Jennifer Lovegrove review 8 Mar 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of the holiday was the day we arrived in Ziguinchor. We were given the 20% of the holiday value back in local currency in order to begin the project - the details of which were then explained to us, followed by our introduction, accompanied by djembe drums and dancing, to the beneficiaries of the project - five 'mamans' who each had a cottage garden badly in need of fencing in.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it!! And don't be afraid to ask them to tailor a project just for you. The operator accompany you all the way, be it for the project itself or the market trips, pirogue trips, cultural visits or whatever you want to do. The operator is totally flexible and also very transparent in all their operations and dealings with you and the community where your project is based. If you want to combine a 'good deed' (we married in July 2010 and the trip was largely financed as a present by our wedding guests) with good weather and a marvellous experience then we heartily recommend this option. The operator’s website is excellent - with testimonials and contacts to follow up if one wishes - and the information factual and enticing.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The holiday directly benefited local people. With their willingness and manual help and our financing, we fenced in the 5 cottage gardens, gave advice on planting, bought tools and seeds, helped to cook and provided meals for all the workers and a few more on the project days. On non project days all our expenditure was going to local Senegalese businesses, not some multi national where the money would end up outside Senegal.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Satisfying: This type of holiday was a first for us and we would certainly recommend it as a way of 'giving' - you give at firsthand and that is an experience not to be missed for many many reasons, but primarily because, in return you receive so much!
