It’s time to mark your calendars for BTF Senegal 2024, as we’re headed to Senegal for an unforgettable 8-day and 7-night escapade in the motherland! Discover Senegal’s culture, history, and boundless energy. From vibrant markets to poignant historical sites, from culinary delights to artistic immersion, this journey promises an experience unlike any other.
By DayRelax and recharge as you settle. Then, have some time to acquaint yourself with your guides, fellow tour participants, and even with some local hairdressers, tailors, and designers.
By Night Later in the evening, we’ll gather at a beachside restaurant to enjoy our BTF-Style Welcome Dinner.
By DayGet ready for a packed day exploring the vibrant Dakar Markets. Shop for a wide array of traditional handmade products crafted by local artisans in Sandaga Market.
Then, indulge in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, where you’ll savor the modern yet traditional dibiterie-style cooking for which Senegalese cuisine is renowned.
Later that afternoon, we’ll learn to make traditional Senegalese pottery as we visit a pottery center supporting deaf children in Senegal. They teach the children pottery as a means of providing income for themselves. Then, we’ll head back to our hotel.
By NightGet ready for a poolside dinner at a beach club in Dakar, and don’t forget to pack your swimwear for a delightful night swim if you’re game.
By DayExplore the African Renaissance Monument, a towering bronze statue standing at 49 meters tall. Ascend to the statue’s crown for a breathtaking view of Dakar and see the museum inside. Then, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afterward, we’ll check out the Place du Souvenir, an oceanfront plaza with an extensive exhibition space and a striking African monument. Also, we’ll stop by the Women’s Museum which is dedicated to the remarkable Senegalese women of past and present, featuring their roles and contributions to society through objects and accessories. Then, we’ll head back to the hotel.
By NightGet ready for an evening of beachfront dining and dancing under a cozy cabana. Grab the chance to join in a traditional Senegalese drum circle and participate in a Sabar dancing class.
By DayPrepare for an hour drive to Pink Lake where you can observe the salt mines and discover its significant contribution to Senegal’s economy. Explore the picturesque sand dunes and pristine beaches that surround the lake with an ATV and savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Then, we’ll stop at a farm to meet a local bush doctor to gain insights into the cultivation of local medicinal plants and the valuable holistic healing methods used in Senegal’s wellness traditions
By NightHead out for an evening gathering at a nearby cozy coffee lounge, where you can enjoy dinner, coffee, and hookahs in a relaxed atmosphere.
By DaySet off for Gorée Island and get ready for a poignant exploration of Senegal’s slave dungeons. Then, visit the renowned Statue of Freedom from Slavery. Tour around the island’s famous sites, including the ascent of a historic mountain that once held a cannon used during the era of the slave trade. Discover the hidden history of the cannon and its contemporary significance.
Following this, learn the art of sand painting, then enjoy lunch on the island.
By NightAs night falls, delight in a dinner experience at a beachside club followed by a moment of reflection and storytelling around a bonfire.
Immerse yourself in the art of crafting a traditional Senegalese tea called “attaya” and discover how this ritual fosters bonding among the local community.
By DayEnjoy a day to relax and discover Ngor Island’s charms, taking advantage of its colorful surroundings for a photoshoot.
In the afternoon, have a sip and paint session in a private beach house. An experienced local Senegalese artist will share insights into the history and significance of art and painting in Senegal. Express your creativity to create your own artwork under the artist’s guidance.
By NightLeave the island and enjoy a lovely dinner by Ngor Beach.
By DayToday is your FREE time! Spend a full day of exploration, relaxation, and self-care. You could have some massages, henna applications, hair appointments, and more. It’s your day to truly unwind and explore at your own pace in Dakar.
By NightChoose freely where to eat by exploring local diners. Take the chance to taste more of the Senegalese dishes that you’ve been wanting to try.
By DayAs we approach the final day of the Senegal adventure, we bid farewell to the incredible experiences, wonderful companions, and hospitable locals that have enriched our journey, knowing that these memories will stay with us for a lifetime.
