From Tambacounda To Kolda: A Unique Casamance Itinerary

Have you ever heard of this amazing place called Casamance? It’s a gorgeous area that stretches from a place called Zinguinchor to some lovely cities named Sedhiou and Kolda. It’s like walking into a living, breathing painting filled with every color you can imagine!

This wonderful slice of heaven is bustling with fields and orchards full of different foods thanks to its really great soil and lovely weather. From fields filled with rice to areas growing cashews, peanuts, mangos, and bananas, the range of delightful smells will make even those who travel a lot say “Wow!”. Are you ready to jump into a spectacular journey and see and try fruits and veggies you’ve probably never heard of before? By the way, have any of you ever tasted a yummy cashew apple?

Even though this place is so awesome and more and more travelers are stopping by, Casamance is still kinda like a secret treasure in the world of travel. It’s waving hello to brave explorers, showing them a different kind of adventure packed with wild and wonderful surprises. Whether you’re the type who loves adventure or just looking for something different and fun, diving into the wonders of Casamance is a chance you don’t wanna miss.

Let’s check out this super cool four-day trip plan! Each day is gonna be full of unexpected and amazing moments. So, if you find your way from Tambacounda to Kolda, you’re gonna experience things you’ll never forget! Whether you’re into checking out popular spots like Zinguinchor and Kedougou or discovering hidden gems, this journey is sure to be a blast!

Read more: What Do I Need To Know Before Going To Senegal?

Casamance Itinerary

Day 1

Let’s kick things off by heading from Tambacounda to a charming place called Velingara. It’s this hidden gem in the lively area of Kolda. It’s about a 1.5-hour trip, and you’ll see some really beautiful scenes along the way! 

Once you get there, you can chill out at either the Paillote or Najla Hotel. They’re super comfy places where you can grab a nice shower and just relax after the journey. 

Feeling hungry as the evening rolls in? Time for a tasty dinner at Kumba’s Table! This café is a favorite hangout spot for both local people and volunteers. It opens its doors at 8 p.m. This place serves up some seriously delicious Senegalese dishes, so get ready to treat your taste buds to something special! 

Whether it’s the friendly vibes of Velingara, the super yummy food at Kumba’s Table, or the cool stories you’ll hear from excited volunteers, this part of your trip is going to be one for the books!

So, just kick back, take it easy, and really enjoy every moment in this awesome eastern part of Kolda. You’re going to have so much fun exploring, eating, and making loads of new memories!

Day 2

As the sun starts shining bright in Velingara, it’s time to wave goodbye to this magical little town and hit the road to Kolda. It’s about a 2-hour drive, and trust me, the views on the way are like something out of a movie! You’ll see some of the most beautiful parts of the Senegalese countryside.

Once you get to Kolda, find your hotel and kick back for a bit. Maybe you’re thinking about a quick dip in the hotel pool? It’s a perfect spot to chill and catch some sun rays. And who knows, that swim might just shake off any leftover tiredness from the journey.

By the time evening rolls in and your stomach starts to growl, it’s food time! There are these cool places to eat called “Le Couloir” and “Keur Coumba.” If you decide on “Keur Coumba,” here’s a tip: order ahead of time so everything’s smooth when you get there.

No matter where you choose to eat, you’re in for a treat. The food in Kolda? Oh, it’s sooo good!

As the day wraps up and you’re winding down, just think about all the fun and tasty times you had in both Velingara and Kolda. There’s more adventure coming up tomorrow, but for now, soak in the peace and yummy memories that make this trip super special. Sleep tight, and get ready for another amazing day!

Day 3

Get ready to kickstart your day in Kolda with a yummy breakfast spread at your hotel. Grab a good bite because there’s a whole day of fun and exploration ahead!

Alright, once you’re all filled up and energized, it’s time to dive into the heart of Kolda and see what it’s all about. Let’s start with the lively Kolda market. It’s where you’ll really get to feel the beat of local life. Picture this: colorful stalls everywhere, with all sorts of cool stuff – fresh fruits, veggies, and even handmade crafts. It’s like a big, bustling party, and everyone’s invited!

Oh, and while you’re wandering around, keep an eye out for Senegalese fabrics. They’re super colorful and have these awesome patterns. If one of them shouts, “Pick me!”, then guess what? You’ve found the perfect souvenir to remember your trip!

After your market adventure, hop into a taxi and head to the “Handicapped store,” which is right near the Red Cross. It’s a cool spot where you can find even more unique things to take home with you. And don’t worry about spending a ton on the taxi ride; it’s a flat rate of 500 CFA, which is pretty wallet-friendly.

Feeling a bit sun-kissed and tired from all the exploring? Head back to your hotel and chill by the pool. Imagine just lounging there, feeling the sun warm your skin, and maybe even taking a splash when you feel like it.

Kolda’s all about feeling the local vibe, discovering cool things, and just having a blast! So, as you wander around, know that you’ve got a cozy spot waiting for you to relax and refresh. Enjoy every second and make tons of memories!

