Saint Louis Jazz Festival Tour
Senegal: A Cultural Tapestry of Jazz, Art, and Heritage
Few destinations in West Africa offer the cultural vibrancy and artistic depth found in Senegal. From the rhythmic pulse of jazz echoing through colonial streets to the avant-garde expressions of contemporary African art, Senegal stands as a beacon of creativity and heritage.
At the heart of this cultural renaissance is the Saint-Louis International Jazz Festival, widely regarded as one of Africa’s premier musical gatherings. Since its inception in 1992, the festival has drawn thousands of enthusiasts annually, transforming the historic city of Saint-Louis into a global stage for jazz. Over the decades, more than 250 acclaimed artists, including Archie Shepp, Youssou N'Dour, Gilberto Gil, Ali Farka Touré, and Femi Kuti, have graced its venues. As night falls, the city comes alive with a fusion of jazz, funk, gospel, and blues, spilling from restaurants and bars into the streets, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that lingers until dawn.
Equally compelling is Dakar, Senegal’s bustling capital and long-standing cultural epicentre of West Africa. Here, the Biennale of Contemporary African Art, known as Dak’Art, showcases the continent’s most innovative artistic voices. While the official exhibitions draw international acclaim, it is the Biennale OFF that truly captures the spirit of Dakar. This parallel programme, independently curated by local artists and collectives, features over 400 events from pop-up galleries and street performances to workshops and installations, offering an immersive and grassroots perspective on African creativity.
Beyond the arts, Senegal’s landscapes and historical sites beckon. Travellers will journey through the country’s rich tapestry from the storied museums of Dakar to the tranquil mangrove forests and winding estuaries of the Sine-Saloum Delta, a region teeming with biodiversity and cultural heritage.
This is not merely a tour, it is a deep dive into the soul of Senegal, where music, art, and history converge in a celebration of African identity and resilience.
Day 1 – Arrival in Dakar
Arrive in Dakar, Senegal’s dynamic capital, and transfer to your hotel. The city, perched on the tip of the Cape Verde Peninsula, is the westernmost point of mainland Africa and a gateway to the country’s rich cultural landscape.
Day 2 – Dakar: A Capital of Creativity
Once the administrative heart of French West Africa, Dakar has evolved into a thriving metropolis of over three million residents. Today, it is a pulsating centre of contemporary African art and intellectual life.
The day begins with a visit to the Musée des Civilisations Noires, a landmark institution opened in 2018 that realises the vision of Senegal’s first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor. The museum celebrates the global African diaspora and the philosophy of Negritude, showcasing both historical artefacts and modern expressions of Black identity. Next, guests explore the Cathédrale Notre Dame des Victoires, a striking Neo-Sudanese structure built atop a former Muslim cemetery. Consecrated in 1936, the cathedral pays tribute to African soldiers and reflects the architectural fusion of Saharan and Sub-Saharan traditions.
The tour continues to the Village des Arts, a vibrant compound of 72 artist studios representing every discipline of visual art from sculpture and ceramics to photography and video installations. It is a rare opportunity to engage with both established and emerging voices in Senegalese art. Dakar’s graffiti scene, once underground, is now a recognised form of social commentary and artistic expression. Visitors will explore galleries and studios participating in the Dakar OFF Biennial, a grassroots celebration of contemporary African creativity.
Optional Evening Experience: Dinner and live music at the Phare des Mamelles, Dakar’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1864. Perched atop a hill, it offers panoramic views of the city and hosts intimate jazz concerts under the stars.
Day 3 – Gorée Island
The morning begins with a visit to the IFAN Museum of African Arts, one of West Africa’s oldest institutions dedicated to African modern art. Its collection spans over 10,000 pieces from across the continent, with a particular focus on the Sahel and Sudanian regions.
Before departing for Gorée, guests explore the Kermel Market, a colonial-era landmark founded in 1860. Its vibrant colours, scents, and sounds offer an immersive glimpse into daily Senegalese life. A short ferry ride transports travellers to Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former hub of the transatlantic slave trade. Restored colonial buildings and the haunting Maison des Esclaves serve as poignant reminders of the island’s past. Today, Gorée is a tranquil retreat with breezy cafés, artisan shops, and a growing reputation as a fashionable escape. Upon returning to Dakar, the day concludes with further exploration of the Dakar OFF Biennial, visiting local galleries and studios.
Day 4 – Saint-Louis: Colonial Charm and Jazz
Departing Dakar, the journey continues north to Saint-Louis (approx. 4–5 hours by road), a city steeped in history and colonial elegance. Once the capital of French West Africa, Saint-Louis was also a key stop for Aéropostale, the pioneering French airmail service. Literary legend Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince, was a frequent visitor.
Upon arrival, guests tour the city by horse-drawn carriage, a traditional and charming way to navigate its narrow streets and vibrant neighbourhoods. In the evening, the group attends the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, one of Africa’s most prestigious musical events, drawing artists and audiences from around the world.
Day 5 – The Museum Archipelago & Jazz Encore
Saint-Louis is not only a musical haven but also a living museum. The Museum Archipelago comprises eight colonial-era houses, each dedicated to a different facet of Senegalese and West African history. From the Origines Museum to the MuPho (Museum of Photography), and from contemporary installations to ritual art, the collection offers a profound journey through time and culture.
Guests stroll between these historic homes, cross the iconic Faidherbe Bridge, and watch the fishing canoes return at dusk. As night falls, the city once again comes alive with music. The Saint-Louis Jazz Festival continues, spilling into restaurants, bars, and courtyards, where impromptu performances carry on late into the night.
