soap is small in size yet huge in functionality. This travel soap can be used on all bodies, at any time. Kids-friendly and suitable for all skin types, our natural hand soap with potent plant extracts is family-safe, wholesome, and leaves no residue.
• 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗨𝗦𝗘: Take a foming paper soap sheet in your hands. Add water and rub your hands to form a lather. Rinse, dry, and enjoy clean hands.
• 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗧-𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚: Earth-friendly packaging of our foaming and convenient hand soap refills allow for worry-free disposal while outdoors; An excellent planet-saving alternative to plastic soap containers.