Day 4

So, your awesome time in Kolda is wrapping up, and it’s time to think about what’s next! Whether you’re thinking of exploring more places like Zinguinchor or heading back to the big, bustling city of Dakar, there are lots of ways to get where you wanna go! Whether you like buses, cars, or something else, you can pick what fits just right for your next adventure! Where to next, explorer?

Read more: Complete Guide To National Parks In Senegal

Itinerary Attractions

Velingara

It’s this super amazing place right in the heart of the Fuladu region, home to more than 30,000 of the friendliest people in Senegal, the Fulani people! These folks are known for being super welcoming, being awesome with animals, and they sure love their bean jokes! They bring a lot of fun and warmth to the city!

Now, Velingara has all the cool stuff travelers could want. Whether you’re looking for cozy hotels, fun clubs, delicious street food, or a market full of treasures, this city has got it all! Dive into the market; it’s bubbling with energy and cool finds!

And here’s a little tip: a lot of people in Velingara speak Pulaar since they are mostly Fulani, but don’t worry if you don’t know it. Most people also understand Wolof or French, so you’ll be just fine! And guess what, everyone is so friendly and open, you’ll have no trouble having cool chats with the locals! Enjoy exploring and making new friends!

Kolda

People call it the “fruit and vegetable bowl” of Senegal ’cause it’s bursting with all sorts of tasty treats! We’re talking about sweet mangos, crunchy cashews, yummy bananas, juicy pineapples, and loads of other local fruits and veggies! And guess what? These tasty bites are so loved, they get sent all around Senegal!

Thanks to the sunny and moist weather of southern Senegal, plants in Kolda are happy and green all year round, even when it’s dry season! Every corner you turn, it’s like walking through a painting made of every shade of green.

So, if you’re up for wandering off the usual touristy tracks and diving into a world filled with nature’s goodies, Kolda is calling your name! Get ready to be wowed by all the untamed beauty and soak up all the delicious smells and flavors of this fruitful land! Enjoy exploring every bit of what makes Casamance so special!

How To Get To Casamance

By Plane

Right now, there’s this airline, Air Senegal, and they’re the ones flying between these two places. Guess what? You can grab a one-way ticket for less than $60! Pretty cool and affordable, right?

But, oh! Just a little heads up – you can only catch these flights between October and April. So, if you’re planning a trip, make sure it’s during those months!

By Ferry

If you’re looking for a super chill and pretty way to travel from Dakar to Ziguinchor, you should totally consider taking the ferry. You’ll get to see awesome views and experience the cool vibe of the coast! But, just so you know, there are some fees you’ll need to pay to use this type of transportation.

The cost of ferry tickets isn’t always the same—it depends on the ferry company and what kind of seat or room you pick. Usually, you get a few choices like economy class, business class, and sometimes you can even book a cabin! Each choice has a different price, of course.

The last time I checked, around September 2021, prices started at about $50 per person for economy class from Dakar to Ziguinchor. But remember, prices might have changed since then, so it’s a good idea to check the latest prices with ferry companies or local travel agents to make sure you have the most accurate info.

By Road

So, if you’re thinking about taking a cool road trip from Dakar to Ziguinchor, there’s something you should know. You’ll have to travel through another country, the Gambia, and it can make things a bit tricky. See, the way the countries are placed on the map, the road goes right through the Gambia.

Now, the Gambia has its own cool places to see, but going through it means you’ll have to deal with extra border crossings and maybe some delays. You’ll also need to follow their rules for getting in, like possibly needing a visa.

This can make the journey a bit more complicated and it might not be the easiest way for travelers who just want to go straight from Dakar to Ziguinchor without any stops or interruptions. So, generally, taking the road from Dakar to Ziguinchor is not really recommended because you have to go through the Gambia.

Best time to go to Kolda (Casamance)

If you’re thinking about the best time to visit Kolda, here’s the scoop! January and February are super nice and warm, around 33°C to 35°C at lunchtime, and it’s almost all sunshine, barely any rain! Now, from March to October, it gets a bit hotter, going up to 36°C, and you’ll experience a bit more rain, about 72mm each month. But then, November is fantastic! It’s cooler in the mornings, around 23°C, and it hardly rains at all! December is perfect, too, with temperatures rising to 37°C and usually no rain. So, if you like warm, sunny weather, and want to explore everything Kolda has to offer, these are the best months for your visit!

Bottom Line

Wrapping it up, going on a one-of-a-kind journey through Casamance, including stops in Kolda and Velingara, means diving into a whirlwind of adventure in the lively southern part of Senegal. From the green, green landscapes and heaps of yummy fruits in Kolda to the super friendly folks and rich culture in Velingara, this trip lets you see all the cool and different things Casamance has to share!

Whether you’re hanging out in busy markets, tasting all the delicious local foods, or just standing there, wowed by all the gorgeous nature around you, every second in these magical places will stick with you forever! So, step off the usual tourist track, find the secret treasures of Casamance, and let Kolda and Velingara wow you with all their special magic as you uncover all the amazing things in this awesome region!