Prepare for departure and remember BTF Senegal with a smile as you head back home.
“My experience traveling with BTF the second time around exceeded all of my expectations 💯🙌🏾 I decided to travel again with BTF because I knew I would have a great time.
The itinerary is a mix of fun group activities/experiences and leisure time. At the same time, I knew I would be with positive people dedicated to making my experience memorable 🥰
When I arrived in Morocco, I was glad to see a familiar host there. Shout out to Linda! Linda (@berrysavvychef) is such a beautiful spirit and really struck a bond with me during BTF Bali trip in 2019. ✈️ Also, the other two hosts (@1_dopechick and our Photographer: @mr.alwaysgone who took all these dope shots! 📷) and the other guest (@akachivictony) were extremely nice, we had so much fun 🧡
Since this was a trip occurring during Covid, it was a smaller group which I loved! Because we were a smaller group, we were able to have experiences off the beaten path, it was truly rewarding. We also became like a little family during our time in Morocco 🙏🏾✨
Every day in Morocco, we were able to explore and experience a variety of food, arts, museums, and traditions, and I personally loved it all. The highlight was being able to catch the sunset and sunrise in the Sahara desert! 🌞 It truly felt like a spiritual experience. We were able to get all glammed up and take a few pictures and videos 😍
The other best part was having tea with the Berber people, which we would have never had a chance to do if we were a larger group, so again, I was grateful we were able to step out of the original itinerary a bit. 🙌🏾 Also, our Moroccan host, Nabil, was fantastic! He made sure to give us the history of Morocco and he gave us lots of laughs along the way 😆 Best experience with Black Travel Fest for sure!”
“I traveled with the BTF group in 2019 to Kenya. I did not travel alone, I traveled with a good friend of mine. The most amazing thing about traveling with the BTF group is just the love, the joy, and the genuine people. 🥰 I enjoyed myself thoroughly. The trip was very well planned and executed.
I had the most amazing time connecting with new people and connecting with folks from my same city who traveled all the way to another continent where we established friendships. ❤️ Please book with BTF. You will not be disappointed, and I’m excited to go on plenty more trips with them in the years to come.” ✈️”
BTF Bali 2022 & Kenya-Zanzibar 2023
“Take me back to Bali or ANYWHERE with @blacktravelfest!! ✈️✨ I had the greatest time in my life and I absolutely love that we had our own photographer there to capture me in my true essence. 🤗”
“So I had AGAIN a great time with Black Travel Fest. ✈️ It’s my second time, looking forward to the third time. I would say my favorite part of the trip was the yacht cruise. That was a nice add-on that Black Travel Fest added for us. ❤️
I also enjoyed all of the temples. Got to LEARN some history. As always, Dev, our host, or whoever is hosting. And Matthieu, our photographer, has just constantly been ACCOMMODATING. I was just CAREFREE the entire trip, just cruising on the way. I ENJOYED it, and I will continue to do Black Travel Fest”
“Black Travel Fest was nothing short of amazing! Everything was planned specifically for us which provided a unique and intimate experience. The day activities were a feast for the eyes, and the nighttime turn ups were extra litty 😆🙌🏾. I literally can not wait for my next trip!!!”
“Bali was my first vacation after I learned to swim and I refused to leave the water. I barely have photos because I was a mermaid and a mermaid for practical and metaphorical reasons, can’t bear to keep a phone in her hand.
Side note: I have no desire to travel to anywhere I’ve already been to except for Bali. You’ve gotta go. ✈😍”
What vaccinations are required to travel to Senegal?
Getting a Yellow Fever Vaccine is required
What entry documents are required?
You’ll need a passport that is still valid for 6 months with at least one blank page upon entry and a tourist visa on arrival.
Is there a specific airline recommended?
Here are the airlines that are often recommended for flights from the US to Senegal: Delta Air Lines, Air France, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.
Please note that flight options may vary depending on your departure city in the US, and it’s advisable to check with airlines and travel agencies for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules.
What is the name of the airport we are flying into?
