The beginning of the trip, Fly from Cleveland to Washington DC, made my connection to over night flight to Dakar Senegal on South African Airways.
Early this morning arrived at the Dakar airport, I ... Full Journal »
Undiscovered Africa: West Africas Traditional Cultures & Hidden Nature Reserves
« All Callisto cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| Cat E | Cat D | Cat C | Cat CC | Cat B | Cat BB | Cat A | Cat AA | |
Please note: Cruise fare does not include fuel surcharges.
Deposit & Payment Day 1 Dakar, Senegal
Arrive in Dakar, the dynamic capital of Senegal, and transfer to the port to board Callisto. Once a small settlement on the Cap Vert peninsula, Africa’s westernmost point, Dakar has grown into a great metropolis that now occupies the entire peninsula and beyond. Sail from Dakar in the late evening. (D)
Day 2 Saloum River / Jaol-Fadiout
After sailing along Senegal’s coast, Callisto will enter the Saloum River and anchor near the village of Djifere. Landing ashore on local motorized pirogues, drive to the fascinating fishing village of Fadiout, where the houses are built of crushed shells. After exploring Fadiout, cross the wooden bridge spanning an estuary to Joal, the birthplace of the great Senegalese statesman, Sédhar Senghor, to watch the hauling-in of the colorful fishing boats. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Part of the Mali Empire from the 13th to 15th centuries, and a colony of Portugal from the beginning of the 16th century to 1974, when it gained independence, Guinea-Bissau is one of the smallest and least visited countries in West Africa. Explore Bissau, the country’s friendly and peaceful capital, focusing on Bissau Velho (Old Bissau), whose streets are lined with houses dating from the colonial period. Visit the fish market, and the Centro Artistico Juvenil, where local artists specialize in wood carvings. (B, L, D)
Days 4-7 Bijagós Archipelago
Spend four days exploring the Bijagós Archipelago, a cluster of 88 pristine and seldom visited islands, of which only 23 are inhabited. The islands have been settled since prehistoric times by the Bijagós people, a matriarchal society in which women choose their husbands, and the community is guided by female priests. Before the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century, the islands were vital in the trade routes along West Africa’s coast and were known for their oceangoing canoes that could carry up to 70 people. Fiercely independent, the Bijagós navy defeated the Portuguese when they attempted to conquer the islands in 1535. In fact, the Portuguese were unable to take control of the archipelago until 1936. The 25,000 Bijagós who live on the islands today still practice their ancient traditions and speak their ethnic language, in addition to Portuguese. The islands contain an impressive biodiversity and abundant flora and fauna, in recognition of which they have been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The pristine nature of the islands has been preserved partly due to the Bijagós’ animistic faith, which prohibits economic activities in the many sacred areas, including bans on permanent construction. Your itinerary in the archipelago will be governed by the tides, which in some places can be up to 20 feet. Expect to visit several of the most important islands, including Orango, which is home to a rare species of saltwater-dwelling hippos; the small island of Poilao with its baobabs and ceiba trees and Caravela, with its white sand beaches. In addition to discovering the natural riches of the islands, you will also have the opportunity to visit villages, meet the friendly Bijagós people, and learn about their traditions, which have remained unchanged through the centuries. There will be opportunities to swim in the crystalline waters and enjoy the pristine white-sand beaches. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Banjul, The Gambia
Founded by the British early in the 19th century, Banjul is the capital and commercial center of The Gambia. Disembark in the morning and drive to the Abuko Nature Reserve, one of the last surviving examples of tropical riverine forests in the country. Within its confines are about 300 species of birds, as well as red colobus and callithrix monkeys. Continue to the Makasutu Culture Forest, a private nature habitat with beautiful woodland and waterways. Enjoy lunch at the reserve. Return to Banjul to visit the National Museum, whose exhibits illustrate the history and culture of the country. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Kiang West National Park / Baobolong Wetland Reserve
From the village of Tendaba, situated on the south of the riverbank, explore two of The Gambia’s most important wildlife reserves. In the morning, drive to the Kiang West national park, where mangroves, creeks, and mudflats alternate with dry woodland and grassland. Kiang west is notable for its more than 250 species of birds. Alternately, visit a nearby village and learn about Gambian village life. In the afternoon, board local boats to navigate the waterways and maze of islands that comprise Baobolong Wetlands Reserve, a notable bird sanctuary and a wonderland of mangroves, some of which are over 60 feet tall. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Dakar, Senegal / Gorée Island
