Silversea Luxury Cruises A Dakar

A short bus transfer from the cruise pier to the Goree Island Island Ferry Terminal. A 20 minute ferry ride from Dakar takes us to Goree Island, a small tiny island with a violent past. It also served as a base for slaves between the 15th through the 18th century. Goree Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was the last place African Slaves saw before being deported to American destinations never to return. Now it's a sanctuary of calm, with a population of around 1,500 living in pastel-coloured houses on tranquil cobbled streets.

Enjoy a guided walking tour on Goree Island, which was a major departure point in the African Slave Trade.

After learning a little of the Island's History, we will walk to the Door-of-no-return in the House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves), now a museum for an informative talk on Slavery from an African perspective. We will also visit the French style Catholic Church and the historical Museum. A Castle, which served as a WWII outpost, provides fantastic views of the island and downtown Dakar. We then walk back to the Goree Island Ferry terminal for the scenic boat ride back to Dakar and return to the pier and board 'Silver Dawn'.

Depart the cruise pier for the short drive past the President's Palace and continue past the National Assembly, Cathedral, Independence Square and Grand Mosque and a photo stop at the University of Dakar.

Drive along the scenic coastline line to the Millenium Door, the new 'Monument of the African Renaissance' and tallest statue in Africa. At 49 meters, the bronze structure on the second Mamelles hill inaugurated in 2010. The African Renaissance Monument is taller than the Statue of Liberty, and is on top of a 100-metre high hill, and is a very impressive figure of man, woman and child pointing out towards the Atlantic Ocean. It is accessed by a large staircase of 198 steps.

From here, head for visits to the Sand Painting and Kermel Market, located near the recently-built Grand Theatre of Dakar. Also, visit the Soumbedioune Handicraft Market and Medina for African souvernirs and soak up the city tour's atmosphere. Return to Dakar and the last stop, the very impressive Museum of Black Civilizations, opened in December 2018, a repository for African art, culture and history. The Museum has space for some 18,000 artworks, but many of the galleries are not yet filled. The Museum of Black Civilizations has changed the landscape of downtown Dakar and is built in a circular shape. The architecture was inspired by traditional homes typical of southern Senegal.

Depart the Dakar cruise pier for a scenic, 40-minute drive to Wolof Village. After a brief stop here, continue approximately 20 more miles north of Dakar and across the Niaye Greenbelt en route to Pyou, home of the Pink Lake Retba. This world-renowned lake features remarkable, pinkish-colored water due to a microorganism and its high density of salt. Sometimes it is possible due to the intensity of sun rays to even see purple.

Once at Pink Lake Retba known as Lac Rose, is Senegal's very own Dead Sea. We board 4x4 vehicles and tour the sand dunes and travel around the lake for stunning views. There are different ethnic groups and communities around the lake including Fulani Village. Visit with the villagers and drive on the beach, this being the last leg of the world famous Paris-Dakar Car Rallye.

End the 4x4 lake tour at the lodge and enjoy an authentic Senegalese lunch at Keur Salim restaurant. After some relaxing time after lunch, board your coach and drive about an hour back to the cruise pier in Dakar.

Depart the Dakar cruise terminal on a tour of the Senegalese Capital City, Dakar. Journey into the country's history, current life of the Senegalese and the hopes for the future. Visit the oldest Museum in Dakar - the IFAN Museum near the Parliament House. View art pieces in the Museum from various West Africa ethnic groups and Kingdoms and empires, including ancient Egypt, Ghana, Songai and Mandigo Empire.

The tour continues to the Ousmane Sow home-museum which houses a giant statue of Mr Ousmane Sow and is considered 1 of the most important African Sculptors of the 20^th century. The famous sculptor born in Dakar, built his house with his hands, like a sculpture: a real work of art with its tiling in ocher, brown and red tones and some of the walls are covered with the materials he used for his sculptures. He died on 1^st December 2016.

Once back in downtown Dakar, visit the very impressive and huge Museum of Black Civilizations, opened in December 2018, a repository for African art, culture and history. The Museum has space for some 18,000 artworks, but many of the galleries are not yet filled. The Museum of Black Civilizations has changed the landscape of downtown Dakar and is built in a circular shape. The architecture was inspired by traditional homes typical of southern Senegal.

Explore Dakar at your leisure during a full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Dakar at your leisure during a half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Dakar at your leisure during a full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Dakar at your leisure during a half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.