FAQs

Senegal - “ORIGINS” Tour

What passport and visa information do I need to travel to Senegal?

Senegal requires a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond your scheduled return date. Citizens of many countries can enter Senegal without a visa for up to 3 months. This includes all EU member states, the UK, the USA, Canada, African ECOWAS member states and India. 

How much walking will there be?

Our tour involves a good bit of walking so please bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes to make your trip more enjoyable. If you have mobility limitations, please let us know before you apply.

What kind of hotel accommodations will we be staying in?

Elegant boutique and four-star hotels.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

If you have allergies or other dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance. We recommend those with dietary restrictions bring extra snacks to assure that you always have something you can eat available to you.

Can I drink the water in Senegal?

In Senegal, drinking water from the tap is generally not recommended. The tap water in Senegal is fine for brushing your teeth. Bottled water will be available at all meals and on the tour bus.

Is it safe to travel to Senegal?

Yes, Senegal is a very safe destination for travelers. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Africa and one of the most stable countries on the continent. It is considered one of Africa’s model democracies.

What kind of power adapter do I need for Senegal?

In Senegal the plug type C (Europlug), D and E is used, with a voltage of 220-240V. If your electronic devices use a different type of plug, you will need a plug adapter to charge them. These adaptors allow you to plug in your devices anywhere in the country — including phone and tablet chargers.

What money currency can I use in Senegal?

The official currency in Senegal is the CFA Franc (XOF). Senegal's economy operates primarily on a cash basis. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is recommended to carry cash to exchange into local currency for your personal purchases. ATMs are available for cash withdrawals in local currency.

Should I purchase telephone and internet services for my trip?

Wi-Fi will be available at all hotels. Communication apps that use Wi-Fi services will work at hotels (such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger). You may also opt to contact your telephone provider to ask about international roaming fees.

Frequently Asked Questions about our Senegal Tour

What kind of travel insurance do you require for tour participants?

We require international medical coverage of all tour participants, which should include essential medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and repatriation of remains. The same providers also provide varying degrees of coverage for trip cancellations, airfare, trip interruptions and lost baggage.

One such agency for North American travelers is -

https://www.travelguard.com/travel-insurance/plans

For Questions or Information, Contact:

www.TravelGuard.com /1.800.826.1300

What immunizations and health information do I need?

The US Center for Disease Control recommends that travelers going to Senegal take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Malaria medicine recommended by the CDC for travel to Senegal include: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or tafenoquine2. (Senegal is chloroquine resistant). Consult your physician to obtain a prescription. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.

Although not required, it is recommended that you are current with Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations. Consider Flu and COVID vaccinations as well. We recommend that you carry copies of prescription medications with you, and a copy of your confirmed travel medical insurance information.

What do I pack? Is there a dress code in Senegal?

We recommend that you pack clothes that are casual and comfortable. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, medications, comfortable walking shoes and phone chargers. There is no special dress code for travel to Senegal. While not mandatory, dressing modestly to some degree, is a sign of respect for local customs and traditions. When we visit the fascinating Great Mosque of Touba, out of cultural respect for their sacred space, we will take off our shoes and women will need to wear long dresses and cover their hair with a scarf. So, women please pack a cool long dress, full-sleeved or with a light jacket to cover your arms, and a scarf that will cover your hair.

How can I reserve a place on a tour?

To register for one of our tours, please fill out the CARAVAN TOURS Inquiry Form. Once your Inquiry Form has been reviewed, further instructions on the registration process will be emailed to you, including payment options for your non-refundable $500 deposit and a schedule of payments dues.

What payment methods can I use? Do I need to pay the entire amount at once?

After reviewing your Inquiry Form, further instructions on the registration process will be emailed to you, including payment options to submit a non-refundable deposit of $500, along with a schedule of payments due. You will be able to pay via credit card, Zelle, personal US check or bank wire transfer.

1. $500 deposit per person due with Tour Registration forms

2. 50% of costs due 6 months ahead of the tour

3. 100% of costs due 3 months ahead of the tour

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

The $500 deposit due upon submission of Registration documents is nonrefundable unless the tour is cancelled or rescheduled.

Payments are 50% refundable up to 6 months before the tour begins; after that, any refund will depend on someone else taking your place on the tour, or you can request to join us on a future tour within twelve months, where your installments minus the deposit and any non-refundable deposits made by the supplier, will be credited to that tour. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase comprehensive trip cancellation and interruption insurance in the event you need to cancel your travel plans.

Can you help me book my flights to and from Senegal?

Although we are not able to book international flights on your behalf, we can recommend specific flights that would arrive in Dakar at convenient times to join the tour.

1. Arrive in Dakar on the morning of June 3rd (US travelers need to depart on June 2nd).

2. Aim for longer layovers rather than shorter ones (at least 2-3 hours) so you and your baggage can make connections without added stress, even if you have delays.

3. Depart Dakar on the morning of June 13th (hotel check out is required that morning).