Saint Louis Jazz Festival holiday, Senegal

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

The Saint Louis Jazz Festival tour is primarily a land-based journey, with shared road transport used between destinations rather than additional internal flights. The journey from Dakar to Saint Louis allows travellers to experience different landscapes and communities along the way while travelling together by road.

Walking is also part of the experience during visits to Dakar, Gorée Island and Saint Louis, allowing travellers to explore some areas on foot rather than relying on transport for every activity. In Saint Louis, the use of horse-drawn carriages for sightseeing also provides an alternative to motorised transport for exploring parts of the historic city.

We encourage travellers to reduce the environmental impact of their stay by avoiding unnecessary use of water and electricity, minimising waste and reusing towels where possible. We also encourage guests to make use of local services and food during the journey, supporting businesses within the communities we visit.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

The itinerary includes visits to Senegal's natural and protected areas, including Pink Lake and the National Bird's Park of Langue de Barbarie. At Langue de Barbarie, travellers can experience a coastal environment where sand dunes, wetlands, mangroves and the Senegal River meet the Atlantic Ocean.

The bird park provides an opportunity to observe a variety of bird species in their natural environment. Travellers are encouraged to follow the instructions of local guides, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, avoid making unnecessary noise and never feed or disturb the birds.

At Pink Lake and other natural areas visited during the journey, we encourage travellers to avoid littering and to respect the surrounding environment. Travellers are also encouraged to remain in designated areas and follow local guidance when visiting sensitive natural sites.

We aim to make travellers aware that these landscapes and wildlife habitats are important parts of Senegal's natural heritage and should be treated with care throughout the journey.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

The tour works with local guides, drivers, hotels, boat operators, horse-carriage operators, restaurants and other tourism providers in Senegal. Using local services helps direct tourism spending towards businesses and people working within the local economy.

The itinerary includes several opportunities to meet local people and learn about their livelihoods. At Pink Lake, travellers can meet women involved in salt harvesting and learn about this traditional livelihood. In Thiès, known for its crafts, travellers can see handmade products and have opportunities to purchase locally made items, providing direct support to local artisans.

In Dakar, visits to Soumbedioune, Kermel and Sanfaga markets introduce travellers to local traders, crafts and everyday life. In Saint Louis, the tour visits the Nguet Ndar fishing community, providing an opportunity to learn about the fishing industry and the community's connection with the sea.

The Saint Louis Jazz Festival is also an important part of the cultural experience. By attending the festival, travellers contribute to the local events and tourism economy while experiencing music and performances from Senegalese and international artists.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We work with local guides, drivers and tourism providers throughout the journey, creating income and employment opportunities for people working in Senegal's tourism sector. Local guides also bring first-hand knowledge of the country's history, culture, communities and environment, helping travellers gain a more meaningful understanding of the places they visit.

The itinerary provides opportunities for travellers to engage with a range of local communities and livelihoods, including market traders in Dakar, women involved in salt harvesting at Pink Lake, artisans in Thiès and the fishing community of Nguet Ndar in Saint Louis. These encounters help travellers understand the different ways people earn a living and contribute to their communities.

The tour also gives travellers the opportunity to learn about Senegal's history and the experiences of its people. The visit to Gorée Island, including the House of Slaves, Door of No Return and Historical Museum, provides an opportunity to reflect on the history and lasting legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.