1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The people of Casamance are the nicest and most hospitable people I've ever met. They are also extremely proud (and rightly so) of their culture. It is a very beautiful part of the world. We came away with several new friends (which I didn't expect) and I'm sure will keep in touch with the operator and visit again. Can't rave enough about the experience. It is a wonderful place.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Liaise with the operator. - The concept of the organisation is to provide support and help to local communities at an individual level (from providing financial support for e.g. medication to individual families and sponsoring local musicians to bigger projects e.g. building wells or improving school buildings), as opposed to a population type approach of the NGOs. They will individualise your trip to suit time and other requirements and were incredibly helpful booking internal flights and helping with hotel bookings. They prefer small groups as well - 4 or less which definitely adds to the experience

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

We didn't get directly involved in one of the projects (but wish we had). The organisation is not for profit and 20% of the price went to specific local projects. However our guides/ driver were all local with a 1:1 guide to tourist ratio.
We spent a day visiting lots of the projects that the operator are involved with.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Fantastic holiday. Can't wait to go back.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Visiting a local village where we interacted with the locals via a game of football which surprisingly we won! We then took this opportunity to make a donation to the village in the form of football equipment. Although this may seem like a luxury it is a big social status in Senegal to at least have a matching kit for the team, oh yes and a football helps too! The village were delighted as their football season was just about to commence. Also in the whole of Senegal (but especially Ziginchor) the people were very special - happy, friendly and very laid back.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

There are plenty of street kids in Senegal. I did see people handing out sweets! My top tip is to provide them with a nutritious bite such as mangoes or bananas as opposed to sweets or money (which they have to hand in at the end of the day for food). They are very gentle kids and so appreciative. Although the people in Senegal are on the whole very friendly and laid back do still have your wits about you for the odd ones who will try to scam you. Luca and his team do look after you very well but if you travel independently afterwards (as we did) then do stay on your guard (as I would say when you travel anywhere). Also do not be put off by the "trouble" in Casamance. There is no denying that this did exist at one time and yes there are still police/army checkpoints & a small army presence but this is now more a matter of formality. When you are in the Casamance region you do not remotely feel unsafe. Luca knows the area very well having lived here for many years and so you can be assured that you will be in safe hands.

Finally be prepared to speak French and nothing but French! English is rarely spoken so a dictionary and a few words of the local language come in extremely useful! The locals are really appreciative if you learn a few local words - it sure does go a long way.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes I did. The local guides, driver and chef (great food by the way) were all local and very friendly. They seemed very happy in their jobs. At the local village where we played football I also saw the work of other volunteers which included a new well to ensure a year round water supply and fencing which had been erected to protect the women’s vegetable patches from roaming animals. These are all small scale enterprises which produce instant results. Luca has good relations with the villages and has a great approach to providing assistance to them. You have to be careful in Senegal not to offend as the people are very proud.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

It's so nice to see somewhere so unspoilt by tourism.