Once a small settlement on the Cap Vert peninsula, Africa’s westernmost point, Dakar has grown into a great metropolis that now occupies the entire peninsula and beyond. Explore Dakar, starting with a short ferry ride to historic Gorée Island, which played a significant role in the Atlantic slave trade. First settled by Europeans in the 15th century, the island, with its narrow alleyways and colonial buildings, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to Dakar for a tour of the city including a visit to the Village des Arts, including a specially-arranged visit to a contemporary artist’s studio. In the evening, enjoy a musical performance, for which Senegal is justly famous. Spend the night docked in Dakar. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Disembark / Return Home
Enjoy a morning tour of Dakar including a visit to the IFAN Musuem of African Arts, one of West Africa’s best, the explore the Marche Soumbedioune, a craft market with the best variety of artisan workmanship. Transfer to the airport for the evening return flight to the U.S. Dinner and day rooms will be provided at the Hotel Pullman Dakar Teranga. (B, L, D)
Itinerary Notes
Cruise Fare Includes:• 10-night cruise aboard the 34-guest yacht Callisto
• Day Rooms on disembarkation day in Dakar, Senegal
• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
• All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise
• Complete program of tours and excursions
• Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
• Professional tour staff
• Complete pre-departure materials
• Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program arrival and departure dates
• Port and embarkation taxes
• Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers
Not Included in Cruise Fare:
Airfare; visa and passport fees (if applicable); luggage and trip cancellation insurance; meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1500, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 91 days or more | $400 per person |
| 90-61 days | 55% total cost |
| 60-0 days | 100% total cost |
Callisto
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 34
- Luxury Expedition Ship
Callisto is the last word in sophistication. The guest list is limited to 34—a group large enough to bring together an interesting mix, but small enough to foster a true spirit of community. Cabins are more like guest rooms in a fine home -- beautifully furnished, comfortably arranged, and complete with the little extras one would expect from a thoughtful host. The yacht's public areas, whether indoors or out on deck, are warm, inviting places where friends meet for conversation, a drink, or to pass a pleasant hour with a good book. The cuisine is superb. And the service is considerate and congenial for the best in luxury cruising of the Mediterranean, coastal Africa, Greek Isles and more.
Callisto was designed with the comfort of her guests in mind. All staterooms are exterior with large windows (portholes on Daphne Deck) that look out on the sea and the yacht's various ports of call; they are air conditioned and feature generous storage space, a telephone, two-channel radio, and a marble bath with shower. The yacht's public areas include a spacious lounge; a dining room in which all guests are accommodated at a single unassigned seating; two broad decks for sunbathing and dining alfresco; and a swimming platform at the yacht's stern. The Callisto flies the Greek flag and is served by a crew of 18.
Amenities
Beautifully appointed and filled with amenities one would expect to find in a fine country house, the 17 cabins feature large windows (portholes on the Daphne Deck) that look out on the sea. Cabins also feature:
• Satellite TV, DVD/CD player
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries
• Plush terry robes and slippers
• Fresh flowers and fruit basket
• 24-hour room service
Decorated with rich fabrics, handsome wood, polished brass, rare antiquities and fine works of art, the yacht’s public spaces are warm and inviting. These include:
• Library with Internet access
• Lounge with audiovisual facilities
• Dining room
• Two sun decks
• Jacuzzi
• Swimming platform
Fine Dining
To delight the gourmet palate, Callisto’s steward and kitchen staff seek fresh provisions from many ports of call. Guests savor just-caught fish and perfectly ripened produce from local markets, resulting in menus of classic regional specialties as well as creative Continental fare. Select regional wines are complimentary with lunch and dinner, and beginning in 2008, there will be open bar service throughout the day. Meals are served at a single, unassigned seating in the elegantly-styled dining room, surrounded by large picture windows. Weather permitting, guests may also dine al fresco on the broad sun decks.
An Uncommon Advantage
Callisto’s compact size allows visits to unspoiled islets, pristine beaches and intimate coves inaccessible to larger cruise-liners. At once large enough to offer every possible comfort, she is small enough to navigate tiny inlets and berth in exclusive harbors, taking travelers where few have ever gone.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Cat E Outside cabins on Daphne Deck with portholes |
 | Cat D Outside cabins on Daphne Deck with portholes |
 | Cat C Outside cabins on Leto Deck with picture window |
 | Cat CC Outside cabins on Leto Deck with picture window |
| Cat B Outside cabins on Leto Deck with picture window | |
| Cat BB Outside cabin on Leto Deck with two picture windows | |
| Cat A Outside cabins on Leto Deck with two picture windows | |
| Cat AA Outside cabins on Leto Deck with two picture windows | |
