Two Senegals: The Casamance & Bassari Country

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Although California is a single American state, it is hardly homogeneous, both with respect to culture and topography. Senegal is no different. There are a great many Senegals. and we have plans to visit two of the more lush and exotic areas over our winter break, coming up in two weeks.

We have invited Almamy to join us for a two-week driving trip, heading first to SW Senegal, to a region known as the Casamance, the coastal strip located between Gambia and Guinea Bissau, then to the Bissari Country in SE Senegal. The two destinations are distinct both in culture and geography. Casamance is lush and green, with the country’s most beautiful beaches; Bissari Country is mountainous and remote. One of West Africa’s largest national parks, Niokolo Koba, is located in SE Senegal. Many of the game animals found in East Africa can be found here, such as leopards, lions, crocs, hippotami, hyenas, baboons, chimpanzees, and elephants.

In the moment, we are arranging lodging in campements (located in and generally operated by villages/villagers), guides, and transport. This trip will be our big excursion through Senegal. Before leaving Africa, there will be other must-excursions, as to Dogon Country in Mali, the Cape Verde Islands, and the new national parks of Gabon.