Casamance Getaway — 5 days
The green lung of Senegal. Forests, islands by pirogue, Diola culture, Atlantic coast.
The journey
Casamance is the green lung of Senegal, the country's greenest and most unspoiled region: tropical forests that run down to the sea, rivers and bolongs, islands reachable only by pirogue, and a rich Diola culture.
In five days, TripAfro takes you from Ziguinchor to the islands of Lower Casamance, from Cap Skirring to the Diola villages of the forest. Round-trip Dakar-Ziguinchor flight included. Certified local guide, eco-lodge accommodation, full board. From 380,000 FCFA per person.
This is the circuit for those who want to step off the beaten path. And who are looking for something rare.
Highlights
- Cap Skirring
- Villages diola
- Pirogue dans les bolongs
Day-by-day programme
- D1
Dakar → Ziguinchor — Arrival & immersion
Dakar-Ziguinchor flight (1h15, Air Sénégal or Transair). Welcome at the airport by your TripAfro guide. Transfer to your accommodation. Lunch by the Casamance river. Afternoon: Brikama Ba market (crafts, spices, local fabrics), Creole quarters of Ziguinchor. Dinner. Overnight in Ziguinchor.
- D2
Ziguinchor → Carabane Island — Pirogue & absolute silence
Drive to Elinkine (45 min). Pirogue crossing to Carabane (45 min on the bolong). Check in at the eco-lodge. Island tour: former Portuguese colonial trading post (17th c.), church, lighthouse, historic cemetery, deserted beaches. Sunset over the bolong. Dinner and overnight on the island — no cars, no roads, only water.
- D3
Carabane → Cap Skirring — Atlantic coast
Pirogue back to Elinkine. Drive to Cap Skirring (1h30). Lunch. Afternoon: Cap Skirring beach, fishing village, local market, crafts. In season (Dec-Apr): chance to spot whales from the coast. Dinner. Overnight in Cap Skirring.
- D4
Diola villages — Sacred forest & traditions
Inland departure: visit the Diola villages around Oussouye with a community guide. Sacred forests (strict respect required), traditional round architecture, preserved way of life. Lunch in a village (authentic Diola cuisine). Free afternoon or Oussouye market. Back to Ziguinchor. Dinner. Overnight in Ziguinchor.
- D5
Ziguinchor → Dakar — Return
Free morning: craft market, shopping, coffee by the river. Light lunch. Return flight Ziguinchor-Dakar in the afternoon (1h15). Arrival in Dakar in the evening. Transfer to hotel or airport. End of circuit.
What's included
- Round-trip Dakar-Ziguinchor flight (Air Sénégal or Transair)
- 4 nights of accommodation (eco-lodges, camps or guesthouses by package)
- All transfers and local transport (pirogues, vehicles with driver)
- Certified TripAfro local guide for 5 days
- Full board (breakfast + lunch + dinner)
- Mineral water throughout the stay
- Entrance fees to the sites visited
- TripAfro gift (t-shirt + local products)
Not included
- International flights to/from Dakar
- Alcoholic drinks and extras outside meals
- Personal expenses and purchases
- Individual travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Guide tips (suggested: 2,000 FCFA/day/person)
Three packages, one journey
Same programme, same guide, same level of care. The difference is in accommodation comfort, meals and additional services.
Essential
380 000 FCFA
per person, double · solo 480 000 FCFA
- Community camps
- Dakar↔Ziguinchor flight included
- Shared guide (≤10 people)
- Full board
- Standard shared Carabane pirogue
- Shared airport transfer
- Fixed dates
Comfort
520 000 FCFA
per person, double · solo 650 000 FCFA
- Guesthouses & eco-lodges
- Dakar↔Ziguinchor flight included
- Dedicated group guide
- Full board
- Private pirogue
- Private transfer
- Flexible dates
Prestige
720 000 FCFA
per person, double · solo 880 000 FCFA
- Premium eco-lodges with bolong view
- Dakar↔Ziguinchor flight included
- Dedicated senior expert guide
- Full board + gourmet dinner on the island
- Private pirogue + sunset drinks
- Private transfer + personalized VIP welcome
- Flexible & customizable dates
Online booking applies the Essential rate. For Comfort and Prestige, finalize with the TripAfro team: WhatsApp
Frequently asked questions
What is TripAfro's Casamance Getaway circuit?+
The Casamance Getaway is a 5-day (4-night) circuit from Dakar. It covers Ziguinchor, Carabane island by pirogue, Cap Skirring and the Diola villages of Oussouye. The round-trip flight, accommodation, transfers, guide and full board are included. From 380,000 FCFA per person (double occupancy).
When is the best season for this circuit?+
November to April (dry season) is ideal: passable tracks, temperatures of 25-30°C, calm sea. December to April: chance to spot whales at Cap Skirring. Avoid July-September for a first trip (frequent rains, some difficult tracks).
Is Carabane island accessible to everyone?+
Yes. Carabane is reached in 45 minutes by pirogue from Elinkine (45 min by road from Ziguinchor). TripAfro arranges all transfers. There are no cars on the island — only pirogues. Suitable for children from age 6.
Is this circuit family-friendly?+
Yes, from age 6-8. Pirogues are safe, the pace is manageable (1 move per day). We recommend the Comfort package for more family-friendly accommodation.
How do I book the Casamance circuit?+
By WhatsApp at +221 76 194 02 37 or email contact@tripafro.com. 50% deposit on confirmation. The balance is paid 7 days before departure.