Airport code: DSS or Blaise Diagne International Airport
Upgrade requests may be made by emailing [email protected]. Upgrades will be accommodated on a per reservation basis, and you will need your roommate to also agree to upgrade or accept entry into the roomie matching program.
Downgrades are prohibited. No Downgrade request will be taken.
Rooms with double occupancy may have a shared king or queen bed, though this won’t be frequent.
The double occupancy package is for two people in one room with one or two beds depending on preferences and availability. If you select this package both you and your roommate would need to make the purchase separately. If you are looking to be matched with a roommate you can simply purchase the double occupancy package, and we’ll take it from there.
This package is for folks who are sharing finances and would like to make one monthly payment instead of paying and registering separately. This option is most frequently used by our couples and family members traveling together.
Once you’ve made a payment you’ll be redirected to an online registration form. Following completion of the form, you’ll receive an email confirmation of your registration. You’ll also receive a detailed information pack prior to the start of your trip.
All payments must be completed One Month before the start of the trip.
If you do not make your payment deadline you will have 3 additional days to pay in full, and a late payment fee of $75 will be assessed thereafter.
You can pay for the entire balance of your trip by selecting the “One Time Payment” option.
You will have two options if you’ve booked double occupancy and your roommate fails to complete payment.
1. You can upgrade to the next package within your selected accommodation style. For example if you have selected a hotel double occupancy package, you can upgrade to the single occupancy package for $500. The same applies for the villa packages.2. You can find a replacement roommate and set up the replacement arrangements with your current roommate. If this happens your replacement will need to pay your former roommate directly for any portion already paid to Black Travel Fest, and pay the remaining balance directly to Black Travel Fest.
Refund Schedule
Initial Deposit of $250
Non-Refundable
90 – 60 days to the trip start date
Fully Refundable
59 – 31 days to the trip start date
50% Refundable
30 days to the trip start date
Non Refundable
Days to the trip start date will be calculated by adding the number of days from the current date at time of refund request to the day prior to the trip start date.
For example If the trip start date is August 31st:
the trip would be fully refundable from June 2nd to July 2nd
the trip would be 50% refundable from July 3rd to July 31st
the trip would be non-refundable starting August 1st
Please note: PayPal processing fees and vendor transaction fees will not be refunded.
Cancel for any reason trip insurance can help if you have a need to cancel unexpectedly.
If you have questions regarding trip insurance coverage, please contact Cici Chandler, travel agent with Mahogany Fly International ([email protected]). If you live outside of the United States, please contact your local travel agent to purchase travel insurance for the festival.
Name changes are permitted for $75 per person. Name Changes are not permitted for Roomie Matching Program. Name changes can only be made with people not currently booked for the festival. The person taking your place needs to register with a staff member at Amola Enterprises, LLC and provide their credit card information. You must work out the money already paid between yourselves. The person taking your place pays the remaining balance to Amola Enterprises, LLC.
Name changes can be completed up to 2 weeks prior to the Festival. No name changes will be made after the deadline.
Please see the Terms and Conditions for additional information regarding name changes and transferability.
All are welcome at the Black Travel Fest. Just be sure to come prepared to have a good time and do it for “the” culture.
Sure. You are welcome to arrive before the trip and stay after if you like. Just note that the package only covers 8 days, and airport transfers outside of these dates will not be offered.
If you’re unable to attend all the scheduled days that’s okay, but we’d love to see you enjoying all of the events.
You’ll have the opportunity to list your roommate and travel partners in the registration form. We also have an additional step to collect this information as the trip gets closer.
Unfortunately, we do not have any activities & events only package as we negotiate a set number of spots with our vendors.
Should travel to the destination become impossible, the trip will be rescheduled to a date 6 to 12 months in the future. For example, if the trip is scheduled for December 2024 it may be rescheduled to June 2025 up to December 2025.
Major Exclusions
International Flights
Beverages
Tourism Tax
Vaccinations
Optional Activities
Tips & gratuities
Please note: Anything not listed as included is excluded.