Day 6 - From Saint-Louis to Sine Saloum via Touba
Departing the colonial charm of Saint-Louis, travellers embark on a six-hour journey southward, traversing 360 kilometres of Senegalese heartland en route to the tranquil estuaries of Sine Saloum. Along the way lies Touba, a city unlike any other in Senegal. A spiritual stronghold and sacred centre of the Mouride brotherhood.
Founded in 1887 by the revered Amhadou Bamba Mbaké, Touba has grown from a remote spiritual retreat into a sprawling metropolis of over one million inhabitants. At its heart stands the Grand Mosque, completed in 1963, a monumental symbol of Senegalese Islam and the final resting place of its founder. The city’s influence is not merely religious; the Mouride movement plays a pivotal role in Senegal’s social and economic fabric, offering a peaceful, distinctly African interpretation of Islam that has helped shield the nation from radical ideologies.
Visitors are welcomed warmly, provided they respect the city’s sacred customs. Touba is governed by traditional codes: modest dress is essential, and smoking, alcohol, and music are strictly prohibited. A Baye Fall, a member of the colourful and charismatic branch of Mouridism, will guide the group through this unique spiritual enclave, offering insight into its rituals and philosophies.
By late afternoon, the tour reaches the serene Sine Saloum Delta, a region of mangroves, estuaries, and ecological richness.
Day 7 - Sine Saloum
The morning begins with a visit to one of Senegal’s most distinguished cultural institutions: MAHICAO—the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire des Cultures d’Afrique de l’Ouest. Founded by French gallerist and African art expert Réginald Groux, MAHICAO is a testament to the continent’s artistic legacy. Groux, a member of the French antique dealers’ syndicate and a professor at the Higher Institute of Art in France, has curated a collection that bridges history and contemporary expression, offering visitors a profound understanding of West African creativity.
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Palmarin, a coastal village nestled within the Sine Saloum Delta. A private boat excursion reveals the region’s ecological wonders. Winding through mangrove forests, travellers will observe a dazzling array of birdlife and learn about local reforestation efforts aimed at preserving this fragile ecosystem. As the sun dips below the horizon, the group returns to the Pelican Hotel, a peaceful retreat amid nature.
Day 8 - Farewell to Sine Saloum
After breakfast, the tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Dakar’s international airport, a three-hour journey covering 188 kilometres. As travellers depart, they carry with them not only memories of Senegal’s landscapes and hospitality but also a deeper appreciation for its spiritual depth, artistic brilliance, and ecological stewardship.
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book the Senegal - Saint Louis Jazz Festival Tour
Departure Date
12 May 2026 - Guaranteed
Price - £1995 per person, based on two people sharing
Single Supplement - £235
Maximum 16 people in the group
Included in the Senegal - Saint Louis Jazz Festival Tour
Not Included in the Senegal Explorer Tour
Government Travel Safety Advice
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.
Visa and Passport Information
Passport validity
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country. We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities. For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate.
Visas
UK passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to Senegal. If you intend to stay in Senegal for longer than 3 months, you’ll need to register with the local authorities in order to obtain a ‘Carte d’étranger’. You should do this after your arrival in Senegal. You may be refused entry if you don’t have evidence of return or onward travel. Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
Local Laws and Custom
Local laws reflect the fact that Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions so that they don’t offend others, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
You should dress and behave modestly in public outside the main tourist areas. Bars and restaurants usually serve alcoholic drinks but drunkenness is considered offensive, and penalties for drink driving are severe. Kissing as a greeting is acceptable but kissing romantically in public is not.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.
Homosexual activity is illegal and not tolerated in Senegal’s conservative society. Travelers should be aware that discrimination of LGBT people is frequent. Open displays of homosexuality should be avoided while in the country.
Health
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines.
Health facilities in Dakar are reasonable but are limited in the rest of Senegal. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Malaria, Dengue fever and other tropical diseases are common in Senegal, especially during the rainy season (June-September). You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. There are occasional outbreaks of cholera.
UK health authorities have classified Senegal as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website
The UNAIDS 2018 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimates the prevalence percentage of HIV in Senegal as at around 0.4% of adults aged between 15 and 49 years, compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
What to bring on the Senegal Explorer Tour
Clothing
Senegal is very warm in general and so light cotton clothes are generally a good idea. You should also bring a hat as the sun is very strong here, even in the winter. In general, shorts are acceptable, although there may be occasions when it is appropriate to where long trousers. Long trousers also provide better protection against insects and are recommended for nature walks. Remember to bringing your swimsuit if you wish to use the swimming pools at the hotels.
Footwear
The ideal footwear would be walking shoes or boots along with a pair of sandals.
Luggage while on your tour
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suit case.
Equipment
We recommend a high factor sun cream/sunblock . Insect repellent, including a bite spray will also be useful to have. Please also take a torch or flashlight for poorly lit areas or for any unexpected electricity outages.
Currency
The currency in Senegal is the CFA franc (XOF). Avoid exchanging large quantities of CFA francs for foreign currency anywhere other than reputable exchange bureaus. ATMs are widespread and reliable in Dakar but banking facilities are infrequent in the rest of the country, and withdrawal limits may be quite low. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments that cater for tourists. Commission is often added for their use.
Weather in Senegal
The climate in Senegal is very warm, with an annual average of 35 degrees, but has few truly tropical and sticky months. It is warm to hot all year round, inviting bathing at average water temperatures of 25 degrees. The best time of year to visit Senegal is during the dry season which is between November and May. The climate then is mild, with it being not too hot, but also with not too much rain.
Communications
The country code for Senegal is +221. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants in Dakar and larger cities but may be harder to find in rural parts of the country.
Electricity
In Senegal the power plug sockets are of type C, D, E and K. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
