How many travellers will be in my group?

Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.

Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.

How fit do I need to be?

Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.

When are the next departures?

The next available departures are 21 December 2026. See the "Pick your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.

What's included in the tour price?

Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; One-way economy class flight from Dakar to Bissau including 20k baggage allowance; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.

Where exactly does this trip go?

This tour visits Guinea-Bissau and Senegal. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.

Guinea-Bissau15 daysMax 12Solo-friendly

Senegal and Guinea Bissau Explorer

From Dakar's colonial streets and a pink-hued salt lake to the remote sacred villages of the Bijagós Archipelago, this 15-day journey reaches West Africa rarely seen by outsiders.

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About this journey

The story behind the route

A great opportunity to see the best of Senegal and Guinea Bissau in our Senegal small group tour. We start our adventure in the Senegalese capital Dakar and explore this bustling city before immersing ourselves in the slave history at Goree Island. Then we head to northern Senegal, reaching the border with Mauritania and the Djoudj National Park, a natural oasis composed of hundreds of miles of partially flooded land. Our next stop is the holy city of Touba where we visit its Grand Mosque. Our adventure continues as we explore the Saloum Delta by canoe and visit some villages of the Sérère ethnic group.

After travelling back to Dakar, we continue by air on an afternoon flight to Bissau, capital of tiny Guinea Bissau – one of West Africa’s truly ‘undiscovered’ destinations. Few western travellers make it to this former Portuguese colony, but those that do return full of incredible experiences and memories of a stunning part of the continent. From Bissau, we travel by boat to the magnificent Bijagos Islands – a group of islands where traditional culture is at its strongest and ancient customs still hold sway. We visit local communities to learn about their lifestyles, some of the most traditional on the continent. The joy of this trip is the fact that you will be visiting an almost untouched corner of Africa; expect truly genuine encounters with local people and feel privileged to be one of the very few to have travelled here.

The journey

Senegal and Guinea Bissau Explorer

Key moments

The moments that define this trip

Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.

Your route

Gorée Island and the House of Slaves
A ferry transports the group to Gorée Island, where the House of Slaves documents the history of the Atlantic slave trade through its notorious 'door of no return'. The visit also takes in the town square, Catholic Church, and historical museum set within the island's colonial architecture.
Retba Pink Lake (Lac Rose)
Retba Lake sits between white sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, its waters turned a distinctive pink by salt-loving algae. Travellers observe women harvesting salt from the lake's depths before an evening sunset at Ocean et Savane Lodge within Langue de Barbarie National Park.
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
The world's third-largest bird reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Djoudj hosts approximately 1.5 million migratory birds annually across a 16,000-hectare wetland in the Senegal River Delta. Bird-watching is conducted by pirogue, with sightings of white pelicans, cormorants, Gambian geese, ospreys, and crocodiles.
Saloum Delta and Mar Lodj Island
A canoe journey crosses the water to Mar Lodj, a picturesque island opposite Ndangane and home to the Sérère ethnic group. The group explores the villages of Mar Lodj and Marfafaco, with lunch served at Essamaye camp overlooking the lagoon.
Joal-Fadiouth Shell Island
Fadiouth is an island constructed entirely of shells, with alleys lined in shell underfoot and an interfaith cemetery shared by Muslim and Christian communities. The group explores the local market and church before lunch at La Taverne du Pêcheur in the adjacent town of Joal.
Orango National Park and Eticoga Village
Within the Bijagós Archipelago, a guided forest walk leads to Eticoga village and the sanctuary of Queen Okinka Pampa, an important site for worship and traditional ritual. The group also meets the local women's association to learn about artisanal work and horticulture in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Full itinerary · 15 days

Free — no sign-up

Dates & prices

Pick your departure

Reserve your place with a 10% deposit. Final balance due 70 days before departure. Single-room supplements optional — most travellers happily share.

Departs	Returns	Status	Price pp	Single supp.
21 Dec 2026	4 Jan 2027	Guaranteed	£4,835	+£1,375	Book now

Departure
21 Dec 2026 → 4 Jan 2027
Guaranteed
From
£4,835 pp
Single supp. +£1,375
Book now

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Guinea-Bissau journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip

What's included

Everything covered — and what's not

Included in the price

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
One-way economy class flight from Dakar to Bissau including 20k baggage allowance
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Budget separately for

International flights (contact us for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes (except from Dakar to Bissau)
Travel Insurance
Visa – To be obtained in advance
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

We constantly monitor official travel advice, including the [Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Guinea-Bissau Travel Advice](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guinea-bissau), and will always advise clients of any warnings before departure. At the time of writing, there are no specific warnings against travel to the parts of Guinea-Bissau that we visit on our tours.

Please contact us if you have any specific concerns or would like to understand what measures are in place to ensure your trip remains safe and trouble-free.

For additional official guidance, travellers may also refer to:
- US Department of State — US State Dept Guinea-Bissau Travel Advisory
- Australian Government — Smartraveller Guinea-Bissau Advice
- Government of Canada — Canada Travel Advice for Guinea-Bissau

Please note this information applies primarily to British citizens — nationals of other countries should check the current position with their respective government travel authority.

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Independently verified reviews from travellers who joined Senegal and Guinea Bissau Explorer. Rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ reviewers.

“A small group visited fishing villages, witnessed tribal dances and explored local markets. Efficient logistics and a great local guide who was friendly, knowledgeable and well organized.”

Dominic T.

Senegal

“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”

Anna

“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”

Grete

“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”

Frank

“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”

Cathy

“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”

Lynn

“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”

Andy

“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”

Jennie

“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”

Debbie

“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”

Alexis

“A small group visited fishing villages, witnessed tribal dances and explored local markets. Efficient logistics and a great local guide who was friendly, knowledgeable and well organized.”

Dominic T.

Senegal

“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”

Anna

“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”

Grete

“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”

Frank

“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”

Cathy

“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”

Lynn

“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”

Andy

“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”

Jennie

“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”

Debbie

“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”

Alexis

Want to customise this tour?

Make Senegal and Guinea Bissau Explorer your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.

Customise this tour

More to explore

More tours in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea Bissau – Archipelago Adventure

Guinea-Bissau is one of the smallest, and least visited, countries in Africa – few western travellers make it to this former Portuguese colony, but those that do return full of incredible experiences and memories of a stunning part of the continent. Starting in Bissau, we travel by boat to the magnificent Bijagos Islands – a group of islands where traditional culture is at its strongest and ancient customs still hold sway. We visit local communities to learn about their lifestyles, some of the most traditional on the continent. The joy of this small group Guinea-Bissau trip is the fact that you will be visiting an almost untouched corner of Africa; expect truly genuine encounters with local people and feel privileged to be one of the very few to have travelled here.

From

£